Ex-Health Minister under the Kufuor administration says the centenary celebration of the Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah which falls on Monday, 21st September, 2009 must be a uniting force for the people of Ghana. Major (Rtd) Courage Quashigah is unhappy with the deep seated acrimony and division between the members of the political parties in the country and called for unity of purpose ahead of the celebration. In an interview with Joy News, Major Quashigah deplored the ‘winner takes all’ policy inherent in the country’s political system and called for its cancellation. He said no country will be able to advance with such a policy and marked differences. Having been a member of the Youth Brigade under the Nkrumah regime, the ex-Health and Agric Minister maintained the country must acknowledge the invaluable contribution of the country’s first president and take lessons from his principles, for purposes of development. He conceded, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, like all other human beings, has his dark sides, but was quick to add his positives are monumental and worth emulating. He described the 1966 coup which toppled the Nkrumah regime as counter-productive which drew the country backward. He abhorred military interventions, especially those that topple civilian regimes. Maj Rtd Courage Quashiga is also believed to have waged an abortive coup against the erstwhile People’s National Defence Council (PNDC) which ruled the country for 11 years. Meanwhile, organizers of the Nkrumah centenary celebration is expected to keep vigil on the eve of of Nkrumah’s birthday. Bernard Mornah, a member of the organizers told Joy News the vigil will be held at the Nkrumah Circle in Accra and will be opened to the general public, particularly, lovers of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah. Dignitaries from Tanzania, as well as Members of Parliament in Ghana are expected to take part in the event. Story by Nathan Gadugah/Myjoyonline.com/Ghana