Opinions of Friday, 19 June 2009

Columnist: Jawando, Muhammed Suraj Sulley

Asawase & Abuobu Zongo, Don't Desert Muntaka

There have been numerous articles and news recently about allegations of numerous malpractices and corruptions against the Minister of Sports, the Hon. Alhaji Muntaka. To date, such allegations are still under investigation while the Hon. Muntaka has proceeded on an indefinite leave until the outcome of the investigations. Last Friday, the Hon. Muntaka, who is the MP for Asawase visited the Kumasi market that was burnt to ashes about a week ago. But he was chastised, hooted and chased by the NPP supporters at the market, to the extent of calling him a theif.

Much as I cannot hold breath for the disgruntled Hon. Muntaka, and his alleged response to some of the allegations could not be digested and he was not smart enough to avoid some of the allegations, we must restrain ourselves and wait for the outcome of these allegations, no matter the severity of the allegations and the circumstancial evidence against him. I cannot hide my disappointment at the silence of the Asawase constituents and the people of Abuabu Zongo. As an elected MP for one of the constituencies in Ashanti Region, it’s an obligation on him, as a responsible MP, to visit the burnt market and lend his support to the people, if not for anybody, for the market women who supported and voted for him.

I was disappointed in the people of Asawase and Abuobu Zongo, whom he’s been fighting for in parliament for the last 8yrs, and they were supposed to stand by him. Until proven guilty, this young politician needs their support at this time more than any other time. The action of the NPP supporters at the market should be a wake call for the both Abuobu and Asawase Zongo to realize that, some people are out there to destroy the only Zongo boy with a ministerial appointment. Their silence hurts more than the negative false news being put out there by the most corruptible editor-in-chief of the Daily Guide and Crusading Guide, Mr. Kweku Barko and his likes.

The leaders of the Zongo must realized that Hon. Muntaka’s re-election victory in the NPP’s only stronghold and appointment as the Minister of Sport serve as an inspiration for the youth from all Zongo communities to stay in school and also get involve actively in political activities in their communities, district, region and nationally. We should realize that they are watching the way we support or neglect the poor and young Hon. Muntaka. Our support and trust in the minister will encourage them to believe that, we will always be there to give them a hand when no one trust and believe them, until proven guilty. But let’s not kill their aspirations hope and dream. Tribalism is a very sensitive issue that exists in our communities, but we dare not touch it. Were these allegations leveled against a minister who is an Ashanti, ALA Dr. Anane, those market women would not have done what they did last Thursday. Information out of the BNI proves that, the two gentlemen who level those allegations against Hon. Muntaka could not prove any documented evidence about the allegations at last Friday’s interrogations. The NPP should bow their heads in shame for demanding the resignation of the minister. Did they demand Dr Anane’s resignation during the NPP administration, when as a minister he was frolicking adulterously with young women in US, got one pregnant and used tax-payers money to for child support?

Did ex-president Kuffour had two balls between his legs to demand the resignation or leave-of-absence for the then Dr Anane or was there any investigation initiated by the president at that time as did president Mills. Ex-president Kuffour rather demanded evidence from any accuser of his ministers, but president Mills sent the Hon. Minister home until the outcome of the investigations. To the NPP, it is much easier to criticize, than to act when they were sitting on the hot seat. So to my Zongo folks, don’t let them break or destroy Hon. Muntaka Mubarak. We stand with you, until proven guilty. Stay focus and strong Ghana needs you and Asawase needs you.