07 July 2006
CPP must learn from NPP -Pratt
CPP must learn from NPP -Pratt
Kwesi Pratt Jnr., Managing Editor of the Insight and grand ally of the National Democratic Congress, yesterday went to town on elements in his own party who, he claimed, were not doing enough to make the necessary sacrifices that would move the party forward but are rather fighting over symbols. But significantly, Pratt Jnr called on the Convention People’s Party leadership to learn from the ruling New Patriotic Party which, he admitted, has shown to Ghanaians a worthy and solid example of how to build and sustain a political party, even under very trying conditions.
The CPP leading member was reacting to the news about the resignation Thursday of Mike Eghan Jnr, National Second-Vice Chairman of the CPP, from the party during a Peace FM current affairs programme.“Yes, I’ve heard about Mike Eghan’s resignation, and I feel sad about it…because I know him very well…I’ve worked with him for several years and I know how committed, efficient and hard-working he is as a CPP leading member…it’s very sad,” Pratt Jnr lamented.“But there are lessons we all need to learn, if we want the CPP to grow…And the NPP is an example for all of us to emulate…look, they were in the wilderness for twenty to thirty years…they never lost hope…they kept themselves together, even in exile…from the days of Nkrumah…from 1992 till 2000…they never wavered…today they are in power, so why can’t our own CPP take a cue from that and unite…We can also do it if we stay united, rather than complain and quit or join forces with other people.”
Indicating how unity within the ranks of the Nkrumahist family has produced results in the past, the CPP Public Affairs Director cited the Great Alliance political deal in 1996 with the NPP, in which key players led by industrialist Kwabena Darko of the National Independence Party and General Erskine of the People’s Heritage Party joined forces to give the CPP the much-needed clout. “When we did that, it worked; and there were signs that the party was growing…but if we all have to throw up our hands in despair, where will the party be in the next few decades? When you have a leadership that will want to fight over slogans and unnecessary things…that is what happens…After the 2000 elections we all made moves to unite the family…Nii Noi Dowuona and the former PNC National Chairman, Mr Amoah and others played a major role in getting the PNC to come on board…and there were still others…until this fight about the cockerel and the ‘kube’ came up…it’s really sad.”
Pratt Jnr was, however, still hopeful that the CPP has a future. “Mike Eghan’s resignation is painful…it is a painful loss, but it depends on how we in the party would want to look at it…if his going away will shake us up to do the things we ought to do, then it could be a blessing to us…but if we ignore the signals, then that would be too bad…because the trend will continue…but we still have lessons to learn,” he confessed.Meanwhile, the Editor-In-Chief of the Crusading Guide, Kweku Baako Jnr, also reacted to the stand taken by Mr. Eghan. Conceding that though he was not reacting directly to what Mr Pratt said, noted; “the NPP, when in opposition, also had some members resigning and joining other parties. It does not therefore make meaning to say people should not resign from a party.” He mentioned Mr Pratt’s persona, among other factors, as some of the reasons why Mr Eghan was leaving the party, adding that coupled with that was the problem of “too many ideological dinosaurs in the party.”
He, however, stated emphatically to The Statesman that he would not resign from the CPP party under any circumstances. He observed that Mr Eghan’s move was a reaction to his frustration with the level of incompetence in the leadership of the party, especially in the light of tremendous sacrifices Eghan made financially, morally and otherwise.“Kwesi Pratt has a right to his comments, but I believe we should also allow anybody who wants to leave to do so…though I, Baako, won’t leave the CPP…” Mr Baako told The Statesman that he agrees with Mr Eghan on the vexed question of leaders not cooperating the way they should, but noted that resigning was not the solution, saying: “The CPP has a huge problem which, if we do not resolve, we cannot move on as a party.”
Source:Statesman
Kwesi Pratt Jnr., Managing Editor of the Insight and grand ally of the National Democratic Congress, yesterday went to town on elements in his own party who, he claimed, were not doing enough to make the necessary sacrifices that would move the party forward but are rather fighting over symbols. But significantly, Pratt Jnr called on the Convention People’s Party leadership to learn from the ruling New Patriotic Party which, he admitted, has shown to Ghanaians a worthy and solid example of how to build and sustain a political party, even under very trying conditions.
