I want to comment on a story with title “Ghana’s Judiciary Is Corrupt -US State Department” carried by ghanaweb.com on 24th August, 2010 authored by Peter Kojo Apisawu [http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/artikel.php?ID=188952]. I must first indicate that am not a lawyer hence my commentary on this story might be far from a lawyer's point of view but its common sensical.
The story I must accurately posit has come at a time the ruling NDC party is at the throat of judges, accusing them of corruption, political bias amongst other unwarranted descriptions. These rancorous attacks from NDC party on the judiciary are mainly because the Attorney General (AG) has lost many “high profile cases” involving members of the erstwhile government. Indeed these strings of lost cases also comes at the background of a shocking promise made by the AG that “I WILL JAIL KUFOUR’S MEN” last year when NDC supporters were calling for her dismissal for dismal performance. The motive of the initial press conference held by the NDC was to show support and solidarity for the AG who has come under fresh attacks from supporters of the NDC because of a high court ruling that set free Kwadjo Mpiani and Dr. Wereko Brobbey who were standing trial for causing financial loss to the state when they managed the Ghana@50 celebrations. It must be indicated that, the two were set free on technical grounds and not acquitted on of those charges. The AG gave the strongest indication right after the discharge she will appeal against that ruling, hence what many discerning democrats who believe in the rule of law expected was for the appeals process to start. I must indicate that, I am one of those who want justice to prevail in this matter so that it cures the lies, deceit and propaganda going on. I am on of those who hold the view that the comments made by the NDC that they will “clean” the judiciary were unwarranted, unfortunate and unbecoming of a ruling political party. I don’t know why the NDC sometimes find it difficult to adhere to simple democratic procedures in achieving their political objectives. It is about time the NDC purges itself of the dictatorial, lawless and undemocratic tendencies. A case in point is the ever growing lawless behavior of its supporters who illegally take possession of anything that belongs to the state or threatens state officials to the extent that a presidential nominee in a municipality was declared “wanted, dead or alive”. What is striking and most shocking, is the fact that not a single “criminal” amongst these known lots has been arrested and prosecuted. When Ghanaians raise these matters of national security concerns, the NDC/government spokespersons quickly and easily remind Ghanaians of what some other political party did some years back. They conveniently forget also, that these were the same instances they cited which informed Ghanaians to vote that other political party out. Sometimes one wonders if the Better Ghana will ever be achieved if such excuses are given by government.
Let me steer back to the main topic. The story takes its authority from 2010 International Narcotics Control Strategy Report (INCSR) released by the US government. The report contains damning findings against the judiciary and the law enforcement agencies. The reports says “…corruption is pervasive in Ghana’s law enforcement community, including sections of the police and the NACOB. Despite the regular arrests of suspected narcotics traffickers, Ghana has a low rate of conviction, which many officials believe is likely due to corruption within the judiciary,” This is where my “unlearned” self have issues with the report and in fact the story. I gather from the above quote that the main reason for describing Ghana’s judiciary as corrupt as portrayed by the author of the story [Peter Kojo Apisawu ] is because of “low conviction despite regular arrests”. I must say am quite surprise at this observation by this US agency. The U.S is arguably touted as trail blazers in democracy and rule of law in the world. It is shocking they could describe OUR judiciary as corrupt based on “low conviction”. Conviction according to the Concise Oxford English Dictionary is “an instance of formally being found guilty of a criminal offence”. Let us be reminded of the dictum “innocent until proven guilty”. Let us also ask ourselves, how do judges pronounce a person guilty or otherwise? I was made to understand, that the prosecution/state must prove beyond reasonable doubt a person is guilty of a crime in a court of competent jurisdiction, that will be the only instance a conviction can be achieved if the rule of law and due process is anything to go by. Hence, if the prosecution who is being vigorously opposed by a defense attorney fails to prove a suspect is guilty of a crime then adherents of rule of law and due process can not expect a conviction. If a conviction is passed when there isn’t enough legal grounds then we are told that is “travesty of justice”.
So if Ghana has a low conviction for drug related crimes, there are many obvious reasons for this situation including poor investigations, poor prosecution, low human capacity, lack of evidence, inadequate resources for investigation etc. For this US agency to allude that corruption is the reason for low conviction is most unfortunate especially when it is come from a country that have practice democracy and rule of law for over 200 years. Unless of course, this US agency is suggesting convictions must equal arrests just because these are drug related cases. That will be an affront to democracy and the rule of law which the US is spending millions of dollars all over the globe to champion. Unless of course the author of the story did not present the full reasons for this conclusion, I hold this US agency can do a better job. My argument is not to suggest that there is no perception of corruption in the judiciary. In fact, I have never seen any judge take bribes but I have been made to unfortunately believe they do because of unconfirmed stories, movies, music etc. Therefore if this US agency wants to pronounce our judiciary as corrupt they must give us credible basis for alluding so than “low conviction”. It is refreshing the news that the judiciary is already engaging in activities that will cleanse itself of the perception of corruption as contained in the press release by the association of magistrate and judges.
In the story was refreshing news about improvement in the fight against drugs. Government must be commended for its efforts in fighting the drug trade. Statistics provided in the 2010 International Narcotics Control Strategy Report (INCSR) as contained in the story shows an improvement in the arrest. The drug trade is a serious issue we must depoliticize. All political parties and civil societies must assist state security agencies in fighting this crime. Reports from countries like Mexico, about the way drug gangs show total disrespect to law enforcement and human life are warning signs for us. I recall a report of drug gangs who robbed a police station in Mexico and injured many policemen. There was another report of a popular Mexican musician who was killed few hours after he had declared he was alive after earlier report that he had been killed by a drug gang.
There is no doubt all governments from independence have had challenges fighting the drug trade. There have been instances where diplomats, MPs, party functionaries, relations of government officials etc have been arrested engaging in the drug business. We must all fish out those characters amongst us who engage in this illicit trade. Ghana must ensure we do not get anywhere close to what is happening in Mexico.
Lastly, I will like to raise an issue with the author of the story. The title of the story might be well intended but I see the likelihood of it being used for mischievous ends. The story seems to confirm and emboldened NDC’s undemocratic desires of undermining the judiciary because the AG has being losing cases. Perceptions of corruption against the judiciary have been with us from Adam and it is not within the authority of any political party to cleanse [kill a cat] it. If any group has a case of corruption or bias against any judge, the basic law [constitution] of this country stipulates how to go about it. What I find intriguing about the NDC is their indecent haste to cast a slur on the any institution or anybody who corrects or disagrees with them instead of “looking inside the mirror”. To the extent that the Deputy AG could describe a judge as a drunkard is telling of the NDC’s mindset. Why does the NDC blame everybody and every institution for its self inflicted woes? We were just recovering from their tongue lashing of journalists [remember causing fear and panic?], and then clergy and now the judiciary. A decorated monkey is still a monkey!
