So, the NPP sued President Mahama only as a PROCEDURE? (Part II)

Monday, December 31, 2012

It is clear that the more we look deeply into the NPP’s rejection of the outcome of the Presidential elections, the more we see hidden truths about why the party’s leaders and supporters are the way they are today, and where they have dragged matters to.

It is their constitutional right to use the judiciary to seek redress in this case; and it is our constitutional right too to interrogate the implications of what they have set out to do and how they do it. As citizens, we expect that our country will be ruled by those who deserve the people’s mandate. That is why what the NPP has begun doing since it became clear that its Akufo-Addo couldn’t set foot on Canaan must not be lost on us.

Indeed, he was in Jerusalem before the elections but the Walls of Jericho didn’t fall for him to enter the Promised Land when the bugles were blown at the polls. The lawsuit at the Supreme Court seeks to unravel why. An obviously intriguing pursuit in the labyrinth of the law, isn’t it?

So, the NPP sued President Mahama only as a PROCEDURE? (Part I)

Monday, December 31, 2012

Life will not grind to a halt in the country just because the NPP has rejected the outcome of the Presidential elections and is uncompromising in national affairs. As I sought to imply in my earlier opinion piece (“The NPP shackles itself by suing President Mahama”), there are many contradictions, inconsistencies, and legal technicalities in its lawsuit at the Supreme Court that should make those NPP supporters and apologists nursing bloated optimism hasten slowly in thumping their chests.

In responding to that opinion piece, varying viewpoints came from NPP supporters and apologists to give me the impression that they have already satisfied themselves of pursuing a winnable case and won’t listen to any other viewpoint. Already steeped in this optimism, they are behaving as they did before the elections only to be stunned stiff by reality when the dust settles.

NPP shackles itself by suing President Mahama

Saturday, December 29, 2012

Now that the NPP leaders have submitted their petition to the Supreme Court to demand the declaration of their defeated flagbearer, Akufo-Addo, as winner of Election 2012, they seem to have made good their threat to pursue their claims of electoral malpractices to the full. They can now congratulate themselves as successful lawyers and politicians who know how to follow the due process to achieve “victory”.

By that action, they have jumped a major hurdle on their way toward reassuring their followers that they are good warriors who know how to fight their cause. They know how to buy time.

Our MPs are part of our national crisis…

Friday, December 28, 2012

Who would have thought that MPs vested with the power to make laws will not know that there is a Constitution whose provisions must not conflict with the laws that they pass?

Jones Kugblenu, the Public Affairs Director of Parliament, has revealed that there is a “legal discrepancy” which has created a conflict between the Transition Act and the 1992 Constitution concerning the inauguration of the new Legislature.

The result? Unless that conflict is resolved to bring that “legal discrepancy” in the new Transition Act in line with the Constitutional provision, the new Parliament cannot be inaugurated. In short, the provision in the new Transition Act has to be amended to resolve that conflict.

As the NPP knocks on the doors of the Supreme Court…

Thursday, December 27, 2012

The NPP says it is set to meet the constitutional deadline of 21 days to file its case against the Electoral Commission in connection with the 2012 Presidential elections. We hear the suit will be jointly and severally filed tomorrow (Friday, December 28) in the names of Jake Obetsebi-Lamptey (National Chairman of the party), Akufo-Addo (defeated Presidential candidate), and Mahamudu Bawumia (Akufo-Addo’s running mate).

The respondents, we hear, are Dr. Kwadwo Afari Gyan (the Electoral Commissioner), President John Dramani Mahama (incumbent President of Ghana), and the Electoral Commission (as a corporate body responsible for conducting the elections).

Interesting case afoot, right? We are so much invested in it as to wish the NPP Godspeed to the chambers of the Supreme Court to test the legal waters against its fate.

If the matter goes to court, it will become “subjudice,” and we can’t comment on it anymore without committing contempt of court and be held liable for any comment regarded as prejudicial to it. Thus, while we have the chance to comment on it before it enters the judicial labyrinth, we will do so.

Inauguration of President Mahama: Will Kufuor attend?

Wednesday, December 26, 2012

Even though the NPP is yet to file its case at the Supreme Court to fight the EC (the NDC and the media too) over the outcome of the Presidential elections, I am quite certain that the matter will not be determined before January 7, 2013, when President Mahama will be inaugurated into office.

Time and tide seem to confirm that the proceedings will even not begin by then. Thus, we expect the normal course of action to be taken by the state to pave the way for President Mahama’s instatement into office.

The very Chief Justice who is to empanel the Supreme Court to hear that case is the legitimate authority to swear the President into office; and she can’t shirk her constitutional obligation just because the NPP is up in arms against the Electoral Commission’s certification of President Mahama as the winner of the Presidential elections, meaning that she will participate in the ceremony.

Armageddon beckons the NPP as its chickens come home to roost

Monday, December 24, 2012

After basking in the accolade given him by his followers as a “legal luminary,” the day is gradually dawning for Akufo-Addo to prove that mettle. Will he go to the Supreme Court and stop this trial in the mass media or not?

Here is a pointed observation by a friend: Since 2009, he has embarked on a “Thank You” tour, “Listening” tour, “Hope Restoration” tour, “Free SHS” campaign tour, “Demonstration” tour and is currently going on a “Going to Court Announcement” tour. My friend concludes that “I hope from the Supreme Court, he will summons the NDC to Antoa Nyama.” Interesting times ahead.

The 21-day window of opportunity for the NPP is narrowing and utterances from the party’s inner circles are still not clear on what the defeated Akufo-Addo and his gang are up to. Some have been quick to describe the intended court action as a ploy or a “419” scam.  I won't call it so because the party’s leaders/followers (just like every Ghanaian) have every right to go to court to seek redress.

Is the NPP really Asante, and Asante truly NPP?

Sunday, December 23, 2012

A truism is that Ghanaian politics is heavily influenced by ethnic sentiments (call it tribalism).Over the years, the ebb and flow of national and local politics indicates the extent to which ethnicity has dominated our attitude to politics. It may be for weal or for woe.

