A Ghanaian working at the United Nations (UN), Dr. Rose Ofosu-Appiah has heaped praises on former President John Dramani Mahama for outrightly rebuking the shooting incident at the NDC headquarters in the Ashanti Region Monday.
Ex-President Mahama in a Facebook post following the disturbance that caused the death of one person condemned the act and called on the police to arrest and prosecute the assailants.
“It is clearly a criminal act, and I call on the police and relevant security agencies to investigate, immediately apprehend the culprits and subject them to the full rigours of the law,” he wrote.
In a statement, Dr. Ofosu-Appiah says the former President showed “leadership by openly condemning the Kumasi incident and calling on the police to institute a full-scale investigation into the matter to unravel the full facts and punish the culprits”.
According to Dr. Rose Ofosu-Appiah, “This is the kind of leadership the continent needs. The former President undertakes what needs to be done today without excessive regrets over the past and without excessive anxiety about the future. He has a reasonably objective attitude towards reality.”
She said Mahama’s reaction to national issues is proof that he can adapt to any circumstance and navigate everyday and unique trying challenges.
She stressed that Ghanaians are blessed to have a responsible opposition and former head of state who speak against violence and any forms of wrong-doings.
“He has managed to portray the NDC as a credible alternative government, rather than being disunited rabbles. Technically and politically, he has proven that he is the best-prepared person to lead his party,” she reiterated.
Read the statement below
KUMASI SHOOTING INCIDENT, JOHN MAHAMA DISPLAY OF MATURITY COMMENDABLE – DR ROSE OFOSU-APPIAH (UNDP)
Former President Mahama has condemned the Kumasi shooting incident which left one dead and another person seriously wounded.
The former President made the condemnation in a short statement posted on his Facebook wall. He described that horrendous act of violence as a crime against humanity and called on the security agencies to institute full-scale investigation into the matter and bring the perpetrators to book.
Historically, it has been proven that ruling parties with huge majority have resulted flawed if not highly authoritarian political decisions and actions, which have hurt the polity in a number of ways.
In a democracy and one as chaotic as ours in recent times, it is well established that political parties with huge majorities and weak oppositions have adversely impacted on the growth and fortunes of the nation in many crucial issues.
Hence, while it is important that the NPP government should have the confidence of the majority of Ghanaians, there should also be a credible and effective opposition, so that any propensities for forcing agenda that may be harmful for the nation are kept in check. This is the reason why the former President should be encouraged and supported by the citizenry, civil society organizations, the religious groups and heads to offer constructive opposition to keep government on its toes.
The former President has shown leadership by openly condemning the Kumasi incident and calling on the police to institute full scale investigation into the matter to unravel the full facts and punish the culprits. This is the king of leadership the continent needs. The former President undertakes what needs to be done today without excessive regrets over the past and without excessive anxiety about the future. He has a reasonably objective altitude towards reality. These show that he has developed the habit of adjustment and adaptation to any circumstances.
His composure and reaction to national issues in opposition show he can navigate everyday challenges as well as unique trying challenges.
He has managed to portray the NDC as a credible alternative government, rather than being a disunited rabble. Technically and politically, he has proven that he is the best prepared person to lead his party.
Democracy needs vibrant but responsible opposition. Opposition does not translate to hostility and antagonism. We are blessed as people to have a former President and other level headed opposition activists who boldly speak against wrongs in the country.
By: Kekeli Kuatsenu / awakenewsonline.com