I live in the Weija constituency, which is represented by the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) Ms. Ayorkor Botchway. I recall writing an article in The Independent newspaper, supporting her candidature, when she first attempted to stand for parliament - during the primaries to choose her party’s parliamentary candidate to represent the constituency during the general election that year.
Her rivals then, were using underhand methods, including character assassination, to try and derail her campaign to become her party’s parliamentary candidate - and I wasn’t going to sit unconcerned to let a good female candidate be cheated by dubious characters and known male philanderers. As I write this today, there is deadlock at Weija - where we are told something “fishy” is apparently going on. I hope she is turfed out, this time round, by the Weija electorate - for, she has not done much for our part of McCarthy Hill.
Similar stories too are emerging in other areas of the country. Ayawaso Central is a case in point - where the incumbent MP, the notorious Sheik I. C. Quaye's victory, appears to be questionable. The National Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate there must quickly file a case in the law courts to challenge it - so that violence does not eventually break out in parts of the constituency. Ditto all candidates throughout the country who also feel that they have been cheated out of victory. That is a far better way to proceed as a civilized people - than resorting to violence!
Above all the Electoral Commission of Ghana (EC) must move quickly to release the official results within the stipulated period. The law says that it must ensure that the results of the presidential and parliamentary election are made known to the country, within seventy two hours.
Dr. Afari Djan, who deserves his reputation for delivering credible elections, must ensure that his officials act responsibly - and are impartial in their work. Above all, he must ensure that the long delay we experienced in 2004 is not repeated this time, too - for, it could quickly lead to post-electoral violence.
The two major political parties, the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the NDC, must understand that they do not own Ghana – at any given time in our country, the ruling party in power, is a mere tenant in the Osu Castle, the centre of power in our country: with a full-repair lease. It is for Ghanaians, in whom ultimately sovereignty lies, to decide whether to renew that lease or not.
The ruling party must not seek to steal the election if they have actually lost this particular election. The National Democratic Congress too must be willing to accept the results in good faith if they have actually lost, too – and we most certainly do not need arrogant threats, such as the outrageous press release, couched in such intemperate language, which Koku Anyidaho, the spokesperson of the mild-mannered and peace-loving Professor Mills, is reported to have put out early this morning.
Whatever the outcome is, there is no doubt that Ghanaians have spoken clearly - they are fed up with the incompetents into whose hands they entrusted their nation in 2000: and have ruled Ghana since then, thus far: and if it emerges that the NPP has in fact lost this election, then under no circumstances must they try to trick their way back to power again by some sleight of hand. Ghanaians will never accept such an outcome under any circumstances - and there will be painful consequences, were they to attempt to deny the people’s voice from being heard. Period. A word to the wise...
Hmmm, Ghana – enti yeawieye paa, enia? Asem ebaba debi ankasa! May God bless and protect our homeland Ghana, always. Long live freedom! Long live Ghana!
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