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The recognition accorded one of us, distinguished and renowned Ghanaian politician/lawyer, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo by the Commonwealth Secretariat as head of an Observer Mission to monitor the forthcoming South African elections, is a plus for Ghana. The assignment, a recognition somewhat, reserved for persons of exceptional pedigree in their callings, is one which should be celebrated by Ghanaians, regardless of political affiliations. South Africa � which is about to witness crucial polls in which the ruling Africa National Congress (ANC) is being challenged by firebrand youth leader, and the absence of assurance of the all-important Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) votes � presents a major task for those picked for monitoring the electoral exercise. The South African polls are also the first since the demise of the founding father of post-apartheid South Africa. It is for this reason among others, that we consider the choice of Nana Akufo-Addo as leader of the Mission a profound recognition � one which would further deepen the gentleman�s grasp of polls outside his own country Ghana. At a time when the attention of the world would be transfixed on South Africa and the developing political process within it, the work of observers such as Nana Addo and his colleagues, would be arduous and the eventual report that would emanate thereof would offer a critical mirror into what really transpired. In a country where it has often been remarked that role models are on the verge of extinction, especially in the political class, such recognitions present our youth with options to choose from. Politics, after all, is not about corrupt government appointees, financial scandals and bad governance by those who had promised honey, milk and pockets filled with money to the citizenry. It is about service to the motherland underpinned by selflessness with the bigger picture of the country as the goal. The choice of Nana Akufo-Addo whose public service spanning over many years and still counting, could not have been by chance: it was obviously through a palpable observation by the international community as represented by those responsible for such pencilling. We see in such engagements lessons for those who may be bestowed with public assignments in various callings. The absence of selflessness and the obsession of lining our individual pockets with ill-gotten money and other malfeasances have tainted public service over the years. Little wonder cynics cannot help but sneer at political office holders � a stereotyping of such personalities � even before analyzing their performances. In spite of an overwhelming number of inordinate wealth and self-seeking personalities, there are some who would show the light in the darkness we find ourselves. Bravo! Nana Addo.