The quest for leadership in the National Democratic Congress flag bearer race in 2019 remains one of the most interesting ones in the history of the party.
It is not out of place to say the NDC has internally democratized democracy, looking at the smoothness of the vetting process for its presidential aspirants in preparedness towards the 2020 general elections. Despite a few legal challenges,I think the party leadership must first of all be commended for demonstrating core leadership in ensuring that, the party remains united for future competitive elections.
There are divergent views on who has the right credentials to lead the party towards elections 2020 and possibly 2024. I am of a strong view that, whoever emerges as the leader for the 2020 election may equally emerge as the one to lead the party for 2024 general elections except otherwise. Someone may ask, why we are talking about 2024 in this case. Notwithstanding the quest for leadership for today, it is critically important to envision the nearest future leadership and possibilities.
These assumptions will remain very relevant on any day. The main consideration in my view is, the one who will emerge as the leader must be somebody who possesses competitive leadership qualities and upholds the values and principles for good governance.A leader who will not only win but leave a lasting legacy on the minds of all citizens of Ghana and beyond. Someone with charisma and character-appealing to Ghanaians and having the capacity to drive the change we need as a people.
In matters of national office through a democratic process of this nature, I argue that political parties and their electoral colleges should not only be in search of candidates with long track records in their various endeavours. In other words managers to administer the state’s resources, but for visionary leaders who will bring solid transformation and the roadmap capable of safeguarding the future of our generations.
It is important therefore to expand a bit on who a manager or a leader is in this context and leave the rest for the citizenry and especially the delegates at this moment to decide.
There is a strong assertion that “Managers have subordinates with specific task whiles leaders drive the change with followers”. This is consistent with what the then First Lady of the United States, Mrs Carter – wife of former president Jimmy Carter meant when she said, ‘’A manager takes people to where they want to go. A leader takes people to where they don’t necessarily want to go but ought to go’’. Similarly, one finds deep inspiration in the words of the 6th American President John Quincy Adams (1825-29), to the effect that, “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you’re a leader.’’
We need leadership capable of unearthing our potentials- people with the propensity and drive to add value to our dignity through jobs, industrial revolution, quality health care, quality education, and respect for human rights, peace and security.
In the words of former President Rawlings, the founder of Ghana’s modern democracy, the founder of the National Democratic Congress, and the Chief Architect of the fourth Republic of Ghana, “It is not the absence of military interventions, which we seem to have achieved that will restore democracy, freedom, justice and development. What is required is the integrity of leadership and ability to empower the people. Leadership should have confidence in our people and not feel intimidated by empowering them”
My question is: DO we have such a person(s) amongst the hopefuls with the true gravitas to lead the party at this moment? I have no doubt at all.
The choice for leadership should not have been a herculean task for the NDC but for democratic purposes. Let’s take a little time and think deeply about the lives and traits of these high profiled personalities in our body politic; Mr. John Mahama, Dr Spio Gabrah, Mr. Alban S.K Bagbin, Prof Joshua Alabi, Mr. Sylvester Mensah, and Mr. Nurudeen. I don’t think this leadership evaluation should be limited to only internal NDC elections but elections across Africa if not the globe.
Our sister country Nigeria, is about to have another litmus test for national leadership around february this year and core issues revolving around effective leadership and governance(fighting corruption and economic stability) remain critical for socioeconomic development of that country-a sleeping lion of Africa.
On the part of the NDC’s aspirants, we could count seasoned and accomplished professionals with years of diverse experiences in both public and private sectors respectively.
Whiles some could boast of massive political experiences across all genres of political leadership at national scales, others could equally count impressive records in business, administration and commerce. The question keeps lingering, which of them has what it takes to lead the National Democratic Congress at this challenging moment towards victory?
Your candid opinion for leadership may be the voice of God.
Have a blessed day.
By: Dr. Cognald Donald Senanu Agumenu
