Prez Mills' New Year's Message: "Let's Be Willing To Die For Ghana"

The President, John Evans Atta Mills, has entreated Ghanaians, especially the youth, to be patriotic and willing to die a little for 'Homeland Ghana.' Using the exploits of the historic, gold-winning lads of Ghana’s Under 20 football squad, the Black Satellites who played their hearts out to win laurels for Ghana – both at the continental and global level, - Professor Mills opined that such an attitude is needed to achieve the objective of the Better Ghana agenda. The president made the above exhortations in a nationwide broadcast of his NEW YEAR MESSAGE to Ghanaians on Friday morning. “I want the youth in particular to emulate the fine example of the Under-20 football team. The Under-20s made us proud; they brought us glory and honor by winning the World Cup. This they did through sheer determination and a willingness to die for our country. My brothers and sisters, this is the kind of spirit which should move us in whatever we do.” President Mills also encouraged the youth to take advantage of the many “positive opportunities” that abound in the country to better their lives. The President described the year 2009 as “one of the most critical in the history of Ghana,” with some “very extreme” instances, but he said with commitment and strong determination “we were able to overcome these challenges and even made some notable gains”. He also conceded that before his tenure of office ends in 2012, there would be “challenges, immediate successes and setbacks”, but that would not deter the government from moving towards in its goal, and appealed to Ghanaians to stand firm, “resolved to work hard, be committed and dedicated”. “I am more than convinced that in 2010, our ability to move the country in the right direction is going to be greatly enhanced. We certainly would be in [a] better position to provide jobs for our people, we will invest in our people, we will expand infrastructure, we will expand the frontiers of democracy and freedom to provide comprehensive security to all Ghanaians,” he remarked. With this notwithstanding, he pleaded with Ghanaians to forge ahead in unity, having faith and optimism in the future. President Atta Mills promised to govern the nation in an “open, honest and transparent manner”. Touching on the African Cup of Nations, ANGOLA 2010, he was hopeful the injury-plagued Black Stars who have not won any international trophies for decades, would emulate their juniors, the Black Satellites, and bring honour and glory to Ghana. He, therefore, implored all and sundry to rally behind them for a successful and victorious tournament. He also touched the hearts of gallant men from the Ghana Police Service and Armed Forces currently on international peacekeeping duties to keep hoisting the flag of Ghana high. “Let’s continue to pray to the Almighty God to continue to bless our homeland Ghana, to make our nation greater and stronger and to make us bolder in our defence of the cause of freedom and of right. And to give us the determination to do what is right and display fearless, honesty in the conduct of our affairs.” “I would want to wish each and everyone of you, a fruitful, prosperous and fulfilling New Year.”

Source: Myjoyonline.com/Ghana

Is Rearing Its Ugly Head: Kufuor

Former President John Agyekum Kufuor is urging all Ghanaians as they take stock of the outgoing year and plan for the New Year, to "put our country first in all that we do and practice what we preach". In a New Year Message, Mr Kufuor wrote: "We have missed opportunities that would have taken our country up the ladder of progress and development. "We have not matched our words with our deeds. Divisiveness, fear and intimidation of innocent people, which should have been things of the past, are beginning to rear their ugly heads up again." He called on Ghanaians to endeavour at all times to strengthen the country's democratic process and never give in to the rule of tyranny or arbitrariness. "It must be the bounding duty of Ghanaians to strengthen constitutional rule and ensure that in all instances, the tenets of the constitution are applied fairly and equally to all citizens of the land irrespective of their political persuasions," Mr Kufuor said. The former President also urged Ghanaians to work harder in the coming year to ensure the prosperity of our dear country. He noted that the out-going year had undoubtedly been a challenging one and Ghanaians should thank God that He had brought us this far.

Source: Peacefmonline.com/Ghana

AFAG to focus on strengthening institutions

The Alliance for Accountable Governance (AFAG), a pressure group, said on Wednesday that its focus next year would be on institutional strengthening, consumer right advocacy, especially poor services in the telecommunication industry. It will also focus on private sector development advocacy. In a message released in Accra, it assured Ghanaians of its commitment to seeking their welfare, adding that it was looking forward to co-operating with Government in the coming year. "AFAG believes that a lot can be done in common between Government and civil (society organizations) in order to promote the interest of Ghanaians," it said. AFAG said it appreciated the excellent and efficient management of the Venture Capital Fund and believed that more can be done about Micro-finance and Small Loans Centre and other poverty alleviating financial intermediation schemes. It added: "We use this opportunity to congratulate the media, Judicial Service and the Ghana Police Service for performing creditably well in the midst of the myriad of challenges." Source: GNA

NDC youth angry at Inusah Fuseini

Irate youth of the NDC in Tamale have prevented the MP for Tamale Central, Alhaji Inusah Fuseini, from addressing the party’s women wing in the area. The youth accused Alhaji Fuseini of abandoning them after winning his seat. They have, therefore, vowed never to support his parliamentary bid again. The meeting was organized for some NDC women’s group but was besieged by the irate group disorganizing the meeting. The conveyor of the meeting, Abdulai Sani, who confirmed the heckling to Joy News' Mahama Shaibu, said he was overwhelmed by the wrath of the youth. He said he heard two gunshots, which clearly indicated the intention of the youth to disrupt the meeting. The MP was, however, not hurt, but Joy News’ attempts to reach him on his mobile phone proved futile. The youth also blamed the party for failing to give them jobs after coming into power. Source: Myjoyonline.com/Ghana

