John Mahama: Time to Appoint Akans

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PAA 10 years ago

Ma te meho has been at it for so long time. They are a detriment to Ghana, seeing everything in tribal terms. What a shameful band of people. Sure it is hilarious as they are specialists at speaking ill. Do you ever read any ...
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Ma te meho has been at it for so long time. They are a detriment to Ghana, seeing everything in tribal terms. What a shameful band of people. Sure it is hilarious as they are specialists at speaking ill. Do you ever read any NPP giving credit or praising any one? They will smear the person in a minute. That is NPP speciality. Npp are so desperate that each day they pollute the airwaves and electronic media with lies and lies. Npp criminals, thieves, looters, nation wreckers, arsonists, murderers, lairs’ what npp are looking for is to come to power to loot the nation's resources. Npp thinks Ghanaians have soon forgotten when they were stealing gold, money, land and other state properties. Ministers saving government loans in their individual foreign accounts and keeping the interest accrued before releasing the capital to nation's coffers. You have been found out and God will punish you for wasting Ghanaian tax-payers money. Npp would surely pay for their demonic and evil plans. Akuffo Addo, you will never be president of this great country.
moyo 10 years ago

Dr. Hilla Liman refused to do it the one way to Heaven and got punished for that. President Mahama have to learn from history and not to live with history.

Dr. Hilla Liman refused to do it the one way to Heaven and got punished for that. President Mahama have to learn from history and not to live with history.
Man Africa 10 years ago

WHEN WILL THESE SO CALLED PHD HOLDERS UNDERSTAND THAT THE NORTH IS NOT A TRIBE, OR BETTER STILL THAT THERE MAY BE MANY MORE DIFFERENT ETHNICITIES IN THE NORTH THAN THERE PROBABLY ARE IN SOUTHERN GHANA? CLEARLY, IT IS THE WRIT ...
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WHEN WILL THESE SO CALLED PHD HOLDERS UNDERSTAND THAT THE NORTH IS NOT A TRIBE, OR BETTER STILL THAT THERE MAY BE MANY MORE DIFFERENT ETHNICITIES IN THE NORTH THAN THERE PROBABLY ARE IN SOUTHERN GHANA? CLEARLY, IT IS THE WRITER WHO IS TRIBALIST NOT MAHAMA.
KB 10 years ago

Add to her credentials;A Highly Educated Illiterate,Clever writer but foolish and ignorant.The type who enjoy the sound of their own words.Sham intellectual.

Add to her credentials;A Highly Educated Illiterate,Clever writer but foolish and ignorant.The type who enjoy the sound of their own words.Sham intellectual.
samo jewellery 10 years ago

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RED-SOKOTO-GUDARI 10 years ago

HOW come any elementory teacher in the USA calls himself or herself a prof? We are only able to tell their substance when we read prejudices like this from them. A prof must know better and not just belittle himself or herslf ...
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HOW come any elementory teacher in the USA calls himself or herself a prof? We are only able to tell their substance when we read prejudices like this from them. A prof must know better and not just belittle himself or herslf like this by portraying such a gros ignorance in the public. This writor has nothing to portray rather telling the public how tribalistic she is herslf. I hope she knew how to read and write when Kufour was a president. What does she mean by northerns left, right etc? Mahama's government is one of the best inclusive ever! Is there only a single tribe in the North? What did not happen in Kufour's government? Nepotism and tribalism at its best! Give readers a break please! Enough of this!
krikri 10 years ago

when the greedy thief misruled Ghana for 8 years? 1st he removed Jake, a pseudo Ga and replaced him with an Ashanti. Removed Peter Ala Aadjetey, a Ga and replaced him with another Ashanti. Appointed his Ashanti nephews, cousi ...
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when the greedy thief misruled Ghana for 8 years? 1st he removed Jake, a pseudo Ga and replaced him with an Ashanti. Removed Peter Ala Aadjetey, a Ga and replaced him with another Ashanti. Appointed his Ashanti nephews, cousins, sons, nieces, brothers in law as ambassadors, ministers, etc. Akadu where were you then?
okofo 10 years ago

Did you read the writer's line:

"Apologists would say Kufour did it"?
or "Apologists would say JJ did it" etc...?

