As a matter of urgency: NPP leaders must call their supporters/members to order

• Posted on December 13, 2016
• by Nana Kwesi Coomson
• Comment

If there is any chance Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has to prove himself, it is now, now that he is elected to lead Ghana. His image has been tainted with very displeasing propaganda tags which has made his journey to the presidency an exhausting one. This is the time he needs all his supporters to support him in proving to Ghanaians and the world that, he is a man of peace and a principled leader and father like his daughters boast.

Immediately the indefatigable electoral commissioner Charlotte Osei  announced that Nana Addo has won the elections, there have been scads of reports of violence on the the National Democratic Congress (NDC) members. Some are reported to be false where as some are evident on social media.

In an interview with BBC’s Akwasi Sarpong, Nana Addo mentioned that, he would want to take out the politics in administering the country. A statement which has received applauds on social and traditional media. Unfortunately, the supporters of the NPP are heavily bringing in politics, clearly demonstrating “Oheneba ne nia ne papa te ase” (the child of the King is the one whose father is still on the throne).

NPP supporters who are involved in this ‘taking-over’ campaign; seizing toilets and tollbooths are arguing that the NDC did same to them when they took power in 2008 so it is time to also reciprocate that action, ‘e no dey hia!’ (it is not necessary). 

For clarity, Nana Addo’s name is prefixed with ‘President-elect,’ he is not yet the President of the Republic until 7^th January, 2017 when he is fully given the mandate to govern Ghana. President Mahama is still the commander-in-chief of Ghana’s armed forces. His orders to the armed forces would be executed without delay should he exercise his last-minute powers. NDC executives and leaders (like Ministers of Defence and Interior) could as well instruct some security personnel to ‘discipline’ the NPP members squarely which would not be unconstitutional since the security of the nation is threatened.

For peace to prevail in Ghana and for smooth transition, NPP leaders as a matter of urgency should use all avenues available (traditional and social media) to call their members to order. It is long overdue!

If there is anything which has chorused amongst electorates as the reason for voting out the NDC, it is the incessant remarks of the babies with sharp teeth and the inactions and arrogance of some of the NDC members and supporters.

I wonder if politicians ever learn. A word to the wise …….

Author: Nana Kwesi Coomson (www.233times.net) @nkcoomson on Twitter