I read with disbelief an article authored by one Stephen Agyemang with title “Can Akufo Addo Debunk His Innocence in Drug Addict Accusation?” published on ghanaweb.com on the 20th of July, 2011.
As a Ghanaian electorate, I will like to answer an emphatic “YES!”. In fact Akufo Addo does not need to debunk anything. Drug addicts exhibit some physical behaviors that are difficult to conceal. Akufo Addo has been in a politics for over three decades now; I am yet to see or hear of him exhibiting any of such behaviors. I am particularly inspired by of Akufo Addo’s prowess in oratory. His speaks to the inner beings of his audience. He inspires people to achieve greater things in life. It is not surprising that lawyers who practiced under him are top lawyers in the country.
The allegation that Akufo Addo is a drug addict was a key character assassination campaign message of the ruling NDC party in the 2008 general elections. One would have thought having used such wicked ways into power; they will give Ghanaians some peace by at least developing the country. The NDC government is more interested in propaganda and lies. The drug addiction propaganda might have worked in 2008 but I am sure it will not work in 2012. Especially when cost of living has risen to unbearable levels though government says inflation is single digit. In fact the costs of government projects have increased by over 200% since 2008 but inflation we are told is single digit. Some Ghanaians who bought into the propaganda of the NDC in 2008 have resolved to reject the NDC in the 2012 elections.
In the said article, the author suggested some NDC politicians who had allegations around their necks have publicly denied them. “For example, during 2008 general election campaign, the incumbent president, President Mills, was accused of not being a good parent. Accordingly, he (President Mills) came out impeccably to debunk that allegation that he had been more of a good father than been a politician on Metro TV (KSM show) and many FM stations across the country.” So Stephen thinks by merely denying those allegations, Ghanaians must accept it as the truth. This is a clear manifestation of naivety on his part. He goes further to state “Similarly, just recently, Hannah Bissiw, the current Deputy Minister of Water Resources, Works and Housing was disgracefully accused of grabbing two expensive tax cedis mansions in her hometown (Techimantia) by Daily Searchlight newspaper. She (Hannah Bissiw) also came out boldly to debunk and condemn the report that if she needed two mansions…”
After sheepishly citing these examples, he further expose his deficiencies by stating “Now imagine, you and I as Ghanaians voting such a drug addict into power as the president, his brain might be horribly gingered by cocaine and wee to sign wicked international contracts to put the whole country into a big jeopardy. Moreover trading of drugs would become easy to and from other countries because he himself (Akufo Addo) would be demanding for some to use.”
At this point I couldn’t help but react. The politics of our country has been on the decline to the gutters. People in high public and political offices just say anything. In fact, the system in place now rewards youth who are good at insulting and throwing mud at others. The President has been cited for championing this morally corrupt concept. The youthful ministers in his government are people who were good at telling lies and deceit during the 2008 elections. I can readily mention, Hon. Fiifi Kwetey, who stated categorically that the Kufuor led government has sold all the gold reserves of the country. He said the Kufuor administration have robbed us of all the gold reserves that have been stored since independence. Even when the public relations officer of Bank of Ghana, issued a statement denying it, this man stood by his lies.
In rewarding this passionate liar, President Mills appointed him as Deputy Minister of no less a ministry than the Finance Ministry. The Ministry that supervises Bank of Ghana, what an irony many thought. If this minister had any sense of respect for Ghanaians, he would have at least issued a statement, since he was appointed minister to apologize that he erred. May be his information then was wrong, but NO! He will do no such thing; he holds the view the Ghanaian electorate is a fool. In fact the high position he finds himself has not even helped him polish his behavior. His interviews are full of subtle insults and outright lies. He recently told Ghanaians, a document prepared by his boss to be sent to the International Monetary Fund extolling the prudent management of the economy by the Kufuor administration was not a true reflection of the state of affairs.
The insult-reward system in the NDC has given impetus to people like Stephen Agyemang to waste human effort in writing the said article. May be he will also be rewarded. This notion held by many NDC youth has made the fight against indecent politicking difficult.
In the wonder land of Stephen, by merely denying an allegation then that allegation is false. If that weak logic is anything to go by then Akufo Addo has denied this allegation many times, why is Stephen Agyemang and his visionless government wasting our time? As recent as November, 2010, Akufo Addo humbly stated that “I have never tasted or sniffed cocaine. Why are my detractors attacking my personality, saying that I am a drug addict?” If Stephen was knowledgeable about happenings in the country he would have known this. May be he knew this but as usual, repeat the lies, and paint Akufo Addo black, the reward is on the way syndrome is motivating him to lie. Indeed the Vice President, John Mahama who was a colleague legislature spoke against this drug allegation against Akufo Addo. The VEEP said, he has known Akufo Addo for many years in parliament and he can vouch Akufo Addo is not on any drugs.
Stephen and his NDC party can be rest assured that the 2012 elections will be based on the promises of the NDC against their performance. The drug addiction allegation will be a non starter, even with those allegations Akufo Addo lost by some few thousands of votes. Issues like the One Time National Health Insurance Premium, 250 million start-up fund for SADA, Ghanaians becoming refugees in Togo, Ministers and appointees building mansions in record times, foot soldiers beating MMDA Chief Executives, Road Tolls increase by 1000%, Flow meter on FPSO removed for wooden ruler to be used to measure our crude oil, 70 pupils in a classroom after the abolishment of the shift system, the fishing sector growing by -5%, 320 million Ghana cedis allocation to GNPC without explanation, Agriculture sector decline by over 30% due to 14% decline in budget allocation, price of basic commodities increasing by over 200%, shortage of gas, 3000 steel workers sacked due to power interruptions and many bread and butter issues will dominate the attention of Ghanaian electorates.
It has just been reported that the Chief Executive Officer of National Health Insurance Authority has ordered health providers in parts of the country should demand cash payment for medical treatment. The Rawlings led NDC administration introduced the cash and carry system in the health sector. The Kufuor led NPP government abolished that system because many Ghanaians died under that system. NHIS was introduced to save lives, only for the better Ghana agenda to take us back to the deadly cash and carry system again.
God save us!
PATRIOT FAISAL IBRAHIM
0262232000
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Okudjeto Lies Again
On Saturday, 2nd July, 2011, a Deputy Information Minister, Samuel Okudjeto Ablakwa creted the impression that never in the 8 years rule of the Kufour led NPP government that drugs were destroyed. He made this passionate lie when he sought to divert the attention of Ghanaians to the loose statements made by “Crazy” Akrasi, the NACOB Boss.
