The news of Alan Kyerematen’s return to the fold of the NPP may come as a sigh of relief to members of the NPP.
It may also appear as though broken fences have been mended.
The reality however is that the melodrama of his exit and the effusion that came with it and his subsequent return has left a negative imprint on many a mind that previously perceived the NPP as democratic.
Ghanaians now perceive the NPP a as a violent Party that gets what it wants with a verve, through intimidation of those who are opposed to it.
Alan’s exposé brands the NPP as vindictive and its history and antecedent confirms this.
The NPP in character and form has consistently demonstrated that violence is its stock in trade, though it is quick to deny its penchance for achieving its end through manipulative force.
Clearly, it was such tendencies that compelled Alan to exit the NPP.
In his resignation letter to the NPP leadership, Mr. Alan Kyerematen is said to have cited intimidation and alienation of his supporters after the Congress as his reasons.
His assertion has been corroborated by the outspoken nephew and chief spokesman of the NPP flagbearer, Gabby Orchere Darko, who the other day on Metro TV’s morning show as though confirming the December verdict referred to Atta Mills as President Mills.
That admission by Gabby Orchere Darko was not an error- but an intuitive expression of conviction.
In a myjoyonline.com’ story, Gabby was reported as having said; “even though Alan may have genuine concerns, he overreacted and took the wrong decision.
The issue of perceived intimidation has occurred several times; in 1992, 1996 and 1998, and Alan’s complaints may not be peculiar”.
He said Nana Akufo-Addo suffered what could be even worse attacks than Alan’s but he did not quit, and rather waited on the party’s leadership to deal with the matter.
Akufo-Addo, according to Gabby, complained of distressing intimidation of his supporters by supporters of Kufuor, but allowed the Party to resolve the matter.
Let us be reminded of the method employed by the Akufo Addo camp to rob ‘Alan Cash’ of the NPP flag bearer race - rough edging out of colleagues, resulting in the bitterness between the two; deepening the depth of cracks within the NPP.
To put it bluntly, it is a case of fabricating stories about your opponent and painting him black.
It is therefore understandable why the NPP witch-hunted well meaning Ghanaians who worked under the NDC regime, some of which led to the imprisonment and subsequent death of Victor Serlomey.
The incarceration of Kwame Preprah, Dan Abodakpi, and Dr. Yankey, as well as harassment of Sherry Ayittey, Ernest Agbodo, Tsatsu Tsikata (the genius in oil exploration, whose effort culminated in the eventual oil find in recent times).
Others are former President Rawlings and his wife, E. T. Mensah, Professor Mills, Ato Dadzie as well as the dismissal of host of public office holders who worked closely with the NDC.
Their penchance for finding fault where none exists and demonization of citizens of value and integrity vividly demonstrates the NPP’s vindictiveness and intolerance.
A case in point is the recent Fadama brouhaha, where the Akufo-Addo boys tried intimidating NDC supporters at the residence of his eminence the National Chief Imam, Alhaji Nuhu Sharubutu when Prof. Mills called on him during the commemoration of the birthday of the Holy Prophet Mohammed.
As is characteristic of the Akufo-Addo led NPP, they ran to the media with distorted statements intended to portray the NDC rather as violent whereas the reverse is true (It is not surprising because they are crafty at fact twisting, for it is their stock in trade).
Unfortunately for them, the National Chief Imam, Alhaji Nuhu Sharubutu, debunked their claim.
The Fadama brouhaha in effect is a clear indication that the NPP intends to prosecute acrimonious campaign.
It is also instructive to mention the recent dead heat between President Kufour and the former National Security Minister Francis Poku, which culminated into the Minister’s dismissal and eventual house arrest and the unclear, conflicting statements from the Information Ministry on that matter.
Knowing what his people are capable of, Francis Poku sneaked out of the country for his dear life.
Another issue worth examining is the recent comparison of the wobbling eight years NPP mal administration that only democratized poverty in Ghana to the rather sterling performance of the NDC by the NPP flag bearer at his maiden press conference.
Sadly he churned out amazing litany of lies. He was however quickly held in check by the affable Member of Parliament, Hon. Mahama Ayariga, whose well researched analysis exposed how badly the NPP has so far performed in the midst of plenty resources available to the nation under their watch.
The NPP is reminded that this kind of tactics will not find audience among the voting population. The Ghanaian voter is aware of the NPP’s, dismal economic showings which has resulted in chronic problems such as growing prices of food, astronomical utility bills and chaotic potable water crisis facing the Ghanaian. These are the issues that will inform how Ghana votes in December.
The Ghanaian is aware that the NPP has in the last eight years succeeded in not only democratizing poverty but has succeeded in quadrupling the national debt.
More so the voter is aware it has created few undeservedly extreme wealthy people and is quick to hush those who dare question their source of sudden wealth.
This is a Party whose leadership, while in opposition vowed to declare their assets within hundred days on assumption of office. This vow is yet to be fulfilled.
Ghanaians now understand the NPP mind set: creation of class society such that majority will remain so poor and be compelled to eat cramps from the table of the few wealthy; there by taking away their liberties, especially free speech.
What Ghanaians are looking for in a President, is a tolerant leader like Professor Mills, whose hallmark is peace and cares about his fellow man.
A personality with immense equanimity rather than one with a militant posture, whose body language smacks of arrogance and hotheadedness.