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)
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
ONLY THE HEARTLESS WOULD CELEBRATE JUNE 4TH
The June 4th coup was nothing but an orchestrated event to enrich a few hungry disgruntled young officers and their cahoots. Deceit was embedded in the plan which saw many Ghanaians fall in love with the lies being bundled around by proponents of the insurrection. The “June 4th ideals” which are being propounded in our ears are “probity and accountability”, there is no doubt in the minds of many that the leaders of the June 4th coup would fall far below the measure they used to murder, maim, detain, execute and destroy other people and their families. Fall outs from that coup are so painful that, it would be irresponsible and wicked for any group of persons to want to celebrate it. However, it is not strange those who are busily engaging in its celebrations are direct beneficiaries of it. The June 4 coup ousted the Supreme Military Council [SMCII]
The Supreme Military Council II [SMC II] chaired by Lt-Gen Frederick W.K. Akuffo was regrettably ousted by the June 4 coup. Ghana was on its way to start a constitutional rule when the June 4 insurrection took place. The SMC II issued a decree [SMCD 203] for a Constituent Assembly to be formed. The mission of the constituent assembly was to draft a constitution. In fact, they completed their work and Ghana had a constitution. The country was in the a campaigning and electioneering mode. Political parties had been formed. A date for parliamentary and presidential elections was set [1st July 1979].
While the country was on this progressive path, a group of hungry junior military officers hijacked the future of our country with the coup. The coup was orchestrated by the Armed Forces Revolutionary Council (AFRC) chaired by Flt. Lt. J.J. Rawlings. It would not be out place to conclude that the June 4th coup denied Ghana constitutional democracy for over two decades. Given this facts, it would be fallacious for proponents of the coup to pontificate that the AFRC/PNDC gave Ghana constitutional democracy.
Members of the AFRC lied to the nation that they had no political ambitions. Their main mission was to do a “house-cleaning” within the ranks of the armed forces. They accused the SMC [the ousted military government] of bringing the name of the military intitution into disrepute. They accused the military leaders of corruption, immorality, thievery, cronyism, profligacy, mismanagement, insensitivity and many ills which they claim had created a bad impression about the military in the minds of the public. Hence their main pre-occupation was to clean the military for a restoration of respect, dignity and honor to the military.
Ghanaians believed what the AFRC preached. Many, including academicians, journalists, students, market women, artisans etc hailed the coup. Many thought the leaders of the coup were going to heed to their words, only for the country to be fooled by these self seeking junior military officers.
The AFRC proceeded to beat, execute, maim and detain many senior military officers in pursuant to their “house cleaning” exercise. Gen. Acheampong, Maj-Gen Utuka, Gen. Akuffo, Lt-Gen Afrifa and other high ranking military officers were executed by firing squad. Civilians who took up political positions were not spared the “house cleaning” exercise
After letting the “blood flow” within the armed forces, the AFRC rather disappointingly unleashed its blood thirsty instincts on ordinary innocent civilians. Many families and businesses have been destroyed by these so-called saviors. The AFRC’s 112 days regime saw an unprecedented number of human rights abuses. The Amisah Nunoo case was a classical case of sheer display of power held by undeserving and blood thirsty junior officers.
On 20th June, 1979, Nunoo, a businessman of Akim Oda was arrested by about seven soldiers. They seized goods in his shop amounting to over ¢1 million as well as some personal effects. The soldiers took him to the Achiase Jungle Warfare School.
Mr. Nunoo gave his own account of the incident as follows [before the National Reconciliation Commission]:
“I was ordered to board their vehicle and taken to the main Oda lorry park. A large crowd
had gathered in front of my house. As soon as we reached the lorry park, I was pushed down violently by about 3 soldiers. Sgt. Kwasi Manu gave an order and almost immediately they started to beat me up with sticks. I recall a number of people screaming and crying. I
remember that a woman who pleaded on my behalf was slapped by a soldier. I was beaten
mercilessly for 40 minutes. In fact I fainted ( I later learnt that I was hurled into the truck).
Everyone who was present believed I was dead and even went to console my wife.
When I came to I found myself at the barracks at Achiase, near Oda. …
…On the 3rd day at Achiase Barracks I was drilled and ordered to lift a rock nickname
“Pharoah”. ...I was constantly beaten. Eventually, I was released after 4 days.
I was never charged or told what I had been detained for. I was sent home and then rearrested after 2 days on the 26th /27th June, 1979.
I can’t remember their names but 2 men came with an army vehicle to re-arrest me; I was
taken again to Achiase Barracks and drilled. For eight days I was beaten, asked to roll on
the ground for 20 minutes etc. I was badly treated. I was shaved with a broken bottle – I
cannot describe the pain which is very vivid in my mind till this day.
There are many who suffered unjustifiably in the hands of the goons of the AFRC regime.
The short lived AFRC regime terrorized many innocent civilians, especially the resourceful in the country. Business men and women suddenly became the target of the blood thirsty junior military officers.
There were instances citizens had to justify reasons for buying 2 cars. Some were asked ridiculous questions, in their humble bid to answer those questions, they are greeted with hefty dirty thunderous slaps by military officers. A case in point was Col Kofi Abaka Jackson’s experience before the Preliminary Investigation Team (PIT) which he describe in his book “When Gun Rules” pages 123 – 127:
“As soon as I sat down, one of the Other Ranks, a Corporal, came to stand behind me. The
other Other Rank stood behind…The Chairman asked the Pilot Officer to bring out my
file…The chairman and the secretary glanced through the folder then started questioning me:
“You alone have three houses. Why?” Before I could open my mouth to answer, the soldier
who was standing behind me gave me a slap on my right cheek and across my face.
…Another slap landed on my left cheek and a third on my right…I explained: “Out of my
reconditioning of vehicles and other machines from 1963, I started to run a family transport
business in 1968…
At this stage, the slaps intensified in both strength and rapidity…
I continued to answer their questions…”My second house…
The slaps continued…
I was given a few more swift slaps, a clear warning to me to shut up. My interrogators then
turned their attention to my cars. With all the hatred he could muster, a member asked:
“You, you have a Benz and a BMW car. Why?” Before I could utter a word, two hefty
slaps landed on my right cheek and eye, followed by another slap on my right cheek…The
questioner asked me how I could afford both a Benz and a BMW car?