Regardless of how we view the 2012 elections, ethnic or tribal sentiments played a huge role in the success of the NDC and failure of the NPP. President Mahama’s appeal to the conscience of his fellow Northerners for their votes on the strength of his being a Northerner did something good for the NDC while Akufo-Addo’s “Yen Akanfuo” detracted from the NPP’s standing. Let’s be blunt about it.

For the NPP, this defeat has other causes, which is why the party has rejected the elections and is gearing up to seek redress at the Supreme Court. That’s a long story on its own. But there is a shorter story that the NPP is not telling us.

One major problem that makes it difficult for the NPP to shed off its stigma as an “Akan” party is the mentality that shapes and shaves the attitude of its followers. More often than not, any criticism of the NPP is regarded by the party’s supporters as a direct attack on Asantes, which worries me, not because it is true or because I agree with it but because of its tendency to worsen the NPP’s outreach efforts. It is a gross misrepresentation to be condemned.

The NPP’s defeat: How religion did it (Part II)

Friday, December 21, 2012

These hypocrites didn’t stop there. They exploited every bit of opportunity to present the NDC and President Mahama as anti-Christ, anti-Christianity, and everything anti in the hope that the Christian and Muslim communities would see things through their eyes and translate that picture into a voting down of the incumbent.

Their utterances, especially in the aftermath of the Mensa Otabil fracas, confirmed that they were exploiting the religious element, convinced that they had done enough to win the hearts of Christians, particularly.

While all this scheming was going on within the NPP’s own circles, some opportunistic religious leaders were themselves taking the initiative to spread the NPP’s message. We heard all that they said, especially in support of Akufo-Addo’s fee-free SHS education, which they trumpeted as manna from God to be snatched without hesitation.

The NPP’s defeat: How religion did it (Part I)

Friday, December 21, 2012

Do you recall what happened when rumours circulated that Akufo-Addo had pissed on a mosque in the Tamale area when he visited the palace of the local chief to seek his blessing for his bid for the Presidency? Or that the late President Mills won the 2008 elections because of the spiritual powers inherent in the ring that the Nigerian T.B. Joshua of the Synagogue had given him?

In Ghanaian politics, religion plays a major part in making or marring of political fortunes. As the NPP leaders huff and puff at the outcome of Election 2012 and threaten to go to court to seek redress but can’t go once-and-for-all, they seem to gloss over a crucial element that I want to discuss here.

Of all the factors that contributed to their defeat, none jumps at me more than the role that religion played. In fact, putting everything together, I can say that despite the NPP leaders’ placing their faith in God and nursing optimism that the Lord would help them win the elections, the outcome of the polls proves otherwise.

God took the bite out of that arrogant posture to bring down on them the house of cards that their Men-of-God had helped them build! God is not an Alata Man to be toyed with, my friends!

NPP, leave Afari Gyan alone and go to court (Part II)

Friday, December 21, 2012

The signals being sent out by the NPP are disheartening. I want to say at this point that the party’s choice of Afari Gyan for verbal attacks and open confrontation over Election 2012 is a disgrace, to say the least. And here is why:

This Afari Gyan was their target of scorn when the NPP lost the Presidential elections in 1992 and refused to participate in the Parliamentary elections, choosing instead to indulge in empty scholarship, writing The Stolen Verdict that did them no good. It was just a record of their lamentation for losing an election that they were ill-disposed toward winning because their Presidential Candidate was no Presidential material. A successful historian he was, but no Ghanaian in the proper frame of mind would go for Adu Boahen as President.

Many factors worked against him, which put Rawlings poles ahead of him in the race. Instead of assessing their own inadequacies and making amends for the future, the so-called “interrectuals” that they labelled themselves, chose to write a book on the elections. What a waste of talents?.   

NPP, leave Afari Gyan alone and go to court (Part I)

Friday, December 21, 2012

The NPP’s “Concert Party” show is providing enough humour to entertain us; but it is based on one very ugly and damning foundation that must be condemned by all peace-loving Ghanaians.

The NPP leaders’ constant disparaging of the Electoral Commissioner, Dr. Kwadwo Afari Gyan, is reprehensible. Behaving as if they have chosen him for a special vengeance, they have subjected him to all forms of verbal abuse, curses, and vain threats ever since it became clear that their Akufo-Addo and many NPP Parliamentary candidates had lost Election 2012.

Instead of seeing themselves as the cause of their candidate’s electoral woes, they have metamorphosed into adrenaline-filled matadors, roaming the political landscape, seeking whomever to destroy. In their characteristic “mate me ho” element, they have isolated the Electoral Commissioner to gore out of existence. It is disgraceful for them to behave this way, and I unreservedly condemn them.

Does Akufo-Addo know the way to the Supreme Court?

Thursday, December 20, 2012

As if unable to overcome the shocking defeat that he suffered at the 2012 polls, the NPP’s Akufo-Addo has chosen to chart a path that is remarkable only as a temporary respite and not the solution to his distress. He is using this path to seek sympathy and how to deal with the aftershocks of Election 2012.

I wonder if that’s the appropriate move to make. He seems to be on a new campaign for what he might have in his mind only. Instead of wasting time and energy retracing his steps, it will be better for him to take his case where the NPP has already told us is the ultimate quarters—the Supreme Court!

Nothing else will add anything new to his fate, which is already sealed and continues to be concretized each passing day that the hanky-pankying goes on.

The NPP’s hot potatoes

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

At long last, we now know what the NPP will go to the Supreme Court for. The party’s General Secretary, Kwadwo Owusu Afriyie, has enumerated three reliefs that the party will seek:

i.              The number of votes stolen for President Mahama to be deducted and those deducted from Nana Akufo-Addo to be restored.

ii.             Polling stations where the number of voters were more than the number of people verified by the verification machines would be cancelled as stated by the EC prior to the elections.

iii.            To contest why the “no verification no vote” statement of the EC was adhered to in the Ashanti Region, the stronghold of the NPP, but was ignored in the Northern, Greater Accra, and Volta regions.

