COVID-19 LOCKDOWN BROUHAHA…IF ONLY THERE WERE STATE FARMS

Corona virus and lockdown have become two of the most used words across the world now as almost all countries are mentioning them in their respective countries.

Following measures takes across China and Europe during the novel Covid-19 outbreak, a typical is lockdown, Ghana also followed same, locking down two of its most biggest cities, Accra and Kumasi.

Before the lockdown announcement by the President on Sunday, March 29, 2020, rumours on social media revealed that there was going to be a possible lockdown.

The lockdown calls began coming in when Ghana began recording many cases after the first two on March 12.

The Ghana Medical Association was crucial in calling for the lockdown, arguing that it will be the safest way to tackle the spread of the Corona Virus.

Quickly the lockdown idea got into the minds of some section of Ghanaians, especially those on social media.

While they do so, providing reasons why there should be a lockdown on Accra and Kumasi where the cases were rising, the poor in those two cities began lamenting about the consequences.

Deducing from the argument in the country at the time, it was evident that the rich and middle class supported the lockdown while the poor lamented about the toll it will have on their petty businesses.

Irrespective of that, there were some poor citizens who said in interviews that they support the lockdown since they believe it will help eradicate the Covid-19.

Then the lockdown began on a bright Monday morning, March 30, 2020 amid a lot of shopping in markets and malls the weekend before.

While government was working at getting equipment to combat the virus, deploy the security forces, they were also thinking about how to feed some homeless Ghanaians living in Accra and Kumasi.

Soon news filming the sharing of food began as journalists were taken along to report on the food sharing exercise.

Aside sharing food to the poor, the Minister for Gender and Social Protection announced that they are accommodating about 15,000 poor and homeless people, most of whom are head porters and menial job workers in Agbogbloshie, Kaneshie, Accra Central, Madina, Kumasi among others.

These will sound like a very good initiative by government as it could be deem us advantageous to the poor.

But let us toss the coin and look at the other side, considering if there were State farms to employ these 15,000 poor and homeless people.

How long can government continue to feed and house all these people while they wake up every day without working?

That will have a big toll on our finances as it has already began doing, as it is been revealed by the Ministry, NADMO and other government agencies.

The Agriculture and Food chain sector is one that can absorb those people very quickly, an initiative that will help the country in times like these.

While I could go into revealing ideas of how to go about achieving this, I will rather urge government since it is not too late.

As we speak, we have lands, tractors, fertilizers and crop seeds belonging to government or can be afforded by government.

With a very brief and up-to-speed plan, the State Farms can be implemented right now, to cater for these homeless and poor people.

Middle class citizens who lost their jobs or unemployed can work in the value chain as supervisors and managers.

The State Farms will surely fuel us to set up very mini manufacturing plants to process and feed ourselves.

We can do it! Unless we find joy in politicizing the gesture being made to the poor at the era, something I am already witnessing.

Necessity they say is the mother of invention. Even if Kwame Nkrumah’s State Farms got mismanaged and collapsed, President Akufo-Addo can do so using that as mitigation against Covid-19.

After the virus, those State Farms will still be in operation, still providing jobs for thousands of our citizens.

But if we continue to share the food and in the haphazard manner it is being done, we will be causing ourselves more harm than good.

Few people who get infected by the virus amongst them can get others infected when they are rushing for the food.

Getting them employed will give government the opportunity to manage them and control them to adhere to the social distancing directive.

While we put up short term plans to fight the corona virus, let us look at those who can impact us enormously like the one I addressed in this short article.

