Incoming govt must embrace all

Ghana has always been commended as the bastion or cradle of democracy on the African continent.

Indeed, all the observer missions that participated in the 2016 elections cautioned Ghanaians against any act that would destabilise the country’s peace and stability.

Fortunately for us, all the seven candidates who participated in the elections signed onto a peace deal known as the “Accra Declaration” a few days before December 7, 2016.

Admittedly, tension was high prior to the polls because the National Democratic Congress (NDC) wanted to make history by winning three elections in succession, while the New Patriotic Party (NPP) was also determined to truncate that ambition.

The accusations and counter-claims were high, with even some chiefs, in spite of the constitutional injunction placed on them from openly declaring support for candidates, joining the fray.

That was not all; some men of the gospel and even artistes did same.

The ranks of the nation were divided, but we cannot blame anybody because in 1992, majority of Ghanaians resolved to depart from military dictatorship onto the path of multi-party democracy.

That decisive step that we took has implications, both positive and negative, depending on how the leaders apply that mandate.

Multi-party democracy gives room for freedom of association and, by extension, the choice to belong to any political party.

Since 1992, we have had this country virtually split between the NDC and the NPP, with a few supporting other parties.

But there is beauty in diversity if we acknowledge that, in spite of our differences, we belong to one Ghana, with our destinies joined together. It is our actions or inaction that will determine whether we swim or sink as a nation.

However, the situation where those perceived to belong to opposition parties are hounded out of public offices, while others are denied government contracts, is not good.

The question we must begin to ask ourselves at this stage of national development is: if we exclude almost half of the population who belong to opposition political parties, how will we execute the agenda of nation-building which needs all hands on deck?

That practice has so far created a large number of passive citizens who always sit on the fence and watch and pray, sometimes, that the government fails. In some instances, they even sabotage the government.

The Daily Graphic thinks that the time has come for all to resolve that one’s association with a political party does not matter in nation-building. The person’s competence, patriotism and hard work must be the guiding principles.

It is the prayer of the Daily Graphic that despite some unfortunate events in the past few days where some people suspected to be members of the NPP seized some state assets, the Nana Akufo-Addo-led government will embrace everybody, so that in a concerted effort we can all confront the challenges of our time.

We urge the incoming administration not to terminate the appointment of public officials just because they are associated with the NDC. Our expectation is that the new government will recruit more people to help fight unemployment.

We should all hold on to the principle of one nation, one people with a common destiny, so that we can continue to be the beacon of hope on the African continent.