Ghana's New Political Force : FONAA - "Eda Ho Plain".

One of the great benefits of politics is that it brings out innovations that are normally kept in the closet until the right opportunity presents itself.

On June 19th.2006, two days after Ghana’s historic soccer triumph over the Czech Republic, it was refreshing to find on the world wide web, two sites showcasing Nana Akufo-Addo as a presidential hopeful for the New Patriotic Party.

It could not have come at a better time when "Ghanaians Living Everywhere" have positioned themselves well , relishing moments of soccer success.

It has been in the "rumor mill" for quite sometime now, that Nana Akufo-Addo would seek the mandate of his party’s "electoral college" to lead our great nation.

To many Ghanaians, it was just a confirmation of what has been perceived for a long time, that an equally competent "son of the land" is determined to infuse his expertise and experience into the administration of our country.

From a personal standpoint, history is always a good resource, especially when a country’s political past is concerned. Great men and women, strong in their resolve, have contributed in many ways to the peace we are enjoying today.

I have heard the name before, and his father - a former president of Ghana, adds to the long political tail associated with the family.

The first time I saw him was in the early 1990s during a memorial thanksgiving service for three high court judges, and a military officer , who were brutally murdered when Ghana was under a tyrannical rule.

At that service, Nana’s speech was cut short by tears, with the congregation emotionally engulfed , but they presented a strong message - "Never, Never, should this happen again in our beloved country".

Nana Akufo Addo and others stood tall among those who endured the pain and loss to a country, but as expected, the message did not reach far enough as state-owned newspapers were instructed from the seat of government not to publish any story on the ceremony.

History swept under the rugs do not stay there forever, they emerge with a different poise, sometimes through another channel as political flames easily curtailed by state-sponsored bigotry and sabotage reignite themselves.

Nana Akufo-Addo kept the political heat on. Politically-stubborn, yes. Disagreeable, sometimes. However, these are traits now associated with people who can become great presidents.

To the good people of Ghana, and with no intention to invite "insults" from people with different political orientations and beliefs, it is important we delve deep into being part of the presidential campaigns already in motion.

To make an informed decision for the good of our country should not be obstructed by "yellow journalism", and false political testimonies.

But having dealt with presidential rumors over an extended period, and the reality presented to us in plain language, "Friends of Nana Akufo-Addo" (FONAA) now have an uphill task in a political field of equally excellent presidential candidates.

Whether it was to confirm a long cherished plan to become a president, or it was a change of plan to become one, 2 Corinthians 1:12 reminds us, that "our conscience testifies we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially in our relations with you, in the holiness and sincerity that are from God. We have done so not according to worldly wisdom, but according to God’s Grace".

For now, what follows is a call on well-intentioned citizens of the homeland to digest emerging political thoughts to ensure that all democratic arrangements are not driven by verbal attacks motivated by envy and destruction.

Once this is done, the people’s intelligence would not be insulted, neither would it be seen as an attempt to derail our democratic process as "Elections 2008" gain momentum.

This should be the guiding principle, as we open our minds to constructive and intellectual exchanges necessary for picking a candidate we can trust to reduce poverty, and the yawning disparities in our economy.

For "FONAA", final success or failure are in your hands.

The trumpet summons you to be responsible, well energized to re-light faith in our country and the presidential race.

That way, "good old friends" would give full meaning to this new slogan: - "Eda Ho Plain".

Ato Aidoo, former associate, features desk, Daily Graphic (Accra-Ghana), now lives in Evans,GA.

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