The random slaps continued… The chairman gave me a stern look as if he was signaling for
me to be given more slaps. Two heavy slaps landed on my right jaw in rapid succession.
“Why are you looking so fine?”…The soldier, who was standing behind me, gave me more
blows to my head…My answer drew three heavy slaps – first on my right cheek, the second
on my left and the third on my right cheek…Why are you still looking so fine? The
chairman asked.
I ignored the question this time… “Hey, you corporal, you are not slapping him properly;
come this way!” the chairman ordered. Looking into the face of the other corporal who was
standing immediately to his left, he shouted at him to change places with his colleague who
was not ‘performing his duties properly’.
Just as the chairman was about to ask me a question, the new corporal standing behind me
unleashed a sharp, stinging slap across my right eye. This was immediately followed by
another slap from his left hand. Then, as if he was clapping, he fired both left and right slaps
across my face, obviously demonstrating to his boss that he could hit harder, better, and in
style too.”
For the direct beneficiaries of the June 4 massacre, they would argue that, these were mere excesses of the regime. I beg to differ on that. Ghanaians were deceived into believing in an unrealized ideal. The probity and accountability ideal they preached fell in water. When the AFRC handed over power to the PNP government, there were many allegations of corruptions against the leaders. In fact, a planned investigation into the AFRC regime also triggered the 31 December coup that ousted a few months old constitutional regime.
The June 4 is part of our nation’s dark history and there is nothing we can do about that. However, attempts to garnish it for celebrations by direct beneficiaries must be discourage. Most shocking is the youth who are being deceived into celebrating this massacre. I hope they spend more time reading history books for the truth. Conditions that existed before the coup did exist through out the AFRC/PNDC era.
It is not strange that the youth of the NDC [descendants of the AFRC/PNDC] have been exhibiting some traits of the June 4 insurrection by issuing threats to government officials. I bet they wish, we were still in those dark days. They would have subjected these government appointees to instant barbaric “justice” or they would have stripped mothers naked and whipped them in the public.
June 4 does not deserve to be celebrated.
I rest my pen!
God save us.
[ Credit: National Reconciliation Commission Report-2004]
The Supreme Military Council II [SMC II] chaired by Lt-Gen Frederick W.K. Akuffo was regrettably ousted by the June 4 coup. Ghana was on its way to start a constitutional rule when the June 4 insurrection took place. The SMC II issued a decree [SMCD 203] for a Constituent Assembly to be formed. The mission of the constituent assembly was to draft a constitution. In fact, they completed their work and Ghana had a constitution. The country was in the a campaigning and electioneering mode. Political parties had been formed. A date for parliamentary and presidential elections was set [1st July 1979].
While the country was on this progressive path, a group of hungry junior military officers hijacked the future of our country with the coup. The coup was orchestrated by the Armed Forces Revolutionary Council (AFRC) chaired by Flt. Lt. J.J. Rawlings. It would not be out place to conclude that the June 4th coup denied Ghana constitutional democracy for over two decades. Given this facts, it would be fallacious for proponents of the coup to pontificate that the AFRC/PNDC gave Ghana constitutional democracy.
Members of the AFRC lied to the nation that they had no political ambitions. Their main mission was to do a “house-cleaning” within the ranks of the armed forces. They accused the SMC [the ousted military government] of bringing the name of the military intitution into disrepute. They accused the military leaders of corruption, immorality, thievery, cronyism, profligacy, mismanagement, insensitivity and many ills which they claim had created a bad impression about the military in the minds of the public. Hence their main pre-occupation was to clean the military for a restoration of respect, dignity and honor to the military.
Ghanaians believed what the AFRC preached. Many, including academicians, journalists, students, market women, artisans etc hailed the coup. Many thought the leaders of the coup were going to heed to their words, only for the country to be fooled by these self seeking junior military officers.
The AFRC proceeded to beat, execute, maim and detain many senior military officers in pursuant to their “house cleaning” exercise. Gen. Acheampong, Maj-Gen Utuka, Gen. Akuffo, Lt-Gen Afrifa and other high ranking military officers were executed by firing squad. Civilians who took up political positions were not spared the “house cleaning” exercise
After letting the “blood flow” within the armed forces, the AFRC rather disappointingly unleashed its blood thirsty instincts on ordinary innocent civilians. Many families and businesses have been destroyed by these so-called saviors. The AFRC’s 112 days regime saw an unprecedented number of human rights abuses. The Amisah Nunoo case was a classical case of sheer display of power held by undeserving and blood thirsty junior officers.
On 20th June, 1979, Nunoo, a businessman of Akim Oda was arrested by about seven soldiers. They seized goods in his shop amounting to over ¢1 million as well as some personal effects. The soldiers took him to the Achiase Jungle Warfare School.
Mr. Nunoo gave his own account of the incident as follows [before the National Reconciliation Commission]:
“I was ordered to board their vehicle and taken to the main Oda lorry park. A large crowd
had gathered in front of my house. As soon as we reached the lorry park, I was pushed down violently by about 3 soldiers. Sgt. Kwasi Manu gave an order and almost immediately they started to beat me up with sticks. I recall a number of people screaming and crying. I
remember that a woman who pleaded on my behalf was slapped by a soldier. I was beaten
mercilessly for 40 minutes. In fact I fainted ( I later learnt that I was hurled into the truck).
Everyone who was present believed I was dead and even went to console my wife.
When I came to I found myself at the barracks at Achiase, near Oda. …
…On the 3rd day at Achiase Barracks I was drilled and ordered to lift a rock nickname
“Pharoah”. ...I was constantly beaten. Eventually, I was released after 4 days.
I was never charged or told what I had been detained for. I was sent home and then rearrested after 2 days on the 26th /27th June, 1979.
I can’t remember their names but 2 men came with an army vehicle to re-arrest me; I was
taken again to Achiase Barracks and drilled. For eight days I was beaten, asked to roll on
the ground for 20 minutes etc. I was badly treated. I was shaved with a broken bottle – I
cannot describe the pain which is very vivid in my mind till this day.
There are many who suffered unjustifiably in the hands of the goons of the AFRC regime.
The short lived AFRC regime terrorized many innocent civilians, especially the resourceful in the country. Business men and women suddenly became the target of the blood thirsty junior military officers.
