On 14th February, 2012, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the Convener of the Research and Advocacy Platform (RAP) is reported to have said “Kwaku Baako Jnr., is on a damage control mission for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) flag-bearer Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo on his latest link to drug barons.”
Felix alleged that the motive behind the February 14th publication of The New Crusading Guide newspaper is to undermine the integrity of the state-owned Daily Graphic and extricate Nana Akufo-Addo on allegations that he issued a diplomatic passport to drug barons as Foreign Minister in the erstwhile Kufuor administration.
“I don’t think Kwaku Baako has succeeded in any way in absolving Nana Addo from blame in this particular matter. It would be in his (Baako's) own interest to prove that Nana Addo did not issue the diplomatic passport rather than seeking to undermine the integrity of The Graphic” he asserted.Read story:[http://politics.myjoyonline.com/pages/news/201202/81534.php]
In the first place, I believe The New Crusading Guide newspaper was unnecessarily lenient with the state-owned Daily Graphic newspaper on this particular matter. The integrity of Daily Graphic has been doubtful for quite some time now. The Daily Graphic reporter, Timothy Gobah, who wrote the 13 February, 2012 story, must be sacked immediately. It is important to note that, the same reporter, Timothy Gobah wrote the story about how principled former Attorney General, Martin Amidu practically begged the President for forgiveness at the Castle over the “gargantuan crimes expose” when nothing like that happened. The NDC government seem to have finally infiltrated the state-owned Daily Graphic with an “absolutely ignorant”and unprofessional journalist.
The New Crusading Guide newspaper was right. The Daily Graphic published a story with title “Ghanaian Drug Baron Arrested in Brazil” on Monday, 19 May 2008 written by Nii Marma. Readers, you will not believe that, the same story was reproduced by NDC faithful Timothy Gobah on 13thFebruary, 2012 with twisted facts.
Relevant portions of the original story written by Nii Marma in 2008 says:
“Raymond Kwame Amankwah, a Ghanaian described as one of the most wanted drug barons, has been arrested in Brazil through a collaboration between the German Federal Police and its Brazilian counterpart.
He was arrested alongside two women, Mandy Veit, a German, and Irena Beata Ciaslak, a German-Polish, at the Pinto Martins Airport in Fortaleza, the capital of Ceara State in December 2007.
Confirming the arrest in a correspondence to the Daily Graphic, a Director of the Brazilian Supreme Court, Ms Madeleine Lacsko, said the three suspects were arrested after security personnel searched Mandy’s and Irena’s luggage at the airport while the two were waiting to fly to Lisbon at 7:30 p.m. and found the drugs hidden in false compartments.
It said Raymond, holder of Ghanaian passport number H1878450, was in custody at the House of Deprivation Provisional Freedom of Caucaia, while Mandy, holder of German passport A0883780, and Irena, bearer of German passport number 176705648, were being kept at female prisons at Presidio Desa, Auri Moura Costa.”
Kindly note that the passport number Ms Madeleine Lacsko, a Director of the Brazilian Supreme Court, gave Daily Graphic in the 2008 correspondence was H1878450.
Let us shift our attention to the “new”report the NDC faithful, Timothy Gobah published on 13th February, 2012. The NDC propagandist says:
“The Federal Police Department of Brazil has established that a notorious Ghanaian drug baron, Raymond Kwame Amankwah, who is serving a 14-year prison term at the Provisional Detention Centre at Caucaia in Brazil for drug trafficking, was holding a diplomatic passport issued by the Republic of Ghana.
A report released by the Brazilian police said at the time of his arrest, Amankwah, was holding passport number D1878450, a diplomatic passport.”
Kindly note that the passport number the NDC propagandist, Timothy Gobah gave is D1878450.
The difference between the two passport numbers is the letter “H” and “D” which prefixes both same numbers. I have seen an ordinary passport, its number starts with “H”. I want to believe a diplomatic passport number will start with the letter “D”.
