Former Minister for Foreign Affairs and a Presidential Aspirants of the New Patriotic Party Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has descended heavily on his critics.

He described those within the NPP sending out false messages suggesting he is temperamental and revengeful and does not qualify to be president of Ghana as real enemies of the NPP, who will go to all lengths to destroy for selfish ends.

Nana recalled the late 1980's and the early 1990's when he was vocal in criticizing the then PNDC government saying at that time when courage was a rare commodity, he was taunted as courageous and a hero. He therefore wondered why he should be seen in any other light when he decides to go for the ultimate.

"Today when it comes to becoming a president, he is quick tempered and will come with revenge. What hypocrisy? He fumed.

Nana Akufo-Addo said this when he sent his case to constituency and polling station executives from seven constituencies in the Western Region at Takoradi to present himself to them as a presidential aspirant worthy of their votes at the party's December congress. The constituencies include Sekondi, Takoradi, Shama, Efia/Kwesimintsim, Mpohor, Wassa East, Essikado/Ketan and Ahanta West.

Describing himself as "a simple small man" who combines experience with courage to do his work, Nana recounted how as Foreign Minister he "helped in bringing peace to Liberia, Sierra Leone, Togo and Cote d'Ivoire. I can't bring peace elsewhere and bring chaos to my country." He assured that so far he is concerned, vengeance is the Lord’s. "Nana is not interested in revenge."

Nana Addo recalled his work as Attorney General and the Minister for Justice during which the National Reconciliation Commission was set up to address the hurt of the past and heal wounds. He insisted that the Commission brought a lot of relief to persons who have felt that their rights had been violated.

Nana Addo said what the NPP needs today is someone who can sell the party, build consensus and unite all the aggrieved sections. "We are not only electing a candidate, but a winner, a leader and a visionary. Presidency is not about technocrats and financiers, it is about someone who can lead all those people to produce results," he emphasized.

The Abuakwa MP, himself son of former ceremonial president Akufo-Addo, now touted within party circles as the one to inherit Dr. J. B. Danquah, reiterated opinions by a research team that he is the most credible aspirant to match NDC flagbearer Prof. Atta Mills boot for boot.

He therefore cautioned true followers of the NPP not to make any mistakes that would pave the way for an NDC takeover of the administration of the country.

He regretted the neglect the party's foot soldiers have been subjected to by its national executives and assured them of better times ahead if they elected him to lead them to "glory" in 2009.

Nana Addo reminded them that as a responsible leader, he was ready to accept collective responsibility whether good or bad. He apologized to persons who have felt slighted in the Kufuor government which he put at the door step of concentration on governance.


Source: Network Herald