 |
|
Photo Courtesy: Abod |
|
Jake For President … Matters Arising
By Kweku Asare
Accra, May 24, Ghanadot - Somebody recently told me that by
the time September comes, the entire Ministerial list of the
New Patriotic Party’s (NPP)led government would be
presidential aspirants, all aiming at replacing the “gentle
giant” President John Agyekum Kufuor. Another also said
because all the ministers are close or get close to the
President, they think they can do better than he has done!
I thought he was just joking and actually did not take him
serious. But recent events have taken my mind back to his
statement and I am beginning to believe him.
The fact that so far we are talking about close to 25
officials or rather Ministers is quite interesting. The
latest addition is Mr. Jake Obetsebi-Lamptey Minister of
Tourism and Diasporan Relations. He led President Kufuor’s
two term campaign and believes that he holds the wand to
repeat a third win for the NPP party.
The more interesting point he raises is the fact that he
claims God has prepared him for the presidency and he is
sure to win it. But you see, the question that pops up is
what about the others?
He goes on in a recent interview: "Look at me. I have been
your campaign manager for two terms and at the same time
your Regional Party Chairman. Look at my track record. I
have been in the private sector for 30 years and know how to
create jobs. I did it for JAK (John Agyekum Kufuor), I can
do it for Jake."
Jake was speaking at a vote canvassing stint in certain
suburbs of Accra, where he argued that apart from
commitment, dedication an enviable track record, delegates
must vote for a candidate that can win the general
elections, build the party and build on President Kufuor’s
legacy.
In his wisdom, the NPP party virtually go burst if delegates
elect a candidate who would not win the presidency for the
party but send the party back to opposition! Jake further
calls for the election of someone who can reach out to
non-party members.
He warned that opposition is hell therefore: "You must
choose somebody who would become the next President on the
ticket of NPP but not someone who is incapable of winning
the general elections and become the President.
The former Chief of Staff and Minister of Presidential
Affairs said winning the next elections would not be cheap
or easy and urged all to vote for him since he has an appeal
that goes beyond the NPP.
"If you make a mistake by voting for a candidate who cannot
win the presidency, you would be held responsible,” Jake
pleaded with the prospective delegates saying,
"If you make me the flagbearer and I become the President of
this nation, with your support and prayers, I would
institutionalize and professionalize the party.
He claimed the capacity to inspire people to believe that
NPP can do it. God has prepared me for the job…..
Interestingly, Jake had no position on what he would do for
teachers during his tour. “We will cross that bridge when we
get to it,” he said when asked what he would do for teachers
who usually play the role of presiding officers during the
elections.
Jake is asking us to vote him president. He knows he want to
be president of Ghana on January 7, 2009 in May of 2007. But
he does not know what he would do in May for teachers when,
or rather if he becomes President.
Can we take him serious? What else will he postpone, that
is, not have the capacity to do; I mean “cross the bridge
when he gets to it”? I thought leaders were people who
should be able to think into the future, anticipate and tell
us how we can solve future problems today? Is that not what
we were all taught?
It is now most fashionable to find politicians say: “we will
cross that bridge when we get to it.” For me it is a lazy
man’s attitude to solving problems. In fact it means that no
problems would be solved.
Do we remember the story about the ant that works and works
during the dry season, storing food and its wants for the
wet and terrible season??? What excuse do we humans have,
with all our intellect to say that we would solve a problem
only when we get to it or when it arises?
We must think ahead, project into the future, analyse and
prepare for the future. Is that not what makes us the most
advanced of God’s creation?
Jake’s position on the teachers is mute and most depressing.
It is a typical example of how he would let us all down if
we ever give him the reigns of this noble country. If he can
say this about teachers, one major section of our society,
what about the millions who have nothing to their names?
Kweku Asare, Accra, May 24, 2007, Ghanadot
|
