Response To Statement By The Group Called The Patriots
Papa Kwesi Nduom; CPP Member of Parliament - Komenda-Edina-Eguafo-Abrem
I had originally decided not to react or respond to the statement made by the group called the Patriots a few days ago, which they said was their reaction to comments alleged to have been made by me by a newspaper. This was the second such negative statement made by the Patriots about me in recent times. In both situations, they did not attempt to get my side of the story. Indeed, the first time they came out with a statement about me, prominent members of the Patriots denied knowledge of it. I left that one alone. I would have left this other one too alone except for some more negative comments and name calling engaged in by a member of the Patriots this evening on a radio news programme in Accra. The comments made by one Kosi Dedey went too far to be left alone. It is important to make my view on the situation very clear to everyone who cares to know.
It is important to note that the CPP is not the Patriots. The Patriots are also not the CPP. I have had a genuine disagreement with the leadership of the CPP which I have made known openly. It is this disagreement that led to some CPP members to orchestrate the sacking of the three CPP members of Parliament which has now been publicly repudiated by the leadership of the Party. Part of my disagreement with the leadership of the Party has been their inability to reign in those who have from time to time taken upon themselves to decide who to tolerate and who not to tolerate in the Party. I disagreed with the leadership about organization, funding and our inability to articulate our position on national issues in a positive way.
Indeed, when some members of the Party interested in getting as many CPP people elected to Parliament formed the Parliamentary Action Group after the 1996 election, the charge against them was that the Constitution of the Party did not know any such Group. In 2004, the Group decided to disband in the face of continuing difficulties with the leadership and other leading members of the Party.
What we have needed in the CPP since 1992 has been inclusiveness and tolerance for opposing views and different efforts made by its members to promote the Party. The Party has had a great need for unity and change. But as human beings we do not all see the way forward in a like manner.
I do not know the Patriots. I know of them. I have not attended any of their meetings. So I cannot say that I know who they are or what they stand for. I have together with the two other CPP members in Parliament met with some of their members several months ago to explain our position regarding the leadership and the need for change. As a result, I know some of their members. There are many professionals, business people and well-meaning people who I know to be members of the Patriots. It appears that they have solved the problems they had with the CPP leadership and are now working hand in hand with the Chairman and some other executives of the Party. There is nothing wrong with that.
What I wish the Patriots will do is to focus on their agenda and perhaps make their agenda even clearer. I wish they will invest their time, energy and money to help the Party to broaden its base. The solutions to the problems of the Party can be found in the field – in the towns and villages. That is where they should direct their ammunition.
It appears that the Patriots “disagree” with me about something I am not sure about. Whatever it really is, I do not want to be a part of the “disagreement”. If we really “disagree” about something important, then I suggest that they take it that we have made choices to follow a different path to our politics. There is nothing wrong with it. They should follow their path and leave me alone to follow mine. I am not a Patriot and do not intend to join the Patriots. That is my right.
For the avoidance of doubt, I am a member of the Nkrumahist Caucus in Parliament. Our goal is to seek the unity of Nkrumahists and to chart a new course in politics. Our Caucus includes CPP and PNC members and while we have our individual opinions on the state of the Nkrumahist Parties, we agree that it would be best to belong to one team to advance our interests and that of our constituencies. I am the Chairman and the Hon. John Ndebugre is the Secretary. I intend to work with my colleagues in Parliament to find a good way to promote the ideals and ideas of Kwame Nkrumah. Others may not like our approach, but they should respect our right to choose what to believe in.
I am also a member of a Movement that wished to engage the public with solutions to our numerous problems. We want ideas and solutions to Ghana’s problems to triumph over dogmatic application of ideologies. The members of our Movement want leaders who by their actions offer hope to the majority of Ghanaians. Our research shows that Ghanaians throughout the country want a Movement that works with positive messages and through a united front. The Movement is not impressed with the politics of divide and conquer. Its members are not interested in the politics of insults. They are against the politics of attacking personalities. They believe that votes are not earned by only attacking the views of opponents. There must be something positive to attract the support of voters.
I believe fundamentally in inclusiveness. I also believe that we can all make a positive contribution to Ghana from any position we find ourselves. But we must appreciate the efforts of those we do not agree with. Being in government is a temporary situation for everyone. No one stays there forever. But principles matter. So I hope we will all stick to our principles and defend the rights of others.
I am not angry at anyone. I cannot be. I have learnt since 1992 that politics in Ghana needs a level head and a strong coat to protect the human skin from all manner of sticks and stones. I wish the Patriots well. But they must know that “different” does not mean “wrong”. It is in diversity that sometimes strength that cannot be broken can be found. There are more than two or three ways to promote the growth, development and the interest of Ghana.
April 11, 2007
