Interview With Prof. John Evans Atta Mills

Interview With Prof.John Evans Atta Mills NDC PRESIDENTIAL FLAG BEARER CHICAGO, AUG 24, 2003 Benson Katapila

Ans: Thank you for asking. The NDC Party of which I am now the Flag Bearer believes in participatory democracy where the voice of the people is paramount. As you know, the NDC is of one several political parties, including the NPP, which came into existence when former President JJ Rawlings signed the 1992 Constitution into law.
The NDC won elections under that Constitution in 1992 and 1996 but lost the 2000 contest. It was important for NDC to help nurture Ghana's young democracy to grow and so when it became apparent in the second round, that I had lost my bid for the presidency, I called Mr.Kufuor and conceded defeat and wished him well. My party, then the outgoing government organized a smooth handing over to the NPP. I believe that was the first time a civilian regime had succeeded another civilian regime in Ghana through the ballot box and I can therefore say NDC has set standards for defeated governments to follow in the future. I am hopeful, God Willing, when I defeat Mr. Kufuor in December 2004, he would look at our model in 2000 and hand over in the same peaceful manner he took over power. I did my part for democracy even before 2000 and continue to do everything in my power to enhance democracy in Ghana.

Qn: So what activities have you engaged in since you left office in 2000?

Ans: I took up one year's appointment with the LIU Centre For The Study Of Global Issues at the University of British Columbia in Canada. At the end of that one-year, the University wanted me to stay longer. However, I realized I would be needed home to provide honest leadership to the people.
So I returned to Ghana in September 2002 and plunged straight into campaign for Flag Bearer of my party. I was successful in December, collecting 1116 votes with 194 cast against me. I might add I won more than 85% of the votes! Throughout my campaign and to this date, I have visited every one of the nation's 200 constituencies and talked one on one with the dispossessed and the downtrodden. The look of hopelessness in their faces before I engage them and the glimmer of hope and well wishing that follow our conversation tell its own story about the leadership of failure they are now saddled with. Mr. Kufuor has been a disappointment!

Qn: When and how long have you been associated with former President Rawlings?

Ans: Let me set the record straight. In 1996, President Rawlings nominated me as his running mate. We won the election that year and I served as Vice President till 2000. I enjoyed a good working relationship with former President Rawlings. We have respect for one another, I can definitely say! Prior to this exciting period, I had been appointed Chairman of the Sports Council in 1982, a position I held for one year. In 1988, I became Chairman of the Board of Internal Revenue Service. A few months thereafter, I became Commissioner of IRS till 1996 when I became President Rawlings' running mate.

Qn. Sir, Is it true President Rawlings went physical with you?

Ans: Absolutely not! We have maintained gentlemanly relations based on mutual respect. President Rawlings is forthright and we both do not appreciate deceit, lies and backbiting. I suspect, people have wrong conception of the true essence of the man.

Qn: Sir, Are you prepared sufficiently to take on tasks of the Presidency, if elected?

Ans: Experience is the best teacher and knowledge is a collection of experiences. As Vice President, I studied the reasons and objectives behind policies of Government. I worked closely with development partners. I learnt first hand about problems facing the nation. Ghana went through very rough patches in her history when over 2 million of our compatriots were 'expelled' from Nigeria in 1982, the famine that gripped our nation, petroleum crisis, the very process of evolution to democracy from revolutionary posture, had steeled some toughness and experience in colleagues within Government Circles. President Rawlings, who led the nation through those tough times, was the embodiment of experience. I did not start off pretending I knew better. Very quickly, I studied what I needed to help me execute my functions as Vice President. Soon I had chance to act on several occasions as Acting President of Ghana. I would like to believe I acquitted myself creditably.

Qn: How do you view the performance of West African leaders in particular?

Ans: One of the major problems confronting us in West Africa is poor leadership, lack of good governance, greed and the temptation to ignore the aspirations of the people once elected. Leaders tend to follow personal agendas instead of spending time profitably helping to raise standard of living of their people. For as long as there is poor leadership, lack of transparency, absence of accountability on the part of the governing class, we shall continue to have unrest in our part of the world. Our leaders are part of the problem. An admission, which they themselves make in the NEPAD document. They must be humble enough to allow themselves to be part of the solution.

