THE THREAT IS CLOSER THAN FAR: THE TERROR ATTACK ON COTE D’IVOIRE IS A CALL TO ACTION

Yesterday, Grand- Bassam, a tourist town in Cote D’Ivoire was thrown into a state of shock when 16 people were killed by, as we know now terrorists. An eye witness who spoke with the BBC claimed he saw a terrorist shoot a woman in the chest and a baby despite the woman’s fervent pleas.

Soon after, the terror group, Al-Quaida in the Magrib (AQIM) claimed responsibility for the attack in which 14 civilians and two Ivorian forces were killed. It was announced that six of the terrorists were killed in the ensuing attack.

This brings the total number of attacks by these terror organization to three in West Africa alone since November, 2015. The countries of Mali (in November) and Burkina Faso (in January) had all been targeted by these terrorist group and the prediction was that other countries along the West African coast might be hit if their security surveillance is not intensified. 

What is of concern is that, these terrorists seemed to be three steps ahead of the security forces of targeted countries. In the case of Cote D’Ivoire, they undertook this dastardly act before the Ivoirian security forces could crackdown on them. Tensions are now high and many other countries would be on the lookout to avoid getting outwitted and becoming victims of such atrocious deeds.

THE BIG ISSUE:

Security experts have forewarned nations about the spread of terror attacks following the conflicts in North Africa-notably Libya and Tunisia. In Ghana, Dr. Kwesi Aning of the Kofi Annan Centre International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPC), following the insurrections in Libya, cited the many weapons in civilian hands as a potential threat to security.

Coupled with the marauding and increasing ‘arrogance’ of terror power exhibited by Boko Haram in Nigeria, Dr. Aning advised for a concerted action by Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union (AU) to halt the spread of this cancer called terrorism.

 It is worth stating that, the attack style employed by these terrorists in recent times follows a particular model. They attack resort or tourist sites or places patronized by foreigners and locals alike.  Here are three examples. When these terrorists attacked Tunisia recently, it was a beach resort patronized by both locals and expatriates. They attacked a holidaying grounds in Mali and hotels in Burkina Faso. The template of attack was repeated once more in Cote D’Ivoire yesterday. Coincidence? Not as I see it.

THE GHANAIAN CONTEXT:

A lot of concerns were raised when Mali was attacked by Ghanaians about the safety of Ghana and whether the security forces are putting measures to ensure the safety of her citizens. The talk intensified when Burkina Faso was hit. Now, our western neighbour has been attacked and the need to ask how prepared our security operatives are at curbing or halting any of these misfortune from happening in the country.

Ghana has, fortunately been spared of any major misfortune that affect its security, survival or people. The country has been spared of any civil unrest or terror attack. Ghana was not affected by the Ebola scourge that swept across the West African regional belt.

This fortunate credits should not delude us into thinking we are special or a favoured country. One is not praying for any misfortune to happen but alert those with power to make decisions to wake up; be alert and institute measures, through education and continuous conscientization of citizens to be vigilant and report any suspicious persons or movements.

The police must also be proactive and not assume a sit- and-watch tactics when reports are made to them by citizens. Yes, not all the reports would be true; there are bogus informants in our midst as former Security Chief, K.B. Quantson would say. However, all reports must be heeded to with seriousness since the day one would pay less attention may be the day these terrorists might execute their heinous crimes. 

What makes this whole situation very frightening is that the terrorists who undertake these crimes are ordinary, everyday folks who are part of us; they live among us. They are locals-homegrown whom may be colleagues or neighbours and even friends. They are not foreigners who travel from a different country, enter the country and cause mayhem although it is the case sometimes.

I would end by sharing a tweet by a friend Jemila Adbulai (@jabdulai) that sums up this essay.

The point of these tweets is this:

- The danger is not as far away as we think
- We are nowhere as prepared as we shd be#CotedIvoire

— #HowToBlogSeries (@jabdulai) March 13, 2016

 We should all be on the alert.

