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
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