Odeneho Kwaku Appiah, popularly known as COKA and a former Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Ashanti Region, has called on President John Dramani Mahama to ensure more dignified travel arrangements for Ghana’s former presidents and vice presidents.
According to COKA, it is inappropriate for former heads of state and their deputies to rely on commercial flights for internal travel when military aircraft could be made available to them.
He believes offering such courtesies reflects national gratitude for their dedicated service to the country.
Drawing from his own leadership experiences, COKA stressed the need to treat former officeholders with honour, regardless of political affiliation or current status. “Seasons will always change,” he stated.
“When I was chairman of chairmen in Ashanti Region, I suggested at one of our meetings that we include former chairmen in the activities of the association, but the majority objected. Today, some of those same people are also former chairmen.”
He emphasised that positions of power are not permanent, and those who serve today could be in retirement tomorrow.
Therefore, the nation must build a culture of respect for former leaders, not only in words but also through meaningful gestures such as dignified transport arrangements.
COKA’s appeal has sparked conversations about how Ghana honours those who once occupied its highest offices, and whether current practices truly reflect a nation that values its leaders — past and present.
By; Nana Yaw Owusu (0240782639)