The CPP leading member was reacting to the news about the resignation Thursday of Mike Eghan Jnr, National Second-Vice Chairman of the CPP, from the party during a Peace FM current affairs programme.“Yes, I’ve heard about Mike Eghan’s resignation, and I feel sad about it…because I know him very well…I’ve worked with him for several years and I know how committed, efficient and hard-working he is as a CPP leading member…it’s very sad,” Pratt Jnr lamented.“But there are lessons we all need to learn, if we want the CPP to grow…And the NPP is an example for all of us to emulate…look, they were in the wilderness for twenty to thirty years…they never lost hope…they kept themselves together, even in exile…from the days of Nkrumah…from 1992 till 2000…they never wavered…today they are in power, so why can’t our own CPP take a cue from that and unite…We can also do it if we stay united, rather than complain and quit or join forces with other people.”
Indicating how unity within the ranks of the Nkrumahist family has produced results in the past, the CPP Public Affairs Director cited the Great Alliance political deal in 1996 with the NPP, in which key players led by industrialist Kwabena Darko of the National Independence Party and General Erskine of the People’s Heritage Party joined forces to give the CPP the much-needed clout. “When we did that, it worked; and there were signs that the party was growing…but if we all have to throw up our hands in despair, where will the party be in the next few decades? When you have a leadership that will want to fight over slogans and unnecessary things…that is what happens…After the 2000 elections we all made moves to unite the family…Nii Noi Dowuona and the former PNC National Chairman, Mr Amoah and others played a major role in getting the PNC to come on board…and there were still others…until this fight about the cockerel and the ‘kube’ came up…it’s really sad.”
Pratt Jnr was, however, still hopeful that the CPP has a future. “Mike Eghan’s resignation is painful…it is a painful loss, but it depends on how we in the party would want to look at it…if his going away will shake us up to do the things we ought to do, then it could be a blessing to us…but if we ignore the signals, then that would be too bad…because the trend will continue…but we still have lessons to learn,” he confessed.Meanwhile, the Editor-In-Chief of the Crusading Guide, Kweku Baako Jnr, also reacted to the stand taken by Mr. Eghan. Conceding that though he was not reacting directly to what Mr Pratt said, noted; “the NPP, when in opposition, also had some members resigning and joining other parties. It does not therefore make meaning to say people should not resign from a party.” He mentioned Mr Pratt’s persona, among other factors, as some of the reasons why Mr Eghan was leaving the party, adding that coupled with that was the problem of “too many ideological dinosaurs in the party.”
He, however, stated emphatically to The Statesman that he would not resign from the CPP party under any circumstances. He observed that Mr Eghan’s move was a reaction to his frustration with the level of incompetence in the leadership of the party, especially in the light of tremendous sacrifices Eghan made financially, morally and otherwise.“Kwesi Pratt has a right to his comments, but I believe we should also allow anybody who wants to leave to do so…though I, Baako, won’t leave the CPP…” Mr Baako told The Statesman that he agrees with Mr Eghan on the vexed question of leaders not cooperating the way they should, but noted that resigning was not the solution, saying: “The CPP has a huge problem which, if we do not resolve, we cannot move on as a party.”
Source:Statesman
CPP Man Cries Foul
CPP Man Cries Foul
Former Ghanaian-American Los Angeles Mayoral Candidate, turned 2004 CPP Parliamentary Candidate for Nhyiaeso Constituency in Kumasi, Ashanti Region, "Osagyefo" Kwame Appiah Boateng, popularly known by Ghanaian Communities around the World as "Kwame Mayor" and regarded in International Political Circles as a Fearless Crusader of Democracy, Civil Rights and Human Rights, has accused President John Agyekum Kufuor's ruling government *(with the exception of NPP, as a Political Establishment)* of "Intellectual Cowardice and Thievery"; "State Sponsored Injustice" and "State Sponsored Political Persecution amid subtle Political Harassment", after Kufuor's government once again, failed to give him (any) credit for his 2005 (documented) and published news item by Ghana News Agency (GNA) in which the CPP marverick called upon the Nation to honor her heroes and heroines.The Self-Proclaimed "Re-Incarnation of Ghana's first President, Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah" asked Ghanaians to *(compare)* his story carried by the Ghana News Agency (GNA) on (September 1 2005)* and re-published by Ghana Review International (GRI) on September 9, 2005, --- captioned " Immortalise Ghanaian heroes and heroines - Boateng" - with the latest July 1, 2006 story in the Graphic and also, published on Ghanaweb.Com, captioned, "Ghana Honours Her Heroes, Heroines" !!!.