NPP will restore hopes of Ghanaians when voted into power-Jake

Winneba, Jan 2, GNA- Ghanaians are yearning for the day the New Patriotic Party (NPP) would deliver them from despair and difficulties forced on them by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government, Mr. Jake Otanka Obetsebi-Lamptey, an aspiring NPP Chairman has said. He said the one year old rule of the NDC government had clearly demonstrated that the party had failed to match its deeds with the hopes and aspirations of the Ghanaian.

Speaking to the reporters at Winneba, after the Central Regional Delegates Conference of the NPP, Mr. Obetsebi-Lamptey said the NPP would take over political power from the NDC in 2012 because of its inability to deliver Mr. Obetsebi-Lamptey, twice National Campaign Manager of NPP, urged the supporters of party to bury their differences to win power to restore the hopes and confidence of Ghanaians.

He called on the delegates to give him elect him as the National Chairman in the next National Delegates conference.

Mr. Obetsebi-Lamptey, former Minister of Information in the Kufuor administration, stated that he had capacity to turn the party into a more formidable and attractive entity to supporters and floating voters. He said when he was the NPP Greater Accra Regional Chairman, the party increased its Parliamentary seats from 9 to 16 and also won 52 per cent of votes in the Presidential election.

Mr. Obetsebi-Lamptey urged the newly elected Central Regional Executives of the party to work extra hard, adding: "Central Region was the deciding factor in winning the Presidency in 2000 and 2004 general elections". The former Information Minister said his election as the National Chairman of NPP would go a long way to assist the party to come out of its current predicaments and also offer hope for the teeming supporters and sympathizers.

Terror suspect: Nigeria, Ghana, SSS, NIA trade blame

The blame game that has characterized United States’ investigations into the alleged attempt by a Nigerian to explode a bomb on a US-bound passenger plane has moved to Africa.

In the wake of the event, American security agencies have been trading blame, with each agency claiming that the other could have thwarted the attack if it had acted sooner.

On Friday, on the continent, Ghana and Nigeria also got locked in an argument over where the suspect began his journey to Amsterdam. As this evolved, a report monitored on British Broadcasting Corporation on Friday also said that the State Security Service and the National Intelligence Agency were also trading blame on the incident.

Since the attempt was foiled, it had been widely assumed that the alleged bomber, 23-year-old Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, began his journey in Nigeria. But speaking during the week, the Minister of Information, Mrs Dora Akunyili, said that Abdulmutallab began his journey in Accra, Ghana and only spent 30 minutes at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport before he boarded a plane to Amsterdam.

Akunyili, who also defended Nigeria’s security procedures, had said that the suspect’s passport was scanned on entry into Nigeria at 2008 (1908GMT), and again, as he boarded the flight to Amsterdam, at 2035.

“He was able to connect that fast because he was not checking in any luggage,” she said.

Other Nigerian officials had said earlier that the suspect’s round-trip ticket was bought in Accra for $2,831 in cash on Dec. 16.

But a senior Ghanaian government official told the BBC that Abdulmutallab spent no fewer than three hours at the MMIA, accusing Nigeria of trying to “pass the buck” in order to cover up its security lapses.

The senior Ghanaian government official said the suspect bought a one-way ticket to Lagos from Accra that would have given him more than three hours at the airport.

Another BBC report monitored in Lagos on Friday, “Nigeria‘s ‘blame game‘ over bomber”, detailed visits paid to the Department of State Security (popularly known as SSS here) headquarters in Abuja and the NIA by the foreing medium. According to the repot, “Nigeria‘s two main intelligence agencies has blamed the other for failing to share key information two months ago about Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, the young man who allegedly went on to try to blow up a plane over the United States with nearly 300 people on board.

“Inside the offices two senior DSS officials told the BBC that Nigeria‘s other main security outfit, the Nigerian Intelligence Agency (NIA) had not shared key information given to it by the father of the suspect - information which could potentially have stopped Mr Abdulmutallab boarding the plane.

“The two senior DSS officials - who gave me their names and allowed me to take notes throughout a 20-minute interview - said the agency that Mr Abdulmutallab Sr had briefed had been the NIA.

“The DSS officials went on to claim that although their agency was responsible for maintaining airport ”watch-lists” of people under suspicion, the NIA had not shared the father‘s information with them. The DSS officials explained that their agency dealt with Nigeria‘s internal security while the NIA was responsible for external threats.”

The BBC reporter claimed he spoke to the Foreign Affairs Minister, Ojo Maduekwe, about the blame game but that he, (Maduekwe) replied that he would reserve judgement on the truth of the matter pending government enquiries ordered by Vice-President Goodluck Jonathan.

