NPP presidential hopeful Arthur Kobina Kennedy aka Arthur K brought his message to the Atlanta area the week-end of July 21st . He met with groups of Ghanaians in Vinings (Cobb County) Lithia Springs (Douglasville County) Suwanee and Lawrenceville (Gwinette County). While in Atlanta, Kenney visited two churches, the Ghanaian Adventist Church on Saturday and the All Nations church on Sunday.
Speaking to the Congregation at the Ghanaian Adventist church, Kennedy made reference to the fact that when Jesus went to the church and drove away those people who were changing money in the church, he was making a political statement. Problems in the country are for all Ghanaians, non exempt. He called on people of faith to pray for Ghana and invited them to support his campaign with prayers.
To the various groups, he laid down his 5 policy areas 1. Making government work for the people 2. Putting people to work 3. Making a place at the national table for diasporans 4. Revamping our healthcare system 5. Application of appropriate technology.
Kennedy pledges to send power from the Presidency to the Districts and to Parliament. This will be done by having District Chief Executives (DCEs)Â elected without Presidential nominations. He also want to end the requirement for the President to pick at least half of his/her Ministers from Parliament. These will require constitutional amendments. According to Dr. Kennedy, representatives of people should be elected so they can be held accountable and voted out of office should they fail to deliver.
Arthur K wants to ensure that citizens of Ghana have identity cards and proper addresses. This would be the basis for the introduction of credit in our system. I, like most Ghanaians, wonder why past governments have not seen opportunities inherent in solving this fundamental problem. Average income in countries that have credit system is far more than those without, yet our system calls for buying expensive items like houses or cars with cash. Use of credit alone will help double the economy.
Answering a question on what his administration will do about the high import duty, and the hassle people go through before they are able to clear their goods from our ports, Kennedy said his administration will introduce systems to streamline the import and export process. Making it easier and cheaper will bring in more transactions, thereby increasing revenue. The current situation is only stifling the growth of imports and exports. “I cannot wait to see the time when people would be able to pay for their import duty and drive their cars out of the port within a day” said Dr. Kennedy.
On health care, Arthur K wants to focus on prevention. “We need to ensure that our citizens live in clean environments and I will re-introduce health inspectors back to ensure this”.
Kennedy wants to establish mechanisms, that will enable Ghanaians where ever they live to participate in building the nation. With appropriate technology, able people living abroad can be on advisory committees in Ghana, teach students, and even see patients.
Kennedy's message is simple - that with good leadership and involving all Ghanaians (those at home and in the diaspora) Ghanaians can change the destiny of the nation. “We do not deserve to be counted among the poor- We have great minds, great people with excellent ideas” he said. “What we need is good leadership, No nation has ever begged their way to success".
His courage and passion is contagious. I hope that his dreams become a reality for our dear nation.
His support is souring, especially when people piece together 4 of his strong qualities;
1. Humility -- very humble and connects to everyone
2. His Ideas and besides, he humbly invite all to bring theirs to the table
3. Clarity with which he delivers his message
4. Motivating - Makes us connect to the issues and encourages all to help in bringing change.
He and his supporter are working hard to bring his campaign message to all Ghanaians in the Diaspora and in Ghana not only Atlanta. Those who have not heard him speak should find every opportunity they can get to listen to him. He brings hope to our generation!.
