That was the exact time last year when President Mills, noted for his good sense of humour and humility and who had pledged to be father for all at his inauguration on January 7, 2009, passed on to eternity.
The country, then preparing for another competitive elections, decided to suspend all political activities in memory of that illustrious son of our land.
Electioneering and elections have always been adversarial in our country and elsewhere. That notwithstanding, the political parties decided to suspend all activities in reverence for the man of peace in order not to give opportunity for anybody to foul the solemn atmosphere.
President Mills, while he was alive, would not hurt a fly, as he used every opportunity to preach the need for unity among all segments of society, regardless of people’s political persuasions.
We may not be wrong in concluding that that demonstration of unity of purpose to give the late President a befitting funeral went a long way to moderate the way politicians conducted themselves during the December 2012 polls.
Many well-meaning people had wished that politicians continued with the spirit of camaraderie they had exhibited during the state funeral, so that with one accord we could build a society of inclusiveness.
For many years now our society appears to be much polarised, with the hawks in the ruling class wishing that their opponents would not benefit from any good thing in the public sector.
The Daily Graphic thinks that it is within our character to extend a hand of friendship to our neighbours, no matter the circumstances. We display unity during football matches involving the national teams and the passing on of beloved ones.
It shows that we are a very unique people on the continent because in spite of the divisive election petition before the Supreme Court, members of the two parties in court have found time to remember the death of President Mills.
This is a very positive attribute that we should leverage for the good of the country. Perhaps we should stay united in our approach to national issues and the benefits would be phenomenal.
The Daily Graphic is happy that President John Mahama, on the occasion of the first anniversary of the death of President Mills, decided to rededicate himself to the late President’s principles of father-for-all and building a country devoid of extreme partisanship.
It is regrettable that although we appreciate the fact that the policy of inclusiveness pays good dividends, our leaders have not demonstrated in deed that they want to build a united country.
The Daily Graphic again reminds our leaders that example is better than precept and that we have had enough of the rhetorics. If we all acknowledge that President Mills stood for peace and unity, then we should strive to bring everybody on board in the task of nation-building.
When we collectively tame poverty, disease and squalor as Team Ghana, together everybody in the team will earn more to enjoy better living standards.
Daily Graphic/Ghana
