The Call to Put Our Nation Before Party

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KK 10 years ago

Paul, this is too long. I couldn't finish reading. It is too long. Would've been far better short. Daniel's piece on similar topic was short and straight to the point even though it was also criticised for being too short.

Paul, this is too long. I couldn't finish reading. It is too long. Would've been far better short. Daniel's piece on similar topic was short and straight to the point even though it was also criticised for being too short.
High Priest 10 years ago

Doc,i have for some time now been reading all your comments on ghanaweb and to sincere with you,i love reading them all.Good work Doc,keep it up.There is a lot to be learnt from you and others like G.K. Berko who is almost al ...
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Doc,i have for some time now been reading all your comments on ghanaweb and to sincere with you,i love reading them all.Good work Doc,keep it up.There is a lot to be learnt from you and others like G.K. Berko who is almost always on point.Love reading from you at all times. All the best.The High Priest.
Paul Amuna 10 years ago

High Priest, it is refreshing and humbling to read such good feedback. Thanks.

High Priest, it is refreshing and humbling to read such good feedback. Thanks.
BISHOP 10 years ago

I love reading your comments. This was of course a good article but a bit too long though. Have a wonderful day.

I love reading your comments. This was of course a good article but a bit too long though. Have a wonderful day.
Paul Amuna 10 years ago

Thanks KK, valid feedback. I realised that, thought of making it a 2-piece article and perhaps should have. Next time.

Thanks KK, valid feedback. I realised that, thought of making it a 2-piece article and perhaps should have. Next time.
KK 10 years ago

I felt I was a bit harsh in my first comment but now feel so relieved when you didn't take it hard that I went back to read the entire article - every single word of it. Well, I had skimmed it the first time around, though, a ...
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I felt I was a bit harsh in my first comment but now feel so relieved when you didn't take it hard that I went back to read the entire article - every single word of it. Well, I had skimmed it the first time around, though, and gotten the gist.

I still feel it's on the longish side but then I had to realise that this is your first article for ghanaweb other than your numerous comments which, as the comments here have shown, many people enjoy and like.

In this article, you have material for at least three good short articles each standing on its own. If you were a long time writer to ghanaweb, you would have known that. But it's great that you now know that. Ghanaweb visitors are people on the move. They want short articles that are straight to the point. Give that to them, and they will read every word of what you write - and be thankful for it.

And on the piece itself? I have nothing to say against the contents. Many well-meaning, non-partisan Ghanaians, think like you do. Two observations, though:

1. The Acheampong era Regional Commissioner from different regions was very successful but something only a military regime that ruled by diktat could do. It would be a very difficult thing for a party based civilian regime to do given the fact that they must give "jobs to the boys". We must change the constitution (yet again) to effect that. The 1992 Constitution wanted to make that possible by the move from a purely cabinet system of government to a semi-presidential one where the cabinet will be composed roughly of half the members of parliament and the other half from outside. But the practice, so far, has gone against the spirit of that provision. What we can do is to make all regional ministers and dces elective rather than selective.

2. It will be difficult for us to ditch the first past the post system of governance. I live in a country which practices proportional representation and which has a coalition government. Any party with at least four per cent of the votes has representation in parliament. But this requires good statistics of the people so that elections will be void of the mistakes that we saw in Ghana. In Ghana, we don't even know how many we are, who are Ghanaians and who are not, who are registered to vote and who not. We live in a country where all registered voters must travel to their places of registration to be able to vote. Right now, we don't even know who, really really won the Presidential vote. Even the country's Electoral Commissioner doesn't really know. In such circumstances, we have to forget about proportional representation. We just can't make that work. We are not ripe for it.

Thanks, buddy. And do come again.
Paul Amuna 10 years ago

Thanks KK, not to worry, I am old enough and big enough to take fair and critical feedback (as I do my own colleagues and students).
I take your point about proportional representation and also believe that Ghana's current ...
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Thanks KK, not to worry, I am old enough and big enough to take fair and critical feedback (as I do my own colleagues and students).
I take your point about proportional representation and also believe that Ghana's current system will not support it, especially because the smaller parties are too small and weak to garner the necessary minimum percentage vote for instance.

On the matter of Regional Ministers and MMDCEs, I would support election of the latter following vetting and short-listing of candidates who put themselves forward based on merit. Although I take the view that regional ministers ought not all to be parliamentarians (or people from the government's side only), I still believe they should be appointed. After all the minister is a 'government administrative representative' who should be appointed on the basis of their capability, but not necessarily a local OR party person.

I still believe the achievements of the military regime you referred to are still possible with the right political will, a strong civil society and a desire among citizens to seek the right people and the right thing for the country, and demand proper accountability. I happen to believe that we do not need a 'military government' to enforce our laws, ensure discipline and run the country well. What we need are law-abiding citizens with a focus on our national development and progress.