He praised the almighty God for helping the NPP to verify the series of theft committed by the NDC to win the elections illegally right on time, saying “the NPP shall win in court.

What the Supreme Court will do to Akufo-Addo

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

The NPP says it is optimistic of victory at the Supreme Court when it presents its case against the Electoral Commission, the NDC, and the media over the just-ended general elections. I don’t know what that “victory” means or will translate into, long after the President-elect would have been installed in office to begin his full-fledged four-year first term and lay the foundation for a second term at the 2016 polls.

Where does Akufo-Addo’s term come in? If instating him at the Presidency is that “victory,” then, the NPP leaders are in for a harvest of woes. So certain are they of winning their case that they aren’t preparing themselves for anything else just as they did before the elections. Their claim that they will accept the Supreme Court’s verdict is mere hot air. Those who cry wolf at will make it difficult for them to be believed.

As we wait for its legal team to head to the Supreme Court in search of seek redress, we remain baffled by many issues concerning this particular court case. We are not bothered by the NPP’s decision to go to court. After all, that’s their constitutional right.

Will Kumasi accept Akufo-Addo?

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Gradually, the NPP leaders and the party’s supporters have boxed themselves into a tight corner. Perhaps, they have counted too much self-confidence and misplaced trust in prominent personalities, including the Asantehene, Osei Tutu II, to advance their parochial political cause. His refusal to accept their petition today must send the signal to them that they are biting off more than they can chew.

They are tempting Fate, if I may put it that way. All told, elections are meant to be won or lost and accepted as such in good faith. Not so for the NPP.

Indeed, the party has a hard road to travel. The problems that militated against it at the polls, especially in the case of Akufo-Addo, go beyond the confines of the Electoral Commission and cannot be solved the way the party’s leaders and follows think and approach issues.  

The elephants are locking trunks

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Folks, the NPP’s “Concert Party” is turning ugly at this stage. Nerves are being strained to the breaking point and, if care is not taken, the situation in the party may take a sudden turn for the worse. 

There seems to be no common purpose in the elephant family nor is there any firm agreement among its main actors that the intended court action will be the solution to the party’s fast-fading public image.

Charles Yves Wereko-Brobby, the Tarzan, has stuck his neck out to point the party in a new direction, ruffling feathers in the process and pitting himself (and unknown others backing him) against the militant forces rallying behind Akufo-Addo to fight the Electoral Commission, the NDC, and the media at the Supreme Court.

The circus is agitated and the elephants are locking trunks to give the audience a rare sneak peek into the workings of their democratic culture. Some democrats they are!

Isn’t it very interesting that these so-called liberal democrats can’t accommodate each other’s views on how to fight a common battle to redeem their party’s image without spitting fire? Isn’t it very intriguing for them to be at each other’s throat just because they can’t tolerate any dissension from within? Just because one of them has gone out of his way to express opinions that threaten the status quo in the party?

Why is the NPP seeking refuge in the Asantehene?

Monday, December 17, 2012

The announcement that the NPP will present a petition to the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, after a demonstration in Kumasi on Tuesday comes across as part of the intricate scheming by the party’s leaders either to save face and abandon their head-butting with the Electoral Commission or to raise their protestations to a whole new level. Either way, the gravitation toward the Otumfuo has added a new complexion to the matter.

The NPP leaders feel that they haven’t exhausted all the avenues to register their “anger” and, from the look of things, will not take chances. They want to go the whole hog, using both constitutional or legal and unconstitutional or illegal approaches. Perhaps, their cup is running over.

Having made their presence felt in Accra through unconstitutional means (causing mayhem and public nuisance), they have moved inland to do same in Kumasi on Tuesday. Unlike the Accra version of their street demonstrations, however, the NPP leaders intend to present a petition to the Asantehene at the end of the day’s protest march.

The NPP and its lorgorligi logarithms

Monday, December 17, 2012

The road in front of the NPP is indeed winding and long. It fits into what the celebrated Ghanaian poet, Atukwei Okai, has rightly captured in his imagination as “Lorgorligi Logarithms.” Will the NPP leaders move their supporters along this road to reach Canaan? To claim what they are clamouring for as their electoral crown? I wonder.

As they insist on having their day in court but continue to give conflicting/contradictory explanations day-in-day-out about where they are in the process of gathering evidence for that purpose—or even on the exact quantum of votes allegedly stolen for President Mahama—they give misleading impressions about their true intentions.

All that noise about their research office being raided or the office of the leader of their legal team (Gloria Akuffo) being broken into are part of what makes the journey truly lorgorligi in nature. Too many different tastes will confuse the tongue; not so?

The NPP’s ‘Tale of Two Cities’ is too sweet for belief

Sunday, December 16, 2012

We continue to focus attention on the NPP at this point in the post-election assessment of our national life. The threat to national stability posed by the riotous behaviour of its members still persists.

Likewise, the public posturing and churning out of inconsistent claims by its leaders has reached an alarming level to warrant further analysis. It is too ridiculous for belief that these people just can’t settle on any convincing lie to tell the whole world to back their rejection of the outcome of the Presidential elections.

All they have been doing so far is giving us conflicting figures and ratcheting up their thirst for violence.

Madam Hawa Yakubu must be laughing in her grave

Friday, December 15, 2012

The NPP may continue fretting and protesting (whether legally or through riotous behaviour by its activists), but its leaders seem not to know that their fate had long been decided before the 2012 elections were held. Hawa Yakubu will be asking from afar: What are they disputing?

Two main issues account for their defeat, she will say. Call them the lighter and heavier issues.

As the NPP’s woes deepen…. And Akufo-Addo digs in… (Part II)

Friday, December 14, 2012

Now, to the main issues that I consider as the real causes of the NPP’s defeat. The “Yen Akanfuo” label made the NPP an anathema to those who felt slighted or endangered. It is one major problem that the NPP failed to address, which was reflected in its winning again only two of the regions as it did in the 2008 elections while President Mahama was all over the regions, even garnering votes in the NPP’s strongholds. This particular limited scope presented the NPP as a cabal for the Asante/Akyim elements.

