Fare thee well, ALIU
Things came to a head last Wednesday when some radio stations and social media networks announced that the former vice-president had passed on.
It took some effort by the administrators of the premier hospital to explain to Ghanaians that he was not dead.
The nation was also told that Alhaji Mahama had been put on life support and that plans were in place to fly him to the UK or Germany.
Since then, Ghanians from all walks of life had been praying for his speedy recovery. Unfortunately, his Maker, Allah (Peace be upon Him) had a better mission for our former vice-president.
When President Mills died, Ghanaians buried their political differences and rallied together to give him a fitting burial. That experience gave the impression that death, the leveller, has the power to bring us together, making people wonder whether we scorn the living and adore the dead.
With the passing away of the former vice-president, big wigs from across the political divide have come together to celebrate his life.
Just some 24 hours ago, well-meaning Ghanaians were worried by the political divisiveness.
Campaigning by the various parties have been suspended in honour of our former vice-president. President John Mahama has cut short his campaign tour of the Brong Ahafo Region to get to Accra to mourn the death of Alhaji Mahama, whom he described as his elder brother.
The leader of the NPP, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, and other political leaders have done the same.
Alhaji Mahama, a celebrated technocrat, having worked with the defunct State Construction Corporation, and football administrator whose leadership skills shaped the exploits of Real Tamale United, came to the limelight during the 2000 presidential elections, when then candidate Kufuor of the NPP chose him as his running mate.
As we unite to celebrate the lives of our statesmen, we should also resolve to bond in our quest to recreate our country for the good of all.
It is not good enough for this great country, with abundant resources, both human and material, to spend time only to celebrate the dead in unison and divide our ranks when it comes to issues related to national development.
The Daily Graphic is aware that politics is about alternatives, but if we are committed to a national vision, we will recognise that there is unity in diversity and ensure that in our body politic there is even room for continuity in change.
The deaths of these two great personalities should remind us that, after all, we are the same people with a common destiny and that there will be no gain if we continue to divide our ranks along political party persuasions.
Let our leaders use these experiences to chart a new path for Mother Ghana.
While we mourn the loss of Alhaji Mahama, the Daily Graphic extends its condolences to the good people of Ghana, especially the bereaved family, including the late vice-president’s wife and children.
It is a painful loss, but Allah (Peace be unto him), grant the family the strength to deal with this irreplaceable loss.