Meanwhile, the Associated Press on Friday quoted officials of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency as saying that the U.S. gave Nigeria four full-body scanners for its international airports in 2008 to detect explosives and drugs, but none were used on the man suspected of trying to blow up the Detroit-bound flight.

Abdulmutallab, tracked by cameras through the security check, was said to have only gone through a metal detector and had his bag X-rayed when he arrived at Nigeria’s busiest airport to start his journey.

The Soter RS scanners delivers 3-D images that would have shown something hidden under clothing. But a spokesman for the NDLEA, which operates the machines, told The Associated Press that the one at Lagos airport was used sporadically and only on potential narcotics smugglers.

According to the report, word of the scanners’ presence in Nigeria’s four main airports appeared not to have reached top officials, including Harold Demuren, the head of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, who only on Wednesday told reporters that the Federal Government would buy 3-D full-body scanners for the airports, and insisted there were currently none there.

An official of the NDLEA, Ofoyeju Mitchell, told the AP on Thursday that one of the machines was kept in a room near the security checkpoint at Murtala Mohammed International Airport.

He said the scanners were not used on every passenger. Instead, drug agents selected frequent flyers, travellers heading to and from drug shipment points, and people who seemed deceptive or under stress.

“The frequency of checks is determined by the risk level of our assessment ... (and) reasonable cause for suspicion,’’ Mitchell said.

Quoting an April 30 U.S. State Department report, AP said the scanners were installed in March, May and June of 2008 ‘’to detect explosives and drugs on passengers.’’

Mahathir: US preparing for attack on Iran

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Mahathir Mohamad

The former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad has warned that the US is preparing to launch an attack on Iran with the help of Israel.

"Obama is preparing for a (military) offensive on Iran with the help of his ally, the Israeli regime," IRNA quoted Mohamad as writing on his weblog.

Mahathir said that President Barack Obama, who had received the Nobel Peace Prize, did not fulfill his promises regarding withdrawal of US troops from Iraq and Afghanistan as well as a pledge to close the Guantanamo prison.

Obama "has not even fulfilled one word of his promises," he said.

Mahathir went on to say that the US is expected to launch the war on Iran on the pretext that the Islamic Republic was seeking to build a nuclear bomb.

He said that the US will introduce "forged evidences" showing Iran aims to "start a nuclear war against the world."

Tel Aviv and Washington have never ruled out the possibility of a military strike against Iran, which is accused by the US, Israel and some European countries of aiming to develop nuclear weapons under the cover of its civilian nuclear program.

While categorically denying the allegations, Iran says it has the capability to ward off any attack on the country and has stressed that an Israeli or US strike would meet a 'decisive' response from Tehran.

Iran says its nuclear program is meant to meet the civilian needs of its people and is being pursued within the framework of international atomic agency regulations.

Mahathir also referred to Iraq that came under the occupation of the US and its allies on the pretext that the country has weapons of mass destruction — a claim which proved to be untrue.

He questioned "whether we could believe that the war against Iran will be because of its potential nuclear strike against the world?"

DB/DT

Asiedu Nketia ‘mad’ over 17 aspirants for party’s youth organiser position

Johnson Asiedu Nketia The General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress, Johnson Asiedu Nketia has expressed disgust over the sheer number of 17 aspirants contesting the party’s youth organiser position in the upcoming National Delegates Congress to be held in January 2010. Himself a contestant for re-election as the party’s scribe, Mr Nketia did not understand why 17 of the party’s youth should vie for the position of the party’s youth organiser position. “There are about 17 people who are going to contest for National Youth Organiser, Deputy National Youth Organiser and so on. Where did all of them come from? When we were in opposition where were they?” he quizzed. He blamed the scramble for power on the lack of credible data for the party and called for an electronic-based membership registration mechanism. Speaking with the party’s constituency and regional executives at Wa, Mr Nketia also dismissed assertions that he was undermining the 31st December Women’s Movement following his recent suggestion for a vibrant women’s wing of the party. Claiming to have been misquoted, the general secretary said: “Some are saying that general mosquito wants to collapse 31st, some are saying general mosquito wants to marginalize 31st. But I bet you what I am doing is in the interest of 31st itself and also in the interest of the women’s wing,” he explained. Mr Nketia said he is unfazed with the criticism and believes his conviction and position will be vindicated in the long term. Ahead of the 2008 national elections, Mr Nketia similarly lambasted the then ruling New Patriotic Party for putting forward 17 aspirants for the party’s presidential candidate. Story by Nathan Gadugah/Myjoyonline.com/Ghana

