By Rachel Kakraba
Economist and Senior Statesman, Kwame Pianim, says a major challenge bedevilling Ghana’s development is the lack of courageous and forthright leadership. He said to promote rapid socio-economic development Ghana would require leaders who are fearless in decision making.
Mr. Pianim was speaking at the launch of the John Evans Atta Mills Memorial Heritage in Accra.
He challenged leaders to possess qualities of humility, integrity and live above political inclination, which were embodiment of the late Former President John Evans Atta Mills.
“We need people to go across the political divide and Mills has definitely crossed the political divide. So we need the Atta Mills character today more than ever, a man who will reach across, a man of peace and of courage”.
Mr. Pianim said it is unfortunate politicians pursue agenda which favours their supporters, at the expense of the national interest.
For him, Professor Mills was one of Ghana’s finest politicians whose persona and kind of leadership is needed in the current political dispensation.
He added that Ghanaians deserve an apology from MPs for their unruly behaviour in the House of Parliament.
“We are terrified of the supporters we have, we have militarized them. Foot soldiers we scared of them, invincible forces, boot for boot, this is what we are inheriting now, the children in Parliament. I now refuse to refer to address any parliamentarian as honourable until they apologise to the nation”.
“The process of acquiring political power is like putting mineral ore in furnace. If the character is good it comes out shining, if the character is bad it worsens the character”. Mr. Pianim added.
Mr. Pianim, said Ghana has no reason to be poor as it has the needed natural and human resources. He was quick to add “may the motherland help us to generate people of courage, because that is all that we lack in Ghana now” .
The Omanhen of the Essikado Traditional area, Nana Kwabena Nketsiah said the late Prof. Mills had a mind of his own and always stood by his words. He said his sense of inclusiveness reflected in his appointments.
“In building the future of this country, in building the future of Africa you always need people of principles, prof Mills ten years on, is remembering him that without principles a state does not really exist, when Prof. says A is always A and these are the principles we need to encourage today, tomorrow, the day after for those who come after us”.
Nana Kobina Nketsiah added “the chapter of inclusiveness, I challenge most of you here go and look into the people prof. Mills appointed into various places all over the country, find out how many of them were from Prof. ethnic group and you will be surprised by the percentage. Its something that always amazes”.
Former President John Dramani Mahama, said the late Prof. John Evans Atta Mills had an enviable reputation which the memorial Heritage will engender.
“I believe the launch of the Atta Mills Heritage, which is anchored on his values and principles and is aimed at inspiring humanity – including the youth of Africa for a better society – will further emphasize his legacy.
Mr. Mahama encouraged Ghanaians to uphold the peaceful nature of Prof Mills.
“I call on each one of us Ghanaians to uphold truth and integrity and the peaceful nature of Prof. Let us stay united even in the face of adversity. Yes, we must endeavour to proceed in unity and in truth”.
The John Evans Atta Mills Memorial Heritage which is a non profit, non-political organisation was founded by a group of academics, professional colleagues, students, family and appointees of the late former President John Evans Atta Mills. It seeks to immortalise the principles of Prof. John Evans Atta Mills.
Former President John Evans Atta Mills served as Vice President of Ghana from 1997 to 2001.
He later became Ghana’s President from January 7 2008 to July 24 2012, after winning the 2008 election. He died on July 24, 2012 while in office.
The launch of John Evans Atta Mills Memorial Heritage had a good representation from his family, clergy, traditional authorities, academics, student groups, among others.
A number of activities would been outlined to commemorate the ten years anniversary of his passing.
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