Insults & false accusation of our leaders is not the way to go.

This is a piece by Mr. Kojo Yankah, the Founder of AUCC and I have added a small commentary that I wish to share with us all. More to myself that to you.

He writes: “in 1966 when our elected First President was violently removed from office, hundreds of Ghanaians jumped to the streets to pull his statue down, burn his books and effigies.

In 1972, when the elected Government of Dr Kofi Busia (with Mr Akuffo-Addo as President) was overthrown by the military, hundreds of Ghanaians cheered. In December 1981, the elected government of President Hilla Limann was overthrown by a military (revolutionary) regime. Again, thousands of youth poured out into the streets to welcome Flt-Lt. Rawlings. And in 1993, the Fourth Republic began, and we have had Presidents Rawlings, Kuffour, Atta Mills, and President Mahama. And now, it is the turn of President-elect Nana Akuffo-Addo.

What l find in common is that we have had Ghanaians accusing the previous regime of corruption and all kinds of malpractices. The concern l have is with those who think previous Presidents, (who were duly elected) must be INSULTED publicly, on radio, television, social media). Having been a public servant before, l am inclined to think that we should be more RESPECTFUL of our leaders. In spite of all the ills that some leaders fall to, l also know that they offered themselves when others feared or were not qualified for public service. Particularly with Presidents, pressures are inevitable from all manner of sources. Let us accord our Leaders with respect, even when they are voted out. It may be your candidate, father, cousin, friend, mentor or party leader tomorrow. We have a strong culture that demands that we criticize but not insult our Leaders. Let’s share the pride of Ghana together.”

I respond – I agree with him 100%. We need to show respect for our leaders and we need to define leadership a bit more broadly to include all of us. Most of the time the insults and accusations are driven by the so-called saviors who take advantage of the people to perpetuate their new found power. Lets know that the same rod that is used against Tachie will be used to whack Baah.

Till people are proven guilty in courts of competent jurisdiction we should not pronounce them gulty and seek to crucify them in the courts and cross of public opinion. We all have roles to play, lets hold our leaders including political leaders to account. For Political Leaders they are our servants, it was our thumbs that put them where they are and they need to take decisions that are in our best interest.

Whiles they are in power lets not forget that they have a mandate to serve us. Lets accord them all the respect that they require to enable them do their jobs, but no stomach worship of the politicians.

As Rev. Otabil said lets not put our votes on autopilot. We should demand what is our right and is right. Even if you voted for the party in power, then you have a higher obligation to hold them to account and ensure that they deliver. But lets give the party in power time to govern. The elections are over, it is time to develop Ghana so we should not be perpetual campaign mode. The incoming government is yet to take up the mantle of governance they need space to strategies and execute. Lets give them that space.

I hope we all have the necessary attitudinal change to ensure that Ghana will live up to its potential. We do not have any reason at the ripe retirement age of 60 years to be at this stage of development. It is not good enough. We need to accelerate our development. With God on our side and all of us making our little differences and selfless leadership from our elected servant leaders we will get there.

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