The CPP activist says he (cannot) accuse NPP as a Political establishment since the NPP as a Political Party has (not) done him wrong, but a [few] elements within the ruling government of President John Agyekum Kufuor, with the full knowledge of the President himself and the office of the President, are responsible and accountable for the systematic stealing of his ideas without giving him any credit and without giving him any compensation for his hard won ideas such as his call for the "importation" of South Africa's Truth and Reconciliation to Ghana which he gave a copy to President Kufuor in 1999 - (before Mr. Kufuor became President of Ghana); Boateng's call for erection of statutes for the Martyred Judges which former Government Spokesman, Hon.
Kwabena Agyapong, admitted on Fox FM Radio in 2004 that he read "Kwame Mayor's" Press Release calling for the erection of such Statutes; Boateng's call for State of the Art seat of government or Presidential Palace to be decorated with the Nation's richest resources and regalia to attract tourism --- (Reference to Ghanaweb's published story : "Rename Castle Black House to attract Tourism like the White House"; Boateng's public call to immortalize the "Big Six"; Boateng's call for (Annual) Yaa Asantewaa Festivals or Celebrations, etc.
Reflecting upon the series of injustices against him, Boateng says he suspects that (false and un-substantiated) information about him may have been provided by certain un-ethical "Political Spies" and "Political Terrorists", hence the subtle political harassment - tantamount to "Individually-Tailored Crime Against Humanity" he has been facing and described "Political Terrorists as "Enemies of Democracy"; "Enemies of Freedom"; "Enemies of Liberty"; "Enemies of Civil Rights" and "Enemies of Liberty".
The Pro-Democracy Activist and Pro-American Politician who once earned the nickname "America's Mandela" when he was tortured and put on a "Political Show Trial" in Los Angeles by elements -- *(without the knowledge of the Civilized Federal and State Governments of America)* but morally and ethically defeated the "Political Terrorists" -- ( thanks to President Bill Clinton's White House which ordered the Justice Department to investigate allegations of persecution against Boateng and thanks to "Brave Americans" who condemned the "Hi-Tech Savage and Politically-motivated Trial of Persecution against Boateng), has called upon Civil Rights and Human Rights organizations; Brave Ghanaians, Brave Americans and the Brave International Community to condemn the subtle political harassments and series of politically - motivated and State sponsored injustices being inflicted on him with sheer arrogance and cowardly display of "Show of Power" by elements he describes as "Political Mafias" who may be operating with "Foreign Hands" who have (NO) respect for the noble ideals and ideas of Democracy, Freedom and Liberty and are equally, "Political Terrorists".Boateng appealed to the civilized International, American and Ghanaian Community to expose the "Secret Political Terrorists" who have seriously violated his Human Rights at (any) part of the World and help bring them --- (Political Terrorists) to Justice at United Nations Public Tribunals !!!.
"Kwame Mayor", who says he is qualified to be listed in Guinness Book of Records as the World's Most Persecuted International Politician, recently wrote in a Ghanaweb's story :"In my own birth place of Ghana where a [few] officials within the ruling government of His Excellency, President John Agyekum Kufuor have utilized my ideas --- (some of my ideas have become Monumental in Ghana), I have been treated unfairly and the government institutions have [systematically] refused to tap my resources for Political Reasons" !!!." Ironically, this is the same ruling government of His Excellency, President John Agyekum Kufuor which enjoys utilizing my ideas - [systematically], without giving me any credit or compensation --- for Political Reasons" !!!" Shamefully, those who have exploited my strategic ideas and treated me with callousness have the audacity to talk about Brain Drain !!!", said "Osagyefo" Kwame Boateng." Moreover, many people believe that I am being persecuted for being an Asante who joined a Nationally oriented Political Party, instead of (any) of the Geographically based or Ethnically based leading Political Parties."
The same ruling government which has systematically utilized my ideas without giving me any
Source:KWAME BOATENG"
Source:KWAME BOATENG"
06 July 2006
Mike Eghan Quits CPP
Mike Eghan Quits CPP
The centre of the Convention People’s Party (CPP) appears not to be holding any longer, as one of its leading personalities, Mr. Mike Eghan makes an exit from the political grouping of which he is a founding member.
The resignation of this leading figure in the Nkrumaist fraternity was contained in a correspondence addressed to the General Secretary of the party, Prof. Nii Noi Dowuona and dated July 5, 2006.“I am with very deep regret resigning my membership in the CPP with immediate effect,” he stated in the correspondence which comes at a time some important personalities of the Osagyefo’s political grouping have pitched camp with the yet-to-be-registered Obed-led Democratic Freedom Party (DFP).