If Mahama is any wiser he would do it diferently: avoid nepotism.

Did you read the writer's line:

"Apologists would say Kufour did it"?
or "Apologists would say JJ did it" etc...?

If Mahama is any wiser he would do it diferently: avoid nepotism.
C.Y. ANDY-K 10 years ago

That was exactly what I was going to say! Fact is, there are many ethnic groups in the North, members of whom are getting their first ever appointees to higher office in many years. Mahama is actually in a tricky situation tr ...
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That was exactly what I was going to say! Fact is, there are many ethnic groups in the North, members of whom are getting their first ever appointees to higher office in many years. Mahama is actually in a tricky situation trying to satisfy all those diff. groups, having played the "Northerner" card himself. His own Gonja people are even complaining that he has been side-stepping them, as only a couple have so far been given posts. JJ faced exactly that problem and at one time, he was the only "Ewe" in the PNDC Cabinet. Akans, of course, dominated that but that didn't stop some evil Akans from accusing him of tribalism. In their minds, Akans should head all other depts and parastatal posts too, irrespective of the fact that they may not the best qualified!

But this is Akadu, the moniker for Kwabena Opare Akurang-Parry from Akwapim who has adopted a Denkyira cover to be spreading his most jaundiced and intellectually bankrupt ethnocentric views. Let's recollect that he wrote another crap in which he accused Mills of appointing only Ewes!

Anyway, we shall quote him with much abandoned without any permission from him when the time comes to refute in our own writings his evil demonisation of others.

What a jerk! I wonder why they always try to hide behind Asantes when vomiting out their venomous agenda, a bait some foolish and ignorant Asantes always swallow. And when the repercussions come and they are mentioned, just as Awoonor did in his book, they come whining that the culprit. e.g. Busia and Agyapong, is not Asante and Asantes are not responsible! Baaaa!

Andy-K
ABUGRI HASSAN 10 years ago

ANDY K STOP LYING,Akadu is not Kwabena Opare Akurang-Parry. Even if he is Kwabena Opare Akurang-Parry so what. If he is wrong, dispute it.

ANDY K STOP LYING,Akadu is not Kwabena Opare Akurang-Parry. Even if he is Kwabena Opare Akurang-Parry so what. If he is wrong, dispute it.
C.Y. ANDY-K 10 years ago

Eh? Kwabena, you are now Abugri Hassan? Ha! ha! ha!

Let the "true" Parry come to deny it then!

Btw, what I am a bigot about?

Andy-K

Eh? Kwabena, you are now Abugri Hassan? Ha! ha! ha!

Let the "true" Parry come to deny it then!

Btw, what I am a bigot about?

Andy-K
ABUGRI HASSAN 10 years ago

ANDY -K THE EWE BIGOT, YOU GOT IT WRONG AGAIN.I AM ABUGRI HASSAN NOT KWABENA. I LIVE IN CALIFORNIA. I KNOW PROFESSOR KWABENA AKURANG-PARRY FOR MANY YEARS. HE IS MAN WHO HAS WRITTEN AND DONE A LOT IN HIS FIELD. BASED ON WHAT H ...
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ANDY -K THE EWE BIGOT, YOU GOT IT WRONG AGAIN.I AM ABUGRI HASSAN NOT KWABENA. I LIVE IN CALIFORNIA. I KNOW PROFESSOR KWABENA AKURANG-PARRY FOR MANY YEARS. HE IS MAN WHO HAS WRITTEN AND DONE A LOT IN HIS FIELD. BASED ON WHAT HE HAS ACHIEVED IN A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME IN ACADEMIA, EVEN IF GOD GIVES YOU 300 YEARS ON EARTH, YOU ANDY -K CANNOT REACH THE LEVEL PROFESSOR AKURANG-PARRY HAS ACHIEVED WITH THAT SHORT PERIOD. I THROW A CHALLENGE TO YOU ANDY -K TO SHOW THE ENTIRE WORLD YOUR BODY OF WORK IN ACADEMIA SO WE CAN COMPARE THEM TO WHAT PROFESSOR AKURANG-PARRY HAS ACHIEVED OVER THIS SHORT PERIOD OF TIME. THE PORTRAIT I DRAW ABOUT YOU ON GHANAWEB IS THAT YOU ANDY -K IS VERY POMPOUS, ARROGANT AND MAKE LOTS OF NOISE ON GHANAWEB YET YOU HAVE NOTHING TO SHOW THE WORLD YOUR ACHIEVEMENT.BIG FOOL. EMPTY BARREL MAKES THE MOST NOISE.
Create, loot and share 10 years ago