THE GOVERNMENT, GITMO AND THE SPIRIT OF COMPASSION

Prez. John Mahama

 Since news broke that our government has in a ‘secret’ meeting accepted to house two former Guantanamo terror suspects now declared ‘low risk’ suspects, the media, political opponents and the country’s conscience has been pricked. A lot of talk, some based on genuine concerns, others for political advantage and others joining the chorus, has gone on for weeks unending.

I’m not interested in the debate as to whether the two ex-detainees, Khalid al-Dhuby and Mahmoud Omar Bin Atef, are terrorist at all or ‘low risk’ and it’s defined. According to the government spokespersons, who seem to be singing from one ‘this-is-what-you-must-tell-the-people’ note pad and quoting a 2010 US Security document, these two have been cleared of any wrong doing thus are innocent.  According to government spokespersons, the often quoted 2007 US Security Report on the detainees listing them as ‘low-risk’ terrorists is inaccurate.

The former GITMO detainees

I’m not interested in the palpable fear these two may pose to the security of Ghanaians. The argument has been made that their alliance with Al-Qaeda-which we are told is far-fetched, could put the country at risk of future terror attack.

I’m not interested in the question of whether the government is footing any bills for hosting these two individuals. The explanations to this question has been, for lack of a better description, akin to an agbadza dance (two steps forward, two back).  Earlier, the Communication Ministry through the Deputy Minister, Felix Kwakye Ofosu said the government is not bearing any cost in hosting the GITMO 2. Later, the US Embassy official contradicted the government position saying the government of Ghana is bearing a fraction of the cost. Later, the US Embassy came to retract its statement.

Who I’m I to doubt the President, when he said at his meeting with journalists’ fortnight ago, that he accepted to host the GITMO 2 based on his Christian principle of compassion. As a Christian, it is your duty to express compassion to the suffering. Legitimate.

In the whole GITMO 2 conversations, one point I keep hearing is why the government or president didn’t inform the people of Ghana before taking this action. In other words, why wasn’t the views of the good people of Ghana, who have elected the president to its position and for whom he should be accountable to, decided to side step us; keep us in the dark about the whole affair with the US.

I chuckle whenever I hear such point made by political opponents, opinion leaders and ordinary Ghanaians. My chuckle is born by this: whether if those making these request really know a time in our history when the governments we have had had ever consulted us on any of its actions.

The only time the government(s) come to ask of our views or opinions on any subject is when it is time to elect a new government, which is every four years. That’s the time they remember how important we are in shaping the destiny of the country.

I won’t attempt to know the reason why the framers of the Constitution chose for us a hybrid system of government-where there is an Executive and a Legislative branches exist independently. But, I’m tempted to think it’s to ensure that the chosen Parliamentarians, who are our representatives-would speak for us (their constituents). That is, when there is a serious matter at stake, these Parliamentarians would consult their constituents and would communicate the consensus reached by their people.

But again, wasn’t the Parliament of Ghana side stepped in this arrangement? And they heard it via the Fox News reportage about Ghana accepting to house these two Yemenis like all of us?

Isn’t it the usual occurrence that many a times, when serious national issues are to be discussed in Parliament, our representatives choose to put forth their political parties cloak rather than that of Ghana? That’s they vote based on their political party sympathies rather than consider the national interest? There are a lot of issues to give credence to this issue. Recent example; the Ghana and AMERI Power deal.

Truth be told, this brand of democracy we have been practicing since 1992 has many positives which as people, we are very proud and happy to continue advancing. But, when the people feel they are being treated with contempt, their views not considered; their government lying to them and making excuses for their actions, then the tenet of democracy is being defeated. And that could be dangerous.

But, we are told the President has a record of taking very unpopular decisions. This is not the first. These unpopular decisions, according to government spokespersons, yield positive outcome at the end of the day. After all, the mark of a great leader is your ability to take bold, calculative and far fetching decisions when the time comes.

We dier, Ghana We Dey.  

NDC PRIMARIES AND FALLOUTS

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) Parliamentary election is over. The outcome is a mix bag of surprises and shocks. Whiles some party stalwarts retained their positions, others fell off hard. Some who had tasted parliament for the first time were kicked out.

