Rojo …NDC’s Forgotten Hero?

It has largely been said that Ghanaians don’t acknowledge people who excel in their areas of endeavors until the inevitable happens and they leave the scene.

That is when you see all manner of people popping up to shower needless praises with nothing to cheer about.

Events of the 2008 elections which brought the National Democratic Congress back to power after spending eight agonizing years in opposition is one that brings fond memories of how some members of the then biggest opposition party had to put their lives on the line to ensure the party was not cheated as evident in Jaretth Merz’s “An African Election” movie.

One such astute, combatant kingpin of the NDC who played key role, leading the party’s team to the Electoral Commission’s strong room to avert subversion of the people’s will is a certain Rojo Mettle Nunoo.

But, typical of the present day NDC, who only recognize and extol the virtues of hardworking and loyal party officials when they join their ancestors; the expertise and competency of unsung heroes like Rojo Mettle Nunoo and many others are being left to rot.

Perhaps, Rojo’s kinsmen may have anticipated this painful treatment; hence the decision to bestow on him sub-chief title at Gbese in Accra.

Happenings of the 2008 elections as captured in the “An African Election” movie and the 2012 elections show that, but for the resoluteness of persons like Rojo Mettle Nunoo, Tony Aidoo and others who spent sleepless nights at the EC, the NDC wouldn’t have been in power today.

Rojo’s resilience, competence, dedication, loyalty and commitment to the NDC made the late President John Atta Mills to appoint him deputy Minister of Roads and Highways in 2009 and later moved to the Health Ministry as deputy.

Prior to this, he had served as Head of Non-Formal Education in the Rawlings government and at a point in time was the 2004 campaign director for the late Prof Mills. He was the head of Candidate Atta Mills delegation to the EC in 2008.

The niche he has carved for himself in NDC and Ghanaian politics is so striking for anyone to attempt to wish it away.

It would be recalled that Rojo Mettle Nunoo was one of the gallant NDC faithful that took the EC to court over the manner in which the 2004 election results were announced.

The former deputy Health Minister’s experience in elections matters, especially matching the likes of NPP’s just elected General Secretary, KwabenaAgyepong at the EC’s strong room cannot be overemphasized. At least video footages of JarethMerz’s “An African Election” have shown how he stood up against members of the NPP when they attempted to falsify some election results coming from Ashanti.

Unfortunately and exasperatingly, not much has been heard of the likes of Rojo Mettle Nunoo among others who toiled for the party to remain in power today.

Much as it is true not everyone could be ropedinto an NDC government; heroes such asRojoand competent ones at that should not be left winking in the dark. The 2016 election is just two years away and the expertise and contributions of the likes of Rojo will be very much required.

Many ordinary NDC chaps and capos are suffering similar fate as the Rojos and these ‘unfair’ treatments must stop. They remain the NDC’s heroes and nothing can erase that. They must be recognized and treated with respect and dignity; and must be given befitting status in the party and government whiles they remain alive.