Politics of Saturday, 16 November 2013

Source: kofi d. apeatu-ampaw

Nana Addo did not Wear White For Fun – Kofi 1234

The ORDINARY PEOPLE of Ghana hereby react to the story posted on peacefmonline.com and attributed to Sam George Nettey who has imputed ill regarding the attire of Nana Akufo-Addo when he joined mourners during the one year anniversary of the passing away of the late Vice President in the erstwhile Kufuor government, Alhaji Aliu Mahama.

According to the story, Nana Akufo-Addo was in a festive mood was in a festive mood when he joined mourners during the one year anniversary of the passing away of the late Vice President.

Obviously Mr. George was desperately trying to react to the widespread negative public perception that the attire and conduct of President Mahama and his vice, Kwesi Amissah Arthur, prior to the Supreme Court’s verdict on the Presidential election petition was indicative of their fore knowledge over the verdict.

We find this rather unfortunate especially when it is coming from a member of the government’s communications team. Mr. George ought to know that for Muslims, the white attire is the highest mark of respect for such solemn occasions. Unlike certain religious groups or ethnic groups which prefer to wear black or other dark colors on funeral occasions, it is not the same with Muslims.

In fact, he Mr. George, being a member of the Ga Dangbe ethnic group should have known better because for members of his tribal group, it is even the white color which is preferred for dressing to funerals.

Instead of dealing with the substance of the allegations against His Excellency, the President, he rather seeks to make a lame and score settling argument against the former NPP flag bearer. This attempt falls flat on its face and we will implore Mr. George to come again with something better.

Communicating for the government is not child’s play. Members ought to go on air with solid information rather than resorting to cheap point scoring as if they were in a game of personal vendetta.

At the end of the day, what a government communicator says must be responsible and respectful of the citizenry. It is our sincere hope that the government’s communication outfit shares our concern and will advise Mr. George to do better next time.

The ordinary Ghanaian deserves better and must be treated as if he or she is intelligent enough to know better.

Signed: Kofi D. Apeatu-Ampaw, aka Kofi 1234; 0244371682 (Convener)