Clearly the agenda of Timothy Gobah and his NDC paymasters is vivid for critical minds. Let us not lose sight of the current Woyomegate that has engulfed the nation. The President’s image has suffered badly. The NDC propaganda machinery is doing everything and anything to repair the President’s image and divert attention. I believe this is one of the strategies but it has back-fired badly.
A discerning mind will ask some questions:
1. Did Timothy actually speak to any officer at Federal Police Department of Brazil?
2. Who did Timothy speak to at the Federal Police Department of Brazil?
3. Was there a correspondence at all between Timothy and the Federal Police Department of Brazil?
4. Raymond Amankwah has been jailed in Brazil years back, why did it take half a decade to establish he was using a diplomatic passport?
5. The color and features of a diplomatic passport is clearly different from a normal passport, how could this elude Brazilian immigration officials for 5 years?
6. What are the real intentions of Timothy in twisting the facts of this story?
7. Who is paying Timothy to undertake this dirty job?
The flag bearer of the New Patriotic Party, Nana Akufo resigned as Foreign Minister in 2007 to contest for the NPP flag-bearership race. The malicious plan to smear him has failed. According to Felix Kwakye “the onus lies with Kwaku Baako to prove that the NPP flag-bearer is innocent and that Nana did not issue a diplomatic passport to Raymond Amankah as it is being alleged.” This was the real intention of the Daily Graphic story reproduced by NDC faithful, Timothy Gobah. The story was supposed to set the tone for the “largely inexperienced and absolutely ignorant”government communicators like Felix to launch attacks on the personality of Mr. Akufo Addo. They have failed miserably.
I have already established per the correspondence with Ms Madeleine Lacsko, a Director of the Brazilian Supreme Court in 2008 that:
1. Raymond Amankwah had an ordinary passport and not a diplomatic passport.
2. The passport number was H1878450 and not D1878450.
3. Timothy Gaboh has gained notoriety for writing propaganda stories for the NDC
If indeed, Raymond Amankwah had a diplomatic passport, he would have enjoyed immunity. Readers will recall the case of Frank Benneh, the diplomat who was arrested with drugs in 1998 in Switzerland. He was transferred to Ghana to be tried because of his diplomatic credentials.
In view of the above, it is clear the mischief Felix Kwakye Fosu and his ilk sought to create did not materialize. He must address himself to the facts before making public statements.
I LOVE GHANA
Patriot Faisal Ibrahim [www.facebook.com/faisal.ibrahim1]
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Monday, February 13, 2012
RE:RE:Akufo-Addo:Ghana is in a state of leadership paralysis
I am quickly going to respond to an article authored by an “absolutely ignorant and inexperienced member” of the government communication team, Felix Amegashie Mawulolo. His main job is to be doing propaganda for the NDC government on facebook. I wonder why he has veered from his core responsibility. In his article, he attempts to respond to Nana Akufo Addo’s apt observation that “Ghana is in a state of leadership paralysis”. I must say my flag bearer’s observation is shared by many in the NDC. I will cite only three examples.
Let’s start with President Rawlings. He cited an instance where President Mills made an appointment. Only for the Council of State Chairman, Prof. Awoonor to have appointed somebody to same position months before. When the President was told about the development, all he could do was to say “Prof. kwraa awre haw me” to wit Prof. [Awoonor] is worrying me and it ended there.
Micheal Teye Nyaunu, NDC Member of Parliament for Lower Manya Krobo, in the wake of the FONKAR-GAMES said the Yutong Bus driver was sleeping and need to be changed. Vice President, John Dramani Mahama, in a subtle agreement offered a different solution. He said the Yutong driver should be given coffee and not replaced.
Lastly, the recent EOCO report on the gargantuan thievery. According to the EOCO Boss, President Mills gave a “stop payment” order twice. The order was violated twice and nothing happened. Which serious leader will do nothing in the face of such insubordination and disrespect to the highest office of the land.
Back to the article [http://mawulolo.blogspot.com/2012/02/re-akufo-addo-ghana-is-in-state-of.html] under scrutiny. Let me ignore the ignorance and pettiness the author displayed in the initial part of his largely empty piece.