“Crazy” Akrasi has been the toast of many social commentators for his unguarded statements that they [NACOB] have pieces of information indicating that some politicians will be using monies from the drug trade to finance their campaigns. Though he suggested he was going after drug-money politicians irrespective of their political party, his open admission that he was a member of the ruling party suggested he was referring to politicians in other parties other than his own. Another reason many believed his objective was to muddy the political environment is the fact that his political party is currently in turmoil. The party and government have received negative media attention, hence to divert peoples mind he made those statements to take the focus off his party’s internal crisis and dooms day.
This issue was placed on board for discussions by panelist on the pro-government political program, Alhaji n Alhaji hosted by Alhassan Suhuyini. In the course of the discussion, the deputy minister of information, Samuel Okudjeto Ablakwa suggested that during the Kufour led 8 year rule, drugs seized were not destroyed. He made this statement to create the impression seized drugs were used for some questionable purposes.
Having the believe that drugs were destroyed by NACOB as late as 2008, I decided to do some research to confirm my belief. It was not a difficult task to get credible news reports of destroyed drugs by NACOB officials. I wonder why the minister couldn’t have checked his facts with all the “small boys” at his ministry and the information facilities at his disposal.
According to a Ghana News Agency report on June 10, 2008, “The Greater Accra Regional Tribunal on Tuesday destroyed 41 kilograms of cocaine put into 60 cans of Nkulenu Palm Soup.The drug was seized at Aviance Cargo Section of the Kotoka International Airport (KIA) on September 22, last year (2007).” Indeed this action was taken with the full involvement of NACOB officials. The report further states that “the destruction, supervised by officials of the Narcotics Control Board and court officials took place at the premises of the tribunal. This is the second largest consignment destroyed by the tribunal. Last week the tribunal destroyed 59 kilograms of cocaine seized at the Duty Free Shop of KIA after they had been tendered in evidence. The 60 cans of the Nkuleneu Palm Soup were intercepted at Aviance Cargo Section, KIA when they were brought with tubers of yams to be exported to the United Kingdom.”
Another GNA report on February 2, 2008 states that “An Accra Fast Track High Court on Friday ordered the destruction of 60 kilogrammes of cocaine concealed in cans labelled Ghana Fresh palm nut intercepted at the Aviance Cargo Village in October last year. This was after Detective Sergeant Joseph Akwei, Bureau of National Investigations and the sixth prosecution witness testified and tendered the 60 tins of cocaine with the street value of three million dollars in evidence.”. The report also states that “The court, presided over by Mr. Justice K. A Acquaye obliged and ordered that the destruction be supervised by an official of the Judicial Service, officials from the Narcotic Control Board (NACOB), Ghana Standard Board (GSB), Environmental Protection Agency and the media at the Independence Square.”
It is clear the deputy minister was peddling falsehood on Radio Gold last Saturday, 2nd July,2011. Ghanaians have not forgotten the invisible 1.6 million jobs this same minister told us the government has created in 6 months. There are many reports of destruction of seized drugs in the 8 year rule of the NPP, I will advise the deputy minister to some research on it.
The issue about drugs should be political but not partisan. We need political will to fight the drug trade. To label any one party as people who dabble in drugs or benefit from the drug trade is a wrong foot to fight the global war. Political parties are made up of individuals from diverse backgrounds. Every political party has a mixed bag of good and bad people in our society. Political parties must show true commitment to fight against social vices irrespective of who is involved. There have been many cases of crime perpetuated by members of one political party or the other. It is not fair to the sensibilities of Ghanaians, for one political party to tag the other of a particular crime just to score cheap and unsustainable political points.
“Crazy” Akrasi has been the toast of many social commentators for his unguarded statements that they [NACOB] have pieces of information indicating that some politicians will be using monies from the drug trade to finance their campaigns. Though he suggested he was going after drug-money politicians irrespective of their political party, his open admission that he was a member of the ruling party suggested he was referring to politicians in other parties other than his own. Another reason many believed his objective was to muddy the political environment is the fact that his political party is currently in turmoil. The party and government have received negative media attention, hence to divert peoples mind he made those statements to take the focus off his party’s internal crisis and dooms day.
This issue was placed on board for discussions by panelist on the pro-government political program, Alhaji n Alhaji hosted by Alhassan Suhuyini. In the course of the discussion, the deputy minister of information, Samuel Okudjeto Ablakwa suggested that during the Kufour led 8 year rule, drugs seized were not destroyed. He made this statement to create the impression seized drugs were used for some questionable purposes.
Having the believe that drugs were destroyed by NACOB as late as 2008, I decided to do some research to confirm my belief. It was not a difficult task to get credible news reports of destroyed drugs by NACOB officials. I wonder why the minister couldn’t have checked his facts with all the “small boys” at his ministry and the information facilities at his disposal.
According to a Ghana News Agency report on June 10, 2008, “The Greater Accra Regional Tribunal on Tuesday destroyed 41 kilograms of cocaine put into 60 cans of Nkulenu Palm Soup.The drug was seized at Aviance Cargo Section of the Kotoka International Airport (KIA) on September 22, last year (2007).” Indeed this action was taken with the full involvement of NACOB officials. The report further states that “the destruction, supervised by officials of the Narcotics Control Board and court officials took place at the premises of the tribunal. This is the second largest consignment destroyed by the tribunal. Last week the tribunal destroyed 59 kilograms of cocaine seized at the Duty Free Shop of KIA after they had been tendered in evidence. The 60 cans of the Nkuleneu Palm Soup were intercepted at Aviance Cargo Section, KIA when they were brought with tubers of yams to be exported to the United Kingdom.”
Another GNA report on February 2, 2008 states that “An Accra Fast Track High Court on Friday ordered the destruction of 60 kilogrammes of cocaine concealed in cans labelled Ghana Fresh palm nut intercepted at the Aviance Cargo Village in October last year. This was after Detective Sergeant Joseph Akwei, Bureau of National Investigations and the sixth prosecution witness testified and tendered the 60 tins of cocaine with the street value of three million dollars in evidence.”. The report also states that “The court, presided over by Mr. Justice K. A Acquaye obliged and ordered that the destruction be supervised by an official of the Judicial Service, officials from the Narcotic Control Board (NACOB), Ghana Standard Board (GSB), Environmental Protection Agency and the media at the Independence Square.”
It is clear the deputy minister was peddling falsehood on Radio Gold last Saturday, 2nd July,2011. Ghanaians have not forgotten the invisible 1.6 million jobs this same minister told us the government has created in 6 months. There are many reports of destruction of seized drugs in the 8 year rule of the NPP, I will advise the deputy minister to some research on it.
