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Is the Okyehene scaring the NPP’s Akufo-Addo?
By Dr. Michael J.K. Bokor
Sunday, January 10, 2016
Folks, it is true that our 1992 Constitution debars
traditional leaders from doing partisan politics; but some
have brazenly done so, damn the consequences.
The Okyehene, Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin, is known for his
utterances that some may construe or misconstrue as a
reflection of his political interests. But he hasn't openly
declared his support for any of the politicians or political
parties. He says whatever he wants to say. When President
Mahama made a comment about "galamsey" in the Abuakwa area,
he took umbrage and made his views known. Some might think
that he was against President Mahama at that point. He has
also criticized government in many areas.
Over the past week, he has come out to say what some may
view with interest or reservation, depending on how they
understand it vis-a-vis their own political interests. He
has asked Ghanaians to stop insulting President Mahama,
which is clearly a word of wisdom.
Now, he has added more to it, which will certainly not go
down well with the anti-Mahama elements, especially his own
"subject" (Akufo-Addo) who is constantly leading the NPP's
attacks on President Mahama. Hear him, loud and clear:
"The Okyehene, Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin has urged
Ghanaians to back President John Mahama's drive to transform
the Ghanaian economy. According to Osagyefo, the situation
where some Ghanaians discredit government through the
casting of aspersions and insinuations is inappropriate.
"We are all Ghanaians and one people, we should be law
abiding and ensure that we do away with issues that will
divide the country. We must all support President Mahama's
quest of transforming Ghana from its state to a better one,”
he stated.
Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin was speaking at 5th anniversary
of the installation of Effiduasehene, Okoawia Dwumoh Baabu
IV in Koforidua in the eastern region. (See
http://www.myjoyonline.com/politics/2016/January-8th/okyehene-lets-support-mahama-to-transform-ghana.php#sthash.zKIaodBq.dpuf).
MY COMMENTS
Is the Okyehene not saying what Akufo-Addo hates to hear,
more so from his own backyard? It is beyond interesting for
the Okyehene to note that President Mahama is making efforts
to "transform the Ghanaian economy" while Akufo-Addo is
leading the NPP pack to say otherwise. All of those freely
insulting President Mahama as “incompetent” think that he is
not transforming the economy or the country, which the
Okyehene’s stance contradicts. And he is not only talking
about President Mahama’s efforts at transforming the economy
but also at transforming Ghana!! What has the Okyehene seen
that those insulting President Mahama haven't?
Supporting President Mahama, as urged by the Okyehene, means
turning away from the rogue politics of the NPP and other
detractors of President Mahama; not so? Coming from the
Okyehene, this urge is strong and sends a clear signal.
Is the Okyehene seeing what Akufo-Addo isn't seeing about
the competence of President Mahama, even as he makes
strenuous efforts to solve the country's problems? And
Akufo-Addo hails from Abuakwa, where the Okyehene reigns
supreme. Interesting, folks!!
It is a truism that Ghanaians are "difficult people" as
claimed by the late Kutu Acheampong. Voting for a politician
to rule the country means supporting him in his endeavours.
Even those who might not have voted him into office should
know that once favoured by the majority of the voters, such
a person becomes the "fait accompli" who must be supported
to succeed. Turning against him won't solve any problem; it
will rather create needless tension, as is the case now.
Interestingly, those not supporting the President are even
not able to tell Ghanaians how they will do things
differently if put in office. They are more invested in
blowing hot air than in giving the people anything
worthwhile. So, what the Okyehene has said is enough
food-for-thought.
Ghanaians need to change their mindset and attitude(s) so
whoever is put in office can be fully supported to help
solve problems. Otherwise, we will be running around in
circles, wasting energy and resources only to worsen the
country's problems. That is the essence of the Okyehene's
admonition. Good job, Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin!!
I shall return…
• E-mail: mjbokor@yahoo.com
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to continue the conversation.
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