Qn: Shouldn't leaders do the right thing in office in a transparent manner?

Ans: Yes, they certainly should, no, they must! Much as a leader is quick to claim credit for positive things in his tenure, he must also accept responsibility for acts of malfeasance for his government. It is proper for his leader to demonstrate to his people that he would neither connive at corruption, incompetence, and irresponsibility on the part of his government. This he should do by investigating all cases that are brought to his attention and publishing the results for the benefit of his country. As far as Ghana is concerned, I have had occasion to draw President Kufuor's attention to acts of alleged and perceived malfeasance by members of his government. Unfortunately he is yet to react to my request.

Qn. What message do you have for Ghanaians in the Diaspora's?

Ans: Simple message. The record show that the NDC Government spent valuable time and energy to ensure Constitutional Rule took firm rooting in our first two terms in office. By adopting democratic way of life, we in the NDC are fully committed to preserving and enhancing the democratic dispensation, which we enjoy in Ghana today. We are determined to build the necessary structures to support this form of government whilst at the same time we count it our major responsibility to help improve living conditions of our people who are currently wallowing in the quagmire of poverty. We believe that so long as we all respect the principles of democracy and good governance, there would be peace in our country and thereby helping to create the necessary atmosphere for the social and economic prosperity of our people. Ghana is blessed with abundance of rich human resources and as is universally acknowledged, the nation's greatest assets are its human resources. Across the globe, we find a large segment of very well trained Ghanaians who when given the chance can contribute meaningfully to the development of our dear nation. It is our determination as NDC therefore to tap into this pool of very rich human reserve.

Qn: How will your Presidency overcome hesitancy of Professionals to come home to help?

Ans: I have heard of several bad experiences of our Professional Class when they return to Ghana. The NDC has a lot of experience with programmes for the repatriation of some of our compatriots in the Diaspora. It is undeniable that some of them have had terrible experiences when they answered the call to serve their nation. Many reasons can be assigned. We tried as a government to create the necessary atmosphere to enhance resettlement of our compatriots. We could not complete the exercise before leaving office. Reintegration into a new society is no easy task. I do agree therefore that there is the need for any government to take a special look at the problems, which such compatriots of ours encounter when they return and help at least to minimize them. It is fair to say that moving into a developing nation is not easy. There will be need for adjustment and adaptation on the part of our compatriots. In much the same way as there should be understanding and willingness to help on the part of society in which our compatriots find themselves.

Qn: Should Ghana be involved in Ecowas Community Activities?

Ans: When Nkrumah was overthrown in 1966, he was the subject of mockery and ridicule. It was a crime to have Nkrumah's picture or effigy. Just to show ignorance, there were those who scoffed at Nkrumah's warning that the Independence of Ghana was meaningless until it is linked up with the total liberation of Africa. This exhortation to Africa to form a political and economic union was the subject of derision by reactionaries of the time some of whom are still around in Ghana, but this idea has proven to be correct. If you listen to African leaders now, including those who rejoiced over Nkrumah's overthrow, they are now re-enacting what Nkrumah said about 40 years ago. Without economic and political union, Ecowas, indeed, Africa, stands doomed.

Qn: Should Ghana continue to harbor refugees?

Ans: Traditionally, Ghana has been an oasis of peace. Refugees come because of peace, our hospitality and our generosity. These people from other parts of Ecowas Countries are our own kith and kin. Many of them bring along skills and entrepreneurial spirit. When the regrettable Aliens Compliance Order was enforced in the Busia Regime, a lot of hardship was visited on otherwise law- abiding people. Ghana should not be proud of what was done to those people. No law-abiding refugee should be turned away.

Qn: How do you propose to revamp the educational system?

Ans: It is not the system that is faulty. In our time, we extended educational facilities to almost all corners of the country in keeping with our belief that access to education is a basic human right. The problem is with the volume of resources needed to keep these structures running smoothly. It is true that in rural areas, there is no full complement of teachers. In the run up to the 2000 General Elections, the Kufuor Camp, then in opposition ridiculed and castigated me for suggesting that new graduates take up teaching as a profession, of course, after basic teaching techniques course. The impression given by them was that teaching is the preserve of the wretched and the disadvantaged in society. The system itself is good. Schools with adequate resources turn out students with great performances. I find it hypocritical when people talk and hail the old system. I am a product of the 'O' and 'A' level. Let anyone tell me what is superior about that. The records show that only a few privileged gain admission to so called established secondary schools. Even those who gain admission to these schools had problems if they failed 'O' or 'A' level exams. Academic work in those disciplines hardly instilled entrepreneurial hands-on skills that the new system is designed to accomplish where resources are available.