Although there is satisfaction that the party increased its Parliamentary seats from four to 10 in the Northern Region, it is no confirmation that the voters have ceased to regard the NPP as “tribalistic” in scope, form, and function. No need to belabour this point.

As the NPP’s woes deepen…. And Akufo-Addo digs in… (Part I)

Friday, December 14, 2012

As the NPP leaders and followers continue to create the impression that the results of the just-ended elections were tampered with by the media, the Electoral Commission, and the NDC to crown President Mahama as winner, they leave me wondering whether they really know the true nature of the Ghanaian voters. Or whether they know where they are pushing themselves to.

Despite the reports by local and international election observers confirming that the elections were free, fair, and transparent (not only at the level of balloting but also in the collection, collation, tallying, and transmission of the results), the NPP leaders still think otherwise. They are nursing hopes that the Supreme Court will reverse the outcome to install their Akufo-Addo in power.

I laugh them to scorn because what has been done and sealed cannot be undone and torn apart at their prompting. World leaders have already stepped forward to acknowledge the winner of the elections and Ghanaians are going about their normal activities, putting the elections behind them.

A fly will bite an elephant if it can find a weak spot in its hide. That’s exactly what has happened to the NPP, which hasn’t missed the attention of world leaders.

What is President Mahama that Akufo-Addo is not?

Wednesday, December 5, 2012

I have endorsed President John Dramani Mahama as my choice to lead the country for the next four years. It shouldn’t surprise or annoy anybody. I am just exercising my democratic right of choice. With this endorsement, I will henceforth ensure that I juxtapose both him and Akufo-Addo for scrutiny to justify my decision.

You too are free to do as you wish; but bear in mind that as for me and my household, Akufo-Addo’s name is not in our electoral dictionary. He is an anathema to us. We hate to have the Greeks coming to us with gifts at night, which is what Akufo-Addo’s extravagant and pungent promises entail. Hoodoo!!!

The President that Ghanaians need

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

No doubt, Ghana’s main problem is the leadership crisis that has continued to blight all hopes for a steady national redemption. The country has abundant national and human resources and can make much progress to be the envy of the world if it gets leaders with the requisite acumen to steer its affairs.

It’s a matter of very disturbing proportions that despite all these resources, the country is still on its knees while those in leadership positions busily devise adroit means to fleece the national economy and live profligate lives while the country crumbles right in front of their eyes.

What will Akufo-Addo do for the Western Region?

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

As we inch toward Election Day, those coming across as desperate are doing desperate things. And they raise more questions about their own integrity than answers to attract public goodwill.

The Western Regional branch of the NPP-funded TESCON has issued a press statement condemning government for failing to give 10% of the oil revenue to the Western Region as promised before the 2008 elections. A Dominic Eduah, the Regional TESCON Coordinator, explained the group’s concerns in that statement (see “Mahama, where is our 10%?—TESCON,” Ghanaweb, December 4, 2012).

A cursory reading of this statement revealed that it’s just one of the cheap means by which the NPP and its affiliates seek to create disaffection for the government. One would have glossed over it but for its striking reminder of the crude politics that the NPP does, which explains its high level of desperation.

When you befriend an elephant, be ready for its big poop!!

Monday, December 3, 2012

The nauseating “Yen Akanfuo” mentality that undergirds the NPP’s politicking is on display once again. This time, it is happening right within the party’s own ranks, confirming the long-held disdain that those bigwigs in the NPP have for others not of their ethnic extraction.

By their public posturing and unguarded utterances alone, we can tell how they downgrade all others but use them to serve their political interests. They can’t throw dust into anybody’s eyes and they will unmask themselves to be known for what they are. As usual, I won’t mince words in dealing with them.

The Coalition of Northern Youth Groups, an NPP-affiliated pressure group, has called on the National Executive Council of the NPP to immediately suspend Madam Ursula Owusu as a member of the party and unconditionally withdraw her candidature from the Ablekuma West constituency elections.

To two-faced Akufo-Addo: All-fall-be-fall

Sunday, December 2, 2012

As we inch toward Election Day this Friday, some extra-ordinary events have begun happening to provide some comic relief. Forget about the Hassan Ayariga antics and turn to this latest one, reported by Sammi Wiafe, Citi News reporter in Kumasi:

“… Akufo-Addo took a tumble when the stage on which he was addressing a crowd caved in at the Jubilee Park in Kumasi, on Sunday. He and Kufuor escaped unhurt. Akufo-Addo was addressing party supporters at the rally when the incident occurred but no casualties were recorded.”

Wiafe reported that the rally came to an abrupt end after the incident, saying “All of the executives who were sitting on this particular stage, all of them fell.”

Painfully funny, you might call it? Or sabotage by the carpenters who built the platform? Hirelings of the NDC? Who knows?

Who will enforce the Kumasi Peace Pact?

Sunday, December 2, 2012

Although I have already commented on the signing of the Kumasi Peace Pact by the leaders of the parties contesting next Friday’s Presidential and Parliamentary elections, there are still some loose ends to tie up.

The real meaning to be given the Kumasi Peace Pact has not yet emerged; hence, my return to pick up this issue for further analysis.

Is it not surprising that the very venue at which that Peace Pact was signed has turned out to be the hotbed from where political violence has erupted not long after the Pact came into effect? The Kumasi Ash Town incident is just one of the many that indicate that the Peace Pact can’t solve any problem.

I have read it in full and seen it as nothing but a ceremonial document. It lacks bite, which is why the signatories haven’t even deemed it necessary to do anything to control their followers. In effect, we can’t expect anything but a worsening of the situation as we inch toward Election Day and muscles continue to be flexed at will.