There were instances citizens had to justify reasons for buying 2 cars. Some were asked ridiculous questions, in their humble bid to answer those questions, they are greeted with hefty dirty thunderous slaps by military officers. A case in point was Col Kofi Abaka Jackson’s experience before the Preliminary Investigation Team (PIT) which he describe in his book “When Gun Rules” pages 123 – 127:
“As soon as I sat down, one of the Other Ranks, a Corporal, came to stand behind me. The
other Other Rank stood behind…The Chairman asked the Pilot Officer to bring out my
file…The chairman and the secretary glanced through the folder then started questioning me:
“You alone have three houses. Why?” Before I could open my mouth to answer, the soldier
who was standing behind me gave me a slap on my right cheek and across my face.
…Another slap landed on my left cheek and a third on my right…I explained: “Out of my
reconditioning of vehicles and other machines from 1963, I started to run a family transport
business in 1968…
At this stage, the slaps intensified in both strength and rapidity…
I continued to answer their questions…”My second house…
The slaps continued…
I was given a few more swift slaps, a clear warning to me to shut up. My interrogators then
turned their attention to my cars. With all the hatred he could muster, a member asked:
“You, you have a Benz and a BMW car. Why?” Before I could utter a word, two hefty
slaps landed on my right cheek and eye, followed by another slap on my right cheek…The
questioner asked me how I could afford both a Benz and a BMW car?
The random slaps continued… The chairman gave me a stern look as if he was signaling for
me to be given more slaps. Two heavy slaps landed on my right jaw in rapid succession.
“Why are you looking so fine?”…The soldier, who was standing behind me, gave me more
blows to my head…My answer drew three heavy slaps – first on my right cheek, the second
on my left and the third on my right cheek…Why are you still looking so fine? The
chairman asked.
I ignored the question this time… “Hey, you corporal, you are not slapping him properly;
come this way!” the chairman ordered. Looking into the face of the other corporal who was
standing immediately to his left, he shouted at him to change places with his colleague who
was not ‘performing his duties properly’.
Just as the chairman was about to ask me a question, the new corporal standing behind me
unleashed a sharp, stinging slap across my right eye. This was immediately followed by
another slap from his left hand. Then, as if he was clapping, he fired both left and right slaps
across my face, obviously demonstrating to his boss that he could hit harder, better, and in
style too.”
For the direct beneficiaries of the June 4 massacre, they would argue that, these were mere excesses of the regime. I beg to differ on that. Ghanaians were deceived into believing in an unrealized ideal. The probity and accountability ideal they preached fell in water. When the AFRC handed over power to the PNP government, there were many allegations of corruptions against the leaders. In fact, a planned investigation into the AFRC regime also triggered the 31 December coup that ousted a few months old constitutional regime.
The June 4 is part of our nation’s dark history and there is nothing we can do about that. However, attempts to garnish it for celebrations by direct beneficiaries must be discourage. Most shocking is the youth who are being deceived into celebrating this massacre. I hope they spend more time reading history books for the truth. Conditions that existed before the coup did exist through out the AFRC/PNDC era.
It is not strange that the youth of the NDC [descendants of the AFRC/PNDC] have been exhibiting some traits of the June 4 insurrection by issuing threats to government officials. I bet they wish, we were still in those dark days. They would have subjected these government appointees to instant barbaric “justice” or they would have stripped mothers naked and whipped them in the public.
June 4 does not deserve to be celebrated.
I rest my pen!
God save us.
[ Credit: National Reconciliation Commission Report-2004]
Sunday, May 30, 2010
GOVERNMENT WAS RECKLESS, THE REFUGEE SITUATION COULD HAVE BEEN AVOIDED
“Some 3,500 refugees have crossed into northern Togo from Ghana, Togo's security minister says.” was the first paragraph of a news story on the BBC website titled “Ghanaians flee violence for Northern Togo” published at 11.26 GMT on Tuesday, the 25th of May, 2010.
After reading the full story I was petrified. The story came as a surprise to many Ghanaians. What got many most incensed was the label “REFUGEE”. In my lay mans understanding, I have known this word to be used on people mostly in war countries. So, I asked myself, is there war in my country?
We are all in the know of protracted conflicts in the northern part of Ghana, but little did I know those conflicts could be left to deteriorate to the extent that, our fellow compatriots would be referred to as “REFUGEES” in a different country.
Before I proceed any further, it must be noted, that the provision of law and order is one of the oldest functions of a government.
The refugees were resident of Bunkpurugu- Yunyoo District. The District has been bedevilled with chieftaincy and land conflicts involving communities. The conflict has claimed lives, properties and has displaced many. The most affected in this conflict situation were women, children and the aged.
The Bunkpurugu-Yunyoo District does not have a substantive Chief Executive to effectively manage the security situation. The former chief executive was dismissed following agitations by members of the NDC. Many would have expected that due to the volatility of the conflict situation in the District, a replacement would be swift. Currently, the Deputy Northern Regional Minister, Mr. Sam Nasamu is acting as the chief executive.
On the 9th of May, 2010, 2500 pieces of cartridges were intercepted by the Northern Regional Police command. The cartridges were being imported into the district to fuel the already volatile conflict in the District. This news caused so much fear in District.
Only a day (10th May, 2010) after this news broke, the police at the District withdrew their services. The reason for their withdrawal was because of FOOD. It was worrying to know that the lives and properties of the tax payers resident in that District could no more be protected because of food. When the news of police withdrawal was reported, many expected government would quickly respond by providing just food to these police men so that life and property would be protected, strangely, that was not the case.
The withdrawal of police service in the District greatly influenced the mass movement of people out of the District. The presence of the security in the District gave residents some assurance of safety. To think that the police had to withdraw their service because of food is most regrettable and shows how reckless government has treated those tax payers.
While our relatives are living under dehumanizing circumstances, government seems to be more interested in challenging the BBC over the numbers they put out. I find that most unnecessary.
However, I am inclined to believe the number provided by the UNHCR. Awurabena Hutchful, the Assistant Public Information Officer, for the UNHCR office in Ghana, stated that as at 17th May, 2010, the number of Ghanaian refugees in Togo was 3,247,000. She said this number was arrived at after a HEAD COUNT. The operative word is head count. Government seems to be giving different figures at different times.
The second reason I am convinced to believe the UNHCR figure is because a GNA news report on the 20th of May, 2010 stated “The conflict involved six communities where some 368 houses were completely burnt, with 4,048 displaced persons while two lives were lost in the latest conflict, which occurred last April. The initial conflict was between Bufuok and Tobong communities over the rehabilitation of a grinding mill and later spread to the other four communities, namely Gbankoni, Kambatiak, Gbadauk and Nasiabuak and brought untold hardships to the residents, 3,000 of who are now seeking asylum in neighboring Togo.” This was a report of a state news agency. Clearly this report makes it comfortable for any serious minded person to stick to the over 3000 figure. What baffles my mind is, what action was taken after GNA reported this.