The primary was a novelty. It was the first time the ruling NDC had expanded their electoral base to include all its members across the 6,000 polling stations in the 275 constituencies nationwide.  Despite some few hitches, the process was largely peaceful.

Surprises And Casualties

Bigwigs such as E.T Mensah (one of the three wise men in the majority side of Parliament), Alfred Agbesi (Deputy Majority Leader), George Loh, Dr. Mustapha Ahmed, Nii Armah Ashietey and Dr. Alhassan Ahmed lost, (un)surprisingly, the primaries to candidates you could describe as ‘novices’.

E.T.Mensah (L) was defeated by Sam George

Political watchers were not greatly surprised with the loss suffered by some incumbent MPs such as Nii Armah Ashietey since the Dr. Zanetor Rawlings attraction was one that could not be ignored. Minister of Youth and Sports, Dr. Mustapha Ahmed’s loss also did not come as a surprise to many within the Ayawaso North constituency.

The biggest upset of the day was at Ningo-Prampram, where the five -time Member of Parliament, Enoch Teye Mensah, was unseated by an overwhelming margin by his very own ‘small boy’, Sam George after a bitter campaign. Sam George won the contest with 4,910 votes to Mr. E.T. Mensah’s 2,861 votes.

Analysts place the defeat of Mr. E.T. Mensah down to two reasons: First, his ‘contribution’ to making Prampram-his hometown- a district capital at the expense of Ningo. Though, this allegation might be erroneous, the people of Ningo felt his ‘development agenda’ was skewed to favour Prampram.

Second, the people felt he had occupied the position for far too long-a total of 25 years-and that a new face was needed going into 2016 General Elections. And in Sam George, a son of Ningo, they saw a befitting successor.

The signs for E.T. Mensah to step down were present if not clear. In 2012, the total votes of E.T. Mensah fell from around 71% in 2008 to 54% in 2012 in Ningo Prampram. The constituency, since 1996 has been an NDC stronghold and seeing the opposition NPP candidate, who hails from Ningo, earn a significant percent of votes in 2012 was enough evidence for him to either sit up or get out on his volition.

The defeat of Alfred Agbesi (Ashaiman), George Loh (North Dayi) and Dr. Alhassan Ahmed (Mion) to young faces such as Ernest Norgbey, Jocelyn Tetteh and Dr. Mu-Awia Zakaria respectively is shocking considering their influence and stature in parliament and government.

MPs Promises and Implications

The penchant of politicians to promise all sort of developmental projects during political campaigns has been identified as one of the primary reasons some fail to get their mandates renewed after their tenure is nearing closure.

Aspiring MPs choose to speak about constructing roads, creating jobs, building schools rather than their constitutionally mandated duty of making laws. MPs play a lobbying role via wooing colleague ministers and government for development projects and using part of their Common Funds to undertake certain projects. But the real job of local development falls within the chest of the various District, Metropolitan and Municipal Assemblies. This I’m-building-this-which means –I’m-working- so- vote- for- me’ syndrome must not be the case but its reality.

Accra based radio station Citi FM organized a Parliamentary debate for contestants in the Ledzokuku-Krowor Constituency a couple of weeks ago and listening to the concerns of the locals, one wonders if the electorates really understand the work of an MP. From why a road hasn’t been constructed to why the MP didn’t visit them when someone passed away showcased a hollow understanding of (an) MPs mandate. But, again can you blame them? They are holding these MPs to what they promised.

For those who failed to secure another tenure, it is simply because the voting public thought them as ‘detached’ from them-that is, they felt their concerns –whether collectively or individually-were not satisfied by their MPs so they had to punish these crop of MPs

Can’t this misinterpretation of the role of MPs by a large section of the electorates, provoke a debate on electing District or Municipal and Metropolitan Chief Executives in the country since they are the real development agents at the local levels?

2016 Election lines Drawn

Now, that the NDC has elected their 2016 parliamentary candidates, the two major parties are ready to slug it out in 2016 for the hearts and thumbs of electorates. Notwithstanding the fact that some of these candidates have an easy stroll into parliament come 2016-for those who find themselves within the confines of each parties ‘World Bank’, the battle would be tough for those who are within a more cosmopolitan and ‘swing’ regions.