Asiedu Nketia to establish “independent” women’s wing in NDC

Johnson Asiedu Nketia is General Secretary of the ruling NDC We have a very weak women’s wing; we have a very weak youth wing. At times when you go to the field [and] you want to meet the women’s wing,… you meet members of an NGO Asiedu Nketia, General Secretary, NDC The General Secretary of the NDC, Johnson Aseidu-Nketia, has vowed to get rid of parallel women’s organizations within the party if he is elected to serve a second term. “We have a very weak women’s wing; we have a very weak youth wing. At times when you go to the field [and] you want to meet the women’s wing,… you meet members of an NGO,” Mr Asiedu Nketia said. “The NDC constitution recognises a fully-fledged women’s wing and that is what we promised you,” he added and stressed that such a group “must be able to generate its own programmes and carry them out.” Launching his bid for re-election, Mr. Aseidu-Nketia suggested that the party’s main women’s wing has been hijacked. Sources within the party say his comment were in apparent reference to the 31st December Women’s Movement, led by former first lady, Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings but he rejected the suggestion assuring he does not intend to collapse the mnovement. The movement - whose main patron, former first lady Nana Konadu Agyeman Rawlings is seeking to be Vice-Chair of the party - has been the main organiser of the women’s wing of the NDC, a situation sources say Mr Asiedu Nketia has not been happy about. The NDC General Secretary wants the women in the party to be independent from and capable of running their own chapters without the influence of other organisations. Source: Myjoyonline.com/Ghana

Statement: CPP optimistic of governing Ghana again

The Convention People’s Party, CPP, has in a New Year Message reiterated that in the year 2010 and beyond, it will remain hopeful, optimistic and committed to the goal of providing good quality governance to Ghana again. CPP Optimistic and Committed To Governing Ghana Again: New Year Message. The Convention People’s Party CPP wishes fellow Ghanaians, members of the CPP, workers, the youth, the poor and the vulnerable of our country a happy festive season, a hopeful and prosperous new year in 2010. In the year 2009 our own members, sympathisers, members of other political parties and friends of Ghana called for a third party to govern the country, when they came to realise the cold matter of fact that there was little difference between the NDC and NPP, as regards their capacity to transform Ghana from a third world to a middle income country in the medium term and to a high income country in the long term. The calls for a third party to govern Ghana, have been triggered by the management of our economy and the vicious cycle of vindictive politics continuously exhibited by both the NDC and NPP parties who have governed Ghana in the last 17 years. Even more disappointing is their inability to provide any real sustainable solutions to the ever increasing difficulties the people of Ghana face on the socio-economic front. In the CPP’s 2008 Manifesto “New Dawn, New Vision”, we proposed to implement a series of medium-term plans to reflect both our Party’s ideology of Nkrumaism and the Directive Principles of State Policy which constitute a national vision agreed by all Ghanaians in the 1992 Constitution. We promised to develop a long-term national development plan based on the national vision to be called Ghana@75: A Roadmap to High-income Status. This means necessarily that the CPP would have shifted from the belt-tightening and endless stability slogan to bold and innovative growth strategies, had we succeeded in winning the elections and formed a government. In the year 2010 and beyond, we will remain hopeful, optimistic and committed to our goal of providing good quality governance to Ghana again. It will not be easy, but the demand for a third party to govern Ghana should serve as the catalyst that compels us to do the needful to govern Ghana again. Our winner-take-all-system is not conducive to a successful third party. The stronger we become, the more destructive our strength could be to ourselves if we remain in-disciplined and divided by allowing our enemies to use us against our own future success as a political party. As we enter the new year, we invite our rank and file, to do something small every day for the CPP. If we come together to run our own race within our own means we will be surprised at how much we can accomplish, when who gets the credit is relegated to the background. We entreat every member, sympathiser and all who want to see Ghana transformed, to listen and reflect on the clarion call for the CPP to prepare, to govern Ghana again. To succeed, we need to develop, nurture and consolidate the spirit of unity and perseverance in the face of organisational and personality difficulties and be guided by the time tested principle. “United we stand divided we fall”. We wish the good people of Ghana and members of the CPP family a Prosperous New Year. Forward Ever Backward Never. Signed William Dowokpor Director of Communications, CPP. 024-3588422