It is refreshing to hear government is all of the sudden working to make sure the right thing is done. According to the Deputy Information Minister, Hon. Okudjeto Ablakwa, the President was aware of this situation some months back. This disclosure raises questions in the mind of many. What did our President do about the situation since the 25 April, 2010 when he got to know? It took a news report in the international media for government to be frantically working to relocate our relatives back home.
It would have been appropriate for our humble President to take a trip to Togo and see first hand the condition our relatives are living under. However, the president rather received a delegation from Togo. The host of our refugees had to make the trip to the castle to solve this matter. I don’t think that was proper. The Togo government took up a responsibility our government failed to deliver. They provided shelter, food and security for our relatives. It was only proper our government showed appreciation and respect by going to their country to resolve this matter not the other way round.
In conclusion, government has been very reckless in the handling of this matter. The situation our relatives found themselves could have been averted if government had been more responsible. Currently the Deputy Northern Regional Minister, Mr. Sam Nasamu is acting as DCE for the District. Because of other responsibilities he has, he is not able to manage the District well. The president must as a matter of urgency appoint someone to take charge.
The only hope the residents had was the presence of police. The withdrawal of police service due to the inability of government to provide them food was another worrying factor that led to this unfortunate situation.
It is my fervent hope that, after relocating our relatives back home, government would ensure that law and order is maintained in that District.
After reading the full story I was petrified. The story came as a surprise to many Ghanaians. What got many most incensed was the label “REFUGEE”. In my lay mans understanding, I have known this word to be used on people mostly in war countries. So, I asked myself, is there war in my country?
We are all in the know of protracted conflicts in the northern part of Ghana, but little did I know those conflicts could be left to deteriorate to the extent that, our fellow compatriots would be referred to as “REFUGEES” in a different country.
Before I proceed any further, it must be noted, that the provision of law and order is one of the oldest functions of a government.
The refugees were resident of Bunkpurugu- Yunyoo District. The District has been bedevilled with chieftaincy and land conflicts involving communities. The conflict has claimed lives, properties and has displaced many. The most affected in this conflict situation were women, children and the aged.
The Bunkpurugu-Yunyoo District does not have a substantive Chief Executive to effectively manage the security situation. The former chief executive was dismissed following agitations by members of the NDC. Many would have expected that due to the volatility of the conflict situation in the District, a replacement would be swift. Currently, the Deputy Northern Regional Minister, Mr. Sam Nasamu is acting as the chief executive.
On the 9th of May, 2010, 2500 pieces of cartridges were intercepted by the Northern Regional Police command. The cartridges were being imported into the district to fuel the already volatile conflict in the District. This news caused so much fear in District.
Only a day (10th May, 2010) after this news broke, the police at the District withdrew their services. The reason for their withdrawal was because of FOOD. It was worrying to know that the lives and properties of the tax payers resident in that District could no more be protected because of food. When the news of police withdrawal was reported, many expected government would quickly respond by providing just food to these police men so that life and property would be protected, strangely, that was not the case.
The withdrawal of police service in the District greatly influenced the mass movement of people out of the District. The presence of the security in the District gave residents some assurance of safety. To think that the police had to withdraw their service because of food is most regrettable and shows how reckless government has treated those tax payers.
While our relatives are living under dehumanizing circumstances, government seems to be more interested in challenging the BBC over the numbers they put out. I find that most unnecessary.
However, I am inclined to believe the number provided by the UNHCR. Awurabena Hutchful, the Assistant Public Information Officer, for the UNHCR office in Ghana, stated that as at 17th May, 2010, the number of Ghanaian refugees in Togo was 3,247,000. She said this number was arrived at after a HEAD COUNT. The operative word is head count. Government seems to be giving different figures at different times.
The second reason I am convinced to believe the UNHCR figure is because a GNA news report on the 20th of May, 2010 stated “The conflict involved six communities where some 368 houses were completely burnt, with 4,048 displaced persons while two lives were lost in the latest conflict, which occurred last April. The initial conflict was between Bufuok and Tobong communities over the rehabilitation of a grinding mill and later spread to the other four communities, namely Gbankoni, Kambatiak, Gbadauk and Nasiabuak and brought untold hardships to the residents, 3,000 of who are now seeking asylum in neighboring Togo.” This was a report of a state news agency. Clearly this report makes it comfortable for any serious minded person to stick to the over 3000 figure. What baffles my mind is, what action was taken after GNA reported this.
It is refreshing to hear government is all of the sudden working to make sure the right thing is done. According to the Deputy Information Minister, Hon. Okudjeto Ablakwa, the President was aware of this situation some months back. This disclosure raises questions in the mind of many. What did our President do about the situation since the 25 April, 2010 when he got to know? It took a news report in the international media for government to be frantically working to relocate our relatives back home.
It would have been appropriate for our humble President to take a trip to Togo and see first hand the condition our relatives are living under. However, the president rather received a delegation from Togo. The host of our refugees had to make the trip to the castle to solve this matter. I don’t think that was proper. The Togo government took up a responsibility our government failed to deliver. They provided shelter, food and security for our relatives. It was only proper our government showed appreciation and respect by going to their country to resolve this matter not the other way round.
In conclusion, government has been very reckless in the handling of this matter. The situation our relatives found themselves could have been averted if government had been more responsible. Currently the Deputy Northern Regional Minister, Mr. Sam Nasamu is acting as DCE for the District. Because of other responsibilities he has, he is not able to manage the District well. The president must as a matter of urgency appoint someone to take charge.
The only hope the residents had was the presence of police. The withdrawal of police service due to the inability of government to provide them food was another worrying factor that led to this unfortunate situation.
It is my fervent hope that, after relocating our relatives back home, government would ensure that law and order is maintained in that District.
Rejoinder-Nana Addo: Arrogance And The Culture Of Entitlement
I read an article with title “Nana Addo: Arrogance And The Culture Of Entitlement” authored be Abdul Sidibe on 21st May, 2009. Summarily, readers of the article could only conclude that the article was borne out of emotions and not logic. Readers expected the author to give basis for his claim that Nana Akufo-Addo is arrogant.
However, author failed to give any credible basis for his assertion. Why should people spend time to make damaging allegations against people without giving any shred of evidence to back them?
Nana Akufo-Addo has come a long way in life; he has struggled to build a reputation for himself which any young person like the author should emulate. Nana Akufo-Addo is one of the finest lawyers our country can boast of. He has tutored many seasoned lawyers of our time.
