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Rev. Prof. Emmanuel Asante, a former presiding bishop of the Methodist Church of Ghana, has urged the Akufo-Addo-led New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration to explain to Ghanaians why they are deserving of another term in power after 2024.
Professor Asante, who was also a former National Peace Council chairman, then spoke on the National Democratic Congress (NDC), saying that the NDC also needs to justify its return to power to Ghanaians.
The NPP has been in power for eight years as of 2024, but as has been the pattern since the Fourth Republic, the NPP loses and cedes power, making the national elections in Ghana a contest between the NDC and the NPP.
While the NPP has stated it will win the 2024 presidential elections to “break the 8,” some political activists still have this hope, particularly those who support the largest opposition party, the NDC.
Prof. Asante, who is well known for speaking out strongly on national problems, says that if the slogan “break the 8” is any indication, the NPP must persuade Ghanaians of the benefits of keeping them in office.
“The NPP is currently ruling and you say you will break the 8. They need to tell Ghanaians why they should be allowed. We have the NDC also trying to come back. They believe because they have been in power before, they can come back again. They should also tell Ghanaians why they should be allowed to come back,” Prof Asante stated.
On Monday, August 7, 2023, he was a guest on Blessed Sogah’s popular talk show “The Pulse,” where he was discussing the topic “In search of peace: How is Ghana’s religious diversity keeping the country together.”
The ongoing political upheaval in Niger following a coup made the conversation necessary.
Prof. Asante continued by lamenting the practice of Ghanaian politicians who, while well aware that their lofty and alluring pledges are impossible, routinely make such promises.
He argued that such behavior should be condemned and urged politicians to avoid increasing the public’s expectations with empty promises.
“How do you promise that you will create a sea for the people of Ashanti Region when you know that is not possible? It is important to be truthful to the people,” Prof. Asante said.
Regarding the problem of peace, Prof. Asante stressed the importance of tolerance between all people, regardless of their religious origin or if they share the same opinions.
He shared a story of how Olusegun Obasanjo, a former president of Nigeria, was astounded by the friendly relationships between Christians and Muslims during a visit.
Source: Ghanatodayonline.com
