The xenophobic violence in South Africa: A lot more than mere hatred for immigrants

Sunday, April 19, 2015

Folks, news reports about the xenophobic violence against immigrants in South Africa are disturbing. So also are reports that 12 Ghanaians (considered to be Christians) among a group of Africans emigrating to Europe via the Mediterranean Sea had been thrown overboard by their Muslim migrating counterparts to perish just because of “religious differences”.

The happenings in South Africa are particularly troubling for several reasons; and they raise very serious questions:

On the appointment of Ghana’s Electoral Commissioner: Why is the NPP paranoid?

Monday, April 13, 2015

Folks, let me be brazen to say upfront that elections are won at the polls, not by any manipulation by an Electoral Commissioner, which reduces to absurdity the useless apprehensions being expressed by the NPP leaders regarding the procedures for Election 2016.

The illustrious son of the Brong-Ahafo Region and Ghana, Dr. Kwadwo Afari-Gyan, has served Ghana with sterling performance and is to retire in June, having chalked the ripe age of 70 years in this wretched, troubled, and sickened world. He has contributed hugely toward Ghana's stability and deserves tons of commendation and appreciation from anybody who knows the checkered history of Ghana.

Our democracy is wobbling on its head… (Part II)

Saturday, March 14, 2015

The situation in Ghana over the years, especially since the emergence of this 4th Republic, has confirmed that this democracy is designed to serve the large interests and self-acquisitive purposes of the wily, slimy politicians and not those whose sweat, labour, and toil generates the wealth to sustain that kind of run-away, reckless politics.

And for the sake of political expediency, anything bothering on ethnicity can be used by such unconscionable politicians to divide ranks. Don't ask me why. Beyond it all are the real problems that are often glossed over just because those paying the piper are doing overtime. Too bad!!

Our democracy is wobbling on its head… (Part I)

Saturday, March 14, 2015

Folks, I am poised to touch raw nerves, having sat back all this while to critically observe and analyze issues pertaining to Ghana's developmental challenges to conclude that the kind of democracy being practised is sham and shameful.

And there is always a fad to drive it in full throttle. Many negative happenings at all levels attest to the fact that this kind of democracy is not designed to solve problems but to compound existing ones, even as it creates new ones to confound Ghanaians and create fertile grounds for those walking the corridors of power to exploit.

As March 6 approaches, what will Ghanaians genuinely hope to celebrate?

Thursday, January 5, 2015

Folks, much water has passed under the bridge since Ghana emerged from the ashes of the Gold Coast at independence on Thursday, March 6, 1957, with a national identity encapsulated in a national flag,  anthem, and political rhetoric highlighting the entrenchment of the "black man" in positions hitherto occupied by representatives of the British colonial enterprise. As Nkrumah put it, everything had been done to prove that "the black man is capable of managing his own affairs".

Since then, the “black man” has occupied the shell of political office but not proved that what the white colonial masters couldn’t do to improve the lot of his people, he can do. Problems making it difficult for Ghanaians to live their lives have remained insoluble; and they are even being worsened each passing day. Pan in hand, the “black man is chasing the white man around the globe for redemption. Did we come or did we go?

Over the years, much has happened to challenge this political rhetoric of independence. In our contemporary political era (this 4th Republic), the challenges are really life-threatening. They have proved to be insurmountable and are steadily pushing the country toward the precipice of self-destruction. You shouldn’t be surprised at the spate of street demonstrations!!

Is Ghana still a secular state?

Monday, March 2, 2015

Folks, many happenings in our contemporary Ghana leave me wondering whether we really are serious about spending time and resources solving problems to improve living conditions. We seem to have too much time and too little to do and make ourselves idle enough for the devil to give assignments to.

And our leaders are happy that we have all the zeal to do such unproductive assignments, even as they (themselves) do worse assignments but manage to exploit the situation for personal gains. Too pathetic!!

The heads of some second cycle (mostly Christian) institutions have intensified efforts to ensure that students attend church services against their will and religion. Recently, Muslim women were also asked to remove their hijabs before they would be allowed to take passport pictures for their examinations.

So, nothing refreshing ever comes from Akufo-Addo and his NPP?

Wednesday, February 4, 2015

Folks, the ceremony to celebrate 50 years of Joseph Boakye Danquah (No one who needs any description of him) has turned out to be the usual occasion for anti-Mahama rhetoric by the NPP and its Akufo-Addo as if doing so will endear them to the hearts of the electorate.

Here is how Akufo-Addo's hot-headed but empty rabble-rousing speech is "headlined" by the ever-declining MyJoyOnline: "JB Danquah would want Mahama out of office - Akufo-Addo"

(See more at: http://www.myjoyonline.com/politics/2015/February-4th/jb-danquah-would-want-mahama-out-of-office-akufo-addo.php#sthash.CJi8tWYN.dpuf)

At the same time, the rusty Professor Mike Ocquaye is claiming that Danquah had anticipated the energy crisis facing Ghana and made plans for it. The claim is that he would have put Ghana in a better shape had he been voted into office.