Compelling reasons why Akufo-Addo must be rejected

Saturday, December 1, 2012

If Ghanaians make the mistake to elect the NPP’s Akufo-Addo into office next Friday, they will be sealing their own doom and confirming long-held opinions that they are the architects of their own plight. And that they don’t learn useful lessons from experience to do the right thing in choosing their leaders.

Having complained bitterly about the late President Mills’ inability to fulfill the 2008 electioneering campaign promises—and using that as the main grievance against him, based on which most threatened not to vote for him—what justification will there be for the electorate to vote for Akufo-Addo who is doing nothing different but glibly pouring out promises to lure votes? Vote for him because of his promises?

Take it from me. Akufo-Addo hasn’t given us any convincing justification to warrant his being elected President. All he has done is to bandy about extravagant and fulsome promises, hoping that they will be snapped up by the electorate. He is more invested in dangling promises than demonstrating that he is a more capable candidate for the job. Extravagant and politically motivated promises don’t build countries!

So, Parliament itself approved judgement debt payments?

Friday, November 30, 2012

The public anger aroused by the Woyome judgement debt payment scandal hasn’t yet evaporated. It might not still be the dominant topical issue, but it has already been so heavily politicized against the NDC and its government as to suggest that the electorate will punish President Mahama for not retrieving the over 51 million Cedis paid to Woyome.

To many Ghanaians, no amount of official explanation or the ebb and flow of proceedings at the court trying Woyome will solve the problem. Even if the government succeeds in retrieving that money from Woyome, it appears the harm that has been done its reputation cannot be easily undone.

That is why little public interest has been aroused in the appointment of Justice Yaw Appau as the Sole Commissioner of Judgement Debts by President Mahama. He is tasked with investigating the circumstances surrounding the payment of judgement debts and to submit a report to the government for action in a year’s time.

Is the Kumasi Peace Pact a mere window dressing?

Thursday, November 29, 2012

Efforts by the Asantehene, the Ghana Peace Council, and others that culminated into the signing of the Kumasi Peace Pact by flagbearers of the various political parties contesting next Friday’s general elections are commendable.

The events leading to this accord clearly portray the already-high and ever-rising tension in the country as a result of the uncompromising stance of the various political activists, especially those of the NDC and its main rival, the NPP, who consider the elections as a do-me-I-do-you death warrant.

This “nyamanyama” politics with Christians sucks!!

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

As Election Day approaches, the desperation driving the electioneering campaigns of both the NDC and NPP are assuming ugly dimensions.

While the NDC is furiously clinging on to its strategies of portraying the NPP as not better than it and rightly condemning Akufo-Addo’s fly-blown promise of free SHS education, the NPP’s followers are ramping up their campaign of calumny, vilification, and vain threats, still harping on the free SHS promise as their trump-card.

The intensity with which both camps are pursuing their campaigns is dizzying. No doubt, the “huhudious” promise of free SHS has dominated the campaign messages, particularly with the insertion of Mensa Otabil into the equation. And he has himself found the niche to engage in politically motivated speech-making stunts all over the place, creating the impression that he is playing his civic role.

Akufo-Addo again?

Sunday, November 18, 2012

The death of Alhaji Aliu Mahama, former Vice President, has brought to the fore many issues that I will be bold to raise in a number of opinion pieces to throw more light on pertinent issues and to question the integrity of our politicians.

I begin with a contentious claim made by the NPP’s flagbearer, Akufo-Addo, who has “pledged to restore peace to Dagbon in honour of the former Vice President.”

In a speech paying tribute to Aliu during the pre-burial service for him at the Black Star Square in Accra on Sunday, Akufo-Addo said he would do so because “it was the wish of the late former veep that lasting peace returns to Dagbon after years of a protracted chieftaincy crisis there” (Myjoyonline, November 18, 2012).

Akufo-Addo said he was committed to honouring Aliu’s memory by working to foster peace and reconciliation in the internecine conflict that has deprived Dagbon of peace.

Outright dishonesty, treachery, chicanery, and duplicity, I say. It is insulting for Akufo-Addo who failed in his role as the then Minister of Justice and Attorney-General at the time of that very Yendi Massacre to turn round to say what has just come from him as if he is new to the problem. I will justify my stance.

Democracy without peace is no democracy

Saturday, November 17, 2012

For obvious reasons, it is not often that I bother my head over pronouncements by the country’s so-called Men of God. Many of them have over the years preached virtue but practised vice and haven’t impressed me. Their deeds have overshadowed the shining examples set by the good ones among them whom we seek to emulate but get deflected away from by the bad nuts who grab our attention and revulsion!

Human as they are, they are fallible, but refuse to acknowledge it, hiding behind their calling to create an air of infallibility in which they absorb themselves and hide behind to do anti-social deeds. Woefully, they fail to diminish the sepulchre that they are—white on the outside but rotten within. We reject them.

Boycotting the IEA debate will hurt Mahama

Thursday, November 15, 2012

Comments from so-called NDC functionaries urging President Mahama to boycott next Tuesday’s debate under the auspices of the Institute of Economic Affairs are annoying, to say the least.

Leading the pack of those elements howling for a boycott is Alhaji Bature of the Alhaj newspaper, who thinks that public utterances by Mensa Otabil (General Overseer of the International Central Gospel Church) have impugned the integrity of the President for which reason he must react strongly by boycotting the debate. Alhaji Bature thinks such an action is the best way to contemn Otabil, who is the Chairman of the IEA Committee, organizers of the Presidential debates.

He is of the opinion that Otabil’s verbal attacks on the President in reacting to the tape circulating about his (Otabil’s) rejection of free education betrayed his political bias and the President shouldn’t appear at that forum to rub shoulders with him. The boycott might be a way of registering the President’s protest or paying back Otabil.

Concentrated nonsense, that is. Nothing can be more childish and politically suicidal and unwise than a suggestion for a boycott of this IEA-sponsored debate. How do some people think?

Who else is politicizing chieftaincy but the chiefs themselves? (Part II)

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

We have identified the refusal by traditional rulers to respect the constitutional ban on them as very troubling because of the threat it poses to our democracy.

