The rise of John Kumah and the hope of Ejisu constituency

Although the NPP as a political party is very strong at the Ejisu constituency, the personal ratings of the member of parliament(MP) are beyond repair. Forget all the razzmatazz over his position as deputy minister for Roads and Highways.

The NPP at Ejisu has only one option for parliamentary candidate for 2020 general elections. And John Kumah now seems more likely than Kwabena Owusu-Aduom.

In stating this probable view, I am not imagining some outlandish scenario, such as John Kumah flouncing off and winning without a contest. All I am saying is that John Kumah is much more likely than Kwabena Owusu-Aduom to enhance the fortunes of the New Patriotic Party(NPP) in Ejisu in the forthcoming general elections.

There are several reasons why John Kumah is poised to become the next member of parliament for the Ejisu constituency. These includes decades of experience in youth activism and political participation. His name recognition, his charisma, stature, credibility, personality and speaking ability - His political astuteness and the fact that he has a strong youth appeal. When we break down each reason, it will be easy to see that John Kumah is indeed the best bet for Ejisu NPP.

John Kumah will be a transformative leader. – In his several years in frontline politics and as Chief Executive officer of the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP), John Kumah has proven his ability to move beyond politics as usual by reaching across the aisle to work with the ordinary person across the length and breadth of Ghana. He has demonstrated by his actions that he has both the wisdom and the tenacity to follow through on progressive projects, including successful bipartisan collaborations. Actions speak louder than words. And over the last three years, John Kumah has bravely transformed the dormant office of the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP), and showed the country (and the world) that the youth have a higher calling than merely remaining in the shadows of the usual African deference to gerontology.

Gotta admire John Kumah for all his hard work and sterling show as Chief Executive Officer of the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP).

This is a flagship policy initiative which can make or unmake Akufo-Addo's government, and John Kumah has been more than effective and proven performer at his job. He appears to possess the tools to confront the myriad and daunting problems, and it has come as no surprise his sterlimg performance at the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP).

I trust John Kumah's judgment and experience. – From his ideas on economic policy to his ideas on education and health care reform, from foreign relations and national politics to civil rights, I believe John Kumah has both well-thought out policies and the necessary experience in moving his progressive ideas from thought to action through concrete legislation.

John Kumah is more seasoned in maneuvering our very complex political systems to bring about needed changes at Ejisu. He certainly has the wherewithal, the stature, the credibility the personality and the sincerity to lead. It must also be admitted that he is well liked. He has the reputation for being generous and charming and most Ghanaians – alas-seem to have soft spot for him.

The NPP in Ejisu needs a member of parliament with exceptional capabilities and policy brain. I am not talking about any high-profile flip-flopper as the current occupant of the seat. I am talking about someone who must necessarily be able to lead and elevates the conversation and also engage in the contest of ideas in the open marketplace. Someone who not only has a steady hand and is a consensus builder, but who also is a strong leader and who has faith in the greatness of what the Ejisu constituency has to offer even in the most trying times.

The NPP as the ruling party must offer something unusual in Ejisu - call it charm, charisma, a positive vision for the future, a voice for empowerment and a role model for the youth.

The Ejisu NPP must necessarily settled on someone with the ability to transcend generational, and partisan divisions, someone with thoughtful approach to weighty issues and message of hope - Someone with a reputation, experience, earthy charm, improvisation and style - Someone who brings political savvy and fighting qualities to increase the fortunes of the party and president Akufo-Addo.

My interaction with the Ejisu constituents shows that John Kumah has been offering concrete programs and ideas. Most of the current MP's efforts lately have focused on offering reasons why John Kumah is not a good choice. In other words, John Kumah has been forward looking while Kwabena Owusu-Aduomi has gone negative. Yes, John Kumah is untested in terms of parliamentary politics. But given the choice between John Kumah or Kwabena Owusu-Aduomi, the question is who would be best for Ejisu. Most of the Ejisu constituents felt the best choice is John Kumah. In other elections, voters have complained of having to make a choice between two bad candidates. That is not the case this time. The constituency is fortunate to have a good candidate and a clear choice.

Ejisu must rise and even so, we cannot wager the destiny of the constituency on the appeals of scripted speeches, and impractical promises, which will be shelved just after an election is done, and the winner takes office.

John Kumah represents the best chance for Ejisu to make a clean break with the failed policies of the past, and begin to restore the hope and promise of Ejisu

John Kumah has the intellect needed to comprehend the complexities of the times and the ability to articulate his positions clearly and eloquently. He can inspire, and I believe he will be able to bring out the best in the Ejisu people at a time when our best will be needed.

Every two or three election cycle or so, a leader comes along who understands that change is necessary if the constituency is to survive and thrive. Akwasi Osei-Adjei offered Ejisu that change between 1996 to 2008.

But the Kwabena Owusu-Aduomi era has bumbled from non performance to non performance for nearly twelve years. The constituency needs resuscitating change like a new baby needs that first breath of air. Ejisu constituency is right to seek a little inspiration, a lifting of the spirits and a sense of renewal. John Kumah is the perfect antithesis of those things.

If the Ejisu constituentcy want a future where our leaders respond to challenges with judgment and principle, rather than panic and rashness, they will elect John Kumah. I recommend they do so.

John Kumah is a decent, honest and well-intentioned man. He has the temperament, judgment, ideas and vision to take Ejisu to the promised land. John Kumah represents the best chance for Ejisu to make a clean break with the failed policies of the past, and begin to restore the hope and promise of the people.

Ghanaians know the NPP can do better and they want that choice. Ghana’s best days are yet to come and the NPP in Ejisu must put its best foot forward for 2020.

I shall return.

Kwabena Badu (The writer is a Senior Journalist, Columnist, and Constituent of Ejisu)