ANTI-FEAR AND PANIC MESSAGING CRUCIAL IN CORONA VIRUS FIGHT

The world, its businesses and travels have come to a standstill, all due to the outbreak of Corona Virus Covid-19.
While powerful countries like America, Italy, Spain, U.K among others are doing all it takes to minimize the death tolls, less developed countries like Ghana is also doing its bit in safeguarding citizens.
One important aspect of the fight against Corona Virus is the education that is being sent across to citizens.
Since the first case was recorded in March, government through the ministries and agencies have been doing their best to educate Ghanaians on the novel Covid-19.
Contained in the education being put out there is mainly the prevention of the Corona Virus, thereby asking citizens to wash their hands regularly.
While advertisements are running on some media channels, the Minister of Health and other health experts of the government are also educating and sending out information about Corona Virus on many platforms that they find themselves.
However, one aspect of the education that is given less or no attention is that of reducing fear and panic.
Even though I have been thinking about the missing but critical messaging plan in the entire Corona Virus education, I got alarmed after listening to a report on the first Covid-19 case in Cape Coast.
According to the reporter who was reporting on the incident,  the case has led many natives of Cape Coast living in extreme fear and panic.
He added that the situation at Cape Coast has led to some natives fleeing the area amid near chaos and hullabaloo
The fear and panic among the people of Cape Coast can cause extra problems and spread of the virus than they may be thinking.
I will not want to go into the ripple effects of the fear and panic at Cape Coast but I will want to capitalize on that to point out at the mishaps in the Corona Virus education which gave less or no attention to anti-fear and panic messaging.
Even though Corona Virus is described as deadly, it is not very deadly as many citizens are portraying it.
The phenomenon of deeming Covid-19 highly deadly alone which resulted from misinformation of citizens should have been addressed in the Corona Virus education and advertisement.
Short and powerful advertising message like what is done with hand-washing and social distancing should have been implemented.
The message should have been used to reduce the fear and panic in Ghanaians, alerting them that it is not automatic that those who get the virus dies.
Secondly, recovery rates in other countries plus positive news about the Corona Virus medication should have been relayed to Ghanaians so they know that there is hope.
As it stands now, many citizens have never heard any Corona Virus survivor talking or being interviewed, thus they think everyone who gets infected dies.
The Tema-based patient who spoke to Citi TV on his recovery process should have been engaged by government or the Ministry to talk and assure Ghanaians.
With a patient talking about his experiences which are not different from a normal healthy person, citizens will have less fear, knowing that the disease is not as deadly as they might think.
I have personally had conversations with people who lamented about never seeing someone who recovered from Corona Virus.
These and other anti-fear and panic messages can be employed, thus should be used by government, the Ministry of Health and others going forward when it comes to Corona Virus education and advertising.
Furthermore, I think that anti-fear and panic education and messaging will curb the situation of patients running away.
The same education can be done when a patient is being tested and picked up for isolation. Officials must talk to them so they can relax their nerves, not feeling they will die.
The fear and panic is likely the main reason why some patients have absconded when they need to receive treatment instead.