The first point he raised worth addressing is “For the record, Ghana has grown from a single digit economic growth below 7% under the misguided administration of the Kufuor regime to a double digit growth of 13.6% under the able leadership of President Mills and John Dramani Mahama”. Let me number my points.
1. Ghana’s economy grew by 7.3% in 2008.That cannot be “below 7%” unless the author had problems with arithmetic operations in school.
2. The 7.3% growth was recorded when the country was NOT an oil producing nation.
3. The 13.6% growth includes a gargantuan growth in the mining sub-sector-oil production.
4. To show who has managed our economy better, you must compare the figures without the oil contribution.
5. Kindly note that, the Kufuor led administration deserves every credit for the discovery of oil in commercial quantity in 2007.
Secondly, he says “NDC government handled the situation, paid the debts including the TOR debt for which monies stolen from Ghanaians in the Recovery levy was rather used to pay journalists and groups to engage in needless propaganda for the NPP.”
What has crippled this government is its communication machinery. And the author is part of that problem. In the first place the TOR debt propaganda which was led by President Mills fell in a deep ocean. Indeed, last year during the ecomini-state of the nation address, he [President Mills] said the debate on the debt was not necessary. Mind you this sudden “advise” came up when the minority in parliament exposed that the TOR debt was actually GHc 9.27 million per TOR’s own 2008 financial statement. We all recall the inconsistencies in the debt figures.
1. On January 8, 2011, President Mills in his encounter with the media, stated that the TOR debt he inherited was GH¢ 1.48 billion.
2. On April 14, 2009 President Mills said the figure was GH¢1.14 billion. The President had inflated his own initial figure by GH¢380 million
3. On January 23, 2011, Fiifi Kwetey, a deputy Finance Minister in direct response to a question put to him by the host of a 'Talking Point' programme retorted that the TOR debt as reflected in the audited accounts was GH¢1.448 billion.
4. On Good Morning Ghana programme on Metro Tv, Okudjeto Ablakwa mentioned GHc 900 Million as the TOR Debt
Which of these debt figures has been paid?
Then again, the author claims the TOR debts have been paid. As at last year, there was no parliamentary approval for any payment to Ghana Commercial Bank. Neither did it appear in this year’s budget. So how was it paid? This government has only been successful in lies and propaganda.
Thirdly, on state properties, “What about the Ga stool lands and government bungalows that were looted and sold out to their kingpins?” To loot is to steal, plunder etc. The primary responsibility of any government is to protect state properties and interest. If anybody has looted government bungalows and Ga stool lands, why has the NDC government not made any arrests? Who steals and pays for them? Or the author is just using the word “loot” because his sudden-fat belly bosses are using them? Or they told him to use them? Does he even understand the word “looting”?
As a matter of principle, I do not support any politician acquiring any state property under any circumstance. I condemn it though members of my party have done so. However, it should be placed on record that this policy has existed since Nkrumah. The NDC government under Rawlings continued this policy. Embattled Aunty Betty, Foreign Minister Muhammed Mumuni, President Mills, and other top functionaries of the author’s party have acquired numerous properties through this immoral scheme. It must be noted that Nana Akufo Addo, my flag bearer, out rightly rejected that idea. Mills could not resist the temptation so he bought a state land at Ofankor.
On drugs t se author said “There was a big boom in the drugs and narcotics trade. Hardly a day passed between 2001 and 2008 that Ghanaians did not wake up with screaming headlines of on drug haul of the other.” The author and his party are very funny. So because “Hardly a day passed between 2001 and 2008 that Ghanaians did not wake up with screaming headlines of on drug haul” it meant there was “a big boom in the drugs and narcotics trade”? These people should respect the intelligence of Ghanaians. It is as if you say because criminals are being arrested everyday so the government of the day is promoting crime. This is pure idiocy. If drug barons were being arrested, it showed a government that was committed to the fight. The anti-drug fight is beyond the pettiness the author displays.
