Accra, Ghana - A national delegates' congress of Ghana's ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the continuing revulsion of homosexuality in the country were the major stories that were highlighted in the media this week. The congress, slated for Saturday in Sunyani in the Brong Ahafo Region, will see the election of a presidential candidate to lead the party into the 2012 election. However, fears are being expressed that it could be the beginning of the disintegration of the party formed by former President Jerry Rawlings, when he transformed himself from a military ruler into a democratically elected president in 1992.

Ironically, at the centre of the controversy is former First Lady Nana Konadu Agyeman Rawlings, who is challenging President John Evans Atta Mills for the ticket of the party. And she has the unflinching support of Rawlings, who has been the most bitter critic of President Mills, the man who was his vice president from 1997-2000 and who he chose as his heir.

Analysts say it is not difficult to find the reason why the hugely popular and charismatic Rawlings would put his reputation on the line by turning against President Mills, for whom he campaigned vigorously to win the election in 2008. The reason is the strong presidential ambition of his wife despite 19 years as First Lady.

And she confirms this belief in a story in the state-owned Daily Graphic with the headline, “I'll be first female prez – Konadu.”

The Graphic said she told a news conference that Ghana would have her first female president come the 2012 general elections and she would be that president.

She said if given the mandate, she would demonstrate a strong commitment to restoring public trust in politics and build a stronger and fairer society.

She therefore asked delegates to the party's congress to give her the mandate so that she could go ahead and clinch victory for the party in next year's vote.

“Race for NDC flag bearer - Mills Konadu in face-off,” was another headline in the Graphic with the story saying after weeks of campaigning and overtures, the two contenders were set to take their case to the delegates to settle a fiercely anticipated “battle of the thumbs”.

Another headline in the Graphic asked, “Mills versus Konadu, who wins?”

It said the battle was historic because for the first time a sitting president was being challenged within his own party. President Mills is being challenged, two-and-a-half years into his administration, by the wife of former president and NDC founder, Jerry Rawlings, who ruled Ghana for 19 years.

It said Nana Konadu was also contesting that position for the first time although her desire to contest had been in the public domain for a long time.

The independent newspaper, Public Agenda, had the headline, "NDC's peace or pieces congress - Mills tipped to win but at what cost?"

It said as delegates of the NDC gathered in Sunyani the overwhelming view was that President Mills was the man to beat.

“So the question on many lips is not who will win. Rather will the NDC have peace after this weekend or will it emerge in pieces...”

A headline of the pro-opposition Daily Guide said, “Konadu leads polls.”

It said although some political analysts had completely ruled out the the chances of Nana Konadu Agyeman Rawlings, she was likely to pull a surprise in the make or break congress.

It said an opinion poll by the paper on its website put Konadu ahead of President Mills.

The Daily Guide also carried a story with the headline, “I won't shut up, says Rawlings” in which the 64-year-old retired Air Force officer shrugged off all criticisms and stated categorically that he was not a coward and therefore the barrage of insults and insinuations hurled at him would not stop his “constructive” analysis of the sitting government.

According to Rawlings, his long-standing experience in politics had exposed him to the realisation that attacks were part of the game; therefore he was not bothered when people decided to take him to the cleaners on a daily basis, especially in the media.

Other headlines read, “NDC make of break congress: Mills favourite to carry the day" (Accra Mail); “Cock-sure Konadu goes on bragging ride ... vows to floor Mills at Congress” (New Crusading Guide); “We will be bold, defy Rawlings and vote for Mills – Kwetey” (The Dispatch); “Sex workers invade Sunyani ahead of NDC congress (Chronicle); “Crunch time in Sunyani” (Insight) and “NDC decides fate on Saturday” New Palaver .

On the gay issue, pastors led the onslaught this week with the Ghanaian Times saying. "EP Church joins crusade against gays.”

The Reverend Joyce Kofi Kodade, Moderator of the West Volta Presbytery of the E.P. Church, said the explanation that homosexuality could be biological, psychological or social behaviour was untenable.

“If you know you are sick, go for treatment, see a doctor, if you think it is psychological, see a counsellor. Don't justify homosexuality by the laws...According to the law you may be right but according to the will of God, you are wrong.”

The Daily Guide's headline read: “Fight homosexuality” in which it quoted the Reverend Samuel Frempong Kwofie as tasking lawyers and judges to speak vehemently against homosexuality, which is gaining root in the country.

Concerns have been raised by sections of the public about the rising incidence of homosexuality after it was reported that about 8,000 registered homosexuals reside in the Central and Western regions.

Though a larger section of the society has condemned the practice, others have argued strongly that homosexuals should be allowed because it formed part of their human rights.

Pana 09/07/2011