Qn: What comments do you have about the National Health Insurance Scheme?

Ans: Let me be clear that the NHIS is a scheme introduced by the NDC when we were in power. Knowing the complexity of financing, we introduced this on a pilot scale, that is, in limited areas to study its operation before large- scale implementation. Provision of Medical Care everywhere in the world, even in the richest economies like USA, involves huge resources. Accordingly, in America, there are many without Health Insurance Coverage or with bare coverage. We wanted to see the results of the pilot scheme. So there was need for careful handling of this important issue. In their bid for political advantage, the government has over-simplified issues involved here without careful thinking of its financial implications. There is extreme danger that the plight of our people will be worse than before. Characteristically, the Kufuor Administration has ignored the advice of the NDC, TUC and other stakeholders and it is going ahead just like they did in the bogus 'IFC' Loan.
Like a seed, it will soon be seen whether it was planted on barren or fertile land. Infact, the incompetence of Kufuor's government is being manifested in all spheres of our life. For the first time in so many years we could not even qualify for the African Cup of Nations Tournament! My detailed assessment of Kufuor's Administration is contained in the releases of the Press Conferences I held on the 3rd and 16th July this year. I am still waiting for Mr. Kufuor's reaction to the issues I raised therein.

Qn: Any comments on the Road Network in Ghana?

Ans: At the time we left office we had a blueprint supported by the necessary resources to revamp our Road Network. Talk of Accra/Kumasi, Bole/Bamboi,Hohoe Nkwanta/Keta Karachi, and Accra/Yamoransa amongst others. Kufuor and his people put all our blueprints aside when they came to office. At the moment, they are struggling to acquire the necessary funds for the Accra/Yamoransa road. Needless to say, we shall implement a carefully thought out programme when we come to power in 2005.

Interview With Prof.John Evans Atta Mills NDC PRESIDENTIAL FLAG BEARER CHICAGO, AUG 24, 2003 Benson Katapila

Ans: Thank you for asking. The NDC Party of which I am now the Flag Bearer believes in participatory democracy where the voice of the people is paramount. As you know, the NDC is of one several political parties, including the NPP, which came into existence when former President JJ Rawlings signed the 1992 Constitution into law.
The NDC won elections under that Constitution in 1992 and 1996 but lost the 2000 contest. It was important for NDC to help nurture Ghana's young democracy to grow and so when it became apparent in the second round, that I had lost my bid for the presidency, I called Mr.Kufuor and conceded defeat and wished him well. My party, then the outgoing government organized a smooth handing over to the NPP. I believe that was the first time a civilian regime had succeeded another civilian regime in Ghana through the ballot box and I can therefore say NDC has set standards for defeated governments to follow in the future. I am hopeful, God Willing, when I defeat Mr. Kufuor in December 2004, he would look at our model in 2000 and hand over in the same peaceful manner he took over power. I did my part for democracy even before 2000 and continue to do everything in my power to enhance democracy in Ghana.

Qn: So what activities have you engaged in since you left office in 2000?

Ans: I took up one year's appointment with the LIU Centre For The Study Of Global Issues at the University of British Columbia in Canada. At the end of that one-year, the University wanted me to stay longer. However, I realized I would be needed home to provide honest leadership to the people.
So I returned to Ghana in September 2002 and plunged straight into campaign for Flag Bearer of my party. I was successful in December, collecting 1116 votes with 194 cast against me. I might add I won more than 85% of the votes! Throughout my campaign and to this date, I have visited every one of the nation's 200 constituencies and talked one on one with the dispossessed and the downtrodden. The look of hopelessness in their faces before I engage them and the glimmer of hope and well wishing that follow our conversation tell its own story about the leadership of failure they are now saddled with. Mr. Kufuor has been a disappointment!

Qn: When and how long have you been associated with former President Rawlings?