CORONA VIRUS: NO SOCIAL DISTANCING IN ASANTE BEKWAI

The world is currently in a dilemma over the outbreak of the Corona Virus Covid-19 which began in the Wuhan Province in China.
While countries are doing all it takes to educate it's citizens and  take care of patients who are already infected with the virus, Ghana is also doing its part in the fight against the deadly virus.
Since March 12 when Ghana recorded its first 2 cases of Covid-19, government has been working around the clock to keep the cases minimal.
One of the very crucial steps that  the Ministry of  Health and the Ghana Health Service took was to sensitize Ghanaians on prevention of the fast-rising corona virus.
Few days after the country began recording cases, adverts to educate Ghanaians on the virus began running on some media channels.
The education was centered on prevention of the corona virus, asking citizens to wash their hands often and use hand sanitizers.
The advertisement also touched on social distancing as a way to prevent the corona virus which seems to be taking a lot of lives in the world currently.
Social distancing, has, however become a daunting task for many citizens as reports of its non-compliance have triggered me to write this article.
Watching television this morning, a viewer sent a text, lamenting on how many natives of Asante Bekwai are not observing the social distancing directive.
The text message alarmed me since I deem the current situation at Asante Bekwai as deadly, because those who are not observing the social distancing directive can easily get infected.
In as much as one will blame natives of the town for not adhering to the directives from government and the Ministry of Health, I will lay some blame at the doorstep of government.
As an expert in Communication Studies, I do not find the current government advertisement on Covid-19 detailing enough to stop the people of Asante Bekwai from gathering when they should be observing social distancing.
The advertisement from government agencies gave strict directives to prevent Corona Virus but failed to provide reasons why citizens must observe the directives.
Considering the literacy rate of most Ghanaians, the advertisement and education on Corona Virus should have given much details than it is currently.
Most of the citizens may have listened to the education, saying wash your hands, keep social distancing but do not know why they are being asked to do so.
The issue of body contact and droplets which can let someone get infected from an already infected person has not been clearly outlined.
Furthermore, already existing data from other countries who are currently suffering from the virus could have been used to educate Ghanaians so they could appreciate the devastating nature of Covid-19.
Notwithstanding, I do not see a lot of community education like it is being done for maternal health or HIV/AIDS.
We have not seen image illustrations printed and posted in communities to educate citizens on Covid-19.
The NCCE and other non-governmental organizations have not been engaged appropriately in educating citizens on the deadly nature of Covid-19.
The above communication mishaps in educating Ghanaians on Corona Virus is likely the reason why the people of Asante Bekwai are unable to observe social distancing.
My advise to government is to consider detailed education as an integral part of fighting Corona Virus, thus must consider a holistic approach to designing advertisement for the pandemic.

CONSEQUENCES OF NUMBER 12 DOCUMENTARY – KWESI NYANTAKYI CAN SURVIVE THIS – PART 2

On 7^th June exactly at 3pm, the technician pressed play the latest documentary produced by Ghana’s investigative journalist Anas Aremyaw Anas and his team from Tiger Eye PI titled Number 12. That day was the second day of a two-day Accra premiering of the Number 12 documentary which was said to reveal corruption in the Ghana Football Association and among referees. Upon reaching the Accra International Conference Centre to a rather small number of people compared to news I heard about a large number of people trooping the AICC to watch the documentary, I stood in a short queue for about 3 minutes, got checked at 3 different security checkpoints and then finally allowed into the auditorium. There stood a giant screen in the dark looking auditorium almost full to capacity. In a matter of seconds while I peep around to find an empty seat, a lady usher got closer and offered that I follow her to an empty seat. While we walk to my seat, I heard a voice ask everyone to stand up in respect to the sound of the National Anthem. After the anthem, I hurriedly sat down in the seat the usher asked me to; then the documentary began.

A lot of thoughts about corruption, Ghana and Anas began running through my mind. Then I woke myself from the thoughts with the mindset that I needed to concentrate on the documentary since I will be writing a piece on it.

A little over an hour and the documentary came to the end. I stepped out of the auditorium and to my amazement; I saw a long queue at the entrance of the AICC being taken through the same security checks like they did to me. Outside the main gate on the street were also a large number of people waiting to be allowed inside the AICC compound in order to join the queue. Then I realized that I witnessed a short queue when entering at 3pm because a lot of viewers had not closed from work.

I will not go back narrating excerpts of the documentary into details. In this article, I intend to deliver my opinion on why I think Kwesi Nyantakyi will not be prosecuted for his alleged corrupt acts nor will any of the referees caught cheating will go to jail. The best is to have them loose their position in the football fraternity.

In my previous article titled “CONSEQUENCES OF NUMBER 12 DOCUMENTARY – KWESI NYANTAKYI CAN SURVIVE THIS; PART 1” which I promised to write a continuation for reason I am writing this, I made known the notion that some Ghanaians are of the view that Kwesi Nyantakyi (the bigger fish in the entire documentary) will be prosecuted and jailed for his actions captured in the video. Sincerely, I would have loved to see Kwesi Nyantakyi serve some jail term as deterrent to other heads of institutions that are or may be meddling in corruption but the realities in my medulla oblongata are not allowing me to believe that my wish can manifest.

