General News of Sunday, 23 May 2010

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Announcing GhAG.

“I ’m not entirely convinced that majority of Ghanaians will understand GhAG at the present, however, I ‘m sure the future will prove GhAG right”

At last, the long-awaited organization every conscientious Ghanaian has been waiting for is here: Ghanaians for Acconutable Government, GhAG. It is now possible for civic-minded Ghanaians who have the passion to bring Ghana to a better place both democratically and socially have a medium to demonstrate their zeal.

The long and short mission and goal of this organization is to mobilize Ghanaians in the diaspora to accept their responsibility to facilitate and participate in the development programs of their motherland, Ghana. It is the re-affirmation of a call they have always excelled at, as exhibited by the tremendous overflow of investment poured into Ghana by the diaspora community.

Often times, the Ghana media, both print and talk shows do not carry exciting news about Ghana but rather devastating breaking news, such as:
• Roadblock armed-robbery
• Embezzlement of funds by Public Officials.
• Audit Report Exposes Rot At Ministry of Information and National Orientation.
• Dual Citizenship- Part 4- Ghana’s Parliament Must Amend Law
• Political and social witch-hunting.
• Fire razing a house to the ground
• Custom official operates fleets of taxi-cabs
• Firing of School Feeding Program coordinators, etc, etc.

The Diaspora Ghanaians also have their stories to tell: the confiscation of their cars at the harbor, exorbitant custom duties, discrimination of all forms and shapes, and the injustices directed against them for the simple reason that they changed their citizenship to avail themselves of opportunities commensurate with their tax-paying status as émigrés in the west.

The time for debate has come and gone; this organization seeks to place action behind the demands for change.

Of course, Diaspora Ghanaians cannot do without their homeland so also can’t their homeland do without their expert input. Several events demonstrate that. When they give up the ghost, wherever they are, the bodies are taken home for burial, many go home frequently to visit loved ones left behind, many do businesses from abroad to Ghana, and more importantly, majority retire to go and stay home permanently. By simple logic it is inappropriate and unfair for these Ghanaians to turn their back on Ghana if they have the means to assist. They have a stake in the success of Ghana and should be ready to help. This is where you and I both come in.

Question Time!
Have you thought seriously about why Ghana is not making it despite the rich natural resources and the endowments? Why should poverty be the portion of the masses?
There are two answers:
1. It is the leadership. By re-cycling the leadership we fall into Albert Einstein’s trap – Change will never come if we continue to do the same things over and over again. Think of it.
2. It is the system. The foundations to uplift Ghana from the crutches of poverty have been laid with weak structures of corrupt practices that have become accepted norm. The system should be overhauled. These are the status quo.

For the lack of objectivity our leaders will continue to disappoint us. We need an organization that will look at the situation as it is and step in with all seriousness and objectivity. Adom FM is doing precisely this with “Edwaso Nsem” but GhAG is scheduled to go beyond that with a mandate perceived to come from the people. Where our leaders continue to fail and disappoint us we should not wait for the next generation to come over and blame us. Let us act now!

So, GhAG has been formed to look deeply into these multifarious problems and prescribe solutions. Remember, problems are simply opportunities in disguise. If the Americans can go several miles deep down the Gulf Sea to close a broken oil pipe leak why can’t Ghanaians solve human problems unrelated to technology? Aba!! I can’t compare America and Ghana but the point is we are all HUMAN. How many years of tertiary education and struggle does Ghana need before we can rise to the occasion to solve problems including technology? The problem is selfishness and greed; we should recognize that.

Through twice-monthly conference calls, the organizers of GhAG have registered GhAG in Virginia and have obtained the IRS number to begin business. We are therefore, happy to announce this newly formed organization to you and to solicit your input.

For details, call any of the following for member requirements, works planned, questions, concerns. Thank you.

1. Pastor Percy Welsing…………… MI, 313 971-3160
2. Ken Atta-Boakye……………….. VA, 703 441-6522
3. Robert Hedidor………………….. N Y, 347 398-0103
4. Kwaku Boah…………………… MD 443 801-7329
5. Emmanuel Adade………………. MD 301 254-9228
6. Kwamina Mbea Panford……….. N Y 718 655-4182
7. Prof Steve Panford……………... NY 718 815-5564
8. Dr Aaron Adade………………… MD, 202 549-0218
9. Danso Ayesu (Attorney)……….... NY 917 388-0611
10. Steve Danso…………………… NY 718 262-9034
11. Ravi Kofi Wurah……………… NY 646 457-7025
12. Rev Osei Asibey……………….. GA 404 819-3219


Source: Interim Organizers – ghagforghana@yahoo.com
Our Web Site……… www.ghagforghana.org