There is hope for Ghana
It seems that there are brighter days ahead for Ghanaians inspite of what appears to unpredictable political atmosphere in the country on who wins the December 7 elections and what is likely to be the aftermath of the elections. Only recently, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, Presidential Candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) visited former President Jerry John Rawlings at his Ridge office in Accra. In our view, the statement made by both former President Rawlings and Nana Akufo-Addo, gave ample indications that there would be peace during and after the December elections.
Reportedly, the two delved into a wide range of open discussions which bordered on the upcoming elections.
Undoubtedly, the meeting sends a clear signal to supporters of the two main contesting Parties, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) that there is no need for daggers to be drawn.
The meeting should calm down the nervous and tense political atmosphere prevailing in political circles.
It should also be a sign of how accommodating the winner will treat the loser in the election.
During the meeting, former President Rawlings seized the opportunity to ask the NPP Candidate not to harass NDC supporters in the event of winning the election.
“While we expect either John Mahama or Nana Konadu to win the election, should you win this election, can the NDC supporters enjoy the same degree of security and freedom under your government as the NPP has enjoyed under the Mills- Mahama Government?, he asked.
The Catholic Standard is happy that Nana Akufo-Addo gave Mr. Rawlings his word that “no matter what happens in the change of power, the basic political, civil rights, their own personal lives are not endangered in anyway”.
“This is important because that’s where we have to get to in Ghana; the situation whereby the change of power itself doesn’t pose a threat or a danger to any particular section of our society”, he emphasized.
Reportedly, the former President and founder of the NDC, stressed the need for an inclusive government to create a sense of unity for the development of the nation.
What is happening in the political terrain by way of dialogue should gladden the hearts of all those who wish for a peaceful election especially after December 7.
Most Rev. Peter K. Sarpong, Archbishop Emeritus of Kumasi, only recently in an article to The Catholic Standard stated that it was a pleasure to see Nana Akufo-Addo in a “non-political gathering going to pay his respect to the Vice President of Ghana, Paa Kwesi Amissah-Arthur, on the dais and the two of them exchanging pleasantries”.
“That is how things should be in the political life of Ghana”, he added.
The Catholic Standard feels that the recent dialogue and interaction between Nana Akufo-Addo and former President Rawlings, will reduce the political temperature in this country for a more peaceful Ghana to continue to march on in its development agenda.
Let all supporters of the Political Parties take inspiration from this and treat one another with respect, civility and decency. This is surely the way Ghana should go. We have no alternative.