JJ attend Ghana @50 Celebrations

I am convinced that one day Ghana will rise up and be a great nation if we unite as a people. Our collective shared vision as a nation is about creating employment, prosperity and peace.

According to unconfirmed sources close to the former President Jerry Rawlings, he is contemplating turning down the invitation to join current President Kufuor to celebrate Ghana @t 50. I do understand the concerns, frustrations and anger of John Jerry. On the same score, I empathise and share the concerns of our current President, which led him to sideline Jerry on matters of national interest. However, this is not the time for recriminations.

A New Dawn

Ghana @50 celebrations is meant to pave the way for a better, brighter and prosperous future for the next generation of Ghanaians. It is definitely not to celebrate 50 years of economic independence but 50 years of “political independence”. There is no doubt that hot heads, sycophants, and vindictive associates of both President Kufuor and ex President Jerry Rawlings are spoiling for a fight.

The only good news for our country is: we have a President who is inherently peaceful, non-vindictive, true democrat and very forgiving. He is genuinely a nice person and I hope to God that after his Presidency is over ordinary Ghanaians will have the chance to meet him at funerals, parties, outdoorings, christening and other social gatherings to actually feel his warmth.

On the other hand, Ghanaians are also lucky to have in ex President Jerry Rawlings a person who is passionate about social justice. He is genuinely concerned about the welfare of the downtrodden, wretched of the earth, the voiceless and the defenceless in our society.

Together, I am sure John & Jerry will work magic for Ghana. Politics is not about winner takes all – If Mandela and De Klerk could share a meal together there is no reason why Jerry and John cannot get together once a month and share a drink.

On a personal level, I have worked behind the scenes and openly (Ghana web/Chronicle Feature Article 4th November 2006) to get our President to enter into a constructive and proper dialogue with our ex- President. I even suggested that Jerry must be appointed as a roving Ambassador to represent our country at conferences dealing with issues like HIV, Global warming, Guinea Worm and other related poverty issues.

Like many of us, I was thrilled, thankful to our creator, delighted and cock a hoop when President Kufuor officially invited ex President Rawlings to join him in celebrating Ghana @50.

Yet it has been reported that close aides to Mr Rawlings have stated that the first time “their boss attended a state function; the platform was used by President Kufuor to chastise his administration and discredit his legacy”.

President Kufuor will Rise Above Petty Politics

Categorical Assurance

I can categorically assure Mr Rawlings that President Kufuor will never use the Ghana @50 platform to chastise or discredit him. President Kufuor is a fully matured politician. He has grown in strength and as the current Chairman of the OAU, it is his role and duty to encourage dialogue, unity and actively promote democratic values among fellow African countries. I will go into exile and never step foot again in Nkawie or Ghana if President Kufuor uses the Ghana at 50@ platform to denigrate any person or any political party. That is the truth – nothing more nothing less.

Make our Day- Jerry

Our country has gone through many tribulations, pain and hardships. There are many folks who neither forget nor forgive. Countless die- hard idiots and vagabonds are just waiting for the battle cry before they unleash terror and mayhem on the populace. There are people from both political spectrums who are ready for a showdown. These people will love Mr Rawlings not to attend the celebrations and will be delighted if the CJA march goes ahead. These are the people who enjoy a good punch –up and will do well as cowboys.

If there were around in the UK most of them will have “Anti- Social Behaviour orders (ASBOS) placed on them and will not be allowed to step outside after 8pm. There are born hooligans.

These individuals will do anything to portray Ghana in a bad light at a time when the eyes of the world will be on Ghana. In their search for cheap political popularity, they will sell their own mother to get the keys to the Castle. In venting their hatred and anger against the NPP regime these bunch of attention seekers will do everything in their power to bring the whole house down.

For the record and posterity, President Kufuor is no angel. He has made mistakes and will continue to make mistakes. Nevertheless, do believe me, he is a true democrat and a genuine believer in the rule of law. He has no time for confrontational politics. There are times when I look at him and feel sorry for him- ruling Ghana is like overseeing the warlords of Afghanistan.

Plea to John Jerry

On this occasion, I will plead with Mr Rawlings not to snub the incumbent. It is unwise and unhealthy for our infant democracy for an ex- President to snub the incumbent. On behalf of the ordinary people of Ghana and your deep love for your country, I go on my knees to ask Mr Rawlings to take the hand of friendship been offered by President Kufuor and let us begin afresh. Our country need both of you, history and posterity awaits us all.

Make our Day Jerry by attending Ghana @ 50 and standing next to President Kufuor – I hope to see you there and watch from afar that joyous picture.