Let’s face it. Kwesi Nyantakyi is a big fish! He is a top official that can be compared to other top officials in Ghana. His 13 year reign as President of the Ghana Football Association makes him one most powerful state official in Ghana.

In the beginning of my previous article, I mentioned that some friends who I was having an argument with stated that former Chief Executive of the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation and renowned Lawyer Tsatsu Tsikata was a big fish but got jailed five years by the then NPP/Kuffuor Administration for willfully causing financial loss to the State and misapplying public property. Thus in as much as Kwesi Nyantakyi can be termed as a big fish in state affairs of Ghana, he can equally be jailed just as Tsatsu Tsikata. But I beg to differ, even though Mr. Tsikata’s allegations of corruption were not captured on tape like that of Kwesi Nyantakyi, a reason someone will believe that the magnitude of Mr. Nyantakyi’s woes will enable the courts serve him a jail term, I am of the view that even though the magnitude of crime may differ, Kwesi Nyantakyi will not be jailed. This is because Kwesi Nyantakyi is a bigger fish than Tsatsu Tsikata. The like of Tsatsu Tsikata who is known to be a member of the NDC is likely to be thrown in jail for the sake of partisan politicking. But the Kwesi Nyantakyi position is different; Kwesi Nyantakyi is not widely known to be a member of a particular political party in Ghana. He has served as President of the Ghana Football Association under the regime of both ruling political parties; meaning he has worked and dealt with officials of both NPP and NDC. This variable alone plays a big role in the prosecution discussion of Kwesi Nyantakyi. (Let me remind ourselves that there have been officials caught and alleged to meddle in corruption but did not get to see the gates of Nsawam prison but rather get sacked, transferred or pardoned). Thus the bottom line which is the possibility of Kwesi Nyantakyi not getting jailed for the mere reason for which those other corrupt officials did not get jailed plays a big role. Meaning Kwesi Nyantakyi’s corruption allegation case will not be treated with partisan politicking as its base.

Going by the now known ‘character’ of Kwesi Nyantakyi which is a corrupt leader who takes bribe from prospective investors, I can deduce that over the years till now, Kwesi Nyantakyi in his dubious acts committed the crime with officials of both NDC and NPP. This phenomenon also makes the prosecution of Kwesi Nyantakyi a dicey one. Already I have heard unconfirmed news in the media that Mr. Nyantakyi after the call for his arrest threatened to reveal secrets if pressured; one of the reasons he was bailed and never been invited since. If this assertion is true, then it means even the sitting government will be scared to spearhead the call for Mr. Nyantakyi’s prosecution while the Minority will also not be able to push for the head of Mr. Nyantakyi for fear that some of their officials will be named in the revelations. (Again considering the unconfirmed news that Mr. Nyantakyi at a point in time financed the campaign activities of both NPP and NDC).

Notwithstanding, the strong variable of claiming Anas’ video is not credible and qualified enough to trigger prosecution and jailing of Mr. Nyantakyi must be considered. Aside listening to Mr. Nyantakyi who is a lawyer himself make comments about the video where he tried to use words like ‘scammers’ to describe team Tiger coupled with other legal words with the notion to punch holes into the documentary as a tool for his prosecution, other renowned Lawyers are making similar statements geared toward arguments that are against the jailing of Mr. Nyantakyi. Even though I have heard counter arguments from Lawyers and legal practitioners supporting the prosecution of Kwesi Nyantakyi, I am of the view that those against his jailing are coming with a big force. There has been quoting of articles in the Constitution of Ghana by legal practitioners and learned commentators on the saga debunking the validity and legality of Tiger Eye PI’s documentary as a benchmark to jail Mr. Nyantakyi. As a lay man but with the IQ to rap my mind around legal matters, I think those lawyers trying to argue in favor of Kwesi Nyantakyi are doing so fiercely; an argument they can win, thus not seeing Kwesi Nyantakyi face the court entirely or even when dragged to the law court will not get jailed.

