Arthur K: The Politics of Character and Trust

Sun, 9 Dec 2007 Source: Okyere Bonna

It is interesting how all of a sudden stingy politicians have turned into generous companions close to elections. I wonder if they are indeed sincere in their quest to help the masses; and if they do, will these hand-outs go any far? At the end of the day it all boils down to character and trust. Can these so called generous politicians be trusted?

If they have that much money to dish out to party delegates why don’t they invest this money in structures and projects that will benefit the entire party in the long run? Why are they playing ‘animal farm politics’ or “robbing Peter to pay Paul”? One would hope that the monies these aspirants are cajoling the delegates (they themselves will ensure are picked among the lot to do the voting or nomination of the flag bearer anyway) trickle down to the party soldiers as well; else one would dare say: “Monkey dey work baboon dey chop.” I refuse to believe that NPP is the party of the rich or to be less critical the party of the privileged.

Or should I say these ‘Cash men’ are only displaying their generosity of spirit. Or perhaps, they are just displaying their arrogance. Knowing how educated and how intelligent these politicians may be, I believe they are only trying to invest their monies where their mouth is. Great! But is it the judicious thing to do? Spraying money to those who least needed it in the constituencies? Why didn’t these politicians invest the monies in the education of the children in their constituencies? I am yet to hear that these ex-ministers of state did so much for their constituencies while they had the chance. Then they don’t need to bribe them. Or, is the dishing out of money only trying to pacify the people and to right the wrongs (with these party executives and delegates-to-be?

I wish these cash-loaded candidates were sincere in their so-called magnanimity. Or are they only trying to buy their way through the Castle? Why can’t they do that with convincing policies as a few of the new-comers like Kennedy is trying to do? Even though not an NPP sympathizer, after listening to the various candidates, this is what someone has said about one of the candidates in one public forum. Please read:

“I’m not NPP advocate but I love Arthur K's concept and his vision for Ghana. Good thinking! Free education for the Northern parts of the country, Constant internal/external auditors in all organs of the government, declaration of all assets, Freedom of information Bill, Computerized accounting system for all ports and harbors, pavements in all cities, no witch hunting of political opponents, a renewed confidence in the Judiciary, Electricity all year round, Kicking corruption and the corrupt out of government.- The name of Arthur Kwabena Kennedy spells Two words for the people of Ghana-RENEWED CONFIDENCE!!!!!!! Arthur Kennedy is who we need in Ghana. All Ghanaian voters should vote for him. He is our new found young Kwame Nkrumah from the US. Advice all delegates to take their cocaine money but never vote for the crooks. Ghana is at the crossroads.” (Written By the Divine Messenger)

This person believes in all honesty that Arthur K is the last hope for Ghana. But what do the delegates who will be choosing the NPP flag bearer believe? Are they listening to the candidates at all? Or are they being blinded with money?
Folks, and NPP Delegates, who may have the privilege of choosing our next president of Ghana, beware! Don’t sell your conscience away or the integrity of your party. Neither deliver The FUTURE of Ghana to con men on a silver plate. There is this feeling and contention going around that, these insiders (let me call them the Establishment) are prepared to give their last penny if that is what is going to help them into the Castle in 2009, after all Ghana is going to drill oil then; and they are sure of recouping their investments 1000 plus percent. Beware of money sprayers in the 2008 elections! One would wish that the motive is not just for Ghana’s oil, which may have already been sold out by now any way, but it is for the love of the nation and her people; to lift the people up, and to provide a way of escape for our under-privileged children and posterity. Please don’t make Ghana another Nigeria when it comes to drilling oil in Ghana in 2009.
Now let’s take a moment to reflect on our candidates. We may not have heard much from all of them as some do not have the money to cajole the press to follow them wherever they go. Some even take money to confuse us with frivolous opinion polls. However, one thing is sure. For anyone to make the attempt to lead his or her country, it assumed that they have ideas and policies they would like to pursue. At this stage I will not like to believe that any of these candidates do not know what they are about. Sure some may be more vocal and rhetorical than others but at the end of the day they are all qualified to lead- They are all well-educated, they may all love their party etc.
The key issue for our delegates to contend with, therefore, should not be qualifications or accolades but something even greater than that- CHARACTER.
Past and present leaders of our country will tell us that accolades, ideas or experience has not helped our nation that much. Though we may say that some do not have ideas or dream for the country, at this stage I beg to differ. A leader/president does not necessarily have to have all the ideas. After all presidents have advisors and that is what they are paid to do; - to shape policy with their ideas. I dare add that the ideas can be gotten from text books. However, there is one thing that we usually ignore in politics which cannot be bought or read from text books-CHARACTER.
Good leadership is about character, if we lead by example. Therefore, I challenge the NPP delegates coming weeks in December when they go to the congress to nominate their leader to ponder over these:
Can your candidate be trusted?
Can he or will he keep his promise?
Will he respect the party soldiers and the masses at large?
Does he have the interest of your children’s future at heart?
Will he listen to advice or will he be subject to or abide by the party’s constitution?
Will he put wealth (self acquisition) over humanity? By the way has he declared his assets?
Is he pompous and arrogant?
The list may not be exhaustive but these include the character traits in leadership that will shape a positive environment not a PhD.