When Mahama's courage was brought to the fore

Basketball is a sport played by two teams of five players each on a rectangular court. The objective is to shoot a ball through a hoop 18 inches in diameter and 10 feet high mounted to a backboard at each end.

President John Mahama was seen playing basketball at the forecourts of the Holy Child Senior High School when he joined the school some 8 years ago to commemorate their 70th anniversary.

A sudden gust of anxiety flowed through me as President Mahama picked up the ball ready to shoot into the hoop. Was he really going to shoot? I rubbed my eyes and looked again. With bright eager eyes, I saw the Commander-in-chief of the Ghana Armed Forces shoot, and as soon as the ball crawled through the the hoop, I shouted in a triumphant tone: "You got it, man!"

But the question which lingered through my mind is: what if he had missed? What would have been the political implications? I bet not too many would have had the courage to do that; and as much as some may see this feat as trivial and unimportant, I think it goes a long way to underscore a point: we had a bold, dexterous and unique president who is confident about what he does.

I believe in the fact that President John Dramani Mahama has what it takes to turn the fortunes of this country around even though the country is in tatters.

Generals do not become famous during peacetime, they only maximise their leadership capacity in battle. Leading in times of ease, when things are going well may not bring out one's greatest leadership skills. True leaders shine in times of crisis and turmoil, when the average person feels submerged by the waves of challenge and change.

Watch out for the young man from Bole! He needs our votes on December 7, to turn our mourning into dancing again.

Anthony Obeng Afrane