Ans: Let me set the record straight. In 1996, President Rawlings nominated me as his running mate. We won the election that year and I served as Vice President till 2000. I enjoyed a good working relationship with former President Rawlings. We have respect for one another, I can definitely say! Prior to this exciting period, I had been appointed Chairman of the Sports Council in 1982, a position I held for one year. In 1988, I became Chairman of the Board of Internal Revenue Service. A few months thereafter, I became Commissioner of IRS till 1996 when I became President Rawlings' running mate.

Qn. Sir, Is it true President Rawlings went physical with you?

Ans: Absolutely not! We have maintained gentlemanly relations based on mutual respect. President Rawlings is forthright and we both do not appreciate deceit, lies and backbiting. I suspect, people have wrong conception of the true essence of the man.

Qn: Sir, Are you prepared sufficiently to take on tasks of the Presidency, if elected?

Ans: Experience is the best teacher and knowledge is a collection of experiences. As Vice President, I studied the reasons and objectives behind policies of Government. I worked closely with development partners. I learnt first hand about problems facing the nation. Ghana went through very rough patches in her history when over 2 million of our compatriots were 'expelled' from Nigeria in 1982, the famine that gripped our nation, petroleum crisis, the very process of evolution to democracy from revolutionary posture, had steeled some toughness and experience in colleagues within Government Circles. President Rawlings, who led the nation through those tough times, was the embodiment of experience. I did not start off pretending I knew better. Very quickly, I studied what I needed to help me execute my functions as Vice President. Soon I had chance to act on several occasions as Acting President of Ghana. I would like to believe I acquitted myself creditably.

Qn: How do you view the performance of West African leaders in particular?

Ans: One of the major problems confronting us in West Africa is poor leadership, lack of good governance, greed and the temptation to ignore the aspirations of the people once elected. Leaders tend to follow personal agendas instead of spending time profitably helping to raise standard of living of their people. For as long as there is poor leadership, lack of transparency, absence of accountability on the part of the governing class, we shall continue to have unrest in our part of the world. Our leaders are part of the problem. An admission, which they themselves make in the NEPAD document. They must be humble enough to allow themselves to be part of the solution.

Qn: Shouldn't leaders do the right thing in office in a transparent manner?

Ans: Yes, they certainly should, no, they must! Much as a leader is quick to claim credit for positive things in his tenure, he must also accept responsibility for acts of malfeasance for his government. It is proper for his leader to demonstrate to his people that he would neither connive at corruption, incompetence, and irresponsibility on the part of his government. This he should do by investigating all cases that are brought to his attention and publishing the results for the benefit of his country. As far as Ghana is concerned, I have had occasion to draw President Kufuor's attention to acts of alleged and perceived malfeasance by members of his government. Unfortunately he is yet to react to my request.

Qn. What message do you have for Ghanaians in the Diaspora's?

Ans: Simple message. The record show that the NDC Government spent valuable time and energy to ensure Constitutional Rule took firm rooting in our first two terms in office. By adopting democratic way of life, we in the NDC are fully committed to preserving and enhancing the democratic dispensation, which we enjoy in Ghana today. We are determined to build the necessary structures to support this form of government whilst at the same time we count it our major responsibility to help improve living conditions of our people who are currently wallowing in the quagmire of poverty. We believe that so long as we all respect the principles of democracy and good governance, there would be peace in our country and thereby helping to create the necessary atmosphere for the social and economic prosperity of our people. Ghana is blessed with abundance of rich human resources and as is universally acknowledged, the nation's greatest assets are its human resources. Across the globe, we find a large segment of very well trained Ghanaians who when given the chance can contribute meaningfully to the development of our dear nation. It is our determination as NDC therefore to tap into this pool of very rich human reserve.

Qn: How will your Presidency overcome hesitancy of Professionals to come home to help?

Ans: I have heard of several bad experiences of our Professional Class when they return to Ghana. The NDC has a lot of experience with programmes for the repatriation of some of our compatriots in the Diaspora. It is undeniable that some of them have had terrible experiences when they answered the call to serve their nation. Many reasons can be assigned. We tried as a government to create the necessary atmosphere to enhance resettlement of our compatriots. We could not complete the exercise before leaving office. Reintegration into a new society is no easy task. I do agree therefore that there is the need for any government to take a special look at the problems, which such compatriots of ours encounter when they return and help at least to minimize them. It is fair to say that moving into a developing nation is not easy. There will be need for adjustment and adaptation on the part of our compatriots. In much the same way as there should be understanding and willingness to help on the part of society in which our compatriots find themselves.