In a desperate attempt to justify his claim, the author stated “In 1992 when the party lost by over 20 points in the Presidential election, Nana Akufo Addo lead charge in writing The Stolen Verdict to delegitimize the Rawlings government even though the NPP knew from their heart of heart that there was no way they could win an election against a very popular incumbent head of state.”
How on earth could any serious minded person use this as a basis to justify an act arrogance by an individual (Nana Akufo-Addo). In the instance given by the author, a political party (NPP) felt cheated in the 1992 election, a decision was taken for a book(The Stolen Verdict: Ghana, November 1992 Presidential Election Report of the New Patriotic Party) to be published, why would anybody regard that as show of arrogance by an individual in that political party?
Again, this can not justify the assertion that Nana Akufo-Addo has a sense of entitlement to the presidency because; Nana was not the presidential candidate for the NPP in 1992.Clearly this is difficult to comprehend by discerning minds.
Another basis, borne out of emotion given by the author was that “When it became very obvious that Nana had lost in 2008, the conventional wisdom was that he would accept the result and congratulate Professor Mills. Given that he tinted himself as a firm believer in democracy and the rule of law. But Nana did not do that, rather during the second round of election he activated his plan B, connive with some in the Ashanti Region to inflate voting numbers as they come in, putting the nation on the verge of a nervous breakdown.”
I wonder how the author expected Nana Akufo-Addo to have conjured that the NPP had lost when the Electoral Commission was yet to receive some results from parts of the country. Is the author suggesting, Nana Akufo-Addo should have conceded defeat before the Electoral Commissioner had declared the final results?
In any event, even the second round was inconclusive as there was a need for a third round in TAIN.
Again, Nana Akufo-Addo did concede defeat and congratulated candidate Atta Mills when the electoral commission finally declared him (Prof. Atta Mills) winner. Nana Akufo-Addo was very swift with the concession. The electoral commission declared the final results on Saturday the 3rd of January 2009. Few hours after the declaration Nana Akufo-Addo stated "I acknowledge the Electoral Commission's declaration and congratulate Prof. Mills".
If the author wants readers to believe President Mills is humble because he conceded defeat for the 2000 and 2004 elections, then that logic (no matter how hollow) should equally apply to Nana Akufo-Addo in this instance.
The allegation being put out by the author and his political party (The NDC) that figures from Ashanti Region was inflated is laughable and regrettable. They make these allegations without any documentary proof.
In any event, how does this logically justify Nana Akufo-Addo is arrogant? Glaringly, the author has not given readers any basis to believe Nana Akufo-Addo is arrogant and has a sense of entitlement.
Indeed, Nana Akufo-Addo humbly combed through the whole country to canvass for votes. He never relented in his quest to serve the good people of this country during the 2008 electioneering campaign. Almost half of the population of this country saw the need to vote for the man.
How can anybody describe this man as having a sense of entitlement to the presidency? As a democrat, Nana Akufo-Addo believes in the power of the thumb. He believes he can only be the president of Ghana if the good people of this country give him the mandate.
Am also amazed the author who is cooling it off in Canada spends time to write such baseless article about an individual when there are many social and economic challenges facing the masses. The conditions of many Ghanaians have worsened since the author’s party (The NDC) took over the governance of this country. The NDC government has imposed very wicked fiscal policies which has further deepened the woes of many Ghanaians.
Amidst this draconian fiscal environment is the high sense of insecurity in the country. We have a situation where NDC members take the laws into their own hands by threatening to KILL District Chief Executives, sacking civil servants, closing down revenue agencies, closing down NYEP offices. No single person has been dealt with according to our laws.
Strangely, President Atta Mills rewards these “criminals” by heeding to their demands.
God save us!
However, author failed to give any credible basis for his assertion. Why should people spend time to make damaging allegations against people without giving any shred of evidence to back them?
Nana Akufo-Addo has come a long way in life; he has struggled to build a reputation for himself which any young person like the author should emulate. Nana Akufo-Addo is one of the finest lawyers our country can boast of. He has tutored many seasoned lawyers of our time.
In a desperate attempt to justify his claim, the author stated “In 1992 when the party lost by over 20 points in the Presidential election, Nana Akufo Addo lead charge in writing The Stolen Verdict to delegitimize the Rawlings government even though the NPP knew from their heart of heart that there was no way they could win an election against a very popular incumbent head of state.”
How on earth could any serious minded person use this as a basis to justify an act arrogance by an individual (Nana Akufo-Addo). In the instance given by the author, a political party (NPP) felt cheated in the 1992 election, a decision was taken for a book(The Stolen Verdict: Ghana, November 1992 Presidential Election Report of the New Patriotic Party) to be published, why would anybody regard that as show of arrogance by an individual in that political party?
Again, this can not justify the assertion that Nana Akufo-Addo has a sense of entitlement to the presidency because; Nana was not the presidential candidate for the NPP in 1992.Clearly this is difficult to comprehend by discerning minds.
Another basis, borne out of emotion given by the author was that “When it became very obvious that Nana had lost in 2008, the conventional wisdom was that he would accept the result and congratulate Professor Mills. Given that he tinted himself as a firm believer in democracy and the rule of law. But Nana did not do that, rather during the second round of election he activated his plan B, connive with some in the Ashanti Region to inflate voting numbers as they come in, putting the nation on the verge of a nervous breakdown.”
I wonder how the author expected Nana Akufo-Addo to have conjured that the NPP had lost when the Electoral Commission was yet to receive some results from parts of the country. Is the author suggesting, Nana Akufo-Addo should have conceded defeat before the Electoral Commissioner had declared the final results?
In any event, even the second round was inconclusive as there was a need for a third round in TAIN.
Again, Nana Akufo-Addo did concede defeat and congratulated candidate Atta Mills when the electoral commission finally declared him (Prof. Atta Mills) winner. Nana Akufo-Addo was very swift with the concession. The electoral commission declared the final results on Saturday the 3rd of January 2009. Few hours after the declaration Nana Akufo-Addo stated "I acknowledge the Electoral Commission's declaration and congratulate Prof. Mills".
If the author wants readers to believe President Mills is humble because he conceded defeat for the 2000 and 2004 elections, then that logic (no matter how hollow) should equally apply to Nana Akufo-Addo in this instance.
The allegation being put out by the author and his political party (The NDC) that figures from Ashanti Region was inflated is laughable and regrettable. They make these allegations without any documentary proof.
In any event, how does this logically justify Nana Akufo-Addo is arrogant? Glaringly, the author has not given readers any basis to believe Nana Akufo-Addo is arrogant and has a sense of entitlement.