The issue about drugs should be political but not partisan. We need political will to fight the drug trade. To label any one party as people who dabble in drugs or benefit from the drug trade is a wrong foot to fight the global war. Political parties are made up of individuals from diverse backgrounds. Every political party has a mixed bag of good and bad people in our society. Political parties must show true commitment to fight against social vices irrespective of who is involved. There have been many cases of crime perpetuated by members of one political party or the other. It is not fair to the sensibilities of Ghanaians, for one political party to tag the other of a particular crime just to score cheap and unsustainable political points.
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Re: Allotey Jacobs accuses GHACEM
Allottey Jacobs, a member of the communication team of the ruling NDC party has “accused Ghacem Company, manufacturers of Ghacem super rapid and extra cement of conniving with dealers to sell the products at exorbitant prices.” He is reported to have made the accusations in an interview with a pro-government newspaper, The Daily Democrat. He further stated that GHACEM and its dealers are deliberating forcing prices of cement to high in order to sabotage the “gains” recorded by this government. “According to him (Allottey), this is a deliberate attempt by Ghacem and dealers to sabotage and derail the government’s socio- economic gains achieved under the better Ghana agenda.”
When I read this story, I couldn’t help but cry for our dear nation. The long held belief by many that those in power lack ideas and vision to fight poverty, under-development, hunger, diseases etc was confirmed. Allottey Jacobs is typical of the caliber of people manning the destiny of our nation. If you point out their mistakes, then you are either a paid agent of the opposition or you benefited directly while NPP was in power. The NDC government and its functionaries have attacked persons and institutions who want the right thing to be done. The attacked the media and journalists, clergy and pastors, parliament and speaker of parliament, movie producers, and lately the judiciary and the chief justice..Presently they see themselves as gods who must be worshipped. Everything they say is the truth, nothing but the truth even when their pile of lies is exposed in broad day light. They are good at sticking to a lie over and over until they mistakenly start believing in their own lies. At this stage reality eludes them.
Allottey Jacobs, apart from being a member of the communication of the ruling party happens to be a Board Member of Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG). Boards of companies are expected to give the strategic directions. If a business organization has a board made of people who have nothing in the head, the business has a high probability to have nothing to offer. If people like Allottey Jacobs are board members of ECG, how can ECG improve upon its services?
In the wake of cement shortages, Joy Fm called a senior official of GHACEM, Dr. Dawson-Amoah to offer Ghanaians explanation why the situation is so. His explanation was straight and simple. He said “the inconsistency in the power supply is really affecting our production;” He went further to say the inconsistent power situation “is really frustrating”. Dr. Dawson- Amoah disclosed that 12, 400 tons of cement should have been produced and in revenue terms the company has lost about 2.3 million Ghana cedis. This shows that, if we are to engage in blame games at all, the ECG, of which Allottey Jacobs is sadly a board member should be blamed. Indeed the PRO of Tema ECG, Theresa Osabutey, apologized for the situation and assured that work was under way to rectify the anomaly.
But for people like Allottey Jacobs, why will anybody think an important company like GHACEM will connive with distributors to make the market price of cement increase just to make this government unpopular? Is Allottey Jacobs saying GHACEM deliberate caused shortages in order to lose 2.3 million Ghana cedis? Why must Allottey Jacobs and his likes think everything must be seen from a cheap parochial partisan political lens? Allottey Jacobs is one of the reasons ECG is performing worse. If his mind is filled with such thoughts, what contributions can he make to improve the performance of ECG?
President Mills and the NDC promised in the 2008 manifesto, they will reconstitute boards of state institutions and agencies to make it non-partisan through appointing competent people. I am calling on the President to sack Allottey Jacobs as board member because he has nothing to offer ECG and if he (President Mills) is committed to any of his promises at all.
Apart from being a board member of ECG, Allottey Jacobs, is one of the NDC contractors who have benefitted hugely since the NDC government came to power. Recently, he and the Central Regional Minister, Ama Benyiwa Doe were at each other’s throat over who has gotten more contracts than the other. According to the regional minister, she has given Allottey many contracts in the Central Region but he still wants more. I cannot tell if Allottey is one of the people President Rawlings referred to as “greedy bastards”.
It is a sad situation we find ourselves. God save us!
PATRIOT FAISAL IBRAHIM
Mobile_faisal@hotmail.com
0262232000
When I read this story, I couldn’t help but cry for our dear nation. The long held belief by many that those in power lack ideas and vision to fight poverty, under-development, hunger, diseases etc was confirmed. Allottey Jacobs is typical of the caliber of people manning the destiny of our nation. If you point out their mistakes, then you are either a paid agent of the opposition or you benefited directly while NPP was in power. The NDC government and its functionaries have attacked persons and institutions who want the right thing to be done. The attacked the media and journalists, clergy and pastors, parliament and speaker of parliament, movie producers, and lately the judiciary and the chief justice..Presently they see themselves as gods who must be worshipped. Everything they say is the truth, nothing but the truth even when their pile of lies is exposed in broad day light. They are good at sticking to a lie over and over until they mistakenly start believing in their own lies. At this stage reality eludes them.
Allottey Jacobs, apart from being a member of the communication of the ruling party happens to be a Board Member of Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG). Boards of companies are expected to give the strategic directions. If a business organization has a board made of people who have nothing in the head, the business has a high probability to have nothing to offer. If people like Allottey Jacobs are board members of ECG, how can ECG improve upon its services?
In the wake of cement shortages, Joy Fm called a senior official of GHACEM, Dr. Dawson-Amoah to offer Ghanaians explanation why the situation is so. His explanation was straight and simple. He said “the inconsistency in the power supply is really affecting our production;” He went further to say the inconsistent power situation “is really frustrating”. Dr. Dawson- Amoah disclosed that 12, 400 tons of cement should have been produced and in revenue terms the company has lost about 2.3 million Ghana cedis. This shows that, if we are to engage in blame games at all, the ECG, of which Allottey Jacobs is sadly a board member should be blamed. Indeed the PRO of Tema ECG, Theresa Osabutey, apologized for the situation and assured that work was under way to rectify the anomaly.
But for people like Allottey Jacobs, why will anybody think an important company like GHACEM will connive with distributors to make the market price of cement increase just to make this government unpopular? Is Allottey Jacobs saying GHACEM deliberate caused shortages in order to lose 2.3 million Ghana cedis? Why must Allottey Jacobs and his likes think everything must be seen from a cheap parochial partisan political lens? Allottey Jacobs is one of the reasons ECG is performing worse. If his mind is filled with such thoughts, what contributions can he make to improve the performance of ECG?
