by okukuseku

Vice-President John Mahama, Madam Chief Justice, President Kuffour, Vice-President Aliu Mahama, President Rawlings, my fellow citizens;

As you all may bear witnesses, among the dignitaries present on the dais before you today are president Kuffour, vice-president Aliu Mahama, president Rawlings and my friend and political competitor Nana Addo. This mix of congregation before you is a testament to Ghana’s maturing democracy, it’s commitment to freedom, diversity, rule of law and success.

You delivered a message in this election which rings true this minute. You said in this election: that you are the employer, that your mandate is sacrosanct, that you are alert. In this election, you chose change over the status quo, you chose hope over fear, you chose the future over the past, and you chose vision over complacency.

By the trust you've placed in me and the power of your message, I stand before you today to celebrate with you not a victory of party but of freedom, of unity, of hope, and of vision.

The world as you know it today is changing. Last year, for the first time in history, South Korea and China invested more money in science and research than America and Britain. The next phase of advanced technology will most likely be decided in Asia not in America as it has always been the case in the modern world. Brazil, Russia, India, and China are becoming part of a multi-polar superpower world. And many other nations are rising to amazing status in the world. By embracing democracy and free markets, many Asian countries have freed themselves from chronic poverty and disease that choked the essence of living out of many. Engineering, Manufacturing and technology have revolutionized the economies of many countries including Malaysia, Taiwan, and Singapore as they build more schools, graduate more students and re-invest in their people and in math, science and reading. Taiwan with a population of 23 million has over 164 universities!

Fifty-one years ago, our first president, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah sworn to lead us from mass misery to the promise land. Osagyefoo performed admirably; inspired many, built schools, industries, roads, housing, and more. However, the gloomy shackles of our economy were never broken as our hopes dashed, hearts broke, dreams smashed, and the future dimmed. We have learned the bitter lessons of the past and have witnessed the successes of Asian economies. While our situation is dire, our hope is strong, our spirit high, our faith unshaken, our determination assured. We have a long and rough road ahead, but we will get there for CHANGE is coming!

Today, we turn a new page. We chart a new path to build a FIRST world oasis in the of midst of Third world misery that engulfs this part of the world. We will build on the good in us, raise the standard of our country to heights never before seen in the West African subregion. We will set benchmarks and measure our progress along the way. We will execute with speed and determination, with honor and integrity. But, the success of this program will require the utmost corporation of all Ghanaians; both young and old.

As I sworn today to uphold the rule of law … I ask you to turn and face your fellow Ghanaian; look in their eyes, shake their hand and solemnly swear before God and man that: (Here, he must insist and say this - Please turn to face someone and repeat these words after me. Please turn, turn). "Beginning today, I swear to shun complacency, I swear to shun mediocrity, I swear to shun fear, I swear to shun corruption, I swear to shun malfeasance, I swear to shun greed, I swear to shun selfishness, I swear to shun ineptitude. I deserve better, I can do better. So help me, God”

As you pledge, a hapless little child in a hut at some corner of Ghana sees no hope. For him, the daily access to good drinking water is a struggle.

To this unlucky little child, I say, change is coming.

To the jobless fellow who’s abandoned his family to seek work but can’t find one, I say, change is coming.

To the sick woman infested with guinea worms who wishes to seek care but can’t afford to leave home, I say, change is coming.

To the school teacher who’s struggling to survive on his little pay, I say, change is coming.

To the medical doctor who’s contemplating leaving home cause’ of dissatisfaction with his job, I say, change is coming.

As you go to bed tonite, my fellow Ghanaians, I want you to hold your kids in your arms. Kiss them and tell them you love them. Change is coming!

Good nite and God bless Ghana!

okukuseku - On A Plateau of My Own!