Many including our former president, John Agyekum Kuffour have said corruption is as old as Adam which suggests it is a complex task to tackle. “Corruption” is a word whose definition has been given varied interpretations. To some, it is relative to culture, i.e where you are coming from and how you describe it. However, without referring to any definition from any reference, from daily experience, it is  a form of dishonest desire  by a person or group for an activity that serves their selfish  personal interest other than the general good.

Just as Imani Ghana, a Public Think Tank estimates that over three Billion dollars of tax payers monies are lost annually through corruption, It is ten months already, and I ask how much more of our  taxpayers monies gone to corruption?

The president, Nana Akufo-Addo during his inaugural address, inter alia, said he would protect the public purse. He admonished Ghanaians to be citizens and not spectators for national development. As part of his grand strategy, he is establishing the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) to fight high crimes to complement other existing structures.

On another platform, he has said he would not “steal” our monies and that he should be trusted. But  the question is , will the team he has  put in place  in the executive – right from the  presidency,  ministers,  leaders in charge of  state organizations, administrative heads and the civil servants; the legislature, the Judiciary and the  media fraternity and  as well as general Ghanaian populace sing from the same hymn book?

Just open a discussion about bribery and corruption and one is certain of pointing accusing fingers at the politician next door. But in a reverse discussion thrown back, one is certain to say when given the opportunity he will also “chop” as we say in Ghana, Suggesting that the entity called Ghana is not for anyone.

On daily basis Ghanaians employed in the public and private space to provide varied forms of services use their position dishonestly. One is certain to demand money or a brown envelope for a service provided and that is normal. In fact, the recipient of the service is equally willing to part with some money! The intention behind that is a “betrothal” for a tomorrow opportunity! Here you are considered as being smart. If you dare otherwise and question the status quo, you are certain to be branded “too known”.

According to the Ghana 2010 Population census report, 71% of the Ghanaian population profess to be Christians. Therefore, every seven out of ten (7: 10) people profess to be Christians. By a logical conclusion of these statistics who are corrupt?

I reiterate what the Koforidua Area Head of the church of Pentecost, Apostle Eric Nyamekye said that corruption is an evil desire and Christians must shun, particularly those in key positions in government

I expect the Lecture will conduct a stimulating postmortem of the Christian flock as per the theme and proffer a direction that provides a practical demonstration to the teachings of Christ who is our example. The Bible teachings prescribe attitudes modeled on the life of Jesus Christ, one that answers the question as Charles Sheldon wrote “what will Jesus do”. Which is to say, the value proposition of integrity should permeate our interaction with the community, environment, workplace and all humanity for national development and as a service to God? This should be the anchor moral value upon which our national development rides on.

It is time for the church to be active agents of change by partnering with government and other stakeholders such as Islamic community, traditional leaders who are the custodians of culture in the fight against corruption, and other social vices. The indecent acculturation seen on the theatrical stage and media space by some print media houses exposing pornographic images to our unsuspecting children must stop. At 60, we need the right moral values to guide our national developmental path.

It seems to me that the Christian leadership has not taken advantage of the “chance“ to bring in orderliness within its fold. Come to think about it, there are Christian church associations like Ghana Pentecostal and charismatic council, the Christian Council of Ghana amongst others but not all churches are under their fold to regulate their activities. It is a fact that that there is no law that hold them bound to any association.  So do we throw out our hands in the air for the insanity to prevail on the airwaves and national psyche? Thankfully, the ministry of Culture and Religious Affairs has been established. This offers the church leadership an opportunity to collaborate with the ministry in working out a policy that streamlines their activities.

Another worry trend into the bargain, which perhaps, have not interrogated is the seemingly commercialization of the church by some. It is a fact that there is a huge unemployment amongst the youth and the middle age class. It not farfetched to come to a conclusion judging from what happens on our radio and television space with all manner of pastors rushing for space to advertise their churches and seek members. it is worth quoting  a former president  Mr. Olusegun Obasanjo that “there is no doubt that all our institutions have been tarnished by the brush of corruption” . He made this statetement when giving a speech at a church program. I dare say that, as the Christian flock is the microcosm of the church, we need to be frank and see some truth in that statement.

As we do prognosis of the endemic corruption and seek a holistic solution to the canker, we should also be looking at the whistleblower policy and reward system how effective it has been thou far in the fight against bribery and corruption. There have been one too many complaints of people who have reported corrupt and fraudulent activities and have been often left to the mercy of the system. In such circumstance, one falls into dilemma over whether to report a corrupt issue or not. That certainly is detrimental to the fight against  corruption.

