Opinions of Tuesday, 24 January 2012

Columnist: Edusei, Eric K.

Ghana, A Nation In Crises

If corruption is the gateway to heaven, then most N.D.C. gurus have already earned it. The statement by President Mills not to know anything about the payments to Woyome proves how paralyzed and hopeless our nation is. We are seriously at the cross roads and only God can save this nation by guaranteeing us a selfless, disciplined and courageous leader. The impasse of Woyomegate scandal, the most outrageous crime in the history of our nation has suddenly changed the demeanor of certain respected people and institutions out of political pressure. The Auditor General, a Reverend, is forced to change portions of his final report to reflect the whims and caprices of the governing body while the EOCO is forced to deal with a subject which is the constitutional mandate of the Parliament. The Attorney general has been fired for his stand against corruption among the rank and file of the N.D.C. functionaries while some spouses of suspected NPP activities in the judiciary have been threatened. Wow! Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely but we should all remember that aggression will not stand by God’s grace and guidance.
So soon, our democracy is turning into autocracy as the whole system is being manipulated. It is not surprising that some renowned and educated people have also lost their bearings and cannot decipher wrong from right. The leadership can no longer handle the truth. Consequently, public pronouncements and arguments from some sympathizers of the ruling NDC party that pride itself of accountability and probity have been very disingenuous to Ghanaians. They have deceitful and hypocritical at their highest levels. I do not hate the NDC, but I love Ghana more.
As a result of the level of corruption in our country today, I have questioned myself as to the relevance of the June 4th Revolution in reference to its objectives vis-à-vis current developments and my beef was simple. Is there not a single soul among believers of accountability and probity who is prepared to speak the truth? Honestly, I wanted to know whether the revolution was a farce or reality, and I was waiting for comments on current developments ( Woyome scandal ) from Chairman Rawlings (President Rawlings) because I wanted to know whether he can handle the truth. It was therefore very gratifying to see the likes of Hon. Martin Amidu, former Attorney General, who was prepared to speak the TRUTH and sacrifice himself on the altar of greed, dishonesty and ingratitude for mother Ghana. He has indeed by his action saved Ghana (Sodom) from destruction and it is my wish that history preserves his name among the heroes of this great nation. Although, he is now being chastised by his party, he would help himself better and serve his nation well if he could unfold all the hidden crimes as alleged.
I speak as a Ghanaian who has the right to question the actions of my leaders. Today, Ghana is bewildered by a strange saga, a conspiracy that unveils the darkest tragedy of all time. It is a shame that we still have at post dishonorable people propelling the governmental machinery under the noses of the President. It is strange that people like Messrs Burton-Odro, John Martey-Newman and Mrs Mould-Iddrisu could wake in the morning, take shower and go to work. These people have lost credibility in the eyes of the informed public and should resign honorably. Here in the United States of America where sanity prevails, anybody saddled with this kind of troubles will quietly resign.
The NDC‘s approach to governance is indicative of how corruption has conquered our dear nation Ghana. It is not surprising that the President cannot handle the truth when it comes to fraudulence. At a time when the recipient of this outrageous money, Mr Woyome has personally confessed that he did not have any contract with the Government of Ghana, how can the President in good conscience say that his beef was not about who has taken what but how the cost was incurred. Mr President (Law Professor), there was no contract between Ghana and Mr Woyome and invariably no liability. Our nation does not do business with individuals. Why do you want the EOCO to investigate a crime which has already been investigated by the Attorney General Department and found Mr Woyome culpable? How can the Finance Minister effect payment of a bill (GC 58,000.00) of this magnitude which is not captured in the budget without your concern? How can you say that you have no knowledge of this issue when your Chief of Staff had been informed? If you can answer these questions favorably, then you are smarter than every living Ghanaian on this planet.
After 54 years of independence, I now understand why we still urinate on the road sides because we cannot plan and manage anything. We are not deep thinkers but just loud. Everything about our leadership is empty rhetoric and jargons which takes us nowhere. We compromise our conscience and positions to pay companies huge Court cost so that we can get our share at the expense of the nation’s coffers. Apart from Woyome’ GC 58,000.00 and Gbewaa Civil Engineering of $6 million, how many companies have Mrs Iddrisu agreed to settled out of court? Countrymen and women, people have so soon forgotten that it took the gust of dedicated people to help resurrect the aspirations of this nation. Lives were lost, opportunities forgone, pain caused in creating this nation. We therefore have to demand responsible leadership as we play our roles as good citizens. Just, look at the effect of galamsay, land acquisition, crime, corruption, cost of living, national planning (if any) and judge. Good intentions are not enough, Mr President, but effective direction, control and management of state resources. I have nothing against the NDC just that I love Ghana more.
Ghana is in crises and crying for quality leadership. Most of our people are really suffering, some living in kiosk and many without abode; many live in deprivation in the midst of plenty which is very agonizing and despicable. We need to have an identity as a country which requires proper planning and good governance. Let us not undermine Dr Kwame Nkrumah’s believe that we are capable of taking care of business when given the mandate. So far, we have not exhibited our capacity, zeal and fortitude, but hope is good thing and with the likes of former Attorney General, Mr Martin Amidu who is still alive, there is the possibility that one day a selfless leader who believes in Ghana will emerge. How we end as a country is only known by tomorrow. God saves mother Ghana from greed.
ERIC K. EDUSEI, VA U.S.A.