Those criticizing Prof. Akadu are all fools. Ask yourselves if tribalism exist in Ghana now or not. You are all behaving like ostriches pretending as if all is well with the nation. This canker called tribalism must be tackle ...
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Those criticizing Prof. Akadu are all fools. Ask yourselves if tribalism exist in Ghana now or not. You are all behaving like ostriches pretending as if all is well with the nation. This canker called tribalism must be tackled head on and not swept under the carpet. I can tell you that Prof. Akadu being a sociologist can read the mindset and psyche of the people through various postings and comments on Ghanaweb and hence try to address them.

Tribalism exist in all spheres of public life in Ghana now. It is not being openly discussed for fear of one being victimized. Someone posted a comment not quite long ago on Ghanaweb accusing Ewe hiring managers of showing favoritism towards Ewes and bias towards Akans in general and Ashantis in particular and indeed most people harbour the feeling that this is true. This open bias is usually justified by the saying that they have been appointed or employed on the basis of merit but we know this is untrue. They are always ready to hire an Ewe or even a Togolese, a Beninoire, or a Nigerian and leave out the Akan.

It is as if a kind of cartel has been formed to sideline some ethnic groupings in Ghana now. The problem gets compounded when it turns political and this has to be checked and corrected before something untoward happens in our homeland Ghana.

Do not say Prof.Akadu is clueless. She definitely knows what she is doing.
Kojo T 10 years ago

You are NPP , why do you not start by appointing Non Asante and Akyems into top hierachy of NPP? You point fingers but you are the worst offenders. Busia remeoved other tribes from office in appollo 568 and Kufour had even hi ...
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You are NPP , why do you not start by appointing Non Asante and Akyems into top hierachy of NPP? You point fingers but you are the worst offenders. Busia remeoved other tribes from office in appollo 568 and Kufour had even his brother in the cabinet . So why are you talking about Dr Osei and Osei DK are brothers
Create, loot and share 10 years ago

We badly need another Apollo 568 to purge and prune the system of Ewe domination. The injustices and harm being perpetrated against Akans in general and Ashantis in particular is a big challenge to the stability of the nation ...
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We badly need another Apollo 568 to purge and prune the system of Ewe domination. The injustices and harm being perpetrated against Akans in general and Ashantis in particular is a big challenge to the stability of the nation. It has to be recognized and corrected. The voice of Prof. Akadu is divine.
C.Y. ANDY-K 10 years ago

It i such a disaster for Ewes to have uneducated jingoists on their neck all this while. Enough is enough! We are not in NAZI Germany! And we are not Jews!

There are scholarly works on the subject of ethnicity in the publ ...
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It i such a disaster for Ewes to have uneducated jingoists on their neck all this while. Enough is enough! We are not in NAZI Germany! And we are not Jews!

There are scholarly works on the subject of ethnicity in the public sector and none of them has shown Ewes to be having a statistically significant over-representation in the public sector, even under Rawlings. Only Gas were shown to have such a slant but it is due to historical reasons rather than as a result of tribalism by the Gas.

Of course, ignorant fools like all of you accusing Ewes on behalf of "Akans, particularly Asantes" are not aware of such studies.

Isn't amazing you blokes use that phrase and when Awoonor used it to explain what was happening from the post-1966, hell broke loose?

Andy-K
Music man 10 years ago

One minute Ewes are your slaves, the next minute they are dominating the system. What an evil group of confused people? Descendants of Lucifer!

