A former president of the Republic of Ghana, John Agyekum Kufuor, has advised the flagbearer of the opposition Peoples National Convention (PNC) Edward Mahama to change his ways of doing politics and be more practical and pragmatic.
He also wants Dr. Edward Mahama not to hesitate to join hands with a political party of his choice going into the 2016 general elections if he sees that the PNC does not have the needed numbers to wrestle power from the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC).
“I want to admit that your politics is improving. Sometimes I see you more as a teacher. At a point anytime I saw Dr. Edward Mahama, I mocked him. I said you are just a doctor and you think politics is just like a medicine where you need to look at it closely and cut and stitch and that sort of thing. Politics must be flexible for everybody. So, I am happy you are back to lead the PNC but I don’t know if truly you think your party is going to take power in 2016.
“But whatever it is, you are there and I am sure your presence in the arena will bring some positives. Now, you have to be practical and pragmatic politician. Whether you win or lose, contribute pragmatically and where it becomes necessary, join hands with others.
“I am appealing to you – I have come to a point where my respect for ideology is very much reduced. To me, the highest point in ideology is pragmatism. So, go ahead, convince as much people as you can get and if you are not getting them, look for the next group of people that you think along with and join them,” noted the former President.
Ex- President Kufuor made this observation when Mahama, together with some national executives of the party, visited him at his residence in Accra Thursday.
He said now’s the time for Dr. Mahama to assert himself in the political landscape of the country, urging him to “try and influence the force of politics to give some happiness and hope to the people of Ghana.”
“Be outspoken. I know you will tell your mind as it is. We need a lot of this in Ghana. The comme ci comme ça thing should go down.”