Left on their own, the chiefs can’t profit from the politicking going on around them. They know how to play their cards when the politicians fall into their trap by paying courtesy calls on them. One clear instance occurred recently when President John Mahama paid a courtesy call on the overlord of Tamale, Gulkpe Naa Alhassan Ziblim, to begin a campaign tour of the Tamale Metropolis.

Who else is politicizing chieftaincy but the chiefs themselves? (Part I)

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

The West Africa Network for Peace (WANEP) has expressed grave concern that politicization of chieftaincy and ethnicity (especially in Northern Ghana) is “a potential source of destabilization.”

In a statement at the opening of a two-day workshop for security agencies in Tamale on Thursday, the WANEP’s Chukwuemeka B. Eze, Programmes Director of WANEP-West Africa, advised politicians to desist from politicization of chieftaincy.

I welcome this statement and will add my voice to that of the WANEP. But the overarching question is:  Who is politicizing chieftaincy but the chiefs themselves?

Come again, Dr. Mensa Otabil

Monday, November 12, 2012

The General Overseer of the International Central Gospel Church, Pastor Mensa Otabil has responded to what he calls evil attempts to expose him to public ridicule “and the running harassment against my integrity.” (Myjoyonline, November 12, 2012).

He did so to diffuse the tension and controversy surrounding statements attributed to him and being propagated as his opposition to the free SHS education promised by the NPP’s Akfuo-Addo.

I am not impressed by Otabil’s public reaction to this matter. To me, he didn’t address the main issue. He failed to hold the “political bull” by its horns and hid behind needless strong language and anger. I am not persuaded, therefore. And here is why:

·         Regardless of the manipulation of his pronouncements over the years, is Otabil denying that he ever made those utterances?

The elephants are gearing up for another circus performance

Tuesday, November 6, 2012

The elephants are gathering to re-enact the 2008 circus performance that ended disastrously, resulting in their being chased into the political wilderness. They are gearing up, using the same old tactics of fly-blown promises, outright lies, wild allegations, fear-mongering, vain threats, and cacophonous rhythms that won’t turn anybody’s crank. None is enthused by such a dry performance.

They are promising a utopia that the electorate won’t be interested in. No lesson learnt after their 2008 electoral disaster.

The ululation has already begun and we can hear their shrill and ugly noises. What is missing from their stagecraft is the kangaroo dance that characterized their 2008 performances; but we won’t miss much. We have a hunch that they will use a new signature tune woven around the vacuous promise of free Senior Secondary School education to re-enact the circus. That signature tune may as well be their death knell at the polls.    

Why should Akufo-Addo give fish to the hungry?

Tuesday, November 5, 2012

I am splitting my sides with much scornful laughter at how evasive Akufo-Addo and his campaign team have become in relationship to their promise of free Senior High School education.

Contrary to the line of politicking adopted by Akufo-Addo and his followers to suggest that opponents of his promise are against free SHS education, I want to emphasize here that none of us criticizing him is so myopic as to peg issues at that point. We support anything that will make the tax payer benefit from his/her toil, sweat, and blood.

We are, however, primarily against the manner in which this promise is being bandied about without any concrete proof being given on how an Akufo-Addo government will fulfill that promise. We are unconvinced by explanations given so far.

When is incumbency not ever (ab)used?

Friday, November 2, 2012

Three civil society groups—the Ghana Integrity Initiative, the Centre for Democratic Development, and the Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition jointly released a report yesterday, citing President Mahama for abuse of incumbency and the NPP’s Akufo-Addo for vote-buying.

We know what vote-buying entails. We have no problem knowing what incumbency is and how it is used. We also know how much currency is often made of incumbency and how it influences political considerations. What baffles us, however, is what constitutes abuse of incumbency. Sometimes, it is good be the devil’s advocate, which is what I am setting out to be.

Northern Ghana made proud by Mahama, Sakara, and Ayariga!

Thursday, November 1, 2012

It is refreshing that three out of the Presidential Candidates to contest the December 7 elections are of Northern Ghana extraction. This is the first time in Ghana’s history that we have such an array of contestants from that part of the country for national elections.

The incumbent, John Dramani Mahama of the NDC, the People’s National Convention’s Hassan Ayariga, and the CPP’s Dr. Abu Sakara are lined up against others. Good job, folks!

That they are not put on the back-burner as Running Mates is commendable—and a challenge to those parties (especially the NPP) that consider such compatriots as good only when playing second fiddle to those in the “Yen Akanfuo” fraternity with a warped agenda of superiority complex.

Akufo-Addo now has a new name—Mr. FREEMAN

Thursday, November 1, 2012

He is all over the place, promising everything that comes to his mind as if that’s all politicking for the December elections is all about. Indeed, giving him the politically motivated name “FREEMAN” won’t be out of place; will it?

“I will provide free this, free that, free everything” has become his buzz campaign message.

Out of the whole lot, his promise on free Senior High School education has stoked so much fire as to become the double-edged sword to cut him to size.

Dr. Percy’s proposal on national security is dangerous (Part II)

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

We acknowledge the fact that as a human institution, the national security apparatus is not immune to manipulation. But why should we single out the President when there are various mechanisms of control? The security apparatus can be manipulated by not only the President but their own commanders as well.

The real issue to fear is any friction between the President and upper echelons of the security services, especially in a situation where any of them may flagrantly disobey the President’s order. It happens in other countries and causes much trouble. 

In our case, we haven’t had anything of the sort. It doesn’t mean that it can’t happen, but it hasn’t happened so far nor is there any inkling to alert us to its happening soon or later.

Dr. Percy’s proposal on national security is dangerous (Part I)

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

The proposal by Dr. David Percy, a leading member of the National Reform Party (NRP), that all Presidents refrain from directing national security during every election is unacceptable. In sum, it is not only absurd but dangerous and inadmissible for several reasons.

