Atta Mills recently proved that he is a man of integrity by standing on his own two feet and saying that he did not believe a military solution would solve the problem in the Cote d’ivoire. As soon as he said the comment it was around the world within hours. In doing so he established himself as an independent mind and showed that Ghana indeed has a unique foreign policy under his leadership. He pushed it to another level when he said his duty was to protect Ghanaian people and our territorial integrity. This showed a certain focus and dignity which I have not noted in many leaders around the world.

Recently I have been shocked by the fact that 69 years old former IMF economist Mr. Ouattara has captured 5 Ghanaians and claimed they are rebels. Ghanaian Rebels?? The combo alone reeks of a ploy to attempt to push Ghana into an endless war! What must first be done is the evidence must be provided that:

1) They are Ghanaian 2) They are “rebels”

If Mr. Ouattaara can clearly prove this then, they should be prosecuted and punished to the full extent of the law. I doubt Mr. Ouattara would be able to prove that. This in my humble opinion could be a ploy to draw Ghana in but, I know Atta Mills as a man of integrity will not budge!

Atta Mills must also use the leverage he has to get the Ghanaians released. Namely, of the UN troops protecting Mr. Ouattara, Ghanaians make up the majority. This means that Atta Mills has clearly indicated that Ghana thinks Mr. Ouattara deserves security while this situation is being solved. Thus, if Mr. Ouattara has really captured 5 Ghanaians under false charges then, we have to revise that thought and, withdraw our troops protecting him. Namely, unless he can provide irrefutable evidence that this is not simply a dirty ploy to try to suck us into a war with his country, Ghana must look out for its interests and its people.

Mr. Ouattara and Mr. Gbagbo should thank Ghana for not starting a “bush fire” in Cote d’ivoire. Those of us who understand bush fires know that they are relatively easy to start but, almost impossible to put out once they have started. That is precisely how I feel early military action would have resulted in. Namely, a potential endless civil war and, a new president presiding over a armed and divided country.

The NPP’s response has also been very shameful. The party everyday proves that it is a neocolonial party which offers very little to Ghana. All those coming out against Mills humble foreign policy are NPP “experts”. As a person who previously respected the party, I find myself starting to abhor several of its members and, their disregard for Ghana’s greater interests. I still respect their right to have an opinion but, on this issue they are wrong and, should revise their views by looking at the issue from the interests of Ghanaians and the Ivorian people.

With regard to solving the issue in cote d’ivore it becomes more evident everyday that the country was not ready to have an election. Any diplomatic solution will have to go on this premise because; both candidates have strong beliefs that they won and rational arguments to back them up. In the end if they both thought like Mills(looking out of Ivory Coasts interests) this could be solved easily. The longer this goes on the more damage will be done to the country both economically and at the world stage.

Penname: Transient Justice