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I followed with keen interest Komla Dumor's interview with former president Rawlings and it made me ask the question what at all does JJ want? Over the weekend Ghanaians all over the world were proud and in joyous mood to have the first Black American President visiting Ghana as the first sub-Saharan African since his election as President. Obviously, all over the continent and even around the world the debate has been why not Kenya or Nigeria but Ghana? The answer the man himself gave was because Ghana has become a shinning democratic example to the whole of the continent what more, he has been a long standing admirer of Ghana. Thank you Mr. Obama.

However, for one person Mr. Rawlings who has become known as the accuser of everyone else except himself, he didn't think our giant strides in democracy was anything to write home about. When given the opportunity by Komla to shed some thoughts on the visit of President Obama, he chose to use the opportunity to lambaste everyone from our gentle President his Excellency President Mills to Ex-President Kufuor and the West. George Bush and Tony Blair were not left out.

I haven't got a problem with JJ granting interviews to media houses (as a matter of fact Komla said he (JJ) invited them to his house) but he must learn to answer the questions asked and stop beating about the bush. Ex-President Kufour was interviewed by CNN and he was full of praise for our democratic process past and present. I remember he did a similar thing during the heat of 'Ghana Decides 08' when Baroness Amos from Britain led a Commonwealth delegation to his house. He lambasted everyone and even questioned the essence of democracy. A Sierra Leonean friend of mine watched Rawlings give a speech at Oxford and remarked 'I was ashamed of him you know'. What at all does Jerry John wants. He should leave President Mills alone to use the rule of law and principles of democracy to rule.

Again, JJ spoke about freedom for the people but no justice. I agree with you Mr. Rawlings that any corrupt leader or institutional head should be punished but am afraid we should start with you. You overthrew a constitutional government in 1981 that is treason. You talk about justice. Where is the justice for the families of the leaders and generals that were killed without due process of law? What about the three judges and those whose businesses and livelihood were cut off completely under your 19(21) year rule. Please JJ if no one want to mind you can you leave Ghana alone and let's us build on our little democratic gains which you have grudgingly and reluctantly contributed to. At least we know we are not perfect but Rome was not built in a day. Little by little we will get there.

Source: Kweku Afful (a.k.a. Dr. Objective)

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