President Mills and the NDC promised in the 2008 manifesto, they will reconstitute boards of state institutions and agencies to make it non-partisan through appointing competent people. I am calling on the President to sack Allottey Jacobs as board member because he has nothing to offer ECG and if he (President Mills) is committed to any of his promises at all.
Apart from being a board member of ECG, Allottey Jacobs, is one of the NDC contractors who have benefitted hugely since the NDC government came to power. Recently, he and the Central Regional Minister, Ama Benyiwa Doe were at each other’s throat over who has gotten more contracts than the other. According to the regional minister, she has given Allottey many contracts in the Central Region but he still wants more. I cannot tell if Allottey is one of the people President Rawlings referred to as “greedy bastards”.
It is a sad situation we find ourselves. God save us!
PATRIOT FAISAL IBRAHIM
Mobile_faisal@hotmail.com
0262232000
Monday, June 27, 2011
IF EDUCATION IS EXPENSIVE TRY IGNORANCE BUT….
Private universities play a key role in developing the human resources of our country. Let us for a minute imagine where the many graduates from these universities would have been but for these institutions. Private universities arguably offer programs which are relevant and dynamic to the business environment and society. However, fees charged by some private universities are throat-cutting.
I was speaking to a friend over the weekend; he told me he had gain admission into a private university to pursue a Business Administration course. He has been admitted to level 300 because of his prior certificates. Though he expressed joy for getting the admission, the fees remained a burden he will be dealing with. He told me according to his letter he is expected to pay One Thousand, Seven Hundred Ghana Cedis [GHc 1,700.00] or Seventeen Million Cedis [17,000,000.00] for ONLY a semester. A simple addition suggests he is expected to pay Six Thousand, Eight Hundred Ghana Cedis [Ghc 6,800] or Sixty-Eight Million Cedis [68,000,000.00] to complete the 2 year course. A student starting from level 100 is expected to pay Thirteen Thousand, Six Hundred Ghana Cedis [GHc 13,600.00] or One Hundred and Thirty Six Million Cedis [136,000,000.00] for the 4 year program. Indeed, if the manner in which real prices of goods and services are increasing should continue, then these HUGE figures will go up further.
To make matters worse, he told me students offering science related courses are required to pay more than Two Thousand Ghana Cedis [GHc 2,000.00] or Twenty Million Cedis [20,000,000.00] for a semester. How can the average student afford such an amount to get educated?
By the way let us assume my friend is able to raise the money for the course; then he graduates only to meet a hostile job market. The graduate unemployment situation in the country is at a crisis stage. In fact the general unemployment situation in the country is dangerous. Government must provide visible 1.6 million jobs else the situation will worsen.
Back to the main subject, though I do not expect government to issue a directive on fees to be charged by private universities, I believe government can influence this decision in a way. Fees are cost build up incurred by private universities. Government could hold a forum to understand these costs build up; then take part of these costs to ensure the final fees charged are affordable. Just as government is able to give some businesses tax holidays and duty free imports, such concessions could be given to these universities. Students in private universities are tax payers too and deserve some support like their counterparts in public universities.
I challenge civil societies and student bodies to brainstorm on how government could solve this problem. The National Union of Ghana Students was instrumental in the enacting and the implementation of the Ghana Education Trust Fund [GETFund]. Indeed, presently a student representative is on that board. While I commend them for their efforts on issues regarding students in public universities, they hardly speak on problems confronting students in private universities. The Anthony Abotsi led administration of NUGS must show more concern about the plights of students in private universities since they are also part of NUGS.
Another solution the government could adopt will be to establish more universities. While there are some who opt and are willing to pay for private university education because of the programs, flexibility, facilities, reputation etc, there are a substantial number who are forced there because though qualified, inadequate facilities in public universities forced them out. Fees charged by public universities are relatively cheaper. Establishing more public universities will reduce the number of students who are forced to private universities.
I was sad when I read the Deputy Education Minister; Mahama Ayariga says government does not have funding yet for the establishment of the two universities [one in Brong Ahafo and the Volta Region] though the President has cut the sod for its establishment.
Faisal Ibrahim
Mobile_faisal@hotmail.com
Zenith University College
I was speaking to a friend over the weekend; he told me he had gain admission into a private university to pursue a Business Administration course. He has been admitted to level 300 because of his prior certificates. Though he expressed joy for getting the admission, the fees remained a burden he will be dealing with. He told me according to his letter he is expected to pay One Thousand, Seven Hundred Ghana Cedis [GHc 1,700.00] or Seventeen Million Cedis [17,000,000.00] for ONLY a semester. A simple addition suggests he is expected to pay Six Thousand, Eight Hundred Ghana Cedis [Ghc 6,800] or Sixty-Eight Million Cedis [68,000,000.00] to complete the 2 year course. A student starting from level 100 is expected to pay Thirteen Thousand, Six Hundred Ghana Cedis [GHc 13,600.00] or One Hundred and Thirty Six Million Cedis [136,000,000.00] for the 4 year program. Indeed, if the manner in which real prices of goods and services are increasing should continue, then these HUGE figures will go up further.
To make matters worse, he told me students offering science related courses are required to pay more than Two Thousand Ghana Cedis [GHc 2,000.00] or Twenty Million Cedis [20,000,000.00] for a semester. How can the average student afford such an amount to get educated?
By the way let us assume my friend is able to raise the money for the course; then he graduates only to meet a hostile job market. The graduate unemployment situation in the country is at a crisis stage. In fact the general unemployment situation in the country is dangerous. Government must provide visible 1.6 million jobs else the situation will worsen.
Back to the main subject, though I do not expect government to issue a directive on fees to be charged by private universities, I believe government can influence this decision in a way. Fees are cost build up incurred by private universities. Government could hold a forum to understand these costs build up; then take part of these costs to ensure the final fees charged are affordable. Just as government is able to give some businesses tax holidays and duty free imports, such concessions could be given to these universities. Students in private universities are tax payers too and deserve some support like their counterparts in public universities.
I challenge civil societies and student bodies to brainstorm on how government could solve this problem. The National Union of Ghana Students was instrumental in the enacting and the implementation of the Ghana Education Trust Fund [GETFund]. Indeed, presently a student representative is on that board. While I commend them for their efforts on issues regarding students in public universities, they hardly speak on problems confronting students in private universities. The Anthony Abotsi led administration of NUGS must show more concern about the plights of students in private universities since they are also part of NUGS.