It requires serious logistical and international support to fight it. This inspired President Kufuor to collaborate with the UK government for the Operation Westbridge. You need policies like making drugs a non-bailable offence which Kufuor initiated and enacted. Unfortunately, this government has given inexplicable bails for drug suspects. Indeed, in one instance CRAZY AKRASI, NACOB Boss said on Joy Fm a drug suspect was a “hardworking young man” so he deserve to be given bail. NACOB actually filed for a bail to be granted that suspect. Since this corrupt party took over power, I am yet to see any concrete policy in the fight against drugs. Apart from President Mills raising his armpit to be checked at the airport, what action has he taken to fight the menace? President Mills has stated that he knows members of his entourage are drug couriers. He has appealed to the UK government to provide him with portable drug detection devices so that the screening will be done secretly to avoid any embarrassment. The anti-drug fight is no joke.
We all remember the arrest of a large number NDC NACOB officials who aided drug barons in their illicit trade last year. One of lady officer arrested was allegedly the “Personal Assistant” of CRAZY AKRASI.
Having said all these, it is clear the author is absolutely ignorant about the things he wrote about. His inexperience was vivid. Ghanaians are still waiting for the 580,000,000,000 cedis this corrupt government rewarded Woyome for allegedly financing the President’s campaigns.
I LOVE GHANA
PATRIOT FAISAL IBRAHIM [https://www.facebook.com/#!/faisal.ibrahim1]
Let’s start with President Rawlings. He cited an instance where President Mills made an appointment. Only for the Council of State Chairman, Prof. Awoonor to have appointed somebody to same position months before. When the President was told about the development, all he could do was to say “Prof. kwraa awre haw me” to wit Prof. [Awoonor] is worrying me and it ended there.
Micheal Teye Nyaunu, NDC Member of Parliament for Lower Manya Krobo, in the wake of the FONKAR-GAMES said the Yutong Bus driver was sleeping and need to be changed. Vice President, John Dramani Mahama, in a subtle agreement offered a different solution. He said the Yutong driver should be given coffee and not replaced.
Lastly, the recent EOCO report on the gargantuan thievery. According to the EOCO Boss, President Mills gave a “stop payment” order twice. The order was violated twice and nothing happened. Which serious leader will do nothing in the face of such insubordination and disrespect to the highest office of the land.
Back to the article [http://mawulolo.blogspot.com/2012/02/re-akufo-addo-ghana-is-in-state-of.html] under scrutiny. Let me ignore the ignorance and pettiness the author displayed in the initial part of his largely empty piece.
The first point he raised worth addressing is “For the record, Ghana has grown from a single digit economic growth below 7% under the misguided administration of the Kufuor regime to a double digit growth of 13.6% under the able leadership of President Mills and John Dramani Mahama”. Let me number my points.
1. Ghana’s economy grew by 7.3% in 2008.That cannot be “below 7%” unless the author had problems with arithmetic operations in school.
2. The 7.3% growth was recorded when the country was NOT an oil producing nation.
3. The 13.6% growth includes a gargantuan growth in the mining sub-sector-oil production.
4. To show who has managed our economy better, you must compare the figures without the oil contribution.
5. Kindly note that, the Kufuor led administration deserves every credit for the discovery of oil in commercial quantity in 2007.
Secondly, he says “NDC government handled the situation, paid the debts including the TOR debt for which monies stolen from Ghanaians in the Recovery levy was rather used to pay journalists and groups to engage in needless propaganda for the NPP.”
What has crippled this government is its communication machinery. And the author is part of that problem. In the first place the TOR debt propaganda which was led by President Mills fell in a deep ocean. Indeed, last year during the ecomini-state of the nation address, he [President Mills] said the debate on the debt was not necessary. Mind you this sudden “advise” came up when the minority in parliament exposed that the TOR debt was actually GHc 9.27 million per TOR’s own 2008 financial statement. We all recall the inconsistencies in the debt figures.
1. On January 8, 2011, President Mills in his encounter with the media, stated that the TOR debt he inherited was GH¢ 1.48 billion.
