Former National Security capo and Ghana’s longest serving Information Minister, Kofi Totobi Quakyi, says it is good to enjoy some quiet life after over 30 years of high profile involvement in national politics.
Speaking to the Daily Post newspaper in an interview he granted on his recent award by St. Augustine’s Past Student Union (AAPSU), Mr. Quakyi says he felt honoured by the recognition from his peers. The award recognizes alumni who have made notable contributions to the school, their chosen careers or their nation.
The citation that accompanied the award stated “in recognition of your service to the nation in the development of democracy; your effectiveness as Minister in several key ministries at a fairly young age and your strong sense of commitment suggest many more years of worthwhile contribution to the common weal. Your fraternity honours you.”
Mr. Quakyi admitted his love for politics but said sometimes one must know when to take a back seat. He said after the NDC’s 2008 victory, it became apparent there was a conscious move to ostracize some-so called old guards like him. “I for one was accused of not doing anything for the party after the 2001 defeat. Those who went round peddling those falsehoods forgot Totobi was one of the originators of the “WAHALA” demonstrations, the many press conferences held by the party in oppositions.
I was everywhere the party was.” “Who doesn’t know Totobi was the brain behind most of the 2008 NDC campaign ads? I worked my socks off for the party but in politics you encounter people who are afraid you will outshine them so they must destroy you through rumours, half-truths and outright fabrications. I am not a publicity-conscious person. I operate best in the background. I’m efficient and thorough in what I do and I achieve results and that’s a fact”.
According to Mr. Quakyi, when he got sick and tired of the name-calling and bad-mouthing, he decided it is better to make a tactical withdrawal and watch unfolding events. Others like him have done the same. “Yet, even after being compelled to go into political hibernation and minding your own business you still end up being called names and cited among people who have allegedly hijacked government. But personal hurts aside I feel for the future of the NDC.”
Mr. Quakyi, who turns 55 this year, admitted that the current challenges facing government and party requires an all hands on deck approach.“We must infuse some experience into the situation,” he noted. “The NPP aims to win power using rough tactics. They did it in 2000. We must unleash a counter offensive. Maybe the NDC should have taken certain steps earlier. But in politics it is never too late” he says.“What the government needs is the know-how of people who are instinctive, people who have guts, presence of mind and can smell opportunities; people who don’t just talk but get things done”.
Still on the current political situation in the country, he said “the NPP have stepped up its war of attrition, we in the NDC must respond and the sooner we do this the better.”
Sensing the surprise of Daily Post at his tone, Mr. Quakyi said “listen, the hypocrisy, rough tactics, abrasive language, the effrontery, outright incitement and deliberate orchestrations by the NPP is enough to make even a corpse radical. That’s why I’m saying there’s need for a comprehensive fight-back plan. If you are a true member of the NDC, you know you have everything to lose should the NDC lose in 2012 - that must never happen-so let’s all stand up and be counted.”
Mr. Quakyi had a message for all NDC members: “in the past there was no difference between elected and non-elected party members. The party was receptive to opinions and suggestions. There was cohesion. The NDC was stronger then. That is the team spirit we need to restore and move forward.
