Historic

It had been the expectation of the Daily Graphic that today’s events would be conducted in an atmosphere of absolute unity in which no grouping would boycott the ceremony to register its rejection of the results of the presidential poll.

But we cannot begrudge them, as the Constitution that guarantees the inauguration of Parliament and the investiture of the President makes room for those dissatisfied with the outcome polls to seek redress in court.

The fact that a number of Heads of State and Governments, as well as high-profile delegations, are in the country to participate in the ceremony is a manifestation of their confidence in our democratic process.

However, the Daily Graphic reiterates the need for a paradigm shift in our politics, so that we can make a clear departure from the adversarial politics to the politics of engagement where everybody’s contribution to nation-building will be recognised.

The Daily Graphic concedes that everybody goes into a contest to win and, therefore, there is absolutely nothing wrong with the desire to win elections.

It is unfortunate that presently majority of our people regard the swearing in of new MPs as an additional burden on the state to provide four-wheel drive vehicles and other perks for them, although the MPs will pay for the cars by hire purchase agreement.

This perception has gained currency in our society because the dividends of politics are yet to impact on ordinary people, although they see a marked improvement in the lifestyles of our politicians.

The Daily Graphic appeals to the  new crop of politicians, whether in Parliament or with the Executive, to make it a point to change the lot of the ordinary people as they take their oaths today.

The appeal to the electorate to vote is a kind of social contract and those who have won should remember that contract, as the electorate voted in a certain direction because they were convinced that direction has what it takes to change their present status for the better.

The Daily Graphic urges the government to take the mantle of leadership today concious of its social contract with the people and its obligation to serve and not to lord it over them.

Politics is about development, but any development process that does not bring about change in the lives of the people must be looked at again. We expect politics to serve as a catalyst for progress and prosperity in the country.

Once again, we congratulate President John Mahama and the MPs for the confidence reposed in them by the electorate to steer the affairs of state for the next four years.