Another solution the government could adopt will be to establish more universities. While there are some who opt and are willing to pay for private university education because of the programs, flexibility, facilities, reputation etc, there are a substantial number who are forced there because though qualified, inadequate facilities in public universities forced them out. Fees charged by public universities are relatively cheaper. Establishing more public universities will reduce the number of students who are forced to private universities.
I was sad when I read the Deputy Education Minister; Mahama Ayariga says government does not have funding yet for the establishment of the two universities [one in Brong Ahafo and the Volta Region] though the President has cut the sod for its establishment.
Faisal Ibrahim
Mobile_faisal@hotmail.com
Zenith University College
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
THE LENS STRIPS MILLS NAKED!
In what could be described as a show of disappointment in the competence of President John Mills, the pro-NDC Newspaper, the Crystal Clear Lens in its Monday 7th February, 2010 edition carried a front page story titled “OH! Prez Mills- this is sad- too late to arrest “enemies of the nation” authored by its managing editor, Winson V.A. Addotey.
The pro-government newspaper which is noted for praise-singing this time decided to speak some truths about the true nature of President Mills. The newspaper is finally appreciating the concerns being raised by many Ghanaians about the president’s inability to exert his constitutional authority in ensuring the right things are done. The President has been described by many, even within the ruling party as “not in charge’ of affairs. Indeed, Former President Rawlings at the 31st December lecture made some disclosures about how President Mills had knowledge of the corruption his government but has done nothing to correct them. It is this same line of thought that the Crystal Clear Lens has finally come to terms with.
The story in its first paragraph describes the President’s “running to the Tema Ports and Harbour” after Anas’s Exposé as “pitiful”. The paper finds it incomprehensible that President Mills did not act for the many months of reports of corruptions and clear thievery but found it appropriate to only “run” to the Tema Port when Anas released his video. The disappointed NDC editor stated “in fact, I feel very sad and disappointed big time in that His Excellency had to move at this time when the story about these nation wreckers had been told nine (9) good months ago”
The newspaper also posed “was President Mills not in this country between the months of May and June 2010 when the Crystal Clear Lens broke the story on the nefarious activities of some importers and companies that have caused the nation to lose about three (3) trillion dollars through evading of taxes?” It is becoming increasingly clear that the projection of President Mills as honest and humble is hardly converting into any meaningful benefit to the nations fight against corruption. It is not enough to be said to be humble and honest when visible thievery is on going under your nose, and what is worse, you do not act on it.
Many have said the president must show leadership and act pro-actively on critical national issues. His inability to exercise his constitutional powers has apparently given the impression, he is president weak. This may have fuelled the ambitions of Nana Konadu Agyemang Rawlings to lead the NDC in 2012.President Mills seem to enjoy complaining about everything that retards the development of the country instead of instituting reforms that would correct them.
The pro-government newspaper asked “was President Mills not in the country when the Catalyst, the Daily Post, and the Daily Democrat gad carried out the same publication?” Going by the mind boggling questions posed by the pro-NDC newspaper, it shows President Mills has either lost touch with the realities on the ground or it goes to confirm the perception that the president is weak.
I LOVE GHANA
PATRIOT FAISAL IBRAHIM
Mobile_faisal@hotmail.com
0262232000
The author is an Associate Member of the Association of Business Executives, UK. He is also a blogger on facebook ( www.facebook.com/faisal.ibrahim1)
The pro-government newspaper which is noted for praise-singing this time decided to speak some truths about the true nature of President Mills. The newspaper is finally appreciating the concerns being raised by many Ghanaians about the president’s inability to exert his constitutional authority in ensuring the right things are done. The President has been described by many, even within the ruling party as “not in charge’ of affairs. Indeed, Former President Rawlings at the 31st December lecture made some disclosures about how President Mills had knowledge of the corruption his government but has done nothing to correct them. It is this same line of thought that the Crystal Clear Lens has finally come to terms with.
The story in its first paragraph describes the President’s “running to the Tema Ports and Harbour” after Anas’s Exposé as “pitiful”. The paper finds it incomprehensible that President Mills did not act for the many months of reports of corruptions and clear thievery but found it appropriate to only “run” to the Tema Port when Anas released his video. The disappointed NDC editor stated “in fact, I feel very sad and disappointed big time in that His Excellency had to move at this time when the story about these nation wreckers had been told nine (9) good months ago”
The newspaper also posed “was President Mills not in this country between the months of May and June 2010 when the Crystal Clear Lens broke the story on the nefarious activities of some importers and companies that have caused the nation to lose about three (3) trillion dollars through evading of taxes?” It is becoming increasingly clear that the projection of President Mills as honest and humble is hardly converting into any meaningful benefit to the nations fight against corruption. It is not enough to be said to be humble and honest when visible thievery is on going under your nose, and what is worse, you do not act on it.
Many have said the president must show leadership and act pro-actively on critical national issues. His inability to exercise his constitutional powers has apparently given the impression, he is president weak. This may have fuelled the ambitions of Nana Konadu Agyemang Rawlings to lead the NDC in 2012.President Mills seem to enjoy complaining about everything that retards the development of the country instead of instituting reforms that would correct them.
The pro-government newspaper asked “was President Mills not in the country when the Catalyst, the Daily Post, and the Daily Democrat gad carried out the same publication?” Going by the mind boggling questions posed by the pro-NDC newspaper, it shows President Mills has either lost touch with the realities on the ground or it goes to confirm the perception that the president is weak.
I LOVE GHANA
PATRIOT FAISAL IBRAHIM
Mobile_faisal@hotmail.com
0262232000
The author is an Associate Member of the Association of Business Executives, UK. He is also a blogger on facebook ( www.facebook.com/faisal.ibrahim1)
Friday, January 28, 2011
“PEACOCK” SPIO, YOU MISDIRECTED YOUR “PISS” THIS TIME AROUND!
I read the article titled “Spio Garbrah: Kufour, educate Nana Addo on how to apply wisdom” on myjoyonline.com on the 27th of January, 2012 authored by Dr. Ekwow Spio Garbrah, a former minister under the Rawlings regime and a failed flag bearer aspirant of the NDC. The article was in support of the hypocritical stance of President Dzi Wo Fie Asem Mills on the Ivorian Crisis. His praise article might come as a surprise to many, knowing that Dr. Spio Garbrah is acclaimed for “pissing in”. Readers would recall the “pissing in and out” banter that happened in this country last year, when Dr. Spio Garbrah published in the Daily Graphic an objective and bold article criticizing President Mills for appointing TEAM B people to manage our national affairs when he, and other TEAM A’s are on the bench. The TEAM B article caused so much confusion within the ruling NDC party. It got so tensed that the presidency through I-DON’T-LIKE-KUFOURS-FACE Koku Anyidoho described Dr. Spio Garbrah as a fake “Doctor” whose doctorate degree was conferred on him by some “TWO BY FOUR” college in the U.S.A. He also described “Dr.” Spio Garbrah as a “PEACOCK” who sees nothing good in others but himself.