Rawlings criticizes culture of ingratitude creeping into NDC

Former President J.J. Rawlings Former President Jerry Rawlings has lashed out at leading members of the National Democratic Congress and government officials who have refused to recognize the significant roles played by groups such as the 31st December Women’s Movement and other progressive women’s groups in national development and bringing the party back to power. He also decried the culture of money politics that is being introduced into the party even at lower level elections and cautioned that if the party and government did not revert to the ideals of probity, accountability and integrity that are the ideals of the revolution, ‘then we toy with the party’s destiny at our peril.’ The former President said he is compelled to come out publicly to speak his mind about the government because genuine advice he offers is disrespectfully ignored. “One day I will come out and give you details of all the advice I have given that has been ignored. These people are showing disrespect and contempt after we worked hard to win the election. Speaking at a symposium in Tema organised by the National Cadre Front and the United Cadre Front to commemorate the 28th anniversary of the 31st December Revolution on Thursday, the former President said some government and party officials “now even sponsor some radio callers to abuse me.” Former President Rawlings said the disrespect started after the party lost power in 2000. “When we held meetings to discuss party matters some leading members had the audacity to question why my comments and criticism should be accepted when I had made no monetary contribution to the party. “So embarrassing was this to many party faithful that they went around and sought financial support for me to donate to the party but I did not accept those monies. What I brought into the party was too invaluable to quantify in monetary terms. I brought on board integrity, I brought sacrifice - the blood of those who had died fighting for the ideals of the PNDC and NDC. We must learn to show respect for what people have done. “There are too many wrongs because we fail to take the high moral ground when it matters most,” the former President said. The former President said the removal of the NPP in the last election was yet another revolt following the moral decay, that party allowed Ghana to sink into. “The removal of the NPP during the last election was a revolt of a different kind. A revolt through the ballot box and Ghanaians were expectant. They witnessed the extreme corrupt practices of the previous government and they now wonder why many of their appointees are still sitting on powerful desks dictating government policy. “We suffered eight years of decline under Kufuor. State lands sold to private individuals, national assets such as the airports and seaports were all given to private entities to manage under corrupt arrangements. The drug menace became a nightmare and Ghana was for the first time in its history described as a major drug transit hub.” Former President Rawlings said the 31st December Revolution relit the flame of freedom and justice and awakened the Ghanaian to a renewed sense of patriotism and dedication to economic and political upliftment. “As we remember this day we need to question our continued sense of dedication to these ideals and ask whether that flame lit 28 years ago is not in danger of being extinguished by our inactions as a political force.” “The 31st December Revolution was a fall-out of the June 4 1979 uprising which was an eruption created by the failure of successive governments to respect the sanctity of justice and create equal opportunities for citizens of our country. “Ghana was characterised as a collapsed state and our governments failed to restore an atmosphere of freedom and justice required to turn around the clock of decay. “June 4 was an explosion of anger precipitated by the continued failure of our leaders to bring order to the country after they had taken over the mantle of power. “Ladies and gentlemen, unfortunately the cleansing effect of June 4 did not seem to have positively affected the political climate as the succeeding government fell into the same status quo that preceded June 4, necessitating the birth of December 31. Former President Rawlings said the PNDC era ushered in by 31st brought about a social awakening never before witnessed in Ghana. “Ghanaians endured a difficult economic transformation from drought and abject poverty to economic recovery programmes. But most significant was the manner our noble citizens through People’s Defence Committees and Workers Defence Committees did a great job of sowing seeds of local government and even handling judicial matters. “The people had little work for the traditional court system, as there was a sense of moral uprightness and commitment to the rule of law, which was borne out of society’s desire to maintain a sense of constant discipline. These laid the foundation for the institution of the District Assembly concept, which brought political decision making right to our doorsteps. “The National Democratic Congress was built out of the same vision of the PNDC and endeavoured to continue its ideals. Probity, accountability, freedom and justice were our watchwords. 31st December, Rawlings said, is not just another day. “It reminds us of the principles of probity, accountability, integrity and justice. Unfortunately we are allowing the moral fabric of the NDC to deteriorate. Our party was built on a foundation of visionary leadership and self-discipline. “Most Ghanaians who believe in the national motto of Freedom and Justice irrespective of their political affiliations will expect that a government born out of noble principles will act more expeditiously to uphold justice. “All Ghanaians have a high expectation of this government. Those of us who belong to the NDC cannot afford to have it fail. “The NDC goes to Congress early in the New Year. I look forward to delegates electing individuals who have credibility and shown genuine commitment to the party and have most of all held onto noble principles. “NDC has never used money for political positions. Reports of monetary influences, threats from certain government circles, misuse of armed security personnel to intimidate and prevent legitimate candidates from standing and promises of potential benefits being made to delegates is scandalous and goes against every ideal of 31st December. Let us not make the same mistakes some made. “As we enter a new year we have to be guided by the basic principles of freedom and justice. December 31, 1981 gave power to the people and voice to the voiceless. Our people do not have to feel restrained 28 years on. The PNDC gave birth to the NDC and it is simply unacceptable if the government cannot uphold the principles that gave it life. Let us not be seen to be so power hungry we fail to follow the time tested due process that made NDC the party it is today. We toy with the party’s destiny at our own peril.” Source: Former President Rawlings’ blog site - http://jjrawlings.wordpress.com

EDITORIAL:Africa Union must rid itself of Corrupt Dictators and their Sons

By Lord Aikins Adusei

At its inauguration in 2002, the Africa Union (AU) sets itself ambitious goals "to promote peace, security, and stability on the continent; to promote democratic principles and institutions, popular participation and good governance; to promote and protect human and peoples' rights. It also aims to establish the necessary conditions which enable the continent to play its rightful role in the global economy and in international negotiations and to promote co-operation in all fields of human activity (in order) to raise the living standards of African peoples. The ultimate goal of the AU is to establish a United States of Africa" Source:http://www.africa-union.org

There are many issues that may derail the AU from achieving the goals it has set itself however the most critical of these issues has to do with the very kind of people who constitute the AU leadership. For example the current Chairman of AU in the person of Gaddafi has been a dictator since 1969. For forty years he has ruled his country with iron hand jailing opposition members, restricting freedom of speech, assembly and limiting political activities in attempt to stay in power for good. He frowns on any idea about democracy and has consistently argued that democracy is foreign and unAfrican.