Mr. Eghan’s resignation carried the pain with which this CPP figure took the final leap from the party with which he had been associated from his youthful days. He attributed the reasons for his decision to a dwindled confidence in those at the helm of affairs of the CPP, in which he claimed to have invested a lot in terms of finance and time over the years. He expressed regret that his wish in nurturing a party based on the ideals of the late Dr. Kwame Nkrumah and to ensure domestication of the national interest, had failed to bear fruits.
“It has been my wish as a longstanding member of the CPP and one who has put a lot at risk since 1992 through the People’s Heritage Party (PHP), the People’s Convention Party (PCP), the Convention Party (CP) and then to the CPP to work within the party, to develop a political and economic philosophy centred on domesticating our national interest and building national cohesion,” he said.A disappointed Mike Eghan recalled his expensive personal interventions and sacrifices he made towards ensuring the survival of the Nkrumaist tradition, which included the legal venture he undertook to restore the CPP name and the cockerel symbol.
“I personally sacrificed a lot and championed and financed the legal battle to get back the name CPP and the Red Cockerel symbol to offer hope to the many well-wishers of the Nkrumaist tradition,” he said. Continuing, Mike Eghan noted that the CPP had not responded to the treatment at resuscitating it, a situation he attributed to the leadership of the party.According to him, the current leadership of the party is inflicting “mortal damage to the Osagyefo’s party.”
The party, he noted, had been torn apart by what he described as an “obsession with ceaseless, unproductive merger negotiations instead of uniting behind ideas and messages that will give hope to the people.” This situation, he added, led to the factionalisation of the party, which factions were engaged in competitions among themselves. Mike Eghan did not have kind words for the leaders of the so-called Nkrumaist merger talks as he said, “they are nursing self-centred plans to become flagbearers in the 2008 Presidential elections.” Some of the merger talk leaders, he continued, “are busy promoting other parties while pretending to be leading members of the CPP and causing its downfall. I cannot pretend and will not belong to what I can no longer justify.”
His displeasure about a correspondence he fired to the National Chairman of the party, Dr. Edmund Delle, about his resignation as the 2nd National Vice Chairman not being acknowledged, found space in his exit letter. “It is worthy to note that as far back as January 2006, I wrote to the National Chairman, Leader and Young Pioneer, Dr. Edmund Delle to announce my resignation as the 2nd National Vice Chairman of the Party.
As of today, Wednesday, 5th July 2006, Dr. Delle or the party has not had the very simple and ordinary courtesy to reply to my letter,” he lamented.Mike Eghan appears to be contemplating organizing an alternative political grouping as he mentions in the correspondence that “I will spend my time to work with like-minded people from all parts of the Ghanaian society, activists from the existing parties and others to create a credible alternative that will be competitive in the 2008 elections.”
Sounding philosophical, Mike Eghan stated “at this stage in my life besides my spouse, my children, my extended family, and my very close associates, the best that I can do for posterity to judge is to work with other political personalities to build and offer alternative policy choices and a positive, selfless approach to nation-building.”Concluding, he stressed “I want to be able to say that I did the best I could to build a party that would offer a strong voice to the poor, the disadvantaged, the workers and others who are struggling to improve the quality of their lives.” At his press conference of 9th May 2006, Mike Eghan called for a new movement to energise people who associate with the ideals of the late CPP founder, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah.
He encouraged also the current leadership of the party to give way to others who would give the party enthusiasm, enhanced credibility and the positive image that could attract the youth and others into its hold. His hope at the time he made the call, was to see to the building of a broad coalition of progressive forces, to compete in the 2008 elections on the foundation of a strong Centre-Left development agenda.
Mike Eghan’s hopes have been dashed as spelled out in his resignation letter. The Nkrumaist family which has suffered from destructive factionalisation over the years, seems to have failed in its latest effort at forging a single party to contest the forthcoming 2008 elections, especially with some leading figures in the grouping marching to the yet-to-be registered Democratic Freedom Party of Dr. Obed Yao Asamoah. Political analysts regard the exit of Mike Eghan and others as the final disintegration of the Nkrumaist family.
Source:DGuide
The centre of the Convention People’s Party (CPP) appears not to be holding any longer, as one of its leading personalities, Mr. Mike Eghan makes an exit from the political grouping of which he is a founding member.
