Akufo-Addo’s outlook since Friday worrying

As long as I can remember, Ghanaian leaders have exuded a confidence and finesse that has shown through in how they carry themselves. Of course, their political opponents have always had different views about that.

I remember Jerry John Rawlings’ desire for the military regalia. This love outlived his military days to the years as a civilian leader. He was also known for jumpers underneath his kente cloth.

I still recall vividly, President J.A. Kufuor’s political suit at the stadium, after the May 9 disaster. His untucked shoe lace was also a subject of public discourse during his reign as President.

President+Mahama+and+Nana+Akufo-Addo
President Mahama and Nana Akufo-Addo
Though nothing comes to mind immediately, Oguaa Kofi certainly must have caught some opprobrium with his physical outlook.

However, the current President’s dressing was a big deal in the media. Whether he was right or not to wear jackets without tie as Vice President sparked debates in the media, but he held his own. Till date, John Dramani Mahama still suits up without tie and not many are bothered by it.

Any keen observer shouldn’t be impressed with how President-elect Nana Akufo-Addo has been presented since last Friday. One cannot fault his attire on Friday, but same cannot be said about Sunday.

Having observed Nana Addo since his days as a Member of Parliament, I could not help but cringe at the casual look he chose for the inauguration of the Joint Transition Team. As an MP and foreign minister, Nana’s three-piece and political suits were as impressive as his oral skills.

If the President-Elect is seeking to dress down to bond with the man on the street, the effect is not quite coming across so much as that of poor sartorial management.

That must be a cause for worry. I know he’s likely to be overwhelmed by the tight schedule but that is why candidates are managed. Those managing Nana Addo cannot be proud that the president-elect is presented this way.

I just saw photos of his meeting with the Greater Accra regional House of Chiefs and I could no longer hold my horses. Ghana is the only country I have and I want to point at it with my right finger. Therefore, I feel obliged to insist that those managing the President-elect either put up or allow others to manage his outlook.

I rest my case.

Source: Ghana/Starrfmonline.com/103.5FM/Kobby Gomez-Mensah/Head of Political Desk