Of course this is a work in progress and is not easily attained given the 'natural penchant' among politicians and parties for 'jobs for the boys' and trying to profit from their 'booty' following elections. These are some of the ills we need to tackle for the sake of our country.
DusTY-FooT-pHiloSophER 10 years ago

But, I did not regret reading it to the fullest.

But, I did not regret reading it to the fullest.
LONTO-BOY 10 years ago

Paul, this is a very thoughtful and constructive article. I do agree with your vitally important message. The problem in Ghana is that there's no strong commitment to put aside political party interest in the national interes ...
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Paul, this is a very thoughtful and constructive article. I do agree with your vitally important message. The problem in Ghana is that there's no strong commitment to put aside political party interest in the national interest by agreeing on alternative policies and appointing competent opposition members for progress and development of this nation. Because of the dynamics of the "Winner-Takes-All" Politics of Ghana, our parties and MPs tend to disagree instinctively on almost everything apart from giving themselves astronomical pay rise in Parliament. This sort of mindset makes it difficult for devising consensus on long term policies to develop this country.

I do agree there's the need to create a new politics where our parties should compromise on policies and principles for the effective governance of the country. For example, President Mahama could take a bold step by appointing some competent NPP members/ex-Ministers into his administration as a drive towards inclusive governance and competent leadership needed for our national development.
Paul Amuna 10 years ago

Indeed that is the crux of my message.

Indeed that is the crux of my message.
DusTY-FooT-pHiloSophER 10 years ago

"For example, President Mahama could take a bold step by appointing some competent NPP members/ex-Ministers into his administration as a drive towards inclusive governance and competent leadership needed for our national deve ...
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"For example, President Mahama could take a bold step by appointing some competent NPP members/ex-Ministers into his administration as a drive towards inclusive governance and competent leadership needed for our national development."

Yes Lonto, that quite supports an idea a lot including myself put before the ruling government since the early days of Mills's administration and now under the guardianship of President Mahama and guess what the crux hubbub is? Well, rumours have it, that, both the NDC party and the NPP corridor don't trust one another. As such, neither side is willing to even consider giving a shred of chance to such a proposed competency "crossover" in governance for the common good of Mama Ghana due to the strong sabotage bothering conscience in both camps.

That, Mister, is the history’s great watershed between the two major political parties at our part of town and hence retarding a good and long-term policy to 'hurrah' our home sweet home before the limelight. But, then again, who could blame them when the like of Kwadwo Owusu Afriyie, Kennedy Agyapong, Stephen Atubiga and Owula Mangotey are forcefully selling their noticeable wears before the masses?
Kwaku asimenu-forson 10 years ago

i worked in the Regional Hospital in Kdua and came to know a bit about minyila. i was happy u mentioned him ti illustrate a point though i wanted more details on him. thats how we should go. shine the corner where u are wheth ...
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i worked in the Regional Hospital in Kdua and came to know a bit about minyila. i was happy u mentioned him ti illustrate a point though i wanted more details on him. thats how we should go. shine the corner where u are whether u are from there or transplanted or even just passing tru. good job doc
Paul Amuna 10 years ago

He was in fact, Regional Commissioner, and oversaw the development of the region.

He was in fact, Regional Commissioner, and oversaw the development of the region.
yb 10 years ago

Dr. Amuna, that was a nice piece but I think your reference to Sekou as ignorant is the lowest point of this article. At least you could have told us why you think he is ignorant. In my opinion, Ghana needs honest people like ...
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Dr. Amuna, that was a nice piece but I think your reference to Sekou as ignorant is the lowest point of this article. At least you could have told us why you think he is ignorant. In my opinion, Ghana needs honest people like Sekou if we want to move forward. He says things as they are without fear or favour.
DR. SAM 10 years ago

VERY GOOD ARTICLE! I AM WORKING DILIGENTLY TO SE GHANA TO BECOME I BEACON OF PEACE AND PROSPERITY. I WILL BE PUBLISHING A MAGAZINE FOR THAT PURPOSE- I SEE THE REALITY OF POLITICS IN GHANA-THIS KIND OF SO CALLED DEMOCRACY CAN ...
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VERY GOOD ARTICLE! I AM WORKING DILIGENTLY TO SE GHANA TO BECOME I BEACON OF PEACE AND PROSPERITY. I WILL BE PUBLISHING A MAGAZINE FOR THAT PURPOSE- I SEE THE REALITY OF POLITICS IN GHANA-THIS KIND OF SO CALLED DEMOCRACY CAN -NEVER- WORK!
JUST HELP ME TO UNDERSTAND HOW SPEAKING SEVERAL DIALECTS HELPS UNITY- I THINK THAT UNITY CAN ONLY HAPPEN WHEN THERE IS ONE AND ONLY ONE LANGUAGE THAT UNITES ALL. ALSO I THINK IS NOT WISE TO SEND CHILDREN AWAY FROM HOME TO BE TRAINED BY THEIR PARENTS, AND LEARN FROM OTHER EQUALLY INEXPERIENCED CHILDREN-IT'S LIKE THE BLIND LEADING THE BLIND! BUT WORST OF ALL TO DEPRIVE THE CHILD OF THE FAMILY INTIMATED DAILY LOVE IS ABSULUTE NEGATIVE. AND WHAT ABOUT THE HUGE EXPEMCES FOR THE LODGING AND TRAVELING? IT MAY WORK SOMEWHAT ON A VOLUNTARY BASIS TO GO TO OTHER REGIONS BUT ONLY DURING VACATION TIME! PLEASE RESPOND I AM LEARNING!
Paul Amuna 10 years ago

