Of John Rawlings, John Kuffour And Mother Ghana

When a father points the left finger to a son, the son might be forced to do the same.

When two elders agree to disagree, it's the community that is affected. And "When those two elephants fight, it's the grass that suffers"

I've observed the political noises that came out of Ghana in the past year and can not keep quiet over them. It is very disheartening to read in many quarters that Ghanaians are now creating a culture of cultism in the two present political giants of the Country. I am not here to sing the songs of praise to one or the rap songs of condemnation to the other but to say what my views are and to add my small voice to the numerous ones that have been calling on both men to seize the fire that have been buzzing out of their bazookas, which fire if care is not taken will engulf our Ghana as a nation. To add that small voice, I'll like to tackle the issue in personality perspective.

Of Jerry John Rawlings

Few Ghanaians ever heard the name Jerry John Rawlings until May 15, 1979 when he was arrested with fellow Airmen for plotting or in the cause of overthrowing the then Governing council SMC. It was a very disturbing early morning news when he was named as the leader of the group that attempted the uprising. However, his veracious voice at the open Court Marshal made him an instant hero. Such is the man Jerry John Rawlings that God created to be a free talker. Like other revolutionaries from Castro to Chavez...name them, Rawlings also speaks his mind out clearly on issues. I heard Victor Gheho described him as an unconventional politician and so true, unconventional are all revolutionaries. Rawlings never went through any formal political process to become a ruler but bust to the political scene out of circumstances. His rise onto the political stage nearly three decades ago however, gave Ghana some modest political stability. Through turbulent currents, he sailed the Ship of Ghana down the shore where we are today and Ghana still keeps sailing on. To me I see Rawlings not as a politician but a radical who wants everything to be done in a radical way. Wouldn't it be wise to say that "It's pretty good to have some guys like him in our mist?"

Of John Agyekum Kufour

According to Ghana web's detailed Biography of President John Agyekum Kufuor, he comes into office with academic credentials and experiences unmatched in Ghana's History. His Public Service spanned over thirty years. Was two times member of the Constituent Assemblies that drafted the Constitutions of the Second and Third Republics. He was a founding member of the Progress Party, Popular Front Party, and now the New Patriotic Party. He has twice been elected to Parliament. He has been Deputy Foreign Minister. He was PNDC Minister in Charge of Local Government for a short period before becoming the opposition leader and consequently climbing onto the Presidential High Chair. He is also described to be caring, sensitive, honest and have due respect for his fellow human being. Others are, he is a good listener, Very diplomatic in his dealings with his friends as well as foes, Strong and disciplined and a great consensus builder.

The above descriptions speak a great volume of a man that much must be expected of. Ghana was in search of a leader that could transform a revolutionary establishment into a progressive, forward in match with the political, economic and social advancement. No wonder Ghanaians abandoned the old establishment for a new by voting the NPP into power in the December 2000 elections. The birth of a new administrative order for Ghana.

Problems And The Beginning Of It All

As far as I could remember, the first one and a little over years of NPP rule saw Ghana in that forward match with a relative calmness until President Kufour's "Sasabonsam" reference of Rawlings. In return, Rawlings also started his (now famous) BOOM speeches wherever he goes. The Government got offended and took away all Rawlings' Protocols. Things were then getting out of hand with our Traditional Leaders, Statesmen and Religious Leaders looking unconcerned perhaps taking sides in silence. Then came the "Wahala" song "Atta Ayi Nie, Kufour Nie" by the Ex-President. By this time, the die has already been cast and there was no place to return to. More recently, at a campaign rally at South-Offinso, President Kufour accused his predecessor Rawlings of soliciting funds from an oil rich country to destabilize his government without any details.

Rawlings on the other hand held a press Conference and challenged the President to come out with any proof if he (President Kufour) has one. Mr. Kwamina Baterls the honorable Minister of Information and National Orientation, on behalf of the Government also went for a Press Gathering to stress much more on the said accusation with no proof other than returning pictures of HISTORY to the cameras for the world to see again. Was past pictures the proof of a present accusation?

Mother Ghana

In fact, the disagreement and counter accusations in the open of the two most powerful figures in Ghana today is doing a great deal of harm to our beloved Ghana and bringing shame on us the ordinary citizens. If the harmony that prevailed during the handover and maintained for a while was to continue, Ghana and Ghanaians would have been the benefactors. If there was or is to be a cordial relationship between the past and the present Presidents, Rawlings' in his numerous travels out of the country, could have used his speeches to solicit for the much needed Investors instead of the so called BOOMS because of the acrimony between them. Here we the powerless or the most in need Ghanaians are being deprived of that cup of tea we could hold in our hands should they (the most powerful or needless) be in good terms. Furthermore, followers of both men are stubbornly aligning themselves in their die hard support for each man of their like or love. Here it can be seen that the historical rivalry between the tribes of the two men has been resurrected as against the great leader 'Nkrumah's do away with, a very dangerous maneuvering. We saw in Rwanda and in our back yard Ivory Coast to mention the few how the fight for tribal political supremacy brought destruction on nations. Ghana is much bigger than any individual or tribe no matter how or what. All should have the desire to think of Ghana first before any personal or tribal pride. Nkrumah's life and deeds thought us so. If we strive to achieve heights, we should do so in the name of our country as the utmost inspiration. Please don't get me wrong I am not at the altar here. To Ex- President Rawlings, I'll say your time has come and gone. Let History tell what you've done for Ghana. Don't fight to prove it. Nkrumah was called many names by his enemies. Today, Ghana, Africa and many parts of the larger world are crying for his (Nkrumah's) voice. Let it be said that "A good man dies not" To our President Kufour, a father should always be the father he is and must prove himself as such. When those allegations of 'Hotel Kufour and the twins' came blowing our ears, you deemed it fit to keep quiet over them. To me it proved part of your Biography as I read on Ghana web. Unfortunately, on the other hand, some of your comments may have proved you wrong such as 'having due respect for fellow human being and your dealing with friends as well as foes. As a sitting President, you stand nothing to loose should you keep quiet over any comment from anybody that you have nothing to worry about. We saw it in U.S President George Bush's handling of President Hugo Chavez of Venezuela telling the whole world how smelling he (Bush) was.

Ghanaians have always pride themselves in the name of Ghana. It is very sad when our past and present Presidents disagree in public and we the ordinary Ghanaian has to answer the question "What's Wrong With Your Leaders?" President Kufour one day soon will also go sitting on the Ex bench. Will our then two Ex-Presidents prove their strength in the boxing ring? Why can't both men consider the name Ghana above everything and accept any settlement approach by any party to help them dig the disagreement grave and to bury their differences in there for the sake of Ghana and Ghanaians whose support they so high ride on?

I WISH ALL GHANAIANS WHEREVER YOU LIVE A HAPPY AND PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR FILLED WITH MUCH UNDERSTANDING.

GOD BLESS OUR HOMELAND GHANA AND LONG LIVE THE BLACK STAR.