A 'footsoldier's' letter to Atta Mills; 'E Dey Bee K3K3'

Dear Sir,

I write to you with tears streaming down my eyes. These tears are for both joy and sorrow.

Joy because I am happy to inform you that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has been given the mandate to continue the Better Ghana Agenda you began. Sorrow, because you are not alive to see this victory.

His Excellency, John Dramani Mahama has not deviated from the values and principles you instilled in him. This and other factors propelled him to a one-touch victory. President Mahama campaigned on the developmental projects and policies that were put in place under your leadership.

The opposition leader, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo's campaign was focused mainly on education. Nana Addo promised FREE SHS for students whilst President Mahama advocated for quality and accessibility in our educational system.

Nana Addo's free SHS policy really made waves. But at a point it seems to me that Nana Addo forgot that Ghanaians had other needs aside education. John Mahama (JM) however tailored his campaign to meet the needs of every community he visited. Everywhere JM went, he spoke to the needs of the people.

At the IEA debate (which you declined to attend), Nana Addo began every question with "this is a very important question" and almost always ended every question with FREE SHS which i found nauseating.

I'm happy to also inform you that the founder of the NDC Jerry John Rawlings later joined the campaign and was more of an advocate for peace on the campaign trail.

I have come to appreciate why Ghanaians call you the "asumdwehene". You conceded defeat several times even when you felt cheated because you did not want to create chaos in the nation.

Nana Addo is yet to concede. He and his supporters feel cheated and plan to use legal means to redress their concerns. With all these happenings, Ghanaians are still living in peace. They have not allowed their differences and disagreements degenerate into violence.

The NDC again retained the standard you set in the 2008 run-off by winning in eight out of the ten regions in Ghana. Your people in the Central Region did not disappoint.

The NDC’s campaign slogan was “E Dey Bee K3K3”. Please say “E Dey Bee K3Ke” where ever you are and don’t forget to twist your mouth.

Asumdwehene, I will continue to monitor the situation and hope to write to you again soon.

May God continue to make our nation greater and stronger.

Alfred Mortey