Anyway, Dr. Spio Garbrah claims in the second paragraph of his recent article “After the press conference many Ghanaians in Cote d’Ivoire, those in many parts of Ghana, as well as in the Diaspora, breathed a sigh of relief. Some dubbed the president’s wise stance of “dzi wo fie asem” foreign policy, in contrast to the Georg W. Bush- style “democracy- at- the- barrel- of- a- gun” policy being promoted by the Akufo-Addo-led NPP”. I find it very strange and unpardonable for Dr. Spio Garbrah to join the many one-gear NDC communicators who have said time and time again that the NPP is calling for war in Ivory Coast. The Kobby Fiagbes, the Twum Boafos and their likes can be pardoned [they have nothing to lose] for telling this lie over and over, but for Dr. Spio Garbrah to repeat this lie, it is unacceptable. The NPP has NEVER CALLED FOR WAR IN IVORY COAST! In all the press conferences organized by the party since the Ivorian political crisis started late last year, the NPP has been VERY CONSISTENT in their comments unlike our president and government. The first call from the NPP was for the president to make public Ghana’s position on the impasse. Our loud silence on the issue was strange and discomforting, especially when Ivory Coast is our neighbor and Ghana is a front runner in democracy in West Africa and Africa. Our president is a very good friend of Laurent Gbagbo, and it is believed as a good friend of the former President Gbagbo, at least our president could have said something publicly to discourage his good friend from taking the people of Ivory Coast hostage. Presidents from parts of the continent came out publicly to condemn what Laurent Gbagbo was doing to the people of Ivory Coast. So NPPs first call was for President Not-Looking-Like-Cat-Hunter Mills to speak publicly on the crisis, so that the world can know Ghana’s position. Government communicators responded that, our president would be attending an emergency ECOWAS summit in Abuja. The summit went on as planned and a communiqué signed by all presidents present including our president was issued. The relevant portion of the communiqué stated “in the event that Mr. Gbagbo fails to heed this immutable demand of ECOWAS, the community would be left with no alternative but to take other measures, including the use of legitimate force, to achieve the goals of the Ivorian crisis people”. ECOWAS recognizes Alhassan Outtarra as the legitimately elected president of Ivory Coast, and has called on our president’s friend, Mr. Gbagbo to step down. Then our president meets journalist on the 7th of January, 2011 to discuss his 2 years in office. In a response to a question posed on the Ivory Coast crisis, our president makes the Dzi Wo fie Asem statement and includes that, it was not for Ghana to choose for a leader for Ivory Coast[ as though somebody is saying Ghana should do so]. This diplomatic blunder which brought so much shock and embarrassment to Ghanaians did not stop there. The president also said he did not think military intervention would solve the Ivorian Crisis.
At this point, everybody got confused and more disturbed except apologists and hangers-on of the government. International politics experts described the president’s statement as “naïve”, “broken ranks with ECOWAS” and “jumping-the-gun”. It was clear from the emergency Abuja summit communiqué that military option was an option that would be used, but it did not mean, it was the option that was to be considered immediately. So for the President of Ghana, a key player in ECOWAS and AU to make such statements, it was a clear display of dishonesty and bad faith. Especially, when the ECOWAS communiqué signed in Abuja by our president, Dzi Wo Fie Asem Mills, indicated that MILITARY OPTION WAS AN OPTION THAT COULD BE CONSIDERED IF GBAGBO FAILS TO HEED TO ECOWAS’S CALL FOR HIM TO STEP DOWN. How could our president have made a U-TURN by saying MILITARY OPTION IS NO OPTION?
It was on this diplomatic error, that the NPP held its recent press conference on the matter to indicate to our president that he has erred big time. That was the message contained in the statement read by the national chairman, Jake Otanka Obestebi Lamptey and the formidable flag bearer, Nana Akufo-Addo. The NPP made it very clear and unambiguous that, WE ARE NOT CALLING FOR WAR IN IVORY COAST. The NPP supports the ECOWAS, AU and UN stance on this matter. The NPP believes EVERY MEANS NECESSARY MUST BE USED TO ENSURE THE DEMOCRATICALLY ELECTED PRESIDENT OF IVORY COAST IS INSTALLED AS PRESIDENT. The NPP believes in democracy. The NPP handed over power to the ruling NDC after the closest presidential battle ever recorded. Hence, we are in a good position to advise our president’s friend, Mr. Gbagbo to step down like we did 2 years ago.
The whole article authored by Dr. Spio Garbrah is centred around this LIE that the NPP led by the credible flag bearer, Nana Akufo Addo is calling for war in Ivory Coast. That is not true and no matter the number of times the NDC/ government communicators including Dr. Spio Garbrah repeat this LIE, it would never be TRUE.
I am concerned Dr. Spio Garbrah’s seem to have lost his boldness in pointing out the president’s flaws like he used to. The president committed a diplomatic blunder, and if the likes of Dr. Spio Garbrah would want to “perfume” it, then Ghanaians must take a second look at who fights for their cause. In their bid to score cheap political points, the communication director at the presidency, I-AM-NOT-ON-DRUGS Koku Anyidoho, in his right frame of mind, circulated a confidential document, purported to be the position of ambassadors of African states at the UN Security Council. This document states some points including “MILITARY OPTION IS NO OPTION”. This position was in sharp contrast with that of the ECOWAS body. This document was used as propaganda to tell Ghanaians that, President NOT-CAT-HUNTER Mills has been vindicated. Media houses received copies of the documents. NDC/Government communicators and apologist were all over the place, singing the VINDICATION HYMN composed by I-AM-NOT-ON-DRUGS Koku Anyidoho.
I recall, Gabby Asare Otchere Darko of Danquah Institute, posted on his wall on facebook that government must be circumspect because that position can not be accurate. The likes of Stan Dogbe were quick to extinguish Gabby’s “propaganda”. Just days after Gabby’s post on facebook, the AU envoy to Ivory Coast, Raila Odinga came to meet the president over his DZI WO FIE ASEM statements. Experts described the visit as “whip-in-line” or disciplinary visit. Raila Odinga visited to ensure the president does not “destroy” the efforts being made by every important international organization to resolve the Ivorian impasse with his undermining utterances. The president then changed his position quickly. He told Raila Odinga, he supports FULLY anything the ECOWAS intends to pursue to solve the Ivorian crisis. How sudden and hypocritical many thought. The Foreign Minister, Alhaji Mumuni was all over the airwaves, trying to do some damage control. He told the listening public on CITI FM, the Mills government supports any action the ECOWAS would take to solve the Ivorian crisis even with the use of BRUTE FORCE.
