Opinions of Thursday, 8 January 2015
Columnist: Eunice Asantewaa Ankomah
I would want clarification on whether or not I qualify to be a politician in Ghana.
To start with, I was born and bred in Ghana and outside the Country. I had my primary secondary education and tertiary education in Ghana. By some “divine intervention”, I had a scholarship to do my Masters outside Ghana. I must say, I am a brilliant individual with so many ideas for the development of this Country.
Talk of experience in politics, I have a hand full: I was the SRC president back at the University; I became the NUGS Organizer and served on many committees, including the communications team of the student wing of my political party. I need no introduction when it comes to Public Relations or Propaganda and Communications.
I am a very good orator, put me on radio and the next minute, I would be appointed a presidential “spokesperson”. Oh! I remember my days as an SRC president, we did a lot of things, I led about 10 demonstrations, organised pool parties and produced souvenirs at a “much-subsided price” for students. I put in place measures that made the life of the SRC executives very comfortable. I am sure you are wondering what I did with NUGS? Oh! I did a lot with NUGS as well; even though my political party was in opposition, I did everything within my power to “straighten the path” of the ruling party. It was not an easy task but I did my best to ensure that their policies on education benefited every “University student”. My party was so proud of me when I handed over power, they said I made them proud; and truly, I did!
I left Ghana because I had a scholarship for further studies outside Ghana. Knowing my potentials, taking further studies in International Relations was a plus for me. I saw myself becoming an “astute” politician in Ghana. I didn’t really enjoy politics in that part of the world; everything I did and said didn’t make sense to them—. They said I didn’t look like someone who had the interest of the people at heart.
They claim they look out for people with not just ideas but those who can “call the shot”. I didn’t really pay attention to them because I knew the stuff I am made of. After two unsuccessful attempts at becoming the President of “even” the African Students Union, I gave up on them. It was actually their loss and not mine!
Home sweet Home! I am back to Ghana and from the look of things; I stand the chance of becoming a politician. With the “training” I have received from overseas, coupled with my credentials in politics, I have no doubt I can be a better politician. Last night, I heard one of the guys I worked with at the NUGS level on radio, speaking as a government appointee, hm! It felt great. The language of politics in the country is still the same.
The political terrain in Ghana has not changed much, the people, I use to work with back in the University are now in power. Wonderful, isn’t it? I could see from the last interview I listened too, that there has been much improvement among the communication team of political parties.
I have no doubt I can do better than them. I can actually address political issues with better facts than “Malik Kweku Baako”, I don’t tolerate “nonsense” at all, especially when it comes to defending my political party. I am that Good!
I am aware politics in this country can be some way, so even if I contest for a position and you, decides not to vote for me, others will. I belong to a family, an ethnic group, I have school mates or better still classmates, my church members are even there. I have a very sharp mouth because I speak the “truth” without mincing words.
And, less I forget, I also have the looks. People always marvel when they see me. Perhaps they think God created me when the sun was so high in the sky. I hear the most beautiful and handsome people in the world were created in the noon. I don’t really have a problem, after all there are people with not a quarter of my credentials but are in politics.
I understand politics in Ghana and I know how to save very well. The house my mother lives in now, was built with the money I made from NUGS. The ones I made from SRC were used as seed capital for my business; with this savings history, you can be assured the wealth of Ghana is “safe” with me.
2016, is an electioneering year, and I think vying for the Member of Parliament in my constituency wouldn’t be a bad idea. I have the full support of my political party, because I am a “die hard” party faithful. I made donations to the party in support of Congress the last time and I know once I win my seat, the rest would be history. The descending people of this country can tell what I a good politician I would be.
I have given you in brief, all you need to know about me. I don’t know who you want to vote for, or the factors you take into consideration before casting your vote. But, do you think I qualify to be a leader in this Country? Ask yourself this question the next time you see my face on your screen or even hear my contributions on political and economy discourse on your radio.
By:
Eunice Asantewaa Ankomah
[email protected]