Johnson Asiedu Nketia, the National Chairman of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), has issued a call to action for Ghana’s Council of State. During the launch of the NDC’s campaign in Tamale, Nketia stressed the need for the Council to perform its duties effectively and in the national interest. He emphasized that the nation is in crisis and that the upcoming election is crucial.
“We are going into a crucial election. Justify the reason you were put in place. You were not put in place to bootlick the president,” Nketia declared. “You were put in place to advise the president because we know there will come a time when we will have a recalcitrant president. That is why we established the Council of State. Please stand up and be counted, do your duty.”
Nketia’s message was clear: the Council of State must not merely serve the president but must act in the best interest of the nation. He warned that if the Council fails to fulfill its duties, they will have only themselves to blame in the near future. In addition to his call to the Council of State, Nketia also directed his attention to the National Peace Council. He urged the Peace Council to act according to its mandate and not merely appeal to the emotions of those who have been wronged. “They were not established to appeal to the oppressed and guarantee the peace of the oppressor. We established you to speak the truth.”
Nketia stressed that the Peace Council must be proactive in addressing potential conflicts and warning signs. “Tell whoever is not conducting themselves well, whoever is on a dangerous path to create problems. So if you are interested in peace, please be proactive. When you see the early warning signs, don’t wait to be awakened from your slumber. Stand up, speak up, and be counted by posterity,” he added.
The NDC chairman’s speech resonated with many supporters, emphasizing the importance of these institutions in maintaining the integrity of the political process. Asiedu Nketia’s passionate plea to the Council of State and the Peace Council is a reminder of the responsibilities these bodies hold in safeguarding democracy and ensuring fair governance.