The resignation of this leading figure in the Nkrumaist fraternity was contained in a correspondence addressed to the General Secretary of the party, Prof. Nii Noi Dowuona and dated July 5, 2006.“I am with very deep regret resigning my membership in the CPP with immediate effect,” he stated in the correspondence which comes at a time some important personalities of the Osagyefo’s political grouping have pitched camp with the yet-to-be-registered Obed-led Democratic Freedom Party (DFP).
Mr. Eghan’s resignation carried the pain with which this CPP figure took the final leap from the party with which he had been associated from his youthful days. He attributed the reasons for his decision to a dwindled confidence in those at the helm of affairs of the CPP, in which he claimed to have invested a lot in terms of finance and time over the years. He expressed regret that his wish in nurturing a party based on the ideals of the late Dr. Kwame Nkrumah and to ensure domestication of the national interest, had failed to bear fruits.
“It has been my wish as a longstanding member of the CPP and one who has put a lot at risk since 1992 through the People’s Heritage Party (PHP), the People’s Convention Party (PCP), the Convention Party (CP) and then to the CPP to work within the party, to develop a political and economic philosophy centred on domesticating our national interest and building national cohesion,” he said.A disappointed Mike Eghan recalled his expensive personal interventions and sacrifices he made towards ensuring the survival of the Nkrumaist tradition, which included the legal venture he undertook to restore the CPP name and the cockerel symbol.
“I personally sacrificed a lot and championed and financed the legal battle to get back the name CPP and the Red Cockerel symbol to offer hope to the many well-wishers of the Nkrumaist tradition,” he said. Continuing, Mike Eghan noted that the CPP had not responded to the treatment at resuscitating it, a situation he attributed to the leadership of the party.According to him, the current leadership of the party is inflicting “mortal damage to the Osagyefo’s party.”
The party, he noted, had been torn apart by what he described as an “obsession with ceaseless, unproductive merger negotiations instead of uniting behind ideas and messages that will give hope to the people.” This situation, he added, led to the factionalisation of the party, which factions were engaged in competitions among themselves. Mike Eghan did not have kind words for the leaders of the so-called Nkrumaist merger talks as he said, “they are nursing self-centred plans to become flagbearers in the 2008 Presidential elections.” Some of the merger talk leaders, he continued, “are busy promoting other parties while pretending to be leading members of the CPP and causing its downfall. I cannot pretend and will not belong to what I can no longer justify.”
His displeasure about a correspondence he fired to the National Chairman of the party, Dr. Edmund Delle, about his resignation as the 2nd National Vice Chairman not being acknowledged, found space in his exit letter. “It is worthy to note that as far back as January 2006, I wrote to the National Chairman, Leader and Young Pioneer, Dr. Edmund Delle to announce my resignation as the 2nd National Vice Chairman of the Party.
As of today, Wednesday, 5th July 2006, Dr. Delle or the party has not had the very simple and ordinary courtesy to reply to my letter,” he lamented.Mike Eghan appears to be contemplating organizing an alternative political grouping as he mentions in the correspondence that “I will spend my time to work with like-minded people from all parts of the Ghanaian society, activists from the existing parties and others to create a credible alternative that will be competitive in the 2008 elections.”
Sounding philosophical, Mike Eghan stated “at this stage in my life besides my spouse, my children, my extended family, and my very close associates, the best that I can do for posterity to judge is to work with other political personalities to build and offer alternative policy choices and a positive, selfless approach to nation-building.”Concluding, he stressed “I want to be able to say that I did the best I could to build a party that would offer a strong voice to the poor, the disadvantaged, the workers and others who are struggling to improve the quality of their lives.” At his press conference of 9th May 2006, Mike Eghan called for a new movement to energise people who associate with the ideals of the late CPP founder, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah.
He encouraged also the current leadership of the party to give way to others who would give the party enthusiasm, enhanced credibility and the positive image that could attract the youth and others into its hold. His hope at the time he made the call, was to see to the building of a broad coalition of progressive forces, to compete in the 2008 elections on the foundation of a strong Centre-Left development agenda.
Mike Eghan’s hopes have been dashed as spelled out in his resignation letter. The Nkrumaist family which has suffered from destructive factionalisation over the years, seems to have failed in its latest effort at forging a single party to contest the forthcoming 2008 elections, especially with some leading figures in the grouping marching to the yet-to-be registered Democratic Freedom Party of Dr. Obed Yao Asamoah. Political analysts regard the exit of Mike Eghan and others as the final disintegration of the Nkrumaist family.
Source:DGuide