Nevertheless, the hullabaloo, ranting and allegations made by NPP MP Kennedy Agyapong can ruin the situation and save Kwesi Nyantakyi from getting jailed. The tough-talking politician is threatening to reveal pictures and videos of some corrupt deeds that the investigative journalist and main producer of the Number 12 documentary; Anas Aremyaw Anas have been meddling in. Whether these allegations are true or false is another matter to discuss. But this rant and allegations must not be swept under the carpet. Mr. Agyapong succeeding in denting the image of Anas can ruin the situation where most Ghanaians will lose interest in rallying behind those calling for Mr. Nyantakyi’s prosecution. Though Anas have not said on any platform that he is holy and do not commit any wrongs, most Ghanaians see him as Mr. Right. So having someone ruin down his earned reputation is a disadvantage to the fight for Mr. Nyantakyi’s prosecution.  

Another reason that I think can make Kwesi Nyantakyi skip jail is the funny but sincere attitude of some top Ghanaian leaders. A typical is what we have already seen a Northern Chief do; pleading on behalf of Mr. Nyatakyi that his sins be forgiven. Begging for a corrupt official to me is one lame attitude someone can put up but we have on many occasions see this in our country. If not begging, we have witnessed people rally behind alleged corrupt officials. Typical of this is what some Ghanaians in the hometown of former COCOBOD boss Stephen Opuni are doing and those who rallied behind former National Health Insurance Scheme boss Sylvester Mensah amid corruption allegations. So pleading on behalf of ‘corrupt’ officials is not a new phenomenon in Ghana which on some occasions has prevented the fellow from getting punished or jailed.

I can go on and on about reasons why I am of the view that the embattled former GFA boss Kwesi Nyantakyi will not be jailed. I do not know if Tiger Eye PI knew that the probability of Mr. Nyantakyi getting jailed as a result of this documentary was less. I am sure they knew but the wider agenda of booting out corrupt ‘football people’ and to have an iota of evidence proving the long standing argument and allegation of a corrupt GFA will be achieved. Thus getting the boss plus some officials resigns and sacked like we have begun witnessing in the Association.

Thank you for reading. Please do not hesitate to share your views, comments and contributions.

Another reality from my Medulla Oblongata.

CONSEQUENCES OF NUMBER 12 DOCUMENTARY- KWESI NYANTAKYI CAN SURVIVE THIS - PART 1

Yesterday I was telling some friends that it is likely Kwesi Nyantakyi may skip a jail term. Many of them said that considering the order from the President, he is likely to be jailed. They added that even the most experienced lawyer Tsatsu Tsikata was jailed. So Kwesi Nyantakyi is likely to be jailed, more so because the President called for his arrest and not an invitation for investigation. 

When I got home, mum was watching Tonight on TV Africa so I joined in watching. Patrice and the guest tried to debunk the phrase that the Police/CID/BNI was ordered to ARREST him but rather it is a call for invitation. (I'm still contemplating on which of these issues are true - still waiting to find out the exact words of the President).
But whether Kwesi Nyantakyi was to be arrested and locked or invited for investigation, I am of the view that Kwesi Nyantakyi is likely to be sanctioned and removed but not jailed. I think the Presidency wants to shake him and clean their name out of the rotten words in that documentary. ( Kwesi Nyantakyi's unprintable words is an indictment on the Presidency.) 

Everyone can allege that different kinds of businesses come through the Presidency, some of which may be acts of corruption but the way Kwesi Nyantakyi spew those words is a big blow to the Presidency. The NDC folks will not hesitate to use this against their bitter rivals - considering Mahama's recent declaration of a come back. 

Thus the best that should be done is what is being done. Even though Kwesi Nyantakyi is powerful, there are powers that surpasses him. The Presidency will definitely want to attack back fiercely for several reasons - paramount is saving their image that seem to be messed up by Kwesi Nyantakyi in that video.

