The Editor-in-Chief of the New Crusading Guide newspaper, Abdul Malik Kweku Baako Jnr, has called on Ghanaians to rethink the qualities they look for in a political leader, warning that electing people simply because they appear sincere could have disastrous consequences. “Sincerity or honesty is not a substitute for science in politics,” he said, explaining that appearing sincere is not enough grounds for voters to conclude that a person vying for public office can deliver on a social political platform. “You can be sincere, you can be a very nice person, you can be [humble but] that’s not enough to deliver on a social political economic front and that is what I want Ghanaians to understand,” he stated. Mr Baako was speaking on Metro TV’s Good Morning Ghana programme Thursday, commenting on the cracks that have plagued the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) and, thus, threatening the unity in the party and the distraction of the government. Some political commentators have raised red flags, warning of the effect this disunity in the NDC could have on the governance of the country. On his part, Kweku Baako believes the tension in the party is making it unattractive to the electorates, and consequently undermining the party’s fortunes in the up-coming elections. He admitted that though he does not wish the NDC well, he is concerned about the party’s problems because it is the ruling party and that whatever happens to it [the party] would affect all Ghanaians in the end. “I don’t wish the NDC well… although I have friends in there including the President whom I respect so much …but we are dealing with Ghana.” According to Kweku Baako, though the NDC's problems emanate from both the Rawlings and Mills faction; the Rawlingses, he insists, are the worst offenders, saying “if they will to exercise restraint and understand that the season has changed” and channel their experiences and exposure to assist government, President Mills would be able to rule efficiently no matter the difficulties and challenges. In all this, the newspaper editor advised Ghanaians to take a critical look at the ruling party and make their minds over, saying “next time round, come 2012, we will look at sincerity, we will look at honesty, we will look at morality, but we will look beyond that and see if you have the capability and if you can provide the appropriate leadership and create the appropriate environment to deliver.” Story by Dorcas Efe Mensah/myjoyonline.com/Ghana