This week, the BBC, apparently seeing it news worthy for Ghana’s president to have broken ranks and concerned about the statements of our president discussed “DZI WO FIE ASEM”. It was an embarrassing episode, with commentators using very uncharitable words to describe our president. Again, the foreign minister was able to secure time on BBC to explain his boss’s position better. He performed so badly, that many NDC communicators and facebookers are calling for his sack. That is how bizarre this NDC government has handled the Ivorian crisis.
The NPP has NEVER called for war in Ivory Coast. The NDC is so embarrassed by their bad handling of the Ivorian crisis that they are using propaganda to hoodwink Ghanaians into believing them. They have gone to the extent of using an important state institution as the military as a propaganda tool. They say, the NPP wants Ghanaian soldiers to be killed, “that is why the NPP is calling for war in Ivory Coast”. This claim by the NDC is simply ridiculous. One wonders how the NDC could even conceive such an idea, but that is how low they think the ordinary Ghanaian is. I have already given facts to indicate that the NPP has NEVER called for war in Ivory Coast. For Gods sake, how will the death of Ghanaian soldiers benefit the NPP in any way? Members of the NPP also have relations and friends who are military men. The NPP worked closely with the military for 8 years. The NPP resourced the military force. The NPP was quick to recognize the potential of the military as a useful partner in the economic reconstruction of the country in addition to its traditional role of defending the territorial integrity of the country. An amount of US$60 million was provided to ensure that all Peacekeeping Missions are provided with sufficient equipment The NPP increased the peacekeeping mission allowance astronomically. The NPP would definitely work with these soldiers when Ghanaians vote us back. So it would be unthinkable for anybody to say, the NPP wants Ghanaian soldiers to be killed.
In Dr. Spio Garbrah’s weak defence article, he says “Is the NPP not aware that Ghana’s Jubilee oil fields is just a stone throw away from the Ivorian border and could be attacked if Ghana invades Cote d’Ivoire?” The NPP can not forget the location of the Jubilee field, especially when that particular oil field was discovered under the Kufour regime. It was under Kufour that Tullow brought the oil samples to the Castle, subsequently it was taken to parliament, the NDC described the oil as “DIRTY OIL”. How can the NPP forget the location of the Jubilee field? Again, has anybody said Ghana should invade Cote d’Ivoire? I feel very sad that Dr. Spio Garbrah is commenting on this very serious matter in such a propagandist manner, unless, he is limited with the facts, this is unacceptable and unpardonable. He better come again because “he is forcing there to be there, when there is not there”
Lastly, it is rumored Dr. Spio Garbrah is to be appointed Minister. If it is true, then let me say CONGRATULATIONS to him. This rumor came to me as a surprise because Ato Ahwoi [arguably the Prime Minister] had swore “over his dead body” will Spio-Garbrah be appointed in the Mills-Mahama administration. Time changes. God works in mysterious ways.
I LOVE GHANA
PATRIOT FAISAL IBRAHIM
Mobile_faisal@hotmail.com
0262232000
The author is an Associate Member of the Association of Business Executives, UK. He is also a blogger on facebook ( www.facebook.com/faisal.ibrahim1)
Anyway, Dr. Spio Garbrah claims in the second paragraph of his recent article “After the press conference many Ghanaians in Cote d’Ivoire, those in many parts of Ghana, as well as in the Diaspora, breathed a sigh of relief. Some dubbed the president’s wise stance of “dzi wo fie asem” foreign policy, in contrast to the Georg W. Bush- style “democracy- at- the- barrel- of- a- gun” policy being promoted by the Akufo-Addo-led NPP”. I find it very strange and unpardonable for Dr. Spio Garbrah to join the many one-gear NDC communicators who have said time and time again that the NPP is calling for war in Ivory Coast. The Kobby Fiagbes, the Twum Boafos and their likes can be pardoned [they have nothing to lose] for telling this lie over and over, but for Dr. Spio Garbrah to repeat this lie, it is unacceptable. The NPP has NEVER CALLED FOR WAR IN IVORY COAST! In all the press conferences organized by the party since the Ivorian political crisis started late last year, the NPP has been VERY CONSISTENT in their comments unlike our president and government. The first call from the NPP was for the president to make public Ghana’s position on the impasse. Our loud silence on the issue was strange and discomforting, especially when Ivory Coast is our neighbor and Ghana is a front runner in democracy in West Africa and Africa. Our president is a very good friend of Laurent Gbagbo, and it is believed as a good friend of the former President Gbagbo, at least our president could have said something publicly to discourage his good friend from taking the people of Ivory Coast hostage. Presidents from parts of the continent came out publicly to condemn what Laurent Gbagbo was doing to the people of Ivory Coast. So NPPs first call was for President Not-Looking-Like-Cat-Hunter Mills to speak publicly on the crisis, so that the world can know Ghana’s position. Government communicators responded that, our president would be attending an emergency ECOWAS summit in Abuja. The summit went on as planned and a communiqué signed by all presidents present including our president was issued. The relevant portion of the communiqué stated “in the event that Mr. Gbagbo fails to heed this immutable demand of ECOWAS, the community would be left with no alternative but to take other measures, including the use of legitimate force, to achieve the goals of the Ivorian crisis people”. ECOWAS recognizes Alhassan Outtarra as the legitimately elected president of Ivory Coast, and has called on our president’s friend, Mr. Gbagbo to step down. Then our president meets journalist on the 7th of January, 2011 to discuss his 2 years in office. In a response to a question posed on the Ivory Coast crisis, our president makes the Dzi Wo fie Asem statement and includes that, it was not for Ghana to choose for a leader for Ivory Coast[ as though somebody is saying Ghana should do so]. This diplomatic blunder which brought so much shock and embarrassment to Ghanaians did not stop there. The president also said he did not think military intervention would solve the Ivorian Crisis.
At this point, everybody got confused and more disturbed except apologists and hangers-on of the government. International politics experts described the president’s statement as “naïve”, “broken ranks with ECOWAS” and “jumping-the-gun”. It was clear from the emergency Abuja summit communiqué that military option was an option that would be used, but it did not mean, it was the option that was to be considered immediately. So for the President of Ghana, a key player in ECOWAS and AU to make such statements, it was a clear display of dishonesty and bad faith. Especially, when the ECOWAS communiqué signed in Abuja by our president, Dzi Wo Fie Asem Mills, indicated that MILITARY OPTION WAS AN OPTION THAT COULD BE CONSIDERED IF GBAGBO FAILS TO HEED TO ECOWAS’S CALL FOR HIM TO STEP DOWN. How could our president have made a U-TURN by saying MILITARY OPTION IS NO OPTION?