Museveni of Uganda came to power in 1986 and has since ruled his country as his personal estate. In 2003 he had the presidential term limit set by the constitution abrogated so he could be president for life. Obiang Nguema of Equatorial Guinea came to power in 1979 after overthrowing his own uncle and executing him. In that same year Dos Santos of Angola took over power and begun to rule. Both are still president today. In Burkina Faso Blaise Campore has been in power since 1987 and is still adamant about leaving office. Congo Brazzaville´s Denis Sassou Nguesso has used every means just to stay in power. Since 1982 Paul Biya of Cameroon has won every election is his oil rich but economically impoverished country and likewise Hosni Mubarak of Egypt who since 1981 has been president of the North African country. Ben Ali of Tunisia has resisted every attempt to leave office changing the country´s constitution just to stay in power.

Gaddafi has never been elected in his forty year reign as the head of state of Libya. Omar Al Bashir has not been elected. There are no words to describe Mamadou Tandja of Niger and Yahyah Jammeh of the Gambia. Iddris Derby of Chad and Isaias Afewerki of Eritrea have spent more than a decade in power and there is no sign that they are prepared to leave. Ethipoia´s Meles Zenawi is still prime minister after 18 years and it is a waste of time to talk about the tactics he has used to stay in power.

The last time I checked more than half of the over fifty countries that make up the AU had leaders who are unelected and deeply corrupt. Even the rest who claim to have been elected more than half have had their elections questioned by both local and international election observers. Yar´Dua of Nigeria, Ali Bongo of Gabon, Denis Sassou Nguesso, and Mugabe and the elections that brought them into power have all been questioned. The resignation of the head of the electoral commission in Mauritania just immediately after election confirmed what everyone was saying privately at the time.

Thus from Libya where Gaddafi has managed to misrule his country for forty years, to Zimbabwe where the old man still thinks of himself as one that Zimbabwe cannot do without; to Uganda where Museveni and his family are anything but thieves; to Gambia where Jammeh continue to ridicule himself and that of his country with his treatment of HIV/AIDS sufferers; to Kenya where Mwai Kibaki refused to leave office after a humiliating defeat and had to resort to violence to keep himself in power; to Nigeria where corruption and embezzlement have produced a failed state; to Niger where Mamadou Tandja has staged a coup against his own government in an effort to rule for life; to Angola, Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea and Congo where a cabal of corrupt leaders preside over the looting of their countries´ oil revenues; to Ethiopia where Meles Zenawi has turned his country into a prison; to Eritrea where Isaias Afewerki has turned from a freedom fighter to a brutal despot and to Gabon, Togo and DRC where children of former corrupt dictators have assumed the mantle of leadership apparently to continue where their parents left off (including the systematic looting and mismanagement of their countries´ treasuries) there is no sign that continent is going to achieve the lofty goals it has set itself. One needs not look far to see how their incompetence and monumental failures have contributed to the demise of the continent, the countries swimming in rich natural resources yet the people lacking the basic necessities of life.

There are two main characteristics of these leaders which directly go to affect the achievement of the goals set by the AU. First they are all corrupt dictators who are unwilling to relinquish power despite their colossal failures. And second none of the leaders seem to have any good political, economic or social record. Their countries are deeply soaked in poverty. The key question is how is the AU going to promote peace, security, and stability on a continent full of unrepented dictators and how is the AU going to promote democratic principles, popular participation and good governance when the people at the helm of affairs on the continent consistently kick against those laudable ideas?

There is no point arguing that there are strong and direct link between dictatorship in Africa and the high level of insecurity and instability seen all over the continent. We need not to look too far to see how dictatorship, corruption and unfair distribution of resources (poverty) led to many civil wars, coups and counter-coups in the 1970s, 1980s, 1990s and even this 21st century. The logic is that if people who are poor cannot democratically change their leaders they will have no other alternative but to use force and violence to bring about a change of government hence the many conflicts and wars seen in Africa.

This logic of violent removal of governments was correctly echoed by President Julius Nyerere who warned against the consequences of over staying in power and stealing resources meant for the people:

"We spoke and acted as if, given the opportunity for self-government, we would quickly create utopias. Instead injustice, even tyranny, is rampant…We can try to carve for ourselves an unfair share of the wealth of the society. But the cost to us, as well as to our fellow citizens, will be very high. It will be high not only in terms of satisfactions forgone, but also in terms of our own security and well-being." Julius Kambarage Nyerere, from his book Uhuru na Maendeleo (Freedom and Development), 1973.

The consequences of a continent dominated by tyrants as echoed by Nyerere was given a boost by Obama in a speech to Ghana´s Parliament in which he linked tyranny and corruption in Africa to the high level of poverty, instability and conflict:

"But history offers a clear verdict: governments that respect the will of their own people are more prosperous, more stable and more successful than governments that do not. Democracy is about more than holding elections - it's also about what happens between them. Repression takes many forms, and too many nations are plagued by problems that condemn their people to poverty. No country is going to create wealth if its leaders exploit the economy to enrich themselves, or police can be bought off by drug traffickers. No business wants to invest in a place where the government skims 20 percent off the top, or the head of the port authority is corrupt. No person wants to live in a society where the rule of law gives way to the rule of brutality and bribery. That is not democracy that is tyranny, and now is the time for it to end". He added: "Make no mistake: history is on the side of these brave Africans and not with those who use coups or change Constitutions to stay in power. Africa doesn't need strongmen, it needs strong institutions". People everywhere should have the right to start a business or get an education without paying bribe. We have a responsibility to support those who act responsibly and to isolate those who don't" Source: http://www.ghana.gov.gh.11 July 2009.