What is the rationale behind Dr. Percy’s proposal? He “believes such a move will be a major step in addressing transparency among security officials and insecurity of ballot boxes during elections” (Ghanaweb, October 28, 2012).

Transparency in national security matters and security for ballot boxes? Who says there is anything opaque going on that is a problem for a non-security expert like Dr. Percy to diagnose and prescribe this kind of solution on? I don’t see it.

Will Akufo-Addo listen to Dr. Mensa Otabil?

Monday, October 29, 2012

The General Overseer of the International Central Gospel Church, Dr. Mensa Otabil, deserves support in his singular effort to disabuse the minds of Ghanaians on a major political item. He has inserted himself into the controversy raised by the NPP’s Akufo-Addo and his promise of a fee-free SHS education.

Dr. Otabil has discounted such a promise and warned Ghanaians to be wary because there is no “free education” anywhere in the world. I wholeheartedly support him. He has spoken for many of us and given us a good cause to sustain our criticism of that promise.

This politics of killing and maiming won’t build Ghana…

Monday, October 29, 2012

As we prepare for the December elections, we mustn’t lose sight of the fact that intra-party or inter-party rivalry won’t be the solution to the country’s problems. The Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) has already sounded the alarm bell to suggest that tension is rising in the country, which is disturbing.

All over the radio stations and public forums, hot exchanges between political rivals dominate interactions. The use of foul language is exacerbated by physical assaults on political opponents. Some may claim that they are fighting their parties’ cause by so doing; others may claim that silencing dissension will pave the way for them to win voter confidence to return to power or cling on to it. I mock them!!

When Ghanaians call themselves magicians…

Saturday, October 27, 2012

The zeal with which Ghanaians participate in the US Diversity Visa Lottery and the length to which some go to desert the country is amazing.

Some have fallen prey to visa racketeers and been duped of huge sums of money meant for visa arrangements yet remain undaunted in their determination to leave the country. Others have managed to pay their way out of the country only to regret later. They realize rather too late that they would have been better off staying in the frying pan than jumping right into the fire below.

No matter what it is, there is something to ponder. Is it not ironical or paradoxical that while Ghanaians are doing all they can to move out of the country in search of greener pastures elsewhere, other nationals are rushing into the country to set themselves up?

What is it that is driving Ghanaians out of their own country? What is it that is attracting those nationals but dispersing/repelling Ghanaians, forcing them into other countries where their conditions may not be any better?

Free senior high school: Too many red flags!

Saturday, October 27, 2012

Some commentators responding to my opinion piece challenging the feasibility of Akufo-Addo’s promise on free Senior High School education have rightly explained the benefits of education and why they think that promise is laudable. I don't doubt the fact that formal education is a necessity.

To clarify my stance, let me say that I value education in all its forms and stages (from the informal to the formal one, low-level or higher) but not what Akufo-Addo is making noise about. I am guided in principle by some concerns, which Akufo-Addo’s pronouncements haven’t allayed so far:

·         What made him think that the country’s problems are caused by lack of free education at the senior secondary school level to produce the expertise needed for national development?

Kufuor is hurting, not helping Akufo-Addo

Friday, October 26, 2012

I have said it several times already that former President Kufuor will do himself a world of good if he zips his mouth instead of saying what hurts his image and detracts from the NPP’s political fortunes. He won’t listen and is now unwittingly eroding much of what Akufo-Addo needs to make any headway at the polls.

Kufuor is a problem for several reasons, especially the negative impact that his tenure had on the NPP’s public image, which was a major factor in the 2008 elections.

Akufo-Addo to build hostels for Kayaye too?

Thursday, October 25, 2012

In response to my opinion pieces challenging the string of Akufo-Addo’s “huhudious” promises, some NPP zealots took umbrage, forgetting that my objection to their sacred cow’s line of politicking is rooted more in reality than anything else.

Free education is good but it doesn’t have to be turned into a bombastic electioneering campaign promise for political expediency when there are more pressing sectors of national life to address. We want to take the country out of the woods but not the way Akufo-Addo is promising.

Nana Konadu dances to her own tune

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Nana Konadu Agyemang-Rawlings is in tatters and is a sight for sore eyes.

She is vigorously dancing the Azonto dance on the political scene to the tune that she herself has called. We are enjoying the spectacle but hope that she won’t dance herself lame before the actual dancing begins.

Does she deserve anybody’s pity? No, at least, not mine. She will cry all she wants to, fume all she wants to, and parade the corridors of the judiciary all she has the nerves to; but the end will not be any better than the beginning or middle for her political career. Or for her standing in the estimation of the Ghanaian citizenry. For her, the end won’t justify the means.

Will Akufo-Addo bring down the moon too for Ghanaians?

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

We can now say with all certainty—and be brazen about it too—that the NPP’s Akufo-Addo is on an electioneering campaign of sorts to outrun himself. Or to outdo his running mate.

The promises are flying all over the place, making his campaign nothing but a Las Vegas type of casino game of chance. The game plan is simple: Keep promising Ghanaians everything in one breath, vigorously tossing the dice to see if Lady Luck will smile on him!

One promise here, another one there makes his campaign for the upcoming elections more ridiculous than the jamboree and kangaroo dance that precipitated his defeat in the 2008 polls.

It seems the NPP’s political campaign is based on nothing but mere promises, which isn’t inspiring enough. Too much of everything being promised Ghanaians is becoming really bad now as its flagbearer remains fixated on nothing but promise-making and hollow claims to outdo the incumbent. Akufo-Addo has indeed seen the moon and will soon offer it to Ghanaians.

If Akufo-Addo doesn’t win the elections…

Saturday, October 20, 2012

If the NPP’s Akufo-Addo doesn’t win the upcoming Presidential elections, it will not be because he hasn’t campaigned well enough or that he hasn’t projected the best of himself to the electorate. In truth, he has done his best so far, going to all lengths, selling himself under many guises, including embarking on nationwide tours to “listen to the people” and to “restore hope” whatever that may mean.

