This morning I woke up and did what I guess several thousands of Ghanaians have already done- I typed the name of Mr. Woyome in the google search engine. As expected , an appreciable number of articles relating to the name popped up on my screen. I have not been around for long, indeed I was not around when Ghana last won the nations cup, this not withstanding, I am convinced beyond any shred of doubt that there has ever been an individual who has risen to fame with the speed and style with which Mr. Woyome has in the political history of Ghana. Who is Mr. Woyome? Let me educate you on his rather enviable credentials. This is the man that has occupied the front pages of newspapers ( including the so called rented press) for the past two months, elicited demonstrations( for and against), songs about him have threatened to break the charts( no payola paid), ministers have been sacked or resigned because of him, the NDC party has been divided because of him( Woyomers and non-Woyomers), hitherto unknown words like Gargantuan and judgment debt have become common place thanks to Mr. Woyome. I even hear there is a new dance known as ‘Woyonto’, unlike its direct competitor the Azonto dance, am so sure the Woyonto dance will be reserved for the privileged patronage of the few super rich political elites who have succeeded in embezzling our hard earned public cash. I will advice the general public not to try the Woyonto dance at home or at school lest they be invited by the BNI or EOCO for questioning.

Political parties thrive on their numbers but strangely enough, the two political parties in Ghana (NPP &NDC) are trying vehemently to disassociate themselves from the name Woyome. I do not fault the parties, who will want to associate with a man who has become famous for all the wrong reasons: allegedly ripping the Austrian embassy of some 900,000 euros under the impression of making a donation to the NPP and ex-president Rawlings. As if this was not enough he accused a church he was an elder of failing to pay him monies owed him- a case he later lost in court. I will not even mention his gargantuan act of thievery against the state. I am sure if election 2012 ends in a draw and Woyome’s vote is all is left to break the tie, he Mr. Woyome will have to seek divine intervention in order to convince either party to accept his vote. That is how bad the man has been made to look. Imagine going for a job interview and introducing yourself as say Kojo Woyome? Not only will your next question be –are you related to Mr. Alfred Woyome of ‘gargantuan’ fame?, but also you are certain to fail that job interview.

I hear Mr. Woyome is a well known international philanthropist, who donates to fighting HIV and other global issues. I was glad to know that at least there is something good about this much vilified gentleman. But wait, who on earth will not be a philanthropist if we were all making millions of dollars through such dubious means?

As things stand now, there is noting to envy about Mr. Alfred especially so when he is billed to surrender the comfort of his luxurious apartment for the mosquitoes infested, sweat drenched stinking cells of the police headquarters. I will not shed a tear for Mr. Woyome because those who live by the sword must die by the sword, rather I will save my tears for those who need it most- namely his family, kids, friends and more importantly for mother Ghana.

Written by: Kwame yeboah ( Chapta) pinsonchapta@yahoo.com