What crime at all has Captain Nkrabeah Effah Dartey, committed to the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and our democracy that he is so much despised and ridiculed by his own kind?
Why is it convenient for his party to think that he can serve Ghana, but when it comes to the party, he is not fit for any position?
In 2007, he expressed interest to contest for the “beauty contest” that took place as a Presidential primary to elect the NPP flagbearer for election 2008. His bubble busted before he could put his plans in motion.
He was told that he is an ex-convict and so could not take part in the contest. He instantly shot to stardom, becoming another addition to the gospel musicians we have in the country. How disappointment and trials in life could unearth certain talents that is hidden in people, is sometimes so amazing and beautiful.
So, instead of realizing his dream of becoming a leader of the NPP and subsequently President of Ghana, Captain Nkrabeah launched his music career, introducing Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, the twice defeated flagbearer in both the 2008 and 2012 elections at rallies, with his tantalizing song.
As if this embarrassment was not enough, when it became obvious that he could not join the league of men, he decided to try his luck with the General Secretary position of the party. If Kwawdo Owusu Afriyie can, why not him.
When the party opened nominations, he expressed interest, went to pick the form, filed, went for vetting and was giving the green light to contest.
He, like the other contestants went round the country to canvass for votes, calling on party delegates to help him replace the Sir of Junks, the funeral donation stealer, Kwadwo Owusu Afriyie, also known as Sir John.
His campaign was done on the quite; never attracted any media attention or rather the media ignored him. The acrimony that went on between other candidates was absent in his case. It was as if he never existed. The D-day came and in Tamale, the Northern Regional Capital, where the party converged for the Conference, he was once again shown that in the scheme of things he does not matter in the party. He is in fact a persona non-grata.
He was the first to be involved in an accident, while on campaign, before that of Kwabena Agyepong, a fellow aspirant, yet Kwabena Agyepong’s accident made the headlines and dominated many discussions on radio and television. The difference was clear from the onset. He only added to the number and as
democracy required, he was allowed to contest and abysmally he performed.
When he was introduced to the parked crowd at the Tamale Sports Stadium or the Alhaji Aliu Mahama stadium, as suggested by Jake to be named after the late Vice-President, the cheers that heralded others when they were introduced, was absent in his case. He was almost booed. I felt pity for him.
Jake Obetsebi Lamptey, the out gone Chairman of the NPP, is one other funny politician or character, what was the motivation for the suggestion that the Tamale Sport Stadium be named after Alhaji Aliu Mahama. What about former Presidents, Jerry John Rawlings and John Agyekum Kufuor, are we waiting for them to pass onto eternal glory before we start falling over ourselves and making ridiculous suggestions that buildings or stadia should be named after them.
What happened to the setting up of Foundations to honour our leaders, who selflessly served this country? The same was done for the late President John Evans Atta Mills. Everything was named after him, including changing a hockey stadium with a name to him. Haba. Today, no one even remembers what and what was named after him.
The way we are going, very soon, we will start naming toilets after our former leaders.
I was expecting Jake to say that plans are far advanced to establish a Foundation in Tamale for the late Vice-President, who was the longest serving Vice-President, since we ushered in the 1992 democratic dispensation.
Jake should also consider naming the State Bungalow that he shamefully bought, after residing in as a Minister of State, in the erstwhile John Agyekum Kufuor era, which is currently under construction, after the late Aliu Mahama.
Captain Effah Dartey, is a good lawyer by all standard, anybody, who has ever encountered him in court, will attest to his legal prowess, but he also comes across as a comedian and does not exude the confidence that is needed to propel the NPP to power in 2016.
He can’t also claim to go the way of Nana Addo, who chose two professions that has no retirement, but as for Nana Addo, John Mahama will retire him in 2016. His only achievement as a politician was when he defeated the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Member of Parliament (MP), J.H Owusu Acheampong to become the MP for Berekum in the Brong Ahafo Region.-
His worst political decision was his intention to contest for the flagbearership position of the NPP in 2007; I do not blame him, because John Agyekum Kufuor had made the office of the first gentleman so cheap that Captain Nkrabeah also thought that he had the capacity to be called the first gentleman of the land.
Interesting, how democracy can wound others, while it bring joy to some. Nkrabeah who gave up his Seat in parliament to become President and General Secretary, all had eluded him. My suggestion to him is that, he should go and look for some Constituency executive in his home region, maybe the party will consider him.
Nkrabeah, in the local parlance means destiny, I am wondering what effect the name has on him, whether good or bad destiny. Is his destiny bad or good? Only time will tell.
This botched attempt to be the General Secretary could bring to an end the political career of Captain Nkrabeah Effah Dartey, because am wondering what is next for him.
He should only count his fingers and hope that Nana Addo Dankwa becomes President in 2016 and then maybe luck will shine on him, with some appointment.