These parties would be going full hog, fighting for every thumb within their constituency and the country. Allegations of overt and covert designs from within or outside of respective parties to diminish an opponent’s or parties chances would be rampant because the prize of winning is huge for their respective parties either at the parliamentary and presidential fronts.

With Ghanaians seemingly getting fed up with the (in)actions of the ruling government and the main opposition party, NPP in self-destructive mode and no real third force in sight, the 2016 elections promises to be exciting and competitive. And we all wish it would be peaceful and violent free.

WHY SOME DEY SO?

THIS past Sunday, I went to the neighborhood gas filling station to have my gas cylinder filled. The gas decided to finish on a SUNDAY, when most commercial activities cease because God must be worshipped.

I woke up late with hunger pangs-thanks to eating ‘light’ supper as the doctors have been advising lately-healthy living (that whole light eating concept is something I’ve never understood). To the kitchen I went, put on the stove, and lighted the match but no flame rose. At first, I thought the gas knob was turned off. It wasn’t. I was confused for a moment.

My hood was (and still) experiencing dumsor-4 days straight-so there was no way to use the electric kettle to boil water for breakfast. I had to drink my tea with ordinary cold water. This was torture at play.

I took the gamble of getting to the gas station hoping for a miracle after all it is a Sunday. Luckily, they were operating so I got my cylinder filled. I entered into a conversation with the cab driver whom I met at the gas station to take me home. I would have carried the cylinder on my shoulder and trekked home in my younger years. Now, I won’t dare because man must spend his energies on more important things than carrying a cylinder.

I asked the driver if he operated within my locality to which he replied in the negative. According to him, he works at the gas station and only drives his taxi mostly on Sundays after 4pm and on weekdays if he closes early. He told me it is better to park the taxi for 6 days than give it to some driver to manhandle the car since the last two drivers he hired didn’t handle the car and sales as expected.

This is a very familiar concern; that some of the taxi drivers they employ ‘enjoy’ more than they the owners. They either don’t maintain the car very well or don’t turn in their daily sales. These frustrating encounters had led to many car owners choosing to park their cars than hand it out to a driver to misuse. One car owner told me he had to convert his taxi back to a private car and rent it out to visitors to a particular hotel in his area who wished to drive around.

I sat in a taxi once where I overhead the driver and a passenger (obviously a driver) discuss a colleague who has now lost his job. This now unemployed friend was in the habit of defrauding his ‘master’ by pocketing the money he takes to fix the car even if the car had no fault. He executed his plan in connivance with his mechanic who issued him with receipts.

His master happened to find out about his driver’s cheating ways and took his car. According to them, the daily sales their friend was supposed to tender to his master was the lowest anybody would wish for. He was also given the freedom to ply any route if necessary. In short, the master was a kind and considerate man.

So, the question to ask is: why do some drivers or persons take such actions? To prove they are smart or wise? Or it is part of their being to fail to think far and consequences of their actions?

This behavior is not only peculiar to drivers. Some in other professions do same. They steal from their employers and help in pulling the business down. And when the business collapses or they get fired, they turn to blame unknown enemies, impotent spirits and non-existent witches in their families. They forget how their (in) actions contributed to the overall collapse of the business and their new found status-unemployed person.

There is an Akan adage which translate as ‘do your best for others and others will in turn do same for you’. That should be the lesson in this life. Ironically, many know this but refuse to adhere to it. WHY WE DEY SO?

WHEN LEADERSHIP IS CAUGHT IN THE WEB OF SURPRISE

"I promise you, I will work with your documentary"; this is what the Chief Justice told me this morning when I was invited to her office for a short meeting on my documentary , Locked and Forgotten". via Seth Kwame Boateng’s Facebook page

Yesterday, Joy FM’s senior reporter, Seth Kwame Boateng was granted a privileged audience by the Chief Justice of the Republic of Ghana, Mrs. Georgina Wood following a broadcast of  his documentary on Joy FM and Joy News titled ‘Locked and Forgotten’.