2. On April 14, 2009 President Mills said the figure was GH¢1.14 billion. The President had inflated his own initial figure by GH¢380 million
3. On January 23, 2011, Fiifi Kwetey, a deputy Finance Minister in direct response to a question put to him by the host of a 'Talking Point' programme retorted that the TOR debt as reflected in the audited accounts was GH¢1.448 billion.
4. On Good Morning Ghana programme on Metro Tv, Okudjeto Ablakwa mentioned GHc 900 Million as the TOR Debt
Which of these debt figures has been paid?
Then again, the author claims the TOR debts have been paid. As at last year, there was no parliamentary approval for any payment to Ghana Commercial Bank. Neither did it appear in this year’s budget. So how was it paid? This government has only been successful in lies and propaganda.
Thirdly, on state properties, “What about the Ga stool lands and government bungalows that were looted and sold out to their kingpins?” To loot is to steal, plunder etc. The primary responsibility of any government is to protect state properties and interest. If anybody has looted government bungalows and Ga stool lands, why has the NDC government not made any arrests? Who steals and pays for them? Or the author is just using the word “loot” because his sudden-fat belly bosses are using them? Or they told him to use them? Does he even understand the word “looting”?
As a matter of principle, I do not support any politician acquiring any state property under any circumstance. I condemn it though members of my party have done so. However, it should be placed on record that this policy has existed since Nkrumah. The NDC government under Rawlings continued this policy. Embattled Aunty Betty, Foreign Minister Muhammed Mumuni, President Mills, and other top functionaries of the author’s party have acquired numerous properties through this immoral scheme. It must be noted that Nana Akufo Addo, my flag bearer, out rightly rejected that idea. Mills could not resist the temptation so he bought a state land at Ofankor.
On drugs t se author said “There was a big boom in the drugs and narcotics trade. Hardly a day passed between 2001 and 2008 that Ghanaians did not wake up with screaming headlines of on drug haul of the other.” The author and his party are very funny. So because “Hardly a day passed between 2001 and 2008 that Ghanaians did not wake up with screaming headlines of on drug haul” it meant there was “a big boom in the drugs and narcotics trade”? These people should respect the intelligence of Ghanaians. It is as if you say because criminals are being arrested everyday so the government of the day is promoting crime. This is pure idiocy. If drug barons were being arrested, it showed a government that was committed to the fight. The anti-drug fight is beyond the pettiness the author displays.
It requires serious logistical and international support to fight it. This inspired President Kufuor to collaborate with the UK government for the Operation Westbridge. You need policies like making drugs a non-bailable offence which Kufuor initiated and enacted. Unfortunately, this government has given inexplicable bails for drug suspects. Indeed, in one instance CRAZY AKRASI, NACOB Boss said on Joy Fm a drug suspect was a “hardworking young man” so he deserve to be given bail. NACOB actually filed for a bail to be granted that suspect. Since this corrupt party took over power, I am yet to see any concrete policy in the fight against drugs. Apart from President Mills raising his armpit to be checked at the airport, what action has he taken to fight the menace? President Mills has stated that he knows members of his entourage are drug couriers. He has appealed to the UK government to provide him with portable drug detection devices so that the screening will be done secretly to avoid any embarrassment. The anti-drug fight is no joke.
We all remember the arrest of a large number NDC NACOB officials who aided drug barons in their illicit trade last year. One of lady officer arrested was allegedly the “Personal Assistant” of CRAZY AKRASI.
Having said all these, it is clear the author is absolutely ignorant about the things he wrote about. His inexperience was vivid. Ghanaians are still waiting for the 580,000,000,000 cedis this corrupt government rewarded Woyome for allegedly financing the President’s campaigns.
I LOVE GHANA
PATRIOT FAISAL IBRAHIM [https://www.facebook.com/#!/faisal.ibrahim1]
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Akufo Addo Does Not Need to Debunk His Innocence in Drug Addict Accusation!
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
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
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)
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