It was on this diplomatic error, that the NPP held its recent press conference on the matter to indicate to our president that he has erred big time. That was the message contained in the statement read by the national chairman, Jake Otanka Obestebi Lamptey and the formidable flag bearer, Nana Akufo-Addo. The NPP made it very clear and unambiguous that, WE ARE NOT CALLING FOR WAR IN IVORY COAST. The NPP supports the ECOWAS, AU and UN stance on this matter. The NPP believes EVERY MEANS NECESSARY MUST BE USED TO ENSURE THE DEMOCRATICALLY ELECTED PRESIDENT OF IVORY COAST IS INSTALLED AS PRESIDENT. The NPP believes in democracy. The NPP handed over power to the ruling NDC after the closest presidential battle ever recorded. Hence, we are in a good position to advise our president’s friend, Mr. Gbagbo to step down like we did 2 years ago.
The whole article authored by Dr. Spio Garbrah is centred around this LIE that the NPP led by the credible flag bearer, Nana Akufo Addo is calling for war in Ivory Coast. That is not true and no matter the number of times the NDC/ government communicators including Dr. Spio Garbrah repeat this LIE, it would never be TRUE.
I am concerned Dr. Spio Garbrah’s seem to have lost his boldness in pointing out the president’s flaws like he used to. The president committed a diplomatic blunder, and if the likes of Dr. Spio Garbrah would want to “perfume” it, then Ghanaians must take a second look at who fights for their cause. In their bid to score cheap political points, the communication director at the presidency, I-AM-NOT-ON-DRUGS Koku Anyidoho, in his right frame of mind, circulated a confidential document, purported to be the position of ambassadors of African states at the UN Security Council. This document states some points including “MILITARY OPTION IS NO OPTION”. This position was in sharp contrast with that of the ECOWAS body. This document was used as propaganda to tell Ghanaians that, President NOT-CAT-HUNTER Mills has been vindicated. Media houses received copies of the documents. NDC/Government communicators and apologist were all over the place, singing the VINDICATION HYMN composed by I-AM-NOT-ON-DRUGS Koku Anyidoho.
I recall, Gabby Asare Otchere Darko of Danquah Institute, posted on his wall on facebook that government must be circumspect because that position can not be accurate. The likes of Stan Dogbe were quick to extinguish Gabby’s “propaganda”. Just days after Gabby’s post on facebook, the AU envoy to Ivory Coast, Raila Odinga came to meet the president over his DZI WO FIE ASEM statements. Experts described the visit as “whip-in-line” or disciplinary visit. Raila Odinga visited to ensure the president does not “destroy” the efforts being made by every important international organization to resolve the Ivorian impasse with his undermining utterances. The president then changed his position quickly. He told Raila Odinga, he supports FULLY anything the ECOWAS intends to pursue to solve the Ivorian crisis. How sudden and hypocritical many thought. The Foreign Minister, Alhaji Mumuni was all over the airwaves, trying to do some damage control. He told the listening public on CITI FM, the Mills government supports any action the ECOWAS would take to solve the Ivorian crisis even with the use of BRUTE FORCE.
This week, the BBC, apparently seeing it news worthy for Ghana’s president to have broken ranks and concerned about the statements of our president discussed “DZI WO FIE ASEM”. It was an embarrassing episode, with commentators using very uncharitable words to describe our president. Again, the foreign minister was able to secure time on BBC to explain his boss’s position better. He performed so badly, that many NDC communicators and facebookers are calling for his sack. That is how bizarre this NDC government has handled the Ivorian crisis.
The NPP has NEVER called for war in Ivory Coast. The NDC is so embarrassed by their bad handling of the Ivorian crisis that they are using propaganda to hoodwink Ghanaians into believing them. They have gone to the extent of using an important state institution as the military as a propaganda tool. They say, the NPP wants Ghanaian soldiers to be killed, “that is why the NPP is calling for war in Ivory Coast”. This claim by the NDC is simply ridiculous. One wonders how the NDC could even conceive such an idea, but that is how low they think the ordinary Ghanaian is. I have already given facts to indicate that the NPP has NEVER called for war in Ivory Coast. For Gods sake, how will the death of Ghanaian soldiers benefit the NPP in any way? Members of the NPP also have relations and friends who are military men. The NPP worked closely with the military for 8 years. The NPP resourced the military force. The NPP was quick to recognize the potential of the military as a useful partner in the economic reconstruction of the country in addition to its traditional role of defending the territorial integrity of the country. An amount of US$60 million was provided to ensure that all Peacekeeping Missions are provided with sufficient equipment The NPP increased the peacekeeping mission allowance astronomically. The NPP would definitely work with these soldiers when Ghanaians vote us back. So it would be unthinkable for anybody to say, the NPP wants Ghanaian soldiers to be killed.
In Dr. Spio Garbrah’s weak defence article, he says “Is the NPP not aware that Ghana’s Jubilee oil fields is just a stone throw away from the Ivorian border and could be attacked if Ghana invades Cote d’Ivoire?” The NPP can not forget the location of the Jubilee field, especially when that particular oil field was discovered under the Kufour regime. It was under Kufour that Tullow brought the oil samples to the Castle, subsequently it was taken to parliament, the NDC described the oil as “DIRTY OIL”. How can the NPP forget the location of the Jubilee field? Again, has anybody said Ghana should invade Cote d’Ivoire? I feel very sad that Dr. Spio Garbrah is commenting on this very serious matter in such a propagandist manner, unless, he is limited with the facts, this is unacceptable and unpardonable. He better come again because “he is forcing there to be there, when there is not there”
Lastly, it is rumored Dr. Spio Garbrah is to be appointed Minister. If it is true, then let me say CONGRATULATIONS to him. This rumor came to me as a surprise because Ato Ahwoi [arguably the Prime Minister] had swore “over his dead body” will Spio-Garbrah be appointed in the Mills-Mahama administration. Time changes. God works in mysterious ways.
I LOVE GHANA
PATRIOT FAISAL IBRAHIM
Mobile_faisal@hotmail.com
0262232000
The author is an Associate Member of the Association of Business Executives, UK. He is also a blogger on facebook ( www.facebook.com/faisal.ibrahim1)
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