A REJOINDER TO BAGBIN'S ARTICLE PART I

A REJOINDER TO BAGBIN'S ARTICLE PART I

       What is Bagbin trying to propose? If the President and the ruling government are doing a magnificent work for the nation, the four years are enough. The citizenry would vote them to office again if their service to the nation is impeccable and noble. The nation is guided by the constitution that was drafted and spearheaded by the NDC government. If the President cannot accomplish most of his goals within four years, who tells you that he can fulfill anything meaningful even if he is given 20 years? Extension of the term of office would result in corruption to the maximum degree. It would also breed excessive power and dictatorship. One thing that I have observed about politicians in Ghana especially, those from the ruling party is this. They become indifferent, oblivious, and blind to the needs of the electorate who cast their votes for them. Many of them refuse to visit their constituencies to listen to and address their needs. Others erect artificial barriers and numerous bureaucracies so that their constituents cannot get to them to air their grievances and concerns. They resort to arrogance, a sense of superiority, greed, and avarice. They forget that four years are unlike eternity and very soon another election cycle would dawn.

          That is exactly what has happened to the NDC government. Now they are pleading with the electorate to give them more time to complete their unfinished business. What have they achieved within the four years in terms of infrastructure and good governance for the nation to deserve an extension of time? Our university graduates cannot even find jobs to pay for their massive loans and the sacrifices of their parents and sponsors. Now the time of reckoning and accountability is here. If the nation is satisfied with the performance of the NDC government then, Bagbin should save his breath and his pen. However, I believe he is perturbed and disturbed because their performance did not meet the passing grade of the Ghanaian electorate so he is anxious.

           We know what Mugabe has done to Zimbabwe and we don't want such power drunkenness to destroy our fledgling democracy in Ghana. Therefore, the four year term of office is enough for every presidency in Ghana. Let us learn from the veteran Nelson Mandela of South Africa. If there were an African leader who should rule for life, it should have been Mandela but when his term of office was over, he left the Presidency peacefully and amicably. He has set a splendid example that all African leaders should emulate.

            Therefore, I encourage every citizen of Ghana who is qualified to vote according to conscience, value, and the performance of the ruling government. For the sake of the nation and the welfare of the younger generation, nobody should sell his/her vote. Long live Ghana and may God continue to be gracious to us as a nation.

Thank you, Kennedy A. Adarkwa, PhD.