I bring readers again to the question   “what will Jesus do?” if you are faced with a dishonest situation.

–

By: Ebenezer Annang/[email protected]

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The NPP  challenged the results of the 2012 elections at the Supreme Court alleging the results were rigged to favour John Dramani Mahama.

The Supreme Court however declared President Mahama as the winner of the 2012 elections.

But speaking at the end of the first phase of his campaign tour in Tema, Nana Addo said the NPP has learnt its lessons from the Supreme Court’s ruling and will not take chances in 2016.

“The judges told us that whatever happens at the polling stations, whether it is good or bad, whether it is in accordance with the law or not, once it has been recorded at the polling stations, they the judges can do nothing about it”

“We have learnt our lessons and we are going to take our fight to the polling stations and that is where we are going to win the struggle of 2016,” the two- time presidential candidate of the NPP emphasized.

Regarding criticisms of his age and fitness by the media and other opponents, Nana Addo said he is fit and can govern the nation when elected.

“There are people going around saying that I’m an old man and I’m not well so I can’t do the job. I don’t know whether they are my doctors and they have an idea of what is happening to me. I don’t know, but I am very fit and I’m strong and I can do the work,” Nana Addo said.

The Greater Accra regional Chairman of the NPP, Ishmael Ashittey on behalf of his executives in the region, also declared their support for Nana Addo’s candidature.

“I want a situation where we go to these elections on Sunday and declare a 100 percent support for Nana Addo Dankwa Akuffo Addo,” he said.

By: Marian Efe Ansah/citifmonline.com/Ghana
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Speaking at the launch of his campaign for the presidential race in Accra, Nana Addo described himself as the most suitable person to rescue the nation from Mahama’s poor governance.

“People have lost confidence in Mahama and the NDC ‘s ability to govern . This is clearly evident in unprecedented nationwide demonstration that hit this country recently.

“The Trades Union Congress, railway workers, Industrial and Commercial Workers union, health workers, residents in some communities in Accra and other parts of the country protesting against the harsh conditions of life including the poor conditions of roads in their area,” he said.

According to him, Ghana’s challenges “can be cured by a competent and dynamic team with a program for determined implementation under the decisive leadership of a person with a clear vision of Ghana”

Nana Addo revealed that he had “questioned and examined himself intensely to be sure that the competitive fire still burns” in him to “contest on the ticket of the party.”

“I am fit and ready and my appetite is keen and ever  to go into battle for the cause of the NPP.”

Nana  Addo further stated that he was “emotionally, intellectually, physically and spiritually strong enough to lead this party and our dear nation Ghana.”

He believes the NPP has over the years “demonstrated in practical terms, its belief that government has a responsibility to provide all its citizens with skills and opportunities to create their own wealth.”

By: Marian Efe Ansah/citifmonline.com/Ghana
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GAKE is alleged to have attacked Nana Akufo Addo after he issued a statement to justify Former President John Agyekum Kuffour’s unflinching support for him throughout the years.

But speaking on Eyewitness News, Mr. Asante expressed displeasure about the group’s comments and further described them as unpleasant.

“My only worry is the fact that, isn’t it below the belt for anybody in the interest of democracy or anybody in his right senses to wish the death of a man like Nana Akufo -Addo” Mr. Asante said.

He also expressed disappointment in Mr. Kyeremanten’s inability to call the group to order.

“The group working for Alan Kyeremanten and being sponsored by Alan Kyeremanten perpetually made disparaging remarks about Nana Addo and we are so disappointed that Alan has not come out to either  dissociate himself from the group’s statements or condemn the very existence of this group purported to be working for him.”

In that regard, Mr. Asante tasked Mr. Kyeremanten to either call the group to order or dissociate himself from the disparaging comments made by the group.

Meanwhile a friend to Mr. Kyeremnaten is also insisting that Alan has dissociated himself from the comments by the group saying “Alan is not for campaign of vilification against anyone.”

According to him, the issues raised by the group has been vehemently opposed and criticized.

He also dismissed claims that Alan Kyeremanten was funding or supporting  the activities of the group.

