Focus on grassroots dev’t – Sekou tells Ivor

Dr Sekou Nkrumah has challenged the newly-elected flagbearer of the Convention People’s Party (CPP) to concentrate on building the party from the grassroots rather than pursuing personal interests.

“Going forward I wish you and the party well. But please allow me a word of advice, focus on the party and building the party, and not yourself or any personal ambitions you might have. What I mean is that if, as a leader, you build this party up (almost from scratch), you will leave a great legacy,” Dr Nkrumah stated in a message to the leader of the CPP on his Facebook wall.

Mr Ivor Greenstreet was elected flagbearer of the Nkrumahist party on Saturday, January 30, after polling 1,288 votes, representing 64.2%, ahead of the total of 579, representing about 28.9% of his arch-contender Samia Nkrumah.

Dr Nkrumah, brother to Samia, earlier cautioned his sister against her “self-seeking politics” urging her to rather show humility and work with the newly-elected flagbearer to champion the cause of building the party to restore its glory.

Even though Dr Nkrumah stated that Mr Greenstreet’s victory came to him as a surprise, he congratulated him and added that “maybe, now I can be a bit confident in saying ‘Forward ever, backward never’”.

The last son of the founder of the CPP also advised Mr Greenstreet to have an all-inclusive administration where there will be active participation from every member of the party and put an end to the exodus of some key members from the Nkrumahist party.

“As a leader, the ball is now in your court. Show humility in bringing all party members on board your campaign vehicle. Don't antagonise anyone, work with all, big and small. If you believe CPP can do it alone, then go for it, but show strength of character and conviction,” he added.

Dr Sekou entreated Mr Greenstreet to be extra cautious in forming a coalition with other political parties ahead of the 2016 presidential and parliamentary elections.

“If you believe in an alliance with other parties then make sure your choice is well thought of,” he cautioned.