Is the Ghana National Party Serious?

I refer to a GNA article dated 29 March 2008 that was published by Ghanaweb titled “GNP Postpones Congress.” The article quotes a statement signed by Mr. Kobina Amo-Aidoo, interim national chairman of GNP to the effect that “the leadership was expecting a package from abroad in respect of the congress but could not receive them”, leading to the postponement of the GNP Congress. The release continued that the package which included important documents could not be procured due to some reasons, thereby necessitating the postponement of the congress.

It is ironic that a GNP that according to its website prides itself in a caring and just society will insult the intelligence of Ghanaian voters that a delayed parcel has caused the postponement of its national congress. In fact on Ghanaweb discussion, Frank Owusu summed it up as “confusion and dust throwers” while Yaw Mensah wrote “And you think you can govern a country? When you cannot organise your own little affair!” Below is the view of another contributor.

Author: Guy Nkwaseasem Date: 2008-03-30 07:16:48

“The GNP is an example of the craze to form political parties. These guys in the diaspora believe they know better and have the right answers to Ghana's problems. Yet, they did not even know the rules and did not have the capacity to organize a party congress!! Worse, they have not even established democratic structures for the party!! This is the more reason why the EC should be empowered to weed out charlatans who try to take Ghana's democracy for a ride, Kofi Wayo's so-called GRP included.”

In fact Guy Nkwaseasem is spot on with his analysis on the GNP not knowing the rules. Sources from the Electoral Commission suggest that the GNP lied in its release to the general public as to the main reason for the postponement. The postponement was rather due to the party’s failure to follow due process and organise regional congresses before a national congress. In accordance with this directive, the GNP organised its Volta Region Congress, according to a GNA release on 9 April. Sources within the GNP indicate that plans have been made for other regional congresses across the country in accordance with the Electoral Commission directive.

Questions need to be asked of the GNP as to why it did not tell the general public the main reason why it had postponed its national congress. What is the motive for lying? Is it a cover up for gross inefficiency or lack of knowledge of due process?

Explaining the need for a political party at his press conference on July 2006, Mr. Ofori said “The national Party revolves around some personalities from the following associations, The Save Ghana Now Association, The Ghana Leadership Union of Dr. Kwaku A. Danso, The Trade Congress Party of Tonny Toku, and The Social Democratic movement of Prince Aidoo. These groups have membership all over the world, in and outside Ghana, and are poised and determined to move into Ghana to make our political system work for the interest of all Ghanaians.” Should the electorate take such a political party seriously when it claims that it will serve the interest of all Ghanaians when it cannot even follow basic Electoral Commission protocols? Does working for the interest of all Ghanaians mean putting up a false news release on why the party had to postpone its national congress? If the party with all its claims on its website start lying to the electorate, what should we expect when they win government?

Ghana has travelled slowly but confidently on the path of democracy. However the country lacks the political leadership to tackle its core problem of inefficient services delivery to its people. Politicians are holding the country to ransom by denying basic health, education, clean water services and creating the environment for jobs creation. These politicians will rather prioritise the purchase of a presidential jet over malaria prevention mechanisms that will boost productivity and basic educational material for our youth who are the “engine of Ghana’s economy”. There is a need for change but those who ascribe as agents of change and make self claims of leadership expertise should not throw dust in the eyes of Ghanaians with false statements. Ghana needs a new brand of leadership who will be truthful with the people and weed out the corruption that has permeated the society to such an extent that it is derailing economic progress. Current politicians do not think of the consequences of constant borrowing and the burden it is putting on tax payers who have to sweat to pay off these loans. There is no national plan for a self sufficient economy and so whether it is NPP or NDC the loans continue unabated.

I hope the GNP can redeem itself by retracting the press statement on the “parcel delivery” excuse for postponing a national congress and be truthful to Ghanaians. Anything short of a truthful agenda to the Ghanaian public undermines GNP’s claims for “the emergence of selfless, concerned, dedicated and sincere leaders at this time in our Political history.” Putting up a false press release is not sincere. Ghana deserves better.

Views expressed by the author(s) do not necessarily reflect those of GhanaHomePage.