Mr. Kofi Akpaloo, the leader of the newly independent people’s party (IPP), declared on the air waves during his visit to Obimanso Radio Show, based in Atlanta, Georgia, his readiness to lead Ghana to the promise land in2012. Kwaku Ofosu, the host of the Hard Ball Show, was inundated with callers from around the globe. 72 countries tuned in with over 14,000 listeners who were tied to the Obimanso radio station, and with their new broadcasting technology (Phone On The Go), most people can listen to the show through any phone by simply dialing +1 (712) 432-7758 making it the highest recorded ever, according to Mr. Adu Kessie the producer of Hardball.

Mr. Akpaloo was born in Ashanti Newtown, Kumasi. Akpaloo’s mother hails from Assin Kwame-Atta in the Central Region of Ghana. His father is from Nyarko Volta Region of Ghana. He attended Kumasi Academy (Kumaca) then joined Osei Tutu secondary school. The leader of IPP who is married with six children graduated from University of Derby, England. He is a fellow of The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), the global body for accounting professionals, and runs his own accounting practice called Doveson Lovell, based in Dublin, Ireland. In 2004 Mr. Akpaloo contested the Manhyia Parliamentary seat in Kumasi but lost to former Defense Minister in the NPP administration, Kwame Addo Kufuor.

The flood of phone calls to the radio station during his live interactions with Ghanaians abroad indicated the level of interest and frustration but also signified how deeply dissatisfied Ghanaians abroad are with the level of progress in Ghana since independence. A caller asked; what kind of government does he intend to bring to Ghanaians? Answering the question Mr. Akpaloo wasted no time to remind the caller that the IPP is an independent, centrist party that puts solutions ahead of politics, “we are innovation-driven and will listen to the people even when we disagree”. The politics of arrogance, partisanship and business as usual must give way to fresh ideas that seeks to bring meaningful change to Ghanaians”. He spoke of Job creation, global competition, economic incentives to jump start the economy, invest in technology, health and wellness investment, wealth creation; education reform, good pay for teachers, and better training and the needed equipment for Ghana Police force to carry out their difficult job. He said that NDC and NPP over the last few decades in office cannot boast of their failed policies report card. He took a swipe at the NDC and NPP party branding them as the drama queens of Ghana and accused them of ego-ridden. He said that NDC and NPP have lost their way and Ghanaians have found themselves caught in the crossfire. He insisted that voters will vote in 2012 with their failed report card in their mind. The politics of Innuendo characterized by insults have created unnecessary tension between the two parties and called on Ghanaians to join him to reject the status quo. He questioned the efficiency of the two parties that Ghanaians have endured for 54 years. The new day is coming when information, based on concrete data will be available to decision makers to frame better public policy; this he said shall be validated and witnessed by the whole world in 2012.

The host, Kwaku Ofosu, asked Mr. Akpaloo of his achievements that qualifies him to be a president. Mr. Akpaloo who is a chartered accountant by profession talked about schools he has established in Ghana. He assured the callers and Ghanaians abroad of his agenda to work tirelessly to tap into their experience, knowledge and wealth to help rebuild the New Ghana, he remarked, “after all Ghana is for all Ghanaians and your voice will be found in all level of government”. I promise Ghana will no longer forget and neglect you as before, we do appreciate and acknowledge your economic impact. He challenged Ghanaians living in diaspora to come home and contest for some of the key positions in the government during Ghana’s reconstruction. He complained about the neglect of Ghanaians and said Ghana deserves better than what she is getting at the moment. He questioned the lack of innovation and dynamism from both parties over the years that have dealt a massive blow to Ghana’s progress, leaving the country stuck in a quagmire that demands a complete reform to reverse the depth of the damage done.

Kwabena Asiamah,