As Nyerere and Obama correctly hypothesized you can only expect wars, instabilities and conflicts in an environment where tyrants and dictators dominate. Hence one may not be surprised to hear that Somalia is burning, or the Lord´s Resistance Army is heading to Kampala, or rebels have encircled N´Djamena the Chadian capital, or the Great Lake Region is in turmoil they are the consequences of dictatorial rule, bad governance, nepotism, cronyism and rampant corruption. The high number of dictators making up the AU leadership, their unwillingness to allow democracy to work will only continue to breed instability, conflicts and wars and hence will defeat the AU´s key goal of promoting peace, security, and stability upon which all the other goals depend.

Where is the AU heading with these dictators still in office? Can any progress be made towards Africa´s unity and can the United States of Africa be realised with all these tyrants in power? The answer is a big no. The fact is that if the AU is ever going to transform itself into a respected democratic institution made up of democratic member countries then it must as a necessity purge itself of these tyrants and their children who are holding the organisation in bondage.

The question is how can the AU rid itself of these selfish leaders? There are a number of things the AU can and must do.

It must first and foremost abrogate the automatic membership. Throughout the world all serious bodies have constitutions and charters that set out the benchmarks that would-be members must attain before they are admitted. This contrasts the AU where membership is automatic no matter the record of a government or the means by which it came to power. This system is not only wrong but it is also self defeating. It is one of the reasons why AU is full of corrupt dictators and tyrants. It is this automatic membership that has ensured that Mugabe could wrought violence against his people and still has the audacity to attend AU meetings. It is this automatic membership that has ensured that Nguema, Museveni, Nguesso, Santos, Afewerki, Tandja, Kibaki, al-Bashir, Mubarak, Gaddafi, Campore, Biya and Jammeh can do whatever they like in their respective countries and still attend AU meetings. The automatic membership must be abolished and benchmarks set for would-be members to attain before being accepted. That is AU must be made up of serious minded countries committed to democracy, rule of law, protection of human rights, peace, stability and fight the against corruption and poverty. Members must demonstrate their commitment to democracy, rule of law, and fight against corruption and poverty before being admitted as is seen in the EU. This must change if the AU is ever going to be a United States of Africa. In the European Union where membership is earned all the 27 members have democratic governments that respect human rights. Romania and other Eastern European nations whose governments were corrupt were forced to reform before they were admitted into the EU and we know how hard Turkey has tried to become a member without success despite the huge internal reforms it has carried out over the last couple of years. We cannot make the AU a body of no standards AU must have standards and benchmarks if it is ever going to eliminate dictatorship from its ranks.

The effort by some leaders to transform the AU into a Commission with more powers to conduct business on behalf of the continent has met fierce resistance and continues to be thwarted by these old corrupt guards who see every reform as a threat to their power and corrupt lifestyle. These tyrants continue to torpedo every effort of AU to move from its current position as a talking shop into serious solution solving body. Mugabe and his cohorts and their sons are holding the AU in bondage through their hold on power. They continue to resist every attempt to transform the AU into a useful body. These corrupt dictators have and still continue to frustrate the good intentions of the body but the AU must not capitulate but work to adopt and implement resolutions that will force these tyrants to improve human rights, empower women, fight corruption and poverty, promote democracy and ultimately give up power.

Furthermore, to prevent the AU from being dominated by tyrants and their children the Africa Union must insist that leaders who are not democratically elected by their citizens cannot become a Chair of the body. If a leader of a country wants to be the Chair of the august body then he/she must subject himself/herself to rigours of elections in his country. Such simple demands by the AU will make these tyrants consider their positions carefully. They will be ashamed to request for a chairmanship position when they know they are not democratically elected. The current situation in which Gaddafi a lifelong dictator chairs the body is not only unacceptable but is also an insult to all the democratically minded people in Africa.

Additionally to boost its position to rid itself of these tyrants the AU must lobby the democratically elected leaders like Senegal´s Wade, Ian Khama of Botswana, Ghana´s Atta Mills, Zuma of South Africa, Benin´s Yayi Boni and others to persuade these tyrants to adopt democracy. The tyrants must be persuaded to stand down and allow free and fair elections to be held. Any tyrant who refuses to stand down should be suspended until free and fair elections are held. The AU is not going to make any progress if the leaders are pampered to do what they want. AU leaders must recognise that Africa cannot harness her strategic importance in this new global order unless there are democratic and institutional reform that will rid the continent of absolute dictators and their corrupt machinery which for so long a time has been responsible for the misery and high levels of poverty seen throughout Africa.

Again the AU should push for genuine democracy in its member countries like the one in Ghana. I am not talking about just elections I am talking about free and fair elections that give opposition equal access to state media and resources. The situation whereby incumbent governments monopolise state resources and employ all manner of tactics to win power as happened in Equatorial Guinea, Congo, and Zimbabwe is a recipe for disaster.

