Former President Jerry John Rawlings has described President Mills as a man oblivious of happenings in his own government.
In his speech to commemorate the 29th anniversary of the 31st December revolution, which toppled the democratically elected government of Dr. Hilla Limann, Mr. Rawlings only stopped short of calling the sitting President a ceremonial head, as he alleged that some power brokers in his kitchen cabinet occasionally usurp his powers and make appointments into key state institutions, without his knowledge.
Speaking to a charged crowd of adherents of the almost the decade long revolution, Mr. Rawlings minced no words in stating that the NDC risks losing the 2012 elections if the president refuses to call his appointees to order and nibs corruption in the bud.
The former President cited an instance where, Chairman of the Council of State, Professor Kofi Awoonor made an appointment without the President’s knowledge, to support his claim.
Commenting on the reported rift between himself and President Mills, Mr. Rawlings said he does not mind dining and having other amiable engagements with the President, but was quick to add that Professor Mills must assert his authority and act decisively to fulfill the aspirations of Ghanaians, including investigating some high profile murder and corruption cases.
Earlier in the day, a solemn ceremony was held at the Flagstaff House to remember the souls of the fallen heroes of the 31st December Revolution.
Wreaths were laid for the fallen heroes on behalf of the people of Ghana, the security services, the cadre corps and for the principles of probity and accountability. Prayers were also said for the fallen heroes followed by a minute’s silence.
The cadre corps also mounted a parade led by Amos Aryitey while the Ghana Dance Ensemble brought emotion to the ceremony when they played dirges with their flutes.