Qn: Should Ghana be involved in Ecowas Community Activities?

Ans: When Nkrumah was overthrown in 1966, he was the subject of mockery and ridicule. It was a crime to have Nkrumah's picture or effigy. Just to show ignorance, there were those who scoffed at Nkrumah's warning that the Independence of Ghana was meaningless until it is linked up with the total liberation of Africa. This exhortation to Africa to form a political and economic union was the subject of derision by reactionaries of the time some of whom are still around in Ghana, but this idea has proven to be correct. If you listen to African leaders now, including those who rejoiced over Nkrumah's overthrow, they are now re-enacting what Nkrumah said about 40 years ago. Without economic and political union, Ecowas, indeed, Africa, stands doomed.

Qn: Should Ghana continue to harbor refugees?

Ans: Traditionally, Ghana has been an oasis of peace. Refugees come because of peace, our hospitality and our generosity. These people from other parts of Ecowas Countries are our own kith and kin. Many of them bring along skills and entrepreneurial spirit. When the regrettable Aliens Compliance Order was enforced in the Busia Regime, a lot of hardship was visited on otherwise law- abiding people. Ghana should not be proud of what was done to those people. No law-abiding refugee should be turned away.

Qn: How do you propose to revamp the educational system?

Ans: It is not the system that is faulty. In our time, we extended educational facilities to almost all corners of the country in keeping with our belief that access to education is a basic human right. The problem is with the volume of resources needed to keep these structures running smoothly. It is true that in rural areas, there is no full complement of teachers. In the run up to the 2000 General Elections, the Kufuor Camp, then in opposition ridiculed and castigated me for suggesting that new graduates take up teaching as a profession, of course, after basic teaching techniques course. The impression given by them was that teaching is the preserve of the wretched and the disadvantaged in society. The system itself is good. Schools with adequate resources turn out students with great performances. I find it hypocritical when people talk and hail the old system. I am a product of the 'O' and 'A' level. Let anyone tell me what is superior about that. The records show that only a few privileged gain admission to so called established secondary schools. Even those who gain admission to these schools had problems if they failed 'O' or 'A' level exams. Academic work in those disciplines hardly instilled entrepreneurial hands-on skills that the new system is designed to accomplish where resources are available.

Qn: What comments do you have about the National Health Insurance Scheme?

Ans: Let me be clear that the NHIS is a scheme introduced by the NDC when we were in power. Knowing the complexity of financing, we introduced this on a pilot scale, that is, in limited areas to study its operation before large- scale implementation. Provision of Medical Care everywhere in the world, even in the richest economies like USA, involves huge resources. Accordingly, in America, there are many without Health Insurance Coverage or with bare coverage. We wanted to see the results of the pilot scheme. So there was need for careful handling of this important issue. In their bid for political advantage, the government has over-simplified issues involved here without careful thinking of its financial implications. There is extreme danger that the plight of our people will be worse than before. Characteristically, the Kufuor Administration has ignored the advice of the NDC, TUC and other stakeholders and it is going ahead just like they did in the bogus 'IFC' Loan.
Like a seed, it will soon be seen whether it was planted on barren or fertile land. Infact, the incompetence of Kufuor's government is being manifested in all spheres of our life. For the first time in so many years we could not even qualify for the African Cup of Nations Tournament! My detailed assessment of Kufuor's Administration is contained in the releases of the Press Conferences I held on the 3rd and 16th July this year. I am still waiting for Mr. Kufuor's reaction to the issues I raised therein.

Qn: Any comments on the Road Network in Ghana?

Ans: At the time we left office we had a blueprint supported by the necessary resources to revamp our Road Network. Talk of Accra/Kumasi, Bole/Bamboi,Hohoe Nkwanta/Keta Karachi, and Accra/Yamoransa amongst others. Kufuor and his people put all our blueprints aside when they came to office. At the moment, they are struggling to acquire the necessary funds for the Accra/Yamoransa road. Needless to say, we shall implement a carefully thought out programme when we come to power in 2005.