Political luxuries An Embattled NDC Can No Longer Afford?

PR Sinecures: Political luxuries An Embattled NDC Can No Longer Afford?

By Kofi Thompson

Now that Vice President Paa Kwesi Amissah-Arthur has been sworn in, and assumed office, there is no question that the administration of President Mahama will come under intense and sustained attack, once President Mills is finally laid to rest.

If the new President wants to neutralise his main political opponents, the New Patriotic Party (NPP), he would be wise to set a new tone for his administration.

The first step in that direction, will be to publicly publish the assets of both himself and his wife. He must then ask the new vice president and his spouse to do same too.

That must be followed with a reshuffle in which only those who agree to publicly publish the assets of both themselves and their spouses, can serve in the President's new-look administration.

That reshuffle must also see a return to the cabinet of Martin Amidu, as Attorney General. Such a move, dear reader, will immediately set President Mahama apart as a new and different breed of Ghanaian politician.

It will put clear blue water between his administration and all the post-independence regimes Ghana has had since it gained independence in 1957.

Naturally, all the above must be followed with the appointment of a new Osu Castle spokesperson and communications chief.

Whatever he does, at all costs, President Mahama must persuade Mrs. Esther Cobbah Tsikata to accept that position.

Her appointment will make a huge difference to the effectiveness of the National Democratic Congress' (NDC) campaign narrative, for the upcoming December 2012 presidential and parliamentary elections.

Having done their best for Mills' ancien regime, the Kokou Anyidahos and John Jinapors can safely be sent to the regions they hail from, as deputy ministers - and still be able to maintain the heavily subsidised lifestyles they have become accustomed to.

With the many challenges facing the NDC government, there is absolutely no point continuing to keep the old order's spokespersons for the presidency in their present positions - not when their new boss, President Mahama, is actually a zillion times more articulate than they are.

With respect, those geniuses whose ineptitude resulted in the loss of goodwill amongst ordinary people - and a negative image - for the administration of the most honest and selfless leader Ghana has ever had since the overthrow of President Nkrumah's Convention Peoples Party (CPP) regime, in 1966, must no longer be tolerated.

At this critical juncture, as it fights to survive an existential threat to it, and battles to prevail in the upcoming December polls, PR sinecures are a political luxury an embattled NDC regime can no longer afford. A word to the wise...

Tel: 027 745 3109.

Email: peakofi.thompson@gmail.com