The documentary investigated the dehumanizing conditions in our prisons and how some remand prisoners have been locked up for years without sentencing by a competent court of jurisdiction.

The documentary led to the granting of relieves to some prison inmates who have been on remand for years. So, in the normal scheme of things, such wonderful, people focused journalism should be applauded and celebrated.

Seth Kwame Boateng (R) with the Chief Justice

The work put in by Seth Kwame Boateng and the reprieve it had brought to some prisoners could potentially land him the coveted Journalist of the Year accolade at the 2015 Ghana Journalist Awards.

However, what is surprising is the expression of surprise by those who should know better about the flaws in the judicial system and the dehumanizing conditions existing in the prisons. I am talking about the head of the Judiciary, the Interior Minister and others who have direct access to information(s) about the prison system.

This is not the first time such an expose has been carried out on the state of affairs at our prisons. I recall some years back, Metro TV carried out an investigative documentary about life within the four walls of our prisons, bringing to viewers shots of prison cells, inmates infected with various skin  diseases and the poor food they get served.

http://www.myjoyonline.com/…/interior-minister-applauds-mul…

Other journalists have written extensively on prison conditions. Ex-convicts have complained bitterly, whenever the opportunity had granted itself, about the worst form of treatment they endured at prisons. Lawyers who have visited the prisons have worrying testaments to share about prison life. The CHRAJ and other human rights bodies have complained on many occasions about the inhuman conditions in the prisons as well.

The Chief Justice have made trips to the prisons and seen and heard about the conditions, challenges and complaints. The Interior Minister and many before the current one had been there also. So, for them to express surprise about the system which keeps people on remand for years as well as the dehumanizing conditions at the prisons is utterly surprising.

Yes, I know about the Justice- For- All Programme-where prisoners on remand and others whose sentences are considered absurd per their crimes are given reprieve or amnesty. The programme, instituted in 2007, was to de-congest the prisons. So far, it has achieved an appreciable success rate but then, more should be done to help prisoners on remand.

Human right institutions have on numerous occasions called for prison reforms and on the courts to commit petty criminals to community services instead of full blown prison terms. 

Others have called for improvement on the conditions at the prisons. The prison, as we understand it, should be a reformative institute. However, that purpose seems defeated in the midst of tales of how it is easy for ‘soft’ criminals to become hardened criminals by the end of their prison terms.

The Chief Justice and the Interior Minister have expressed commitment to cause a change within the prison institution and we can only wish them all the best. Measures to improve the lives of inmates is crucial and important and a welcoming news.

The fact that these unfortunate individuals are behind bars does not make them less humans or citizens. It is the responsibility of the state to care and protect the rights of her citizens including incarcerated souls. This should have happened long ago but as the cliché goes: better late than never.

Watch Locked and Forgotten documentary here
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kxsoOK3uXVM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jmdWBzMtwkY&spfreload=10

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i2AY2F7ixfo&spfreload=10

A LETTER TO DR. NKRUMAH

On this day, 49 years ago, Ghana’s first President, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah was overthrown by military officers to usher Ghana into a period of many coups. Some argue, including this writer, Hamza Moshood that, this coup changed the history of Ghana and her destiny.

Hamza pens a letter to Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, updating him on what is left of Ghana as at now.

Dear Osagyefo,

A year away from today will mark half a century since that imperialist orchestrated event, perpetrated by dreadful stooges, took place. You left Ghana for Hanoi on the 21st of February 1966, never to return again. They struck while you were away on a peace mission. On a peace mission! Imagine that!

Exactly 49 years ago today, the train that was on its way to the total liberation and full development of Ghana (and Africa, at large) was derailed. I mention Africa because you have always been of a very strong conviction that the hope, aspirations and destinies of all the people of Africa are innately intertwined (...The Independence of Ghana is meaningless until it is linked up with the total liberation of the African Continent): and for that some criticized and accused you of a whole lot. 