Indeed, Nana Akufo-Addo humbly combed through the whole country to canvass for votes. He never relented in his quest to serve the good people of this country during the 2008 electioneering campaign. Almost half of the population of this country saw the need to vote for the man.
How can anybody describe this man as having a sense of entitlement to the presidency? As a democrat, Nana Akufo-Addo believes in the power of the thumb. He believes he can only be the president of Ghana if the good people of this country give him the mandate.
Am also amazed the author who is cooling it off in Canada spends time to write such baseless article about an individual when there are many social and economic challenges facing the masses. The conditions of many Ghanaians have worsened since the author’s party (The NDC) took over the governance of this country. The NDC government has imposed very wicked fiscal policies which has further deepened the woes of many Ghanaians.
Amidst this draconian fiscal environment is the high sense of insecurity in the country. We have a situation where NDC members take the laws into their own hands by threatening to KILL District Chief Executives, sacking civil servants, closing down revenue agencies, closing down NYEP offices. No single person has been dealt with according to our laws.
Strangely, President Atta Mills rewards these “criminals” by heeding to their demands.
God save us!
Rejoinder: Kwame Pianim Was Right And The NPP Must Shut Up!”
I read with distress an article authored by an activist of the ruling National Democratic Congress party, Emmanuel Dela Coffie with the title “Kwame Pianim Was Right And The NPP Must Shut Up!” published on the 22nd of May 2010 on modernghana.com and other news portals. The said article was about statements made by a founding member of the New Patriotic Party, Mr. Kwame Pianim.
Before I proceed any further, I would like to state as a matter of fact that the New Patriotic Party has made its position clear on this matter. The National Executive Council at an emergency Steering Committee Meeting on Thursday the 20th of May 2010, decided not to take any disciplinary action against Mr. Kwame Pianim. This decision was taken after careful deliberations on the matter. Hence, as far as the party is concerned, there is no bone to pick with the maker of those statements [Mr. Pianim].
Having made this fact clear, I find it disappointing that the author is telling the party [NPP] to “shut up” as though the party has a problem with the comments of Mr. Pianim.
Again, Let me also state that, Mr. Pianim has stated categorically that he could not have been referring to any of the other NPP flag bearer aspirants as an IDIOT. And that he was misinterpreted. Indeed, persons like the author are those trying to blow some of what Mr. Pianim said out of proportion to serve their political interest.
As youth, we must recognize that we are the hope of today and the future; hence we must learn the right things now. While we learn from our elders, we must be bold to correct them when they are wrong. As much as possible, we must tell our leaders to avoid using words like GREEDY BASTARDS, WHO BORN DOG, and IDIOTS to describe others. Such words do not help in shaping our society right .
Many in the New Patriotic Party find the comments of Mr. Pianim quite unwholesome and grubby. Those who were unhappy have made their views equally known and democratically so.
Just by way of education to the author, in as much as Mr. Pianim has every right under our constitution to express his views, so does everybody including members of NPP. And that members of the New Patriotic Party can equally make comments or react to the views so expressed by Mr. Pianim.
Whiles we all enjoy this constitutional right, “we must talk our mind, and mind our talk” as a friend would say. I think the author has been undemocratic in his call for the NPP to “shut up”. Am not surprised the author could make such a demand. Some few weeks ago, the government through its Information Minister rather embarrassingly shouted at the opposition to “SHUT UP!”
The difficulty the author finds himself is that, when the owner of his political party, President Rawlings speaks, nobody else speaks, so he thinks same happens in the NPP. The owner of his political party has on several occasions made mean comments about the president and his appointees without many government official or party official calling him to order. The few courageous ones like Hon. Haruna Iddrisu who try to condemn such venomous attacks from the owner are threatened.
Proceeding further, in the second paragraph of the said article, the author stated “Mr. Pianim told a gathering at Professor Frimpong Boateng's campaign lunch that the aspirant was not corrupt but a principled man who will not condone criminality and corruption. He therefore urged delegates to vote for him for proper leadership or choose any other person if they wanted corruption to reign freely.”
The author tried but failed to justify the above statement. While the said article was written to support the statement made by Mr. Pianim, not a single credence was given to justify the statement. Just as it was difficult for the author to justify the other NPP flag bearer aspirants are corrupt, so do I believe the maker of that statement [Mr. Pianim] would have proving it too.
In any event, it would take more than a man’s word to assure Ghanaians that another man can fight corruption to the barest minimum. I believe effective and efficient laws and institutions are our only hope. Power corrupts, we must be reminded. I must commend President Kufour for championing the enactment of the Public Procurement Law which is curbing the corruption in government’s procurement.
Again, in his bid to make a case, the author stated “Professor Frimpong Boateng has never had any corruption allegation levelled against him in all his public life compared to the likes of Nana Akufo Addo and Alan Kyeremanten.”
In the first place, it is important for the author to know, that allegations of corruption against politicians regrettably seem quite common in our part of the world. But mere allegations are not enough to label somebody as corrupt. There have been many instances where people have been accused of crimes they never committed. There are also cases where people fabricate wicked stories against others to serve some purpose. For instance, a pro-NDC newspaper did publish during the heat of the 2008 electioneering campaign, that Ghana’s gold reserves have been sold. Strangely, that newspaper never contacted the right state institution for confirmation or otherwise of that allegation. That information was put out there for public consumption. Interestingly, the brain behind such a sadistic publication is a Minister of State today. That is how dirty our politics has gotten. Beyond mere allegations, there must be a way of proving that somebody is really corrupt.
Again, if somebody does not have corruption allegations against him/her, it does not necessarily mean that person is not corrupt. By this I am not for second insinuating Prof. Frimpong Boateng is corrupt.
Now back to the main subject, the author failed to give evidence that there have been allegations of corruption against Nana Akufo-Addo or Alan Kyeremanten. Rather the author proceeded that “Both Nana and Alan's camp are shouting hoarse without stopping for a moment to realise that both of them have been in positions of influence, yet there are kids on refuse dumps in Ghana, looking for scraps”
How incoherent, I thought. While I sadly agree that there are kids on refuse dumps in Ghana who are looking for scraps to make a living, I find it strange that the author would like to wholly put that blame on Alan Kyeremanteng and Nana Akufo-Addo because the two were Ministers of State. I think it would be more appropriate for us to blame this sad situation on all past administrations. I would like to remind the author that the sitting president [President Atta Mills] was the Vice-President from 1997 to 2001 and indeed the Chairman of Economic Committee of this nation, but such poverty level still exists. The president can not also absolve himself for not doing much to alleviate poverty, can he?
