Rawlings Is No News

The founder and leader of the erstwhile Ghana Democratic Movement, which was headquartered in London, Mr. Alex Asabre, has urged journalists to avoid publications of sensational statements made by the former president, J.J. Rawlings, which undermines national confidence.

He said Rawlings’ actions after his term of office expired are nothing to write home about but only deal a fatal blow to democracy.

Mr. Asabre outlined some of the unfortunate tactics of Rawlings as coup plots insinuations, castigations, provocative utterances among others, noting that these are Rawlings’ trademarks.

Rawlings’ inability to make a break with his past indicates his failure to rise above suspicion that he is a potential threat to national security, Asabre argued.

He added that most acts of crowd violence, instant justice, abuse, seizure of properties, torture, discriminations, persecutions and damages caused to ordinary Ghanaians were done under the (P)NDC regime formed and led by Rawlings.

Mr. Asabre regretted that Rawlings blatantly overlooks all the embarrassment and disgrace likely to follow his exposure and refuses to be who he really is by magnifying his appearances.

He lamented that despite Rawlings’ wicked deeds, known to Ghanaians locally and abroad, he still lives free in Ghana, something for which he and his party members must show appreciation to President J. A. Kuffuor since what he said, no government in Africa or the Western world would have tolerated and harbour Rawlings and his attitude.

He therefore cautioned leaders of the NDC in the likes of former Vice President Atta Mills - former minister of Education - Harry Sawyer, former Defence minister - Iddrisu Mahama, and former general secretary - Huudu Yahaya to advise Rawlings to desist from what he called ''Takashi'' tactics and lead a life worthy of emulation as a statesman.

He stressed that Rawlings knows definitely he cannot taste power in Ghana through the ballot box, hence his agitation for a coup, which Ghanaians and the international community see as unattractive.

He said, Rawlings should not blame anybody but be ready to face the consequences of his ordeals, if the government is compelled to act on him. Mr. Alex Asabre advised J. J. Rawlings to be silent, confess his sins to Ghanaians and find means of repairing the damage caused by his revolution to the good people of Ghana. He also called on the president to build up the greatness and strength in Ghanaians.

He further questioned Rawlings whether during his term of dictatorial rule he was able to grant amnesty to Ghanaians abroad despite numerous letters addressed to his office from Amnesty International in the UK for considerations.

''Or did he tolerate fair criticism? And viable opinions from other party functionaries aside the NDC?''

Mr. Asabre angrily asserted that whether democratic or undemocratic, constitutional or unconstitutional indemnity or no indemnity, no president will entertain such vain criticism and provocative utterances as those Rawlings has been engineering since President Kuffuor came to power.

Mr. Asabre therefore advised Ghanaians to pray for President Kuffuor and his government so that even if someone is administering evil rebellion against the NPP government the government can overcome.