I do not know whether Kweku Baako and his son Anas thought really through the fact that even though Kwesi Nyantakyi may be getting fried in hot oil, even though the former NDC government will be blamed for some of Mr. Nyantakyi's corrupt deed, Nana Akufo-Addo, Vice President Bawumia and the NPP will also be lambasted severely for the purported meddling in corruption. Among all the parties to be blamed, the ruling government is the one to suffer most. Such unprinted words spewed by Mr. Nyantakyi is really a big issue. So I don't know whether Kweku Baako and Anas knew that they were going to stab the same government "which wants to be used to boot Kwesi Nyantakyi out" at the back. Well, as intelligent as they should be, I am sure they considered that but probably chose the powerful Presidency's ability to overcome all manner of disgrace over the tongues that will bash the Presidency for being corrupt. - Bottom agenda being, Kwesi Nyantakyi and "football people" must go down.

A lot of factors will come to play in this Kwesi Nyantakyi's saga that many people are not really considering. Mind you Kwesi Nyantakyi was like the President of a country.
You want to know all about the factors that will come to play? And the reign of Kwesi Nyantakyi as GFA Boss? Then read the following episodes of this article and commentary on Tiger Eye PI documentary Number 12, Kwesi Nyantakyi and "football people's" woes. 

Thank you for reading! Watch out for the continuation of this article in the next write up. 

Do well to share your views, comments and contributions. 

ELECTION OF MMDCEs - A WRONG INITIATIVE.

One of the most recent news in the public domain is H.E Nana Addo Dankwah Akufo-Addo announcing that Ghana will begin to elect its Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives in 2021. Over the years, MMDCEs are appointed by the ruling government so as to represent government in the various Metropolis, Municipalities and Districts across the country. In this representation, the Chief Executive is to implement the central government’s policy in their jurisdiction. Also, they oversee activities of the Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assembly staff in order to bring development to the area.

The debate of electing MMDCEs popped up few years ago with many citizens speaking for and against the initiative. Those speaking in favor of the initiative are of the view that electing MMDCEs will promote development since the Mayor/ Chief Executive will be serious about developmental plans in the area knowing that election is at stake in the next few years. They also made the argument that sometimes inhabitants are not happy with the Mayor/Chief Executive appointed by the President, thus there is lack of peace and collaboration for development. These and other numerous reasons were given by some school of thoughts that are in favor of the election of MMDCEs.

On the other hand, some section of citizens raised concerns that are against the election of MMDCEs. Though I am not an authority in governance, I have reservations for the election of MMDCEs. I think it is totally bogus to have our Metropolitan, Municipal and District Mayor/Chief Executives voted for.

One reason I deem the election of MMDCEs bogus is the history of elections and its effect on Ghana as a country and the citizens. Ghana held its first Presidential elections in 1960. After attaining independence, we have been holding series of elections to elect our Parliamentary and Presidential candidates. We also hold Assembly Member Elections across all Constituencies in Ghana.

Critically analyzing the about 5 various elections that I have witnessed in Ghana, I will say that elections have not brought any specific change to our beloved country and to the citizens. Basically two main political parties namely New Patriotic Party and National Democratic Congress have been the ones winning elections in Ghana since 1992. During the ruling of these two political parties, almost similar things happen. Even though these two political parties are said to have differences in ideology, their progress and failures are similar with corruption being at the center of their attitude. And at the end, the ordinary Ghanaian who stood in cue for long hours to vote does not benefit much.

