Rise Up Against Injustice – Rise Up For Ghana

The deafening silence of the President of Ghana over what is happening in our country should be of grave concern to all well meaning Ghanaians in and outside the country. Lawlessness has taking a center stage in today’s Ghana. Barely days passes by without our FM stations and the printing media reporting on people who boastfully claim that their government is in power and thus, have the right to take the country’s laws into their own hands. The laws of the jungle have resurfaced and have, regrettably, supplanted civilized democratic norms. To those in the NDC yawning to do justice, here are some injustices that are going on right now:

It started with some NDC hooligans claiming ownership of public toilets in our country and has escalated into a chief playing policeman; all seeking shelter under the umbrella. Just recently, the Member of Parliament for Sauna South in the Brong Ahafo Region, Hon. George Boakye has complained bitterly about the serious atrocities that have taken place at Sankore, a town in his constituency, in recent times.

According to the MP, the level of tension in the town is quite disturbing, putting fear in residents of Sankore. Speaking in an interview with Kwami-Sefa Kayi, of Peace FM, he reported that some supporters of the ruling National Democratic Congress have taken the law into their own hands by inflicting wounds on supporters of the NPP.

He said this group of five people, has, on many occasions committed various crimes against NPP supporters on the basis that their government was in power. He also told Peace FM that these NDC hooligans have openly spoken out that no-one could stop them; neither the party leaders nor the police. He further told the host that these incidents have been reported to the police and security services but, as was expected, nothing has been done about it.

The MP made it clear to Kwame-Sefa Kayi that, at a point in time, one Wofa Atta, an NPP sympathizer was, giving about 750 strokes to the surprise of everyone. He said the assemblyman for the area, Eric Opoku, had suffered a similar treatment as well. He told the host that on certain occasions, warning shots were fired indiscriminately with intention of scaring people. He referred to an instance where some NDC sympathizers allegedly went to the Kukuom Health Insurance Office to close it down.

These five persons, according to Hon. George Boakye, have for sometime now been punishing people for no offence at all. What baffles me, and of course most Ghanaians, is this simple question: Was our president elected into office to govern over an NDC Ghana or was he elected to rule over a united Ghana? Is this the Better Ghana we were promised, when there is so much injustice in our country? Certainly, the President cannot be a father for all when he directs government appointees to open their doors to NDC supporters and members. The President should remember that when oppressed people rise up against oppression there is no stopping point.

Afrifa Yamoah Ponkoh, Ashanti Regional Manager of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), created a nasty scene at the studios of Hello FM, a Kumasi-based radio station, during the early hours of Saturday 6th. March 2010 when he allegedly attacked Lawyer Kwadwo Owusu Afriyie, aka Sir John in a Rambo-like style - similar to the ones in the movies. It took the intervention of the people around to save the situation as the NHIS boss threatened fire and brimstone.

The other day, the NDC praise singer was at it again, this time round the man is threatening to dismiss workers at the Ashanti regional National Health Insurance Scheme office without recourse to law. Foul mouth Yamoah Ponko has grown wings and so believes he can fly. Ladies and gentlemen, be reminded that all these threats and injustice are happening under the watchful eyes of the “prince of peace”, Atta Mills and his inept government. Same people who promised to build a better Ghana for all Ghanaians.

Efficient and effective police service in our country has gone to the dogs under the NDC. Our police personnel have been reduced into robots; doing the bidding of their masters. It is mind-boggling to see the extent to which the NDC government has politicized our security institutions. It is almost seven months since the Agbogbloshie Market murders took place (in front of a police station) and nobody, indeed not a single person, has been called for questioning, though there are plenty of clues to assist the police in their investigations. Being on the right side of the political divide means a lot more to Atta Mills and his government than being on the right side of the law.

I am therefore calling out all peace loving Ghanaians, CHRAJ and civil society for their silence in the face of injustice. Future generations will hold us accountable if we should turn a blind eye to freedom and justice. If you watch injustice happening and you don’t speak out, remember you become a part of it.

God Bless Ghana!

Desmond Frimpong is a member of NPP Norway communications team desfrimpong@yahoo.com