I was utterly dismayed to read the article 'Obasanjo Sabotages Mills' by Daily Post on ghanaweb.com dated Wednesday, 14 October 2009. While I am disappointed in the piece, let me take some time to congratulate the source for their pseudo-excellent investigation on the status quo and at least giving the readership of Ghanaweb the benefits of their expertise.
Africans, most especially Ghanaian, have become specialized in 'blame game' so much that we even force it into the most obvious circumstances.
Clearly, the competition for oil across the world has increased now than before due to the increasing importance of the commodity. Given this, oil producing countries will literally negotiate with the highest bidder to maximize their profit. Evidently, Ghana compared to other countries bidding for oil cannot come out as the favorite. Hence, it will only take an empathizing oil producing country (one that to serves humanity rather than monetary gains) to favor Ghana. Judging from the campaign promises of President Umaru Yar'adua against the current economic situation in Nigeria, it will be difficult considering Ghana if indeed he wants to fulfill his heap of pledges to the Nigerian citizenry. Apart, President Yar'adua has time without number, made it clear that, there is a domestic demand gap for oil in Nigeria and I am sure his first allegiance is to the people of Nigeria for whom he is accountable to.
I am not by this article holding brief for the Nigerian Government's position since I take cognisance of how far Ghana and Nigeria have come and therefore wished that the latter should have considered the former at least for the relationship that we share. However, unsubstantiated reports such as the one contained in the Daily Post should not be encouraged at all. In the beginning, I am not sure of now; President Mills made unsuccessful attempts to get Libya supply oil to Ghana. Was President Ghadaffi sabotaging President Mills by his refusal or if you like delay?
Contrary to the findings by Daily Post, President Rawlings (once a president always a president) has on several media reiterated that, it took personalities like President Obasanjo to discourage the erstwhile NPP government from rigging - which for me is equally laughable - the applauded 2008 elections. Moreover, President Yar'adua like President Mills contrary to what people anticipated, has demonstrated how independent he can be by questioning and probing certain policies and dealings that were executed by Obasanjo government and hence, such a person could not have been influenced by Obasanjo.
This is a significant paradigm shift being advocated throughout Africa, and it's about time. Instead of analysing the situation dispationately, Daily Post seeked to vilify the integrity of both Obasanjo and the Entire Nigerian governmant. It must be emphasised that, Ghana and Nigeria still have a lot to gain for each other and reckless remarks such as these only puts the already fragile relationship between the two countries into disrepute. There are real and serious problems in this country which for me are important and must be the subject of discussion. As a replacement for the chaff it produced, Daily Post should have channeled its valued man hours in suggesting to the government alternatives of meeting oil demand in the country. Thank Allah, we have discovered oil and in a matter of time, Ghana will be producing oil and all these will be over.
As for who wins in 2012, let's leave it to posterity. For now, we have President Mills and it's significant for everyone who has Ghana at heart to give up his/her best to ensure that Mills succeed his dream for Ghana; after all, it is Ghana that will benefit. Aside, a good performance by the Mills administration will give Ghana a good footing for whoever takes over from him. Again, it must be accentuated that, political power is never vested in one entity. A change will come when it wants to come. Long live Ghana, Long live Ghanaians.
BY: Abubakari Kamil (kingkmal@yahoo.com)
(The author is a masters student at the University of Science and Technology Beijing)
