The NPP has championed freedom and democracy throughout its history and it would be a tragedy if that should be compromised during this election cycle. The NPPs major loses in the Central and Greater Accra regions (the true swing regions in Ghanaian politics) in both the parliamentary and presidential elections, reflect some major disappointments with the past administration by the Ghanaian electorate. For NPP sympathizers, this is a wasted opportunity since the party had a platform to build on its democracy and freedom credentials and broaden its national appeal over the past 8 years.

To call a spade a spade, the Kufuor administration achieved a lot in the socio-economic front even if they failed to connect with the electorate. Some of the achievements include - a stable exchange rate, reduced rates of inflation and interest rates, GDP growth, National Health Insurance, School Feeding program, Youth Employment, Infrastructure development etc. However, it looks like the perennial problem of the UP tradition of failing to connect with the Veranda boys came back to bite the party once again after all these years.

One reason why NPP stalwarts have detested the NDC is because of its antecedents - berthed from a coup. If that is our major beef, then it is time to give some kudos to the party for having participated in a democratic process. J.J would probably be 'King of Ghana' by now if he had not overthrown the PNP and tarried too long as an unelected ruler. If at this time, Jerry took to the political dais instead of the top of an armoured vehicle to clamour for change, let us accept it in good faith and applaud the development of democracy in Ghana.

Let the inter party (IPAC)council get together and address the ethnic issues in our country. Appoint traditional rulers and political leaders from the Ashanti and Volta region to a committee to help propel Ghana and tackle the ethnic divide head-on. Rawlings and Kufuor should play major parts in that dialog.

Finally, the new president, most likely Prof Mills, should build on the achievements of the Kufuor administration and move Ghana forward. He should also nurture the new-found love of democracy in his party.

Nana Owusu-Nkwantabisa Legon alum (class of 1990).