RAWLINGS: NDC RISKS GOING INTO OPPOSITION UNLESS... (PAGE 14, JUNE 3, 2010)

FORMER President J.J. Rawlings has warned that the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC), of which he is the founder, risks going back into opposition in 2012 if, in his estimation, things were not done right.
In a sober and reflective address to a gathering at Chiana in the Upper East Region after he had attended the thanksgiving service for the late Chiana Pio, Pe Rowland Adiali Ayagitam II, Flt. Lt. Rawlings warned that his fears would come to pass if steps were not taken by those at the helm of affairs to restore hope to Ghanaians.
“I am not unaware of the economic pains Ghanaians are going through. I do remember the great promises that we all had for this country during the campaign. But, today, I do not know how many of us still hold the same hope,” he lamented, and called on religious leaders, as well as Ghanaians, to pray to the Good Lord to help political leaders.
The late Chiana Pio was the Speaker of the Consultative Assembly that drafted the 1992 Constitution and the former President described the late chief as one who led his people and served the nation, much to the admiration of a number of people, and presided over one of the finest constitutions of the country.
“Ghana is eternally grateful to him,” he eulogised.
Touching on the lack of justice, the former President drew a connection between the events of June 4 and what he termed the current painful economic situation.
“Freedom without justice is like a kite in the air without a rope to hold it; it will not fly,” he said, adding, “What June 4, 1979 did to this country was like what Jesus Christ did when He saw those gamblers, robbers and thieves misbehaving in His Father’s temple.”
He seized the opportunity to advise the kingmakers to go about the succession plan for the next Chiana Pio in a very mature manner and called for the selection of a man of respect who had compassion as the late chief.
“We should not allow this process to divide us. Let us do it in a sober manner so that when the choice is made it will bring us all together,” he said.
“Let it be the choice that our heart desires, it should be a choice of a man who reflect the heart of the people of Chiana. Choose a man of peace. There are some people who will use money and political influence to sow seed of division among you,” former President Rawlings said.
The Upper East Regional Minister, Mr Mark Woyongo, also praised the late chief for his development efforts and love for peace and emphasised the need for an atmosphere of peace in the selection of the next paramount chief.
The Regent, Mr Innocent Kwaratugu Ayagitam, commended the former president for the recognition he gave the late chief.
The thanksgiving service was officiated by Rev. Fr. Augustine Abase and supported by Rev. Fr. Kapochina, both of the Navrongo-Bolgatanga Diocese of the Catholic Church.