Let me expatiate on some of the evils that election has brought to us as a country. Even though the masters of democracy consider election as an integral part of having a fair governance system, election seasons in Ghana bring a lot of tension and division to the country. Election years are the most uncertain periods for Ghana where many are not sure whether we will continue to enjoy peace or there will be riots emanating from misunderstandings during the elections. The worse of it is when some political leaders make certain irresponsible statements that could trigger a faction of party supporters to cause mayhem. Such uncertainty, fear and panic that election brings to Ghana every four years does not augur well for a peaceful country like ours. Factually, it is in these election periods that war and riots break in many countries. Even though over the years there have not been any major war linked to elections in Ghana, the pockets of unrest, violence and uproar that occurs in some parts of the country is enough to conclude that the fear and panic associated with elections are alarming. Fresh in our minds of death resulting from election problems is the death of Alhadji Adams Mahama, Upper East Regional Chairman of the NPP. Many other people especially supporters die from election related attacks from opponent political parties. It is at this moment that even siblings turn against each other in a war-like manner, thereby bringing a lot of division among friends and loved ones.   

Another evil that comes along with elections is the spending spree that political leaders go on just to win votes from citizens. A lot of money goes down the drain in election years; where cars, bill boards, posters, etc. consume a huge amount of money from politicians. It is during election years that powerful politicians get a bit vulnerable thus enabling their supporters to cash in on their vulnerability and extort money from them. To me, many of the equipment bought during election years are a waste of money and resources. If all that money should be churn out into developing Ghana, imagine the vast development that Ghana will witness considering the millions spent on advertising and co. Virtually nothing comes out of that huge spending especially of benefit to the ordinary Ghanaian. The politicians who win the elections find their way into the coffers of the state and loot back all the money spent. Infact they loot more than what was spent leaving the ordinary Ghanaian to suffer. Such waste of money and resources on billboards, cars, Electoral equipment, etc. which later gets damaged and become of no use is alarming.

Furthermore, considering Ghana’s financial status ‘vis a vis’ the amount of cash spent on activities of the Electoral Commission and other state agencies whose funding comes from government coffers every four years for the Presidential, Parliamentary and Assemby elections we hold, we will be adding up cost by electing MMDCEs also.

I can continue to go on and on about the evils that elections bring to this country every four years. Thus the decision to begin electing MMDCEs is just another way of adding to the already existing evils that come along with our Parliamentary, Presidential and Assembly elections. There will be division, assault, violence, death, etc. in our Metropolis, Municipalities and Districts just because the Mayor/Chief Executive is being voted for. The state will spend money that will bring no return. There will be a lot of money spent on campaign for which those who win will come back finding ways to loot their cash spent. These and many other evils are going to come into our areas just for the sake of elections. With the already existing menace associated with elections that we are unable to overcome, Ghana will in 2021 add up to her woes by introducing election of MMDCEs.

Even though election has not yet brought war in Ghana, we are not certain that it may not bring war because Ghana and Ghanaians are not different from the other countries that election begets war. Also, all activities like violence that leads to war in those countries during election years also occur here in Ghana. It is only for the luck of times that we have not witnessed a war outbreak here in Ghana emanating from elections. But we cannot continue to bet on luck and whatever reason hoping that war will not erupt from fallout during election periods.

Democracy is already expensive and causing us huge sums of money. Should a developing country like Ghana not be thinking of reducing our expenditure than add up to the already extravagant and wasteful state spending? In as much as we think elections represent the real voice of the people; (amid the numerous election malpractice and violence), money spent on elections could be more beneficial when used than voting to determine the real choice of the masses. After all how well do those elected really represent the voice of the masses? They quickly shut their doors to advice and fail to do the real will of the people. Even in the developed world, the masses complain about their elected politicians so whether elected or not, politicians will always act as politicians with corruption at the top of their agenda. Politicians can never be trusted! Electing them is an enemy to the masses!

To save ourselves from extra problems that election brings, I am of the view that adding the election of MMDCEs is equivalent to doubling our election related problems, most of which can plunge Ghana into war and dry up our coffers. Election no matter how it goes, the state and individuals blow cash on stuff that if avoided can be used to develop a developing Ghana.

Thanks for reading. Do not hesitate to write your comments and contributions on this topic.