A dejected Dr. Nkrumah

They say you were too preoccupied with the continent that you lost sight of the developmental works that had to be undertaken in Ghana. I retort. I ask them to show me what all subsequent governments-who have been ‘so concerned’ with Ghana's development- have done in comparison to what you achieved in 8 years, and find them wanting.

Speaking of your achievements: institutions, industries and all, it will devastate you to know what is left of them today. Some have been ignored to rot, some mismanaged and pillaged into non existence, while we still benefit, till today, from the remaining few.

The NLC Members who overthrew Nkrumah on 24th Feb, 1966

The Akosombo Dam is one of such infrastructures that are still beneficial to us today; over 50 years later. But the problem, Osagyefo, is that Ghana's current population is almost 5 times what the population was at the time of the dam's construction. Yet, our leaders seem to not realise that the nation has outstripped the capacity of the dam, and as a result, Ghana is experiencing an energy crisis. We call it ‘Dumsor’.

They are so unlike you, these leaders: Visionless. It's really heart wrenching, Osagyefo, to witness how disconnected from the masses these people become soon after we transfer power from our thumbs into their hands. What it means to serve seems to be so lost on them. I remember Mr. K.B. Asante telling us at an event, about how you eventually made the weekends a part of your working days: You and all your ministers. In true leadership style, he says, you set the precedent. Now if that isn't dedication, selfless servitude, then I wonder what that could be called.

Today, our president does nothing but insult our intelligence. Ministers of State mock and disrespect us, blatantly and constantly, all the while, looting our taxpayers money, and participating in the rape of our resources.

Things are bad now, Osagyefo. Very bad. So bad that some of our own people, Ghanaians, Africans, have expressed their desire for...wait for it...a return to colonial rule. Despicable! Preposterous! But it only goes to show how shambolic things are. It's as shameful as it is saddening how these puppets perpetuate the silly and ridiculous assertion that we are incapable of governing ourselves.

Talking about some our people indicating their want for a colonial government (which I find rather ignorant) reminds me of the bit of our people who blame our current state of affairs on you for having made the colonialists leave "way too early." What a laugh!

What haven't they done to taint your image! Now you have some brainwashed misinformed 

ones thinking you're the "worst leader Ghana has ever had." Ah, the sacrilege!

Just a few weeks ago, they reared their heads again: descendants of the traitors, making unfounded claims, publishing letters and all, trying to win sympathy; trying to play victim(s); trying to distort history. But they forget, it seems that there can be only one absolute truth. They call(ed) you "heartless", a "dictator." I laugh and say "it's only a fool who will make a dog bite them, when they have a stick in hand." Besides, it's not like they wouldn't do much more than what you did if they had numerous attempts made on their lives.

Kids playing around a fallen statue of Kwame Nkrumah

All of this sounds so grim and disheartening. Exactly so. But don't you worry, Osagyefo. There are some of us who have sought the absolute truth and found it. Thank you for writing. How immensely it's helped. And thank goodness the enemies weren't able to burn all your books and writings. I can only imagine how many facts and how much knowledge would be buried from us. 

Once again, thank you for writing. We will try, till the death of us, to represent what you stood for, and keep the struggle going.

The struggle for the realisation of your dream: A United Africa, totally liberated, rid of anti-people, profit centered capitalism. An Africa devoid of any form of imperialism and colonialism. 

Your sacrifices shall not be in vain.

Rest well, Osagyefo, and do send us some strength, dignified ancestor.

RE: BLAME THE OPPOSITION

It was during my study of Historiography (one of the most difficult courses I’ve ever taken) that I got exposed to some of the tools politicians employ to advance and exonerate themselves of any blame, any blemish in their efforts to remain ‘holy’ and ‘white as snow’.

One of these tools is Blaming the Opposition party for all things going wrong. And since the Greeks modified and codified the practice of modern politics, this tool has remained a ‘sacred’ arsenal for justification of political (in) actions.

Last week, my friend Ekow Ata-Aidoo (@ekowmaisse) chose to share on his blog an article with the above heading (read full text here http://wp.me/p54CZc-V   ). 