Dr Sam, Good luck with your project. Here is my response as requested:
In terms of a common language being more unifying, that is not guaranteed. Take Kenya for instance where Kiswahili is the national language and spoken a ...
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Dr Sam, Good luck with your project. Here is my response as requested:
In terms of a common language being more unifying, that is not guaranteed. Take Kenya for instance where Kiswahili is the national language and spoken across the board. They are one of the most divided nations in the world. I have always argued that the commmon language is Kenya's greatest asset, not tourism, and have shared this view with Kenyan colleagues.

I am not also quite sure about your point about the wisdom of sending children "away from home". We can examine the merits and de-merits of boarding education, but I rather think where there is discipline (as was the case when I was in school), that experience away from home could be a very good thing. My experience was that we came back home on vacation more matured, sensible and responsible each term. You are right there are some schools with 'poor discipline' and it can be very expensive to educate a boarder, to the exclusion of other siblings in poor families. That is where a means tested approach by government would be helpful to support poorer students.
Paul Amuna 10 years ago

upon reflection, very fair comment. Perhaps I should have left him out of it completely. Included him because of his overt criticism of every leader (except his father without offering sensible ways forward.

upon reflection, very fair comment. Perhaps I should have left him out of it completely. Included him because of his overt criticism of every leader (except his father without offering sensible ways forward.
Kofi Ata, Cambridge, UK 10 years ago

Paul, this is food for thought. It is sad to see the way NDC and NPP politicians are destroying the country with their kind of divide and rule politics under the guise of winner takes all. As you rightly pointed out, the US h ...
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Paul, this is food for thought. It is sad to see the way NDC and NPP politicians are destroying the country with their kind of divide and rule politics under the guise of winner takes all. As you rightly pointed out, the US has and until recently UK both have winner takes all, yet both engage in inclusive government when it comes to appointing men and women of integrity into positions of trust, irrespective of their party political affiliations into the Executive. Again, within the legislature, there are many joint and non-party political groupings that work together for the national good.

Regarding the Pledge and as to whether people understood what they recited, reminds me of our days in secondary school. By the time we were in form five in 1977, some of us were fed up with the Pledge and we carried that feeling to Sixth Form. I remember in Lower Six, a group of us decided that if we ever had the opportunity to lead the weekly Monday morning assembly (as Lower Six did from second term - one week rotational duties), we would not ask for the Pledge to be said. Sadly, I was assigned Dining Hall duties and my good friend, Prof Asare had the task of carrying our plans through when he was assigned Assembly duties. He dismissed the assembly without the pledge, which was the last to be recited. Students reminded him, "senior, the Pledge" to which he responded that, they could continue to stand there if they wanted to. Those of us who were aware of the plan were already leaving for our classrooms. It was not because we were not or less patriotic but the state of wrong doing and corruption within the ruling elite were such that, to some of us it was meaningless reciting the Pledge every Monday morning. Unfortunately, the then school authorities (Headmaster, Assistant and Senior Housemaster) considered students from Cape Coast schools to be troublesome. I hope the politicians have taken notice of the sermon by the Supreme Court Justices yesterday.

I note that this is your first article on the forum so welcome. I hope we will read often from you and it will not be a nine day wonder like LONTO-BOY. He started with very interesting articles on relationship issues but stopped. I used to enjoy reading his articles. I guess it could be the time factor.
Paul Amuna 10 years ago

Kofi, thanks for your comments and insights. Yes, this is my first 'stab' and I hope too, that I will be able to continue like you have done. I'll follow your lead (smile).

More seriously, you have hit the 'nail on the hea ...
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Kofi, thanks for your comments and insights. Yes, this is my first 'stab' and I hope too, that I will be able to continue like you have done. I'll follow your lead (smile).