In addition, the AU must insist that children of former dictators cannot automatically replace them when they leave office. The current situation where children of former dictators have been installed as presidents in sham elections is not only an insult to people of these countries but is an indictment on the credibility of AU as a body. It is unacceptable for Faure Eyadema of Togo, Joseph Kabila of DR Congo and Gabon Ali Bongo of Gabon to replace their fathers as presidents. These precedents and developments seem to have encouraged Gaddafi, Museveni and Hosni Mubarak who are busy grooming their children to replace them. This trend is not only dangerous but it is also a recipe for conflict and instability and the earlier the AU sends a clear message to these leaders the better. These dictators and their children must be prevented from establishing dynasties in Africa.

Also the current practice where a country is only suspended when there is coup is not fair to the citizens of Zimbabwe, Equatorial Guinea, Libya, Niger, Gambia, and Eritrea who suffer human right abuses on the daily basis. AU should not suspend only countries where coups have taken place but must also suspend all countries whose leaders engage in human rights abuses and corrupt practices that push their citizens into poverty and economic annihilation. If a country is suspended because a coup has taken place, is it also not morally right to suspend a country when its leaders loot their resources, and engage in human rights violation? If citizens of a country like Libya are denied a say on how their leaders are elected or how their country is governed is it not enough to suspend that country until the citizens are given the opportunity to determine who should lead them?

Again the AU must make sure its institutions are headquartered in countries that respect human rights and rule of law, eschew corruption and is a democracy. I cannot imagine Gambia being made the headquarters of the AU´s Human Right Commission when Jammeh is busy killing journalists in cold blood and has threatened to annihilate people who freely express their views in that country. It is very shocking that the AU seems to be pampering these leaders. I can hardly comprehend why and how a nation whose leader is known to be abusing the rights of its citizens is made the headquarters of a human right commission. AU has got to be really serious if it wants the rest of the world to take it serious. Therefore certain criteria must be met before headquarters are cited in a country and the AU must not hesitate to remove the headquarters when the situation there changes. Ethiopian leaders must demonstrate their commitment to democracy, rule of law, justice and equality before the law. The eroding of democratic values in that country must be of much concern to the AU. I strongly believe Ethiopia should loose its headquarters status if the leaders continue on the path of dictatorship. This will send a clear message to the rest of the leaders that dictatorship and human rights abuse will not be tolerated in the new AU.

Moreover, AU must compile annual reports about human rights, corruption, and abuse of power in all member countries and sanction those countries found to be in breach of AU Charter. If we are ever going to rid ourselves of the dictators and the rampant corruption and abuse of power associated with their regimes then the AU must act and apply sanctions.

AU should engage the people of Africa in its programmes. Very few people know what goes on at the AU headquarters and we are not going to build a successful Africa when the people who make up the continent are excluded from its activities. Universities and other institutions of higher learning must be involved in AU´s activities to sensitise the people and to build grassroot support in member countries. Therefore AU Chapters must be established across Africa: in universities, colleges and high schools to make the people aware of what AU is doing. AU must organise symposia and debates and other competitions in schools. The advantage is that since the students are going to be the future leaders and policy makers in Africa their involvement will help inculcate and build support for AU. To add to this AU must publish news letters and distribute them to schools, civil society organisations, government departments and other institutions to create awareness. Since we are in the information age internet, e-mail and other information distribution methods must be employed to deliver information about the AU to the people. Editors of both print and electronic media must be encouraged to cover AU activities and events.

The AU must also involve the intellectuals, diplomats and technocrats in Africa. President Julius Nyerere the illustrious son of Africa says:

"...intellectuals have a special contribution to make to the development of our nation, and to Africa. And I am asking that their knowledge, and the greater understanding that they should possess, should be used for the benefit of the society of which we are all members." Julius Kambarage Nyerere, from his book Uhuru na Maendeleo (Freedom and Development), 1973.

In short the people of Africa of whom the AU belong must be involved, but this involvement of the people will come to nothing if the dictators are not persuaded to hang off their glove.

Above all, the tyrants themselves must acknowledge that it is in their own interest to give up power and allow democracy and rule of law to prevail. The cost of holding on to power may be costly not only in terms of satisfactions forgone, but also in terms of their own security and well-being.

If the prosperity and stability Obama spoke about and the contribution of intellectuals Nyerere mentioned above as well as the AU´s own long term goal of a United States of Africa are to be realised and have effect in Africa then the AU must at any cost rid itself of the corrupt dictators and their children who are lining up to take their position. You cannot ask intellectuals to play a role while the dictators are undermining their effort.

The AU will not be able to reverse decades of low per capita income, low productivity, slow pace of social and economic development, poor state of infrastructures and weak economies if steps are not taken to ensure that democracy is established on the continent, and that all leaders subject themselves to the rigours of election, fight corruption and poverty and promote peace, stability and development.

If the AU is ever going to realise any of the goals it has set itself then it must as a matter of necessity purge itself of the dictators and their sons.

By Lord Aikins Adusei

The author is a political activist and anti-corruption campaigner.