The man was frustrated by the excessive finger pointing by the government and her appendages at the former government’s (NPP) mismanagement of the economy especially the energy sector as the reason for the seemingly unending energy crisis blighting the prosperity the prosperity of Ghana.

courtesy Infoboxx 

My article is to bring to his attention that blaming your political opponents is an art in realpolitik. It is a tool to score political points. It is a tool used to bamboozle the many who are ignorant, unthinking and blinded by political affiliation to go to town with the mantra of their government. 

Every party which comes to power will draw on this card to advance, justify its incompetence. This strategy is aptly captured by George Orwell in his famous novel Animal Farm, where Napoleon kept blaming Snowball for the destruction of the windmill.

The current energy crisis-dumsor- is having grave effect on every aspect of national life. I’m sure the economic figures from the Ghana Statistical Service, the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) and other agencies tracking the economic performance of Ghana will have a lot to say on the correlation between dumsor and economic growth of Ghana.

Though the government tells us initiatives are in place to ameliorate this suffocating and annoying situation, it is interesting to note the perspectives of some energy experts that an increase in generation capacity and generating the power are mutually exclusive.

Ekow, my good friend, stop stressing. Don’t let your blood boil. Just relax. The blame game won’t fly out of the window within your lifetime.  In African or Ghanaian politics, owning up to mediocrity or failure is not in our DNA. Owning up is a political suicide. No right thinking party will ever want to do that. Why should the balance sheet of a party have more negatives than positives? Apuut)!!!

Heaping blame on the opposition by the ruling party for a ruling government’s incompetence is designed for politicians to use and in Africa or Ghana; it could save a party from losing all credibility in the eyes of voters. It wins sympathy, makes your opponents appear untrusting, uncaring and incompetent in the eyes of the nation and the world.

It is a tool worth having and carrying (no matter the weight) everyday, everywhere. It is the greatest and most valuable piece of art in the politicians’ briefcase.

Long live the concept and practice of political blame game. May it never, never, never die!!

PS. Did I read that our president, the communication expert really pointing to the number of mobile phone users as one of the reason for this energy crisis? I don’t want to believe. I think he was misquoted. The president, who was the deputy Communication Minister and under whose watch the nation’s communication journey came to maturity saying this? Hey, the gods must be crazy!

MY PREDICTIONS FOR 2015

I had wanted to write on the major highlights of 2014 but I shelved it simply because a lot of the issues I had in mind had been written covered by individuals with more competence than I do on my platforms.

  

Also, the issues are all known to us-Corruption, Inflation and the Cedis woeful performance on the international currency market vis-à-vis the Bank of Ghana’s desperate employment of measures which I, with my SSS economics, knew was bound to fail; the drug menace and yes, Black Stars abysmal, shameful and insulting performance and (in) actions of other ‘football people’ at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

There was the Dzamefe World Cup Commission of Inquiry and the crying episodes. Until the former Sports Minister, Elvis Ankrah and another Member of the Black Star Committee, Adu Asare, I hadn’t seen people with such gravitas crying on TV before. All the big men I’ve seen crying was at funeral grounds.

The tangible legacy we left in Brazil was a story for Hollywood to enact ($3M airlifted to players from Ghana as playing bonuses and fans who sought asylum in Brazil). On the heel of this fiasco came the badly managed axing of Coach Kwesi Appiah and the appointment of Israeli Avram Grant, which ‘patriotic’ Ghanaians thought was a betrayal of Ghana by the Ghana Football Association.

The unsolvable energy crisis (or is it challenge?) popularly referred to as dumsor came to blind us some more from seeing the ‘good works’ of President Mahama and his government. The excuses and dates for the attainment of full energy came and went, but still darkness prevailed, worsening even.

Adenta, the poster town for places with no water, witnessed a miracle last month-water started flowing through their tapes after a decade. There is hope my people for things to work.  I pray other towns in the outskirts of Accra will soon enjoy the ‘Adenta Experience’ as well.  

On the continent, Ebola visited, wrecking havoc in neighbouring nations such as Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea. Ghana was spared of any Ebola case and we are thankful. Boko Haram continued their madness, terrorizing Nigerians and causing panic among West African states.

