The buzz in the Toronto area this past weekend was in response to the general information that was circulating in the metropolitan area, of the arrival of Hon. Yaw Osafo Marfo and Dr. Arthur Kobina Kennedy(pictured), both NPP Presidential aspirants.

All said and done, a cross section of the Ghanaian community congregated at the pre-arranged venue on Saturday, November 18th. Barely a few minutes after 3pm, the hall was already filled to capacity. You could sense the eagerness in the room as everyone waited patiently for the arrival of the 2 politicians. The waiting did not last for long.

Within the next three hours or so, our two seasoned public figures were put to task. It was the ultimate grilling experience. There was a period for formal introductions, followed by a brief overview from each gentleman as to why they should be considered for the highest office in Ghana, after which, a question and answer session followed immediately. As Dr. Kennedy and Hon. Osafo Marfo proceeded to enlighten the group on their visions for the future, and on their ideas on what they have to offer to our nation, our political enthusiasts listened eagerly to them.

The question and answer period was the most intense. No one was spared as the issue of corruption came up. 3 participants identified and stressed on corruption as the main element, which lies at the very core of our problems. There were lamentations over why Accra, the main capital city of Ghana, is filled with so much filth. Observers mentioned that Accra seems to be turning into a garbage centre, filled with stagnant water with a strong stench emanating from the open gutters. They wanted to know what our politicians are doing to correct this situation. Someone questioned how we as a nation could reconcile with the idea of improving tourism and inviting investors into the country when we do nothing to make our city livable. Stories coming from some quarters also indicated that even though various governments had introduced initiatives that will help make full use of our various stream of professionals abroad, especially during their holidays, sabbaticals, etc., there are constant roadblocks in the way. The nonchalant attitude of public servants and workers in general is a complete diversion to our vision for progress. Witnesses recounted first hand experiences at the ports and it was agreed there is too much red tape and carelessness at the ports that is paving the way for theft. The first female to make a contribution on this forum, suggested that the government should seriously revise the planning of our city to ensure a proper layout for plumbing and electrical structures, etc. Another young lady, who works in the health profession sadly noted that during a recent visit to Ghana, the conditions she witnessed in a major hospital, was deplorable. Unemployment still remains a major issue with most Ghanaians. The issue of our continuous dependence on loans came up. There was a reminder that the loans are repayable and therefore, a liability.

As I came out of this meeting, and in awe, I thought to myself, and remarkably so, that, the 2 very brilliant well-informed gentlemen we have just met, are without a doubt, a representation of the likes of others that can be found in our political arena that we have to contend with. So, comes the obvious question, “Where exactly have we gone wrong?” Cause and effect – there are possible causes that sometimes others dared us to mention. Off the top of my head, I came up instantly with such anti-social practices such as corruption, abuse of power, maladministration, total disregard for rule of law, unnecessary bureaucracy, and indiscipline; you name it, any social practice that is un-conducive to positive development and progress.

Interestingly, I have discovered that Hon. Osafo Marfo and Dr. Kennedy have more in common than differences. They are both the epitome of humility and kindness, and both boasts the striking experience of being past student leaders. They are both very articulate and can identify, and are aware of the problems facing Ghana. Even more remarkable is the fact that both have senior management experience in the private sector. The stark differences between the 2 politicians are, a) their age, b) and perhaps the most important factor, that which sets them apart and the most important of all, is their outlook on how they will tackle the problems of Ghana.

Who will be the next flag-bearer? The selection of the next NPP frontrunner and eventually the President of Ghana rests on the party delegates and eventually the Ghanaian electorate. They hold the key to the direction of our future. I do not envy the delegates this role, because it is going to a very tricky affair. I’m sure they are even now going through the same old solemn and subconscious boring drill – a reminder of their allegiance and unflinching commitment, to our nation first and then the party, above all else. That the next frontrunner should be someone who can win the people’s vote and outperform the competition is an understatement. May God bless them all and give them good guidance!

To sum this up, I will share with you what one young man wished for Ghana, this Saturday and the last comment he made before he calmly left the town hall, “Ghana needs a President of this Generation.”