By: Marian Efe Ansah/citifmonline.com/Ghana
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Touting himself as the best candidate to win power for the NPP in the next elections, Mr. Kyeremanteng told the NPP’s New York Chapter on Friday that “the thought of losing” the next Presidential election was “frightening” and “difficult to contemplate.

The former Ghana Ambsassador to the United States of America under John Kufuor’s reign as President is in the American city on what he called “a short visit”. Over the weekend, he used his visit to the US to canvass for votes among party loyalists and potential delegates in New York ahead of the NPP’s presidential primary.

Mr. Kyeremanteng lost his first NPP flagbearership race to Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo in 2007. In 2010, Mr. Kyeremanteng again lost the NPP Presidential Primary to Nana Akufo Addo. Ahead of the 2016 elections the two men, including at least five other party heavyweights, have announced plans to run for the party’s Presidential ticket.

Addressing party loyalists over the weekend, Mr. Kyremanteng said party delegates must give him victory in the next Presidential Primary elections or risk losing the 2016 elections.

“I believe that our main focus as true genuine NPP members should be one thing –– how do we get back into power in 2016,” Mr. Kyeremanteng, who turns 59 in Octorber this year, declared. “For me this must be our overriding objective.”

He went on, “Whatever it takes for us to get into power in 2016; that is what we ought to do. And I am saying at all costs because the thought of not being in power in 2016 is so frightening that it is difficult to contemplate”.

But, he said, getting back into power will “require two things”. First, “we need to fix our” party, he said. Secondly, “we need to choose a leader that will restore us to power”.

According to the former Minister of Trade and Industry under President John Kufuor’s rule, “The first is a necessary condition but is not a sufficient condition. But if we have to fix our party …we have to make sure we mobilize the grassroots to be at the center of our campaign… If you don’t have an effective grassroots machine it is very difficult to win power”.

“Secondly, we need to work as a united family,” he said. “I believe what you hear or see in print may not be as frightening as what is on the ground. I am sure most of you may not know this but I have a very good relationship with Nana Akufo Addo… [And] we still maintain that relationship and I believe we will continue to do that”.

In calling for unity among the grassroots of the NPP in Ghana and around the world, Mr. Kyeremanteng said, “It is our challenge for all those who will be competing for leadership to make sure that we translate this brotherliness to our supporters on the ground. I think that is where the problem [is].”

“If we fix the party, I still believe that we need to be able to elect a candidate who the people of Ghana will vote because it is all about power; any other consideration must be secondary,” he stated.

After years in opposition, the NPP – led by John Kufour – formed a government in 2001 after winning Ghana’s national elections. In 2004, Ghanaians re-elected the NPP for another four-year term. In 2009, however, the NPP – led by Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo – lost power to Professor John Atta Mills of the National Democratic Congress, Ghana’s largest opposition at the time. Again, in 2012, Akufo Addo led the NPP to another election defeat.

According to Mr. Kyeremanteng, the NPP cannot afford to lose the next national elections and that the time has come for the party to give Ghanaian voters a new Presidential Candidate instead of repeating Nana Addo as its flagbearer.

“I want to be very upfront…I think that we have our own senior brother, Nana Akufo Addo. He’s represented the party very well on two previous occasions. Unfortunately, for whatever reason, it’s not been possible for us to get into power. I think that we must explore other opportunities and that is why I will be putting myself up as a candidate when the nominations open and I am here to seek your support,” he said.

Mr. Kyeremanteng said the NPP lost the last two elections largely because of two main factors – apathetic party grassroots and swing voters who did not vote NPP.

“The challenge that we have is not convincing our core voters in the party,” he explained. “… Almost invariably you can imagine that if everything goes well you can expect that our core voters will vote for us. The difference lays in how we convince the swing voters …”

“Let us try to understand the psychology of these swing voters…” he explained. “They are swing voters because there are not aligned necessarily to any party. When you want to deal with a floating voter you’ve got to understand his psychology and almost invariably it is a question of this is the man I want… The advantage that I have is that I have an appeal, somehow, to these floating voters.”

“We have a margin of between 300[000] and 500,000 people who always decide the final vote and so I ask for your support because if indeed we can all work together to put me as the next flagbearer, I can assure you that 2016 we’ll be back in power,” he said to a rousing applause from his audience.

In April this year, NPP delegates elected a new national leadership to run the party for the next four years. However, the party is yet to announce the date for its national congress to elect a Presidential nominee for the 2016 national elections.

By: Richard Dela Sky/ citifmonline.com/Ghana

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