Democrat Union of Africa

Mr. Chairman of the Democratic Union of Africa (DUA),
Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP),
Chairmen and leaders of Parties of our great democratic tradition,
Distinguished delegates to the 2nd Party Leaders Conference hosted by the New Patriotic Party in Ghana,
Distinguished partners from the media,
it is with a sense of immense pride and pleasure that I welcome you to this evening's dinner.

I know you have already received a number of welcome greetings, and you have also been relishing the traditional Ghanaian hospitality and welcome. All that notwithstanding, there is a saying in Akan that (quote): "Nam dodoo nsee nkwan" - which literally translates to mean: 'Lots of meat, or is it fish, does not spoil the soup. In the wisdom of that Akan aphorism, let me add my own welcome to the ones you have already received.

Distinguished leaders of political parties of democratic roots and orientation, we were told this morning by Rt. Hon. Peter Lilley, of how the policy options, ideas and principles of our tradition are being actively appropriated by people and parties of not so democratic origins in their quest to secure political power, or to hold on to it.

Principles such as individual rights, liberty and freedoms, the rule of law, the right to property, good governance and multi party democracy based on the sovereign will of the people and economic development based on the ingenuity and hard work of the private sector, as well as fairness and equity forwards the weak and vulnerable in society, have virtually become the hallmark of regimes which have sprung to power from basically authoritarian, military and or dictatorial histories. We have been commenting the paradox of characteristically undemocratic leaders purporting to preside over democratic governments, whilst those who are truly democratic at heart languish in opposition.

In Ghana for example, we had the occasion of a democratically elected leader, openly expressing his disdain of, and frustration with democracy. This indeed is a case of complex paradoxical proportions, and in my view constitutes a huge challenge to our tradition.

Ladies and Gentlemen, I am by this statement not suggesting for a moment that some people do not have the right to national leadership. My real purpose for highlighting this rather awkward phenomenon, is to focus our attention on the challenge that we face in our bid to secure political power in order to implement those policies which most naturally belong to our human-centered tradition.

Having pointed to the conundrum, I feel compelled to suggest some responses to this challenge.

I this morning hinted at the problem of the perception that parties belonging to our tradition are elitist, anti-people and snobbish. Of course all these changes are totally unfounded and a blatant fabrication of our opponents. But the issue is that in politics perception is everything. So whether we never mind the fact that these changes are mere fabrications, we ought to do something about it in order to disabuse the minds of voters in our respective countries so they would vote us into power. Obviously, it is then and only then that we will have the opportunity to put our ideas and policies into action, as is happening in Ghana today.

We would have to consider as a matter of strategic urgency, repackaging and re-Iaunching our image and show to the electorate of our various countries that the policies that emanates from our tradition alone bear ample testimony to our pro-people credentials. Of course, beyond policy issues such tactical matters as the adoption of media, communication, sales and marketing strategies as would bring our message convincingly to our people ought to feature prominently to support building and campaigns.

We should not shy away from adopting methods approaches and tactics that clearly appeal to the mass audience.

2. The changing dynamics of demographic profile of our vanous societies demand for example, that we re-engineer our focus on such politically critical categories as youth, women, special interest groups as well as the burgeoning away of civil society organizations. These are key constituents and major stakeholders within the matrix of contemporary politics, and ought therefore to be approached as such.

3. The media, our partnership with them and our optional collaboration in virtually every aspect of our strategic planning and operations must assume a new dimension of importance to us. This becomes even more critical in view of the current phenomenal explosion in societies capacity to communicate globally instantly.

4. Mr. Chairman, ladies and gentlemen, the challenge of finding enough financial and other resources to support the organization and operations of our various parties continue to pose serious challenges, particularly in Africa. Our capacity to harness sufficient funds to finance our work is obviously crucial in changing the fortunes of parties in our fraternity, must of whom are still in opposition.

The proposals being put forward by one tonight by no means forecloses the options available to us.

Indeed there may even be some proposals that would be best discussed in camera in our various party strong rooms.

And also particularly because we are here to basically enjoy some good food and drinks, must not make a long speech. But one thing I must say before a assume my seat Mr. Chairman, is that, looking at the relevance of our tradition's ideologies, principles and policies to the social, economic and democratic development needs of our various countries, parties of our tradition have no business loosing power, nor staying in opposition.

Mr. Chairman, ladies and gentlemen, I thank you all for your attention, and do sincerely look forward to our next conference when most, if not all of our parties will return as parties in power.

Thank you.