The intimidation and mayhem must stop now!

Title: The intimidation and mayhem must stop now! Ghanaians need your assurance, Prof. Mills!

You'll agree with me that our dear nation is going through very difficult times in its history. It's now apparent to any critical observer that the NDC leadership is not interested in improving the lot of the ordinary people as per their campaign promises. Their incompetence is so glaring to all. They are busy grabbing cars and building mansions for themselves! And the last straw that is breaking the back of Ghanaians (not the carmel's back) is the crazy actions of the rampaging NDC youth. In their editorials of 31 March 2010, both the Chronicle and the Daily Guide expressed grave concern about the uncontrolled madness of the irate youth of the NDC and called for serious government intervention.

I totally share the sentiments of the two newspapers, and I believe any well-meaning Ghanaian should be worried about these unfortunate trends. These senseless actions by the NDC unruly youth who call themselves 'foot-soldiers' or 'cadres' are worrying and very dangerous to our nascent democracy, to say the least. Swift action is required by the government to bring the situation under control before it generates into a free for all phenomenon. It appears violence is being sanctioned and institutionalised as the government is not showing any serious commitment to punish those responsible.

But who is surprised about these acts of indiscipline and lawlessness exhibited by youth of NDC? Violence begats violence! And the crab doesn't give birth to a bird! When you plant mango seed you expect to reap mango fruits!

Have you forgotten the acts of lawlessness and mayhem that the AFRC under JJ Rawlings plunged our nation into from June 4 to end of September 1979 during his so-called 'house cleaning exercise'?

Have you forgotten the acts of indiscipline and intimidation that the so-called cadres of the revolution- 'Peoples' Defense Committees' (PDCs) during the PNDC era from 1981, under this same Rawlings, meted out to Ghanaians? Those so-called PDC members could have the temerity to violently chase their bosses from their offices and occupy their 'positions', under the pretext that they could perform the functions of their bosses, while Rawlings and his top men watched with delight. They called that 'Power to the People.'

In 1983 when University students led by Dr Kobina Arthur Kennedy -then NUGS President- protested/demonstrated against the government, Rawlings unilaterally closed down the then three state Universities for close to one year. Arthur Kennedy and some other NUGS leaders had to flee the country because they were being hunted by the government. I tell you those were the dark days of our history, and if we're not careful the NDC, by their actions and/or inactions, will take us there again!

It's this same AFRC that metamorphosed into PNDC then to NDC, so what has changed? In 2008, did they not promise fire and brimstone (Ghana will burn) if they lost the elections? I believe those pronouncements put some fear in our people. The violent nature of the P/NDC is inborn and is still following Atta Mills' NDC like an albatross. They claim they've shed off their former self, and that it's a new NDC. I beg to disagree. It's not facile for the zebra to change/shed its stripes. The seeds of violence, intimidation, indiscipline, lawlessness planted by Rawlings during the discredited AFRC and PNDC regimes as well as the lies and empty promises they told Ghanaians during the 2008 campaign period are now bearing fruits and are being harvested by the NDC youth. This is the reason why up till now leading members of the present administration, except Elvis Afriyie Ankrah-a Deputy-Minister (even with him some people are calling for his blood for daring to condemn the senseless actions of the NDC youth) are quiet on the matter! People's Power is working!

Like the Editorial of Daily Guide rightly stated, I won't be surprised if the good people of Ghana wake up one morning to hear that the NDC youth have marched to Castle to demand the resignation of the President (asomdwee hene) they voted for. The chickens have indeed come home to roast.

Our hopes are being shattered as a nation. The political and economic atmosphere in our dear country is not pleasant.The political and economic gains chalked under Kufuor's administration are being eroded with reckless abandon. Our people are now wallowing in a quagmire of despondency and institutionalised frustration in the midst of plenty! But I believe all hope is not lost.

This is the more reason why the NPP should close their ranks, eschew political bickering and mud-slinging, avoid in-fighting, bury their differences and work towards victory in 2012. NPP is the only hope for our suffering people. Our people are crying for deliverance from the largest Party in opposition. We've realized that 'ya to aba fo paaa', obiara resu.' Amamuo no nko yie!!

My heart breaks and my head aches whenever I hear leading people in NPP openly washing their 'dirty linen' in public. Some people calling themselves Alan's supporters shockingly use FM stations to vilify Nana Addo, while some from Nana's 'camp' also hit back. What are they doing to ourselves? They are not helping in unity-building. They are only strengthening the ruling NDC! Let no one forget that the NPP is still in opposition and they have a very stubborn and callous political enemy (NDC) to contend with in 2012. Let not any one be deceived into thinking that it's going to be easy wrestling power from them. So the earlier the NPP stop throwing mud at each other and start serious business, the better it will be for us all!

I sincerely believe that with unity, good leadership and excellent organization, the NPP can take back power come 2012. If they allow the NDC to cling to power in 2012, our people shall never forgive them and posterity will judge them harshly. As I write this piece, three leading members of NPP have been charged with causing financial loss to the state. This young man, Darkwa, has been charged for accusing Rawlings of setting his house on fire (selective justice, isn't it?), and a whole lot of intimidations and harassments. Unity is the key. The maxim of my former hall- Casford- says 'Unity we stand, divided we fall'. Never underestimate your political opponents. A word to the wise...

May God bless our dear Country.

May God be with the Great Elephant Party

May God be with us all. (Posted: 01/04/10)

Email: nkrumahk@mopipi.ub.bw /

nkrumahboatengk@yahoo.co.uk