President Atta Mills stands tall

Dr James W. Doe

The hallmark of a thriving democracy and good governance is when the President stands tall, in all matters of the State. By giving direction, playing a leaders role and allowing the citizenry feel his pulse at all times.

In the light of the above, I wish to encourage President Atta Mills to pursue his dream for his dear nation to its justifiable conclusion amidst all the blessing that awaits our people.

A recap of the events by the NPP during the second round of elections, were mostly reactionary towards the probable new government in the making.

Many have hoped that after the swearing-in of President Mills, the concessions granted in the form of olive branch offered the losing team.

There has also been a call for unity in the whole country during his

Acceptance speech and that should have been it.

Incidentally, the minority seems to see all these as piecemeal and their actions up-to-date does not reflect commitment towards nation building, but a preponderance of distraction of government business.

The fact of the matter is the minority New Patriotic Party (NPP) continue to be elitist in character and posturing.

But pretend to be wielding the popularity card as and when it comes as a face saving gesture.

It is not bad to look elite, but when elitism becomes a discipline that clouds good judgement, as just a few impose on ordinary persons irresponsibly, it becomes acceptable.

This includes the issues of criminal behaviour in slums of
Also was the recent rioting and hooliganism on motorists at the Kotoka International Airport. At the same time of welcoming Nana Akufo Addo from London.

Although, a top executive was alluding to some information that the mass of people who gathered was spontaneous, very few people believe it was.

Besides, their arrival at the airport could not have been well over four hours before the touch down of the flight from Europe. Could they be working people?

I personally, recalled an announcement made on an Accra FM radio station asking NPP supporters to go to the airport, at the time they did.

Looking at the knee jerk decisions of the NPP to seemingly undermine the authority of State and that President Mills' government is notable.

Many weeks before this and judging from the non-cooperation at the transition table afterwards, as Mr. Mpiani massaged the media into believing, he has everything ready to submit at anytime to the transition team.

The fact of the matter was, he was actually delaying the process and keeping too many cards on his chest.

He seemed to be desperate, to look important as if he wanted to remain employed by his own right for the next four years. Through what, A commission of enquiry? Never!

Complaints from the public as many read into the delay, as orchestrated to enable the lot former ministers register state cars in their names without due process.

Subsequently, the nation wakes-up the following day only to hear that his men have boycotted the transitional committee, alleging that the committee has become and inquest.

So that things that could have been done at a roundtable talks resulted in the unveiling of the worries of Ghanaians about Presidential ex-gratia.

Then the minority turns round to blame the transition committee about car retrievals and such views as car "snatching," as the NPP chose to call it in parliament.

Furthermore, most Ghanaians could not believe, as they learnt of the secretive and the shameful acquisition of state landed property by the former president Kufuor's office and some three BMW's.

One would wonder and ask, how "dumb" could any new executive be? To not ask questions about issues of a handing-over note pertaining to his new position is gross.

But to just accept every "bitter pill" being forced down his throat without a gulp of water, but remain silent. Is as if, he would not be accountable himself when he departs.

It seemed all plots by the NPP to make the two months old government of Presidency of Atta Mills unpopular were not enough.

No one on the other hand could have ignored their evil intentions on creating discontent in our body politic.

There was a compelling evidence of a further boycotts planned, including that at parliament and one at the vetting of president's appointee for cabinet position.

The combined effects of these activities could only be read into, as attempts at making the country ungovernable, for which the NPP is noted for.

This culminated into most of the occurrences, including lies during the vetting against these people from Betty to Zita, by a particular individual(s).

As it aimed at bullying and totally vilifying opponents to score political points, rather than dwelling on matters of relevance to duty.

Ostensibly, for an MP to categorically state, under one's breath, that he could not pronounce a Ghanaian name like "Kwetey" was unacceptable.

It epitomises the arrogance and the mindset of many a political stalwarts of the NPP. It only portrays how the NPP is digging a bigger hole.

And for this person to explaining further, that he does not know him anywhere, but for Mr. Fiifi Kwetey's presence during the four-hour bric-a-brac grilling.

Yes, but it is as if such an explanation justifies his inability to address the gentleman properly, seen by many as a mere slighting of an Anlo royal of this land and finance expert.

In conclusion, I wish to say that it could not take even a so-called "gentle-giant" of Ghana to stand tall. But biblically, David stood tallest against Goliath.

In the same way, the President Professor Emeritus John Fiifi Evans Atta Mills, also a Fulbright scholar stands tall.

The good Professor is therefore, very much on track to solving the inherited problems and other numerous tasks of this dear country. He therefore, deserves the space to deliver.

Source: Doe, James W.