According to Feinberg?s explanation to collective responsibility by limiting it to group liability without fault, it is characterized by a phenomena where by a whole group is held morally responsible for the actions of one or several of its members. Thus, there is a sense of shared responsibility amongst solid parties, organizations, societies, religions and communities. Dissipation of a sense of collective responsibility creeps into organizations when individualism temporarily sets in among few others due to a contest within the group. The happening of the later necessitates constant reminder and sensitizations emanating from the rank and file, the more awakened individuals and the advisory-role players within the same organizations or parties. A case in study is the NPP (the New Patriotic Party) which was a formidable opposition party for many years and finally emerged victoriously through hard work, solidarity, self dedication and the political will to put all on the front line, as the ruling party in Government as of now. The performance within less than 7 years has been phenomenal. NPP?s success story became possible through our sense of collective responsibility which has been characterized by self-dedication as a party, by realizing that the actions or inactions of one or few others could affect the whole party and that development in freedom should be the hallmark of all fronts, be it the economy, religion, politics etc. It is very imperative to realize that each member of the NPP party has a role to play in inculcating the spirit and significance of collective responsibility in one another as we gear up to congress to for the selection of the flagbearership. With our solid track record as conspicuous as it is now, the future is bright for the party and Ghanaians as a whole. However, the winning pendulum will be on the side of the NPP only if the candidate with solid track record who has enormous appeal to the floating voters is selected on 22nd of December as the flagbearer of the party. The floating voters of Ghana who will decide the outcome of election 2008 are not ready for leadership with uncertainties. Ghanaians and the floating voters are ready to go with a candidate who has been tested and met the test of time. Someone Ghanaians trust as being known for delivering on his promises. Hon. Osafo-Maafo stands out among the lot, a fact that is undeniable. It is very relieving that most of the delegates have realized the need for them to consider the choice of the general voters, most especially the floating voters who will decide where the pendulum will be in election 2008. If the floating voters are calling for economic prosperity that transforms into the pockets of ordinary Ghanaians, then they are calling for the leadership of Hon. Osafo-Maafo as the flagbearer of the NPP and the next President of Ghana after the 2008
General election.
SELECTING A FLAGBEARER OR A CANDIDATE WHO CAN EASILY BEAT ATTA MILLS
The correlation between selecting a party?s candidate and its winning chances is very high, even though numerous factors account for a party?s decisive victory in elections. In the case of the NPP, the selection should be based on who has the solid track record and is more equipped to beat Prof. Atta Mills in terms of maturity, Presidential persona, grasp on the economy and finally who made a monumental promise and was able to deliver when the opportunity availed itself in ones life. Hon.Osafo-Maafo is well positioned in all the enumerated Parameters. The Hon. Osafo-Maafo is credited among the NPPs and the NDCs (The National Democratic Congress) as a man who reaches across the aisle whenever necessarily, in moving national policies forward and that epitomizes the spirit of all inclusiveness which is the hallmark of a nation builder as well as a visionary leader which Ghana needs so much at this stage in our political spectrum. He is more appealing to swing voters or if you will, independent voters. The selection of a polarizing candidate will be directly opposite to the ?asomdwee hene?s factor? and hence our doom. A more significant point to note over here relates to the fact that during Former President Jerry John Rawlings? era, the political scene was more radical and hence called for intelligently radical opponents of the likes of the late Prof.Adu Boahen. However, the present political dynamic calls for a more intelligently resolute but moderate with the peaceful and matured persona coupled with solid track record to meet Prof. Mills squarely in squashing his ?asomdwee hene? factor.
Secondly, the campaign or our fight to the NDC would be based on the solid track record of each of the candidates. I mean monumental records not a mere one and more so who was able to make the most historic impact on Ghana?s economy within the shortest period and hence should be given the mandate to consolidate and accelerate economic growth and economic development in the interest of our great country. The Honourable Osafo-Maafo stands out as his record speaks for itself and will forever be in the books of records. He turned Ghana?s economy around within less than 4 years with numerous vibrant policy enactments and implementations within a timely fashion to the surprise of No wonder the Honourable stated without mincing words and I quote,? it is not about telling people what one would be able to do when given the nod to lead this country but it is about telling the people what one ever promised doing and was able to do for which reason one should be given the chance to do what he says he would do." Besides the Ministry of Finance, the Honourable?s track record at the NIB, BHC, UNDP, AU, National Trust Holding Company, Nestle Ghana Limited, Redco Limited, PSCP (Gh) Limited, Plant Pool Limited, Chairman of CME Board of Directors, National Development Planning Commission etc reaffirms his versatility and the trend of his dedication to the course of his conviction. This man is highly equipped with what it takes to beat Atta Mills hands down. The NPP and for that matter Ghana needs such a genius with rich experience and visionary skills to lead this country. Resoundingly, the Honourable?s leadership skills was not limited to just his area of specialty but was also extended to the Ministry of Education, Youth&Sports by historically leading Ghana (the black stars)to the world Cup Tournament for the first time.
CONCLUSION
Collective responsibility has been the propelling factor of all vibrant organizations. This sense has led the party to two consecutive decisive victories in two successive elections. The eminent party fathers have been echoing the same sound I am vibrating over here because of its importance to the way forward for our party and the country as a whole. A wrong selection will send the party and Ghana so many years back. My ultimate wish is that a visionary leader with solid track record of the likes of Hon. Osafo-Maafo is given the nod to lead NPP to a record victory.
The writer is a Medical Insurance Specialist (UAT/Clinical Operations), Bed.POPLE, Currently pursuing Masters of Science in Accountancy (MSA), Former SRC President (University of Cape Coast)
E-mail:nanpoku_2007@yahoo.com
Views expressed by the author(s) do not necessarily reflect those of GhanaHomePage.