More seriously, you have hit the 'nail on the head' about some of the reasons people "abandoned" the pledge. As young, patriotic and ethusiastic students, people were not stupid and indeed by the late 1970s the level of corruption by the military government was in such proportions as to make honest, hardworking people wonder why they had to continue to labour (and I guess in the case of students, say the pledge or commit themselves to Ghana) when the resources were being squandered by a few greedy people.

I see where your friend Kwaku Asare's 'firebrand' approach started. Any how, let us continue to drum into the ears of politicians and press home the point about the need for the collective to move the country forward. Let's also hope the politicians are learning from the SC's tough stance on discipline.
ONUA 10 years ago

remember my monicker? Paul? I criticized you for lack of neutrality when it comes to matters NPP/NDC the other day. I still think you are a bit pro NDC, but then who amongst us truly isn't pro one of these two [useless]parti ...
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remember my monicker? Paul? I criticized you for lack of neutrality when it comes to matters NPP/NDC the other day. I still think you are a bit pro NDC, but then who amongst us truly isn't pro one of these two [useless]parties? To be honest, with this article I'm just about finishing a 180 degrees turn-around, that is if you continue with such
Ghana centered views. That was great you won my vote.
ghanaman 10 years ago

It is most reassuring that the author of the article, clearly one of the most active contributors to the discussion here at ghanaweb, has finally produced his maiden piece.

Paul, this is a welcome and very healthy contribu ...
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It is most reassuring that the author of the article, clearly one of the most active contributors to the discussion here at ghanaweb, has finally produced his maiden piece.

Paul, this is a welcome and very healthy contribution to the unceasingly relevant discourse on the principle of "nation first".

Now that you have broken the ice, welcome to join the race to find the "Doyen of ghanaweb contributors". Join the club that includes Kofi Ata, Stephen Atta Owusu, and several glorious sons and daughters of the land!

Long live Ghana!

ghanaman (Hamburg, Germany)

PS. I am mot glad you have finally taken my advice to come out with your own articles, rather than the lengthy comments, which only the most discerning readers choose to engulf.
ghanaman 10 years ago

Pls read 'I am most glad', not "I am mot glad" (as erroneously appears in the original post).

Thanks.
ghanaman

Pls read 'I am most glad', not "I am mot glad" (as erroneously appears in the original post).

Thanks.
ghanaman
Paul Amuna 10 years ago

Much appreciated "ghanaman". Thanks fr your warm welcome to "the club".

Much appreciated "ghanaman". Thanks fr your warm welcome to "the club".
High Priest 10 years ago

Doc,i believe one article a week from you covering as many fields as your experience and background indicates will be helpful to all forumers.You are one-of-a-kind.Highly intelligent,sincere with your approach in engaging ot ...
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Doc,i believe one article a week from you covering as many fields as your experience and background indicates will be helpful to all forumers.You are one-of-a-kind.Highly intelligent,sincere with your approach in engaging other forumers and respectful of others.It may surprise you that your personality is always reflected in your comments.Again,hope to read regularly from you Doc.Good Luck.The High Priest.
Paul Amuna 10 years ago

HP, thanks most sincerely for your heart-warming and humbling comments. I promise to try and share with forumers as regularly as is possible.

HP, thanks most sincerely for your heart-warming and humbling comments. I promise to try and share with forumers as regularly as is possible.
High Priest 10 years ago

Doc.you have done it again but Ghana's sake,one article a week will be appreciated.Good job.

Doc.you have done it again but Ghana's sake,one article a week will be appreciated.Good job.
Ako 10 years ago

A splendid rendition of the need for unity and the progress and hindrances on that journey so far.I should think that,that call should include the fusion of ideas from our former leaders as as well as you nicely did.Nkrumah ...
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A splendid rendition of the need for unity and the progress and hindrances on that journey so far.I should think that,that call should include the fusion of ideas from our former leaders as as well as you nicely did.Nkrumah and Busia come to mind.Nkrumah was an asset to us and what ever your politics,an objective analysis will give him the credit for setting up Ghana's infrastructural base.Busia promoted democracy and Rawling took us through the pains to give Ghana our credibilty for the implementations of the imf conditionalities which opened the path for our economi progress.The fusion of ideas from both left and right of our politics will set the basis of our unity and tribal and social cohesion.
Dr. SAS, Attorney at Law 10 years ago

Doc, you should focus on one topic, plan it from beginning to the end and think through each paragraph to speak to aspects of your chosen topic.
Your article drifts too much into areas that don't form part of your original t ...
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Doc, you should focus on one topic, plan it from beginning to the end and think through each paragraph to speak to aspects of your chosen topic.
Your article drifts too much into areas that don't form part of your original topic which is a call to put our nation first. This is one reason why your article is longer than needed. The best guide on length here is to limit articles to two pages.
Having said that, I think you can be a positive voice here on ghanaweb; I look forward to reading more from you although we may strongly disagree on many things.

The Call to Put Our Nation Before Party

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