Arthur K considers running independent

Arthur Kennedy Dr Arthur Kennedy, communications director for the Nana Addo campaign team in the 2008 general elections has given the clearest indication he might vie for the position of the president as an independent candidate. According to him the two major political parties, the National Democratic Congress and the New Patriotic Party are not meeting the aspirations of Ghanaians, and the need for a third force is evident. In an interview with Joy News from his base in the US, the former presidential candidate said he is still weighing his options and would soon make a firm decision, which might be a declaration as an independent presidential candidate. “I can confirm I am weighing all my options, including within my party and outside it. I believe that given the Ghanaian political environment, given the quarrels about dress code, about ex-gratia and accusations that are neglecting the real interest of the people, an independent or vivified small party can do very well,” he told Araba Koomson on Tuesday. His first option however will be to making his party better, stressing however that his loyalty is first and foremost to Ghana. His comments come on the back of huge public criticisms, mostly from party members, over his yet to be launched book, “Chasing the elephant into the bush; the politics of complacency.” Dr Kennedy said his party seemed not to have learnt from the lessons that led the party into opposition. The party is still divided and complacent he said, adding, the bickering that led to the party’s defeat is still persistent. On his book, the soft spoken doctor reiterated that in future members of the party will appreciate the content of the book, insisting it is the blue print that will bring the party back to victory in 2012. Meanwhile, a political science lecturer, Kingsley Adjei has stated emphatically that Dr Kennedy should forget about winning the presidency as an independent candidate. For a politician who garnered just a single vote in the presidential primaries of the NPP, Mr Adjei said it is near impossible for the same candidate to be talking about winning presidential election as an independent candidate. Story by Nathan Gadugah/Myjoyonline.com/Ghana