COMMENTARY ON THE IEA'S ENCOUNTER WITH HASSAN AYARIGA

The performance by Hassan Ayariga, Presidential Candidate of the PNC when he took his turn at the IEA's Evening Encounter with Presidential Candidates showed that the Nkrumaist family truly has the men who have a broad knowledge of the ailment confronting the Ghanaian economy. Coming on the heels of the dazzling performance of Dr. Abu Sakara Foster, leader of another Nkrumaist party, the CPP, Mr. Ayariga could not have left things lying low. Mr. Ayariga indeed left no doubt in the minds of many who watched the encounter via television and satellite as well as listened to it on radio as to his ability to lead the nation. Even though he was actually not convincing in his answers to questions, his performance, body language and vision for the nation gave him out as somebody who has policies which can turn the fortunes of the nation around when given the nod to lead the nation. It is heartwarming Mr. Ayariga promised to be father for all following in the footsteps of the sitting President, John Atta Mills who has endeared himself to many.

It is true, partisanship in the distribution of the national cake, vindictiveness and the winner take all policies which some governments have implemented have not helped the nation in anyway. Today Ghana is beset with a number of judgement debts emanating from reckless abrogation of contracts simply because they were awarded by previous governments. Mr. Ayariga's vision in the area of agriculture is equally commendable. To him, the agricultural sector when given the right attention could create jobs, increase incomes, eradicate poverty, boost foreign exchange and ensure food security. He promised to revisit the Operation Feed Yourself programme of the erstwhile National Redemption Council, repackage and make it a flagship project to solve the food security needs of the country. The success of the Operation Feed Yourself programme in the 1970s was great, people were encouraged to develop back yard gardens and adopt small scale agriculture as house hold choices. It is also note worthy Mr. Ayariga's plans to acquire large tracts across the country and lease them out to commercial farmers. This will indeed help attract more youth into farming and make Ghana self sufficient.

As the youngest Presidential Candidate, it is heartwarming Mr. Ayariga intention to empower the youth and inspire them to take leadership as a tool for economic growth. The youth for lack of meaningful jobs at times allow themselves to be used as tools to foment trouble and political violence. Any attempt therefore to occupy them in gainful ventures is most welcome. Touching on housing, it was evident Mr. Ayariga's future government will be sensitive to the housing needs of the people. According to him he will commit a percentage of the natural budget into putting up more high rise public buildings and well planned communities to make housing accessible to all Ghanaians who cannot afford to build their own houses. This will help reduce the current housing challenges facing the country. We welcome moves by the State Housing Company to expand its housing facilities to accommodate more people. On education, one is tempted to disagree with Mr. Ayariga's plan to review yet again the curricula of education from the basic to tertiary level. Successive governments have attempted to review the country's education system, moving it back and forth to the detriment of the country's human resource. We definitely cannot afford to continue to experiment with our educational system not knowing where we are going. Having listened to Hassan Ayariga, the PNC flagbearer, we are convinced that the December 2012 elections will not be a child's play.

BY: JUSTICE MINGLE, A JOURNALIST.