If he loses the elections again, it will be because of issues beyond the promises that he is gushing out. May be, because of unappealing personality traits or just that he is not the person that Ghanaians wish for a leader. It may have something to do with how he performed under Kufuor or the stated failures of that administration itself. Or simply because he is just not destined to be the President of Ghana. Or all combined!!

Let there be light… and there is no light!

Saturday, October 20, 2012

Isn’t it troubling that Ghanaians continue to suffer from the curse of load shedding (power rationing) every year while those in authority look on unconcerned until election time approaches when they emerge on rooftops to project the Father Christmas in them?

The denial of electricity to the people traumatizes them in many ways but there is nothing on the horizon to suggest that the problem will be solved soon. It has been so for decades and won’t end soon, no matter what the politicians promise. In Ghanaian politics, the “promise-and-fail” norm is beyond debate.

Some things that hurt the NPP’s image

Friday, October 19, 2012

I am really skeptical about Ghanaian politicians, especially those who say too many conflicting or alarming things in one breath just for the sake of winning public goodwill.

The controversy generated by Akufo-Addo’s promise of free senior high school education and free health care for children under 18 years still rages. Although some (including chiefs and NPP hirelings parading as journalists) have tacitly accepted that promise of free SHS education as the solution to Ghana’s hydra-headed problems and are all over the place placarding it as the NPP’s flagship policy, some of us have quickly dismissed it as a mere political gimmick and remained dogged in our opposition to it.

We dispute the claims and self-serving arguments being bandied about by the NPP followers in support of the string of Akufo-Addo-generated promises. And we won’t change our stance.

The MIGHTY Rawlingses have fallen on their own swords…

Friday, October 19, 2012

Believe it or not, there is wailing, cursing, and gnashing of teeth in the household of the Rawlingses. Why? Because the Electoral Commission has decreed that they do so.

By exercising its mandate in the strongest vein so far, the EC has found fault with Nana Konadu Agyemang-Rawlings’ nomination forms and resolutely disqualifying her from contesting the December Presidential elections.

And with this devastating blow, the EC has brought the black sheep of Ghana politics (Nana Konadu) face-to-face with reality. Will the black ram of Ghana politics (Jerry John Rawlings) join her to mourn the sudden end of her political ambitions—and the setting of his own political sun?

Where is the moral high ground for Rawlings?

Monday, October 15, 2012

The ugly noise that Rawlings continues to make about his so-called principles of “probity and accountability”—which is the motivation for his persistent undermining of his successors—is more than annoying.

According to him, everybody in Ghana is corrupt except him and his wife. As he continues to fight against the interests of the very party that he toiled to nurture into a formidable force in Ghanaian politics, Rawlings casts a huge doubt on his own integrity, more so as he bases all considerations on his claim of corruption.

And he worsens his credibility problem by constantly annoying Ghanaians with incessant references to the so-called principles of probity and accountability as the hallmark of his politicking—and the yardstick by which he has continued to judge all governments except his own.

Time to show Rawlings the door out of the NDC!

Saturday, October 13, 2012

It is no exaggeration to say that former President Rawlings and his wife have become political pests. They have nothing new to offer Ghanaians except those political rivals of the NDC who see them today as new-found allies.

As they continue to defy common sense and reason, they make a huge mockery of themselves and the legacy that they should have been working hard to defend, not destroy. Probably, they are themselves not proud of that legacy. I pity them as they stew in their foolhardiness.

Akufo-Addo to die in service to Ghana?

Tuesday, October 11, 2012

The NPP’s Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo is daring the devil in Ghanaian voters. He is, indeed, fast working himself into a frenzy at every turn as he ratchets up his political campaign efforts and has now reached the point of pushing his neck into the noose.

He has asked Ghanaians to hang him if he fails to deliver on his promises, particularly, the fee-free second cycle education, should the voters give him the mandate to rule Ghana (The Ghanaian Chronicle, Oct. 11, 2012).

Let’s hear him as he spoke in Kumasi over the weekend: “I should be taken to the cleaners if I renege on my avowed promise of actualising the free SHS concept.”

The gathering might have applauded him, but I consider that outrageous challenge as the height of desperation and foolhardiness. Akufo-Addo comes across at this stage as really desperate for a political office that he seems not to know full well.

Who needs a “Sole Commissioner for Judgement Debts”?

Monday, October 8, 2012

President John Dramani Mahama on Monday swore into office Justice Yaw Appau, as the Sole Commissioner of Judgment debt. His main task is “to investigate the judgment debt cases the nation has been confronted with” (Myjoyonline, October 8, 2012).

This measure is in fulfillment of President Mahama’s pledge to Ghanaians in his broadcast to the nation to appoint an independent sole commissioner for this purpose.

Welcome to this onerous task, Justice Appau; but I have serious doubts whether this is how to solve the problem. I won’t hail it as a welcome relief because it is a mere face-saving move. It won’t end the judgement debt spree. For how long will Justice Appau do his assignment for government to act on his recommendations? We need action now, not any further complication of simple cases of thievery through an empty bureaucratic move!!

Woe betide the nay-sayers!

Tuesday, October 2, 2012

At long last, political maturity has triumphed over parochialism and 45 constituencies created by the EC will have legal backing.

The NPP followers may be chafing for losing the gamble, but they have themselves to blame for not allowing common sense and good conscience to guide their political manouevres. If the EC could add 30 constituencies to the lot under Kufuor, why should it be prevented from exercising that same legitimate constitutional mandate this time?   

Who let the political dogs out to have a field day?

Tuesday, October 2, 2012

Certainly, Ghanaian politics is known for its “nonsense.” Those who don’t have the stomach for that nonsense shouldn’t participate in it lest they either choke on it or vomit out what their squeamish stomachs can’t contain. We know those who have been choked out of contention and those who have had to vomit what they ingested the wrong way.

Today, a new twist has been added to this spectacle. The NPP leadership have not only vomited but they have done the unusual act of returning to their vomit to swallow as the last resort for political survival. Disgusting, one might say—and rightly so too!!