Post 7th December , 2008 Expectations

What Ghana will be in the foreseeable future is a matter of concern for every Ghanaian no matter how far removed he is from social activism, political struggle or revolutionary movement (if there exists one this day). What is in store for Ghanaians? A sudden or momentous change in our present situation or a continual crass manipulation of the entire political atmosphere in this country by our so called politicians? Will corruption, drug trafficking, embezzlement of funds, abuse of incumbency, marginalisation of the citizenry , increase cost of education, social insecurity, oppression of the underprivileged and social injustice disappear from Ghana or will they persist forever? The above is not a mere rhetoric or sedition but one which ought to raise numerous incisive analyses, impeccable reasoning and compelling arguments amongst all who harbour the future of ancient Gold Coast and renaissance Ghana at heart. In some few days the good citizens of this nation whether patriotic or unpatriotic, civil or military, elite or illiterate, informed or uninformed, objective or partial, party foot soldiers or party functionaries will once again experience the burning desire of politician to gain positions of influence. The zeal and enthusiasm that is demonstrated presently by our major political parties in the name of a better Ghana cannot be underestimated but the multibillion Ghana Cedi questions still remain that is:

• Is Ghana going to experience another peaceful democratic transition as demonstrated by Ex- President Rawlings?

• Will the numerous promises in the form of policies preached by the various flag -bearers bestowed on the Ghanaian or they are just ‘winning ways’? Well, the future is for God to decide but one sure situation we can all contribute to is the post Electoral Peace and I want to use this media to implore all Ghanaians from the North and South, East and West to join in a campaign for a peaceful nation after the December elections.

What then should we expect?

Below are my own proposals:

1. How would you assess the loser of these elections? Who will call the winner on the 8th December elections to congratulate him and promise not to contest the declaration of the electoral commission, accept the finality of the outcome for the sake of our unity and the strength of our democracy?

2. What of the would be opposition offering to meet the elect to commence a healing of the divisions of the campaign and the contest they are about to undertake.

3. I pray for an opposition that would call on the elect to put aside the remains of partisan rancour and call on God to bless the stewardship of the Elect, and as well as call for a resolution of any conflict through the honoured institutions of our democracy.

4. Ghana needs an opposition which is ready to accept their responsibility of honouring the would be President Elect and do everything possible to help him bring Ghanaians together in fulfilment of the great vision that our Declaration of Independence defines and that our Constitution affirms and defends.

5. Let the N.D.C, N.P.P, C.P.P, D.F.P and all other parties show profound appreciation to their supporters after the elections. I know that most of the party supporters would be disappointed but our disappointment must be overcome by our love for Ghana. Both the victor and vanquished should accept the results peacefully and in the spirit of reconciliation since many are making enemies in what is described as an extraordinary electoral process. We need to acknowledge and appreciate the fact that in one of God’s unforeseen paths, the unpredictable future of Ghana can point us all to a new common ground for its very closeness can serve to remind us that we are one people with a shared history and a shared destiny. Let us not give other countries the audacity to criticize Ghana like Zimbabwe, Kenya and Nigeria. The strength of Ghana’s democracy is shown most clearly through the difficulties it can overcome.

Soon the political struggle would be over and Ghanaians ought to contribute in ensuring a peaceful elections by any means possible, after which the endorsed candidate would stand a greater chance of inheriting a nation whose citizens will be ready to assist him in the conduct of his large responsibilities. And while there will be time enough on the floor of parliament to debate our ideological differences, now is the time to recognise that, that which unites us is greater than that which divides us. Politicians in general and their faithfuls must know that though we do not have to yield our opposing believes, there is a higher duty than the one we owe to the political parties.

JONES-MENSAH EBENEZER

DEPARTMENT OF CHEMISTRY, KNUST

ekjonesmensah@yahoo.com

0244871029, 0209466585.