A lot happened and more situations will arise in 2015 in Ghana, more specifically. Here are some of my predictions for 2015

1. Caustic Political Campaigning:

2015 will definitely be the year when the major political parties will intensify their attempts at winning the minds and hearts of ‘floating’ voters, as the 2016 General Elections cast its shadow. 

The incumbent NDC, under President Mahama, will attempt to win a second term in office. The NPP will, after being in opposition for 8 years, seek to wrestle power and offer the people of Ghana, the ‘better governance’ they have them humming.

With the elections of new executives out of the way for both parties-note that both parties have new leaders at the helm- the path has been cleared for full political assault on the ears of Ghanaians and also, on each other.

Judging by how close the 2008 and 2012 elections were, 2016 will be a very tight, extremely combative and fierce duel. As to whether a third force can spring a surprise, we wait to see.

In short, 2015 will be a busy campaign year for all parties. Trust the dirty campaigning and politicking to take place-mudslinging, secret tapes and brazen insults to up the ante.

2.  DUMSOR Shall Prevail: The merger between Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) and the Ghana National Gas Company (GGC) seems to have been finalized though Ghana Gas boss, Prof. Kwesi Botchwey may disagree. The long awaited panacea to Ghana’s energy crises seem to have come on stream, finally and if we are to believe the government, there will abundant energy for the country to enjoy.

However, listening to officials of Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) unable to provide a substantive time frame to end the dumsor crisis, one is left to wonder if ever the situation will be remedied. I hope the 31^st Night prayers offered by the President will be heard by God faster than that of any other Ghanaian.

3. Re-Shuffle in Government: It won't be a surprise should there be changes in government this year. As the President is entering it's second year and after blaming the Election Petition as the bane for the economy's snail paced march, he may want to inject some pace by tinkering with his cabinet and men in position.
Also,  some of those men who have helped the party must be rewarded and the best way is via political appointments so they can enjoy for the next two years.

4. Labour Unrest Will Be With Us Again: The Labour unrests which characterized last year shall continue this year. The likes of Ghana National Teachers Association (GNAT), Trade Union Congress (TUC), Ghana Medical Association (GMA), National Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT) and other labour groups will draw a strike timetable and follow it religiously, if government doesn’t play ball with them.

On Monday, the Ghana Medical Association fired a warning to government to honour its agreement or promises by responding to some of the demands made last year or else, they’ll put down their stethoscopes and white gowns and watch health seekers agonise. And we know once the GMA leads the way, the others will follow suit.

I don’t know if these labour groups have in their Constitution an article that obligates them to strike annually because I have not witnessed a calendar year where the country have gone strike free. This year won’t be an exception. Mark It!

5. Inflation Will Embrace Economy: With the government seeking to achieve most of her manifesto promises before next year, for political reasons, more money will be sunk into these projects and the net effect will be more money in circulation, high prices of goods and even depreciation of the Cedi.

Also, there will cases (allegations) of corruption. The media will uncover them, noises will be made, little effort will be spent in prosecuting culprits especially those in power or close to power.

6.    More Political Promises: If there’s one thing the Ghanaian politician has mastered effectively well is promising. And come 2015, there will be a flurry of them. Both parties will make grandiose claims which they know cannot be achieved. These hoodwinking antics of our political heads will play out in full this year. Lies will be sold to us, as to whether it will be bought is another whole story.

7. Cholera Will Vist Again: If there's one thing the Ghanaian learns it is nothing. Last year, the country was caught up in a fight against cholera. Many Ghanaians died simply because sanitation was taken for granted. 2015 won't be any different. There'll be an outbreak of Cholera and the citizens and political heads will be caught pants down

As our elders said, each day brings in its wake something new and 2015 will bring its own issues. I hope 2015 be a year where Ghana chalks more gains than losses on its balance sheet-both on the fiscal scene and all sectors of the economy. However, history has shown that we can’t seem to hold tight the gains. By the end of the year, just like Arsenal football team, the country will be struggling in many ways after starting with promise and enviable zeal.