GITMO 2 ARE NOT A HUGE THREAT

Sometimes when I ponder over the way some Ghanaians cause fear and panic to themselves and the society at large, I understand why we have simple solutions for some problems in Ghana but are implementing cumbersome solutions. Our level of exaggerating simple issues are just getting overboard; typical is the issues on GITMO 2.

News trickled in few days ago that the Ghana government has decided to accept the GITMO 2 as refugees in Ghana, thus are allowed to continue staying in Ghana as long as they desire but under the refugee tag. This announcement has since caused tongues wagging with a section of citizens claiming that it is dangerous for the country to allow the former Al-Qaeda terror suspects from Yemen to continue residing in Ghana.

In January 2016 under the John Mahama administration, ex-President of the US Barack Obama as part of a move to dissolve the US Naval Base prison at Guantanamo Bay ordered that 2 Yemen Nationals – Muhammad Bin Atef, 36 and Khalid Muhammad Salih al-Dhuby, 34 suspected to be terrorists be brought to Ghana for a period of 2 years after which they are free of all accusations.

The 2 years is over and the Presidency has announced that considering the chaste life of the GITMO 2 coupled with their already acquired refugee status in Ghana, government is allowing the two Yemenis to continue staying in Ghana as refugees. This announcement have sparked a lot of argument in the Ghanaian media and among citizens with many scared that the continue stay of GITMO 2 in Ghana is tantamount to likely terrorist attack on the country.

In this article, I want to express my opinion on why I think many of the hullabaloo being made about the continue stay of GITMO 2 in Ghana are uncalled for. Many of the commentary against the decision are doing nothing but just causing fear and panic among some citizens as well as making the Yemenis citizens feel uncomfortable in a place they are already settled comfortably with some family and friends.

One most important fact that we must bear in mind is that the GITMO 2 were not convicted of any terrorist crime. Information available to us states that the two Yemen nationals were suspected Al-Qaeda terrorists. The word ‘suspect’ which was not tagged by Ghana but by the arresting nation themselves depicts that the two men may or may not be terrorists. It probably was for certain unfound reasons that they were arrested and detained in the US Naval Base prison in Guantanamo Bay. Even the USA could not prove that the two men were directly involved in a terrorist act so it will be an unfounded claim to get scared that the two additions to Ghana’s number of refugees are part of any terrorist organization or can trigger any terrorist attack on Ghana.

Furthermore, news has it that the GITMO two have integrated into the Yemeni Association in Ghana and have gone on to give birth with women in Ghana. This information should be one that must curb part of the fear and panic. Even though having children does not mean they cannot be involved in terrorist acts, the decision to settle down and have family should inform us on how known, responsible and settled the GITMO 2 have been in the 2 years of their stay in Ghana. Mingling with fellow Yemenis to the extent of having children shows that the men are traceable enough since people know of them and their current where about.

Notwithstanding, we must not belittle the intelligence of Ghana security agencies involved in keeping an eye on whatever activities the GITMO two engages in. In as much as we can sometimes count the fall outs of our security apparatus, I bet the security agencies are not sleeping on their job pertaining to monitoring and guarding the country against possible terrorist attacks. It is not all security arrangements on how the GITMO 2 are and will be monitored that will be revealed to the public. In this light we must know that just as our security officials were able to monitor their stay for the past 2 years, they will not leave ajar the monitory regulations. I am convinced that even the US who gave us the so called burden of housing the GITMO 2 will not abandon us in terms of security.

In conclusion, I will state that the decision to offer the GITMO 2 a refugee status did not just come out of the blue but out of many considerations and extensive deliberations. In any case we are not out of the world, meaning like all countries in the world including the most powerful countries, we are not safe from terrorist attacks for which me may claim that the stay of 2 suspected terrorists will open the gate for a terror attack. If the terror attack will come, it will come based on many issues other than the stay of GITMO 2; some of which are already taking center stage in the country.

Thanks for reading…Another Reality from my Medulla Oblongata.

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