John “the felon” got off the hook easily!

I strongly believe that it would have been more beneficial to Sir John to be jailed and I am extremely saddened that he got off the hook easily without the needed rehabilitation. Nevertheless, knowing the man, he will eventually reoffend within few weeks and hopefully be rehabilitated in jail and then learn to become a humble leader.

As I stated earlier, the fundamental aim of sending Felon John to jail is not to inflict suffering on him, but to reassert the existence of the moral order that governs human life in a democratic society. The justification for punishment is often stated that offenders, such as Sir John, deserve to be punished without mercy based on the severity of their crime of obstruction of justice. It is malfeasance or nonfeasance in the conduct of people who claim to be public officials. There is no doubt in the mind that Sir John “the felon” is a convicted lawbreaker and as such the Supreme Court should have dealt with him without compassion.

One thing is clear and this is not politicking, the goal of rehabilitation is to help abnormal individuals who try to assume political leadership to learn how to be politically correct, to be humble as human beings, and maintain a high standard of moral in the society they attempt to lead. Punishment is intended to have an educative effect, either on the public or on the offender.

The fact that another NPP crony paid the GH¢5,000 fine on behalf of the now famous felon and disgraced Secretary General; will make his rehabilitation difficult. I do not believe that Kwadwo Owusu Afriyie has understood the severity of his crime knowing his egocentric character. Pride is a struggle for emerging leaders like Sir John, but he must understand that leaders must strive to bring humility to their leadership roles if they want to be successful in bringing positive change in society.

Humble leaders know that their party’s vision is bigger and will last longer than they will; therefore they must willingly invest in others, by raising mature new leaders. Sir John must understand that the way he comports himself is not the best way to mentor emerging leaders of his NPP party.

I hope he has learned from this saga as everyone makes mistakes. In fact, we often learn more through failure than through success. The humble leader is quick to admit when he has done wrong and deals with the fault-out without casting blame or making excuses. Humility is not putting yourself down as a leader. It is ultimately recognizing who you are in view of others. Many of us learn humility the hard way and Kwadwo Owusu Afriyie is a typical example.

John Koffison

New York, NY - USA