Again, the P/NDC [which the author belongs to] party has governed our country more than any other party in our country’s history. Fortunately for the author, Ghanaians have given his political party another opportunity to ensure such situations are curbed if not eliminated.
However, I am afraid if current happenings in the country are anything to go by, then Ghanaians should be ready to be disappointed by the NDC. Since the NDC party took over some seventeen months ago, conditions of many have worsened due to harsh fiscal policies. Businesses are not booming as was witnessed some years back. Indeed the Economic Activity Indicator (EAI) as announced by the governor of Bank of Ghana indicates that business activities have reduced as compared to the 2008. Even though inflation figure is gradually reducing, prices on the markets are rising at a higher rate.
Government seem to be reneging on its promise of cutting down on profligacy. On the 1st of May, 2010, the first lady, Mrs. Naadu Mills commissioned the Floating Production Storage Offloading (FPSO) vessel and named it after Ghana’s first President Dr. Kwame Nkrumah in far away Jurong, Singapore. The special event which saw the symbolic act of breaking a bottle of chilled champagne to signify the naming of the vessel many have contended should have been held here in our country to save cost. Many have wondered the motive behind the trip because the vessel was to be shipped into the country in two weeks time according to reports. The resources spent on the ceremony far away Jurong, Singapore could have been channeled to other programmes that could lessen the plights of Ghanaians.
Again, recent events about the behavior of NDC foot soldiers’ calls for great worry. Lately, no day passes without hearing of one agitation or the other. It is either a D/MCE is being threatened or a state revenue agency is being taken over by mostly uneducated/unemployed foot soldiers.
A case in point is the Domi Bridge toll booth take over. This act of lawlessness was carried out by NDC foot soldiers who accused the civil servants of corruption. Surprisingly, the attack was masterminded by the district assembly. Apparently the district assembly had a meeting chaired by the DCE of the area to carry out such a lawless act. What baffles my mind is why the DCE who doubles as the Chairman if the District Security Council (DISEC) did not use the appropriate procedure in ensuring the right thing was done.
God save us!
[Just something for the author and the NDC to think about. Mr. Pianim also stated at the same event, that listening to the first ladies of Africa on BBC, there is no doubt the good first ladies are nurses and that Prof. Frimpong Boatengs wife is a nurse. Does the author believe in this statement too?]
FAISAL IBRAHIM
FACEBOOK: WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/FAISAL.IBRAHIM1
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
“MONICRACY” IN STUDENT POLITICS, A BANE TO PROGRESSIVE STUDENTS ACTIVISM
Students Activism/Movement has brought invaluable socio-economic and political development in many countries including Ghana. In Ghana, student groups have challenged governments to charter paths that will inure to the benefit of the masses. Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana’s first President was at one point the President of Africa Students Union in the United States of America which contributed to the emancipation of the African Continent.
The main objective of students’ movements has always been to pursue a cause that will enhance the educational lives of students in the country. However, there have been unfortunate times in students’ movements when student leaders have been incarcerated, manipulated or maltreated by the authoritative powers.
Student groups like the National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS), Ghana National Union of Polytechnic Students (GNUPS), Ghana Union of Professional Students (GUPS), University Students Association of Ghana (USAG), Private University Students Association of Ghana (PUSAG), Teacher Training Association of Ghana (TTAG), Students Representative Council (SRC) etc have contributed in shaping the educational development of this country in one way or the other. These groups are formed with the aim of pursuing a common goal that will benefit its members and the country as a whole. GETFund and many other interventions are the initiatives of some of these student groups. These groups have also contributed immensely to the political development of our country by grooming very brilliant politicians. The roles played by students’ activists in the country are immeasurable and can not be ignored.
However, there has been a lingering danger in the students’ movement in the country for some time now. “MONICRACY” unfortunately has shown its ugly head in the students’ politics. For sometime now, students with leadership ambitions have had to resort to politicians and/or political parties for funding. Recently at the vetting of Mr. Samuel Okudjeto Ablakwa as Deputy Minister of Information, the Hon. Member of Parliament for Manhyia alluded to meeting Mr. Ablakwa at the Castle when he was to contesting for the NUGS Presidency. They both played around the matter and left it like that. Students of this country would be interested in knowing the truth behind that matter, nevertheless, I am alluding to this example to give credence to the fact that student leaders sometimes resort to politicians for funding. Student leaders who source funding from politicians find it extremely difficult to criticize and protest when the need be. The reason is obvious and even at the expense of students of this country. It is speculated that some student leaders have had their press statements drafted or screened by politicians. Currently, it has become a norm for political parties to fund candidates for student leadership position both at the campus level and national level. This situation has led to the dormancy and inaction of the students’ front for sometime now. This situation has also led to the public losing confidence in the students’ movements.
I am informed of student leaders in some tertiary institutions who have been funded by some political parties. Politicians find it easy to use student leaders to pursue their agenda. A political party in power will flirt with student leaders to gag and influence the students’ front while a party in opposition will want to take advantage of student leaders to check the government. There are instances where student leaders have been flown out of this country for sight seeing when an important student’s event was taking place.
Very soon the National Union of Ghana Students, Ghana Union of Professional Students, University Students Association of Ghana and other national students’ front will be attending Congress. There are rumors that some candidates are being sponsored by some political parties to secure executive positions in the pending Congresses. These candidates are also being supported by the student leaders from some tertiary institutions who are said to be affiliated to the same “Family”. Many students I have spoken to are expecting an interesting and money making congress especially the NUGS Congress. Some say it will be time to get their pound of flesh from the taxes they have paid.
Students who attend congresses have also contributed immensely to this unfortunate situation. While some will demand meeting candidates at On The Run or Mr. Biggs, some will demand Cash, and others will also demand transport. Some students fail to ask candidates the relevant questions about how they will achieve what they promise. Candidates with CASH are mostly in the lead from Accra. I recall an instance at a NUGS Congress when a candidate had to pay for capitation (housing and feeding fee) for delegates for as many as 5 institutions. Ironically these delegates have charged this capitation (housing and feeding fee) to their SRC accounts. This situation has an unpleasant and terrible effect on education and students development in the country.
Student activism is a genuine platform with the aim of pursuing the agenda of good education and students’ development. It is clear that the student activism has become a platform for grooming future politicians however; the students’ interest must be served to its optimum first. Any other interest must not compromise the students’ interest. Buying of votes definitely is illegal and has no place even in national politics. Delegates and students for the upcoming congresses and elections must be wary of candidates who want to buy their votes. We must vote for individuals who have the competence and capability to enhance our educational lives.
Long Live Student Activism
Long Live Ghana
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