One minute Ewes are your slaves, the next minute they are dominating the system. What an evil group of confused people? Descendants of Lucifer!
ohenenana 10 years ago

Man Africa, what the writer is saying is that public sector appointments are going to people from Northern Ghana. Yes, Ghana's geography is such that tribes, are concentrated in a particular geographical area. By saying nothe ...
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Man Africa, what the writer is saying is that public sector appointments are going to people from Northern Ghana. Yes, Ghana's geography is such that tribes, are concentrated in a particular geographical area. By saying nothern Ghana you must understand what the wrting is saying.

Wether you understand or not the write is saying the president must appoint Akans.
C.Y. ANDY-K 10 years ago

Akans are a minority in total in Ghana. There are nearly 60 or so linguistic groups in Ghana but the Akans have dominated various govts since independence, always in the majority in cabinet. They have thus formed a sense of e ...
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Akans are a minority in total in Ghana. There are nearly 60 or so linguistic groups in Ghana but the Akans have dominated various govts since independence, always in the majority in cabinet. They have thus formed a sense of entitlement to all public posts, and only crumbs to be thrown to others!

What about the over 50 other linguistic groups? Why shouldn't they also get posts? And where are they at all that they have been so subdued in pursuing their interests too?

Since the coup of 1966 when the Akans of the Matemeho took control of the NLC after the death of Kotoka, this unhealthy pre-occupation of these "Akans, in particular Asantes" has created so much ethnic tensions, particularly directed at Ewes when Busia and the PP targeted them during the 1969 elections. Well, since their most intelligent ever produced said so then, it is still the gospel truth with which they have been haranguing Ewes and hounding them out of their jobs on the few occasions they got the chance to form govt.

This blatant "racist" profiling of Ewes is not even supported by stats, evidence! It can never happen in any Western country but it is happening to Ewes in a country they call their own country! It MUST BE STOPPED BY ANY MEANS APPROPRIATE!

Watch this space!

Andy-K
Create, loot and share 10 years ago

You are a fool to be talking nonsense. What is the population of ewes in Ghana 12% and yet you find them in their numbers in all sectors of the economy everywhere outnumbering all other ethnic groupings. Are you saying that y ...
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You are a fool to be talking nonsense. What is the population of ewes in Ghana 12% and yet you find them in their numbers in all sectors of the economy everywhere outnumbering all other ethnic groupings. Are you saying that you are the only educated folks on the land? There seem to be a paring of one Ewe to one person from any other ethnic group in Ghana now. The statistics you keep referring if any exist will show a skewness towards Ewes. If there is one just produce it for all to see. I know being an Ewe as you are you will even justify it by saying that Ewes are predisposed to working in Government institutions and set-ups.

Government institutions must reflect national identity so Akans are not asking for what is on-heard off. After all they are the majority on the land.
AA 10 years ago

APPOINT ONE EWE MAN TO A TOP POSITION AND WITHIN ONE MONTH HE APPOINTS FOUR EWES TO THE ORG. THEY THEN MULTIPLY LIKE COCROACHES.

APPOINT ONE EWE MAN TO A TOP POSITION AND WITHIN ONE MONTH HE APPOINTS FOUR EWES TO THE ORG. THEY THEN MULTIPLY LIKE COCROACHES.
Kaaya 10 years ago

What kind of professor who does not know the difference between a tribe and a zone? Ghana has north and south zones. You should not compare Akans to Northerners. There are many tribes from the north. Compare southerners to no ...
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What kind of professor who does not know the difference between a tribe and a zone? Ghana has north and south zones. You should not compare Akans to Northerners. There are many tribes from the north. Compare southerners to northerners. Northerners should not be blinded to accept these false accusations. It is a ploy to keep us as down trodden.
Eta 10 years ago

I don't think this rubbish is from the brain of a professor. I rather smell tribalism in her way of thinking. which tribe or ethnic group is call northerner. Has the "prof" ever been to the North? Besides, why is he not also ...
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I don't think this rubbish is from the brain of a professor. I rather smell tribalism in her way of thinking. which tribe or ethnic group is call northerner. Has the "prof" ever been to the North? Besides, why is he not also commenting on the competence of the appointees.
Fred Hayford 10 years ago

an EWE friend told me that this type of dead brain teachers,are called SAKABO teacher or AGUTOR teachers...meaning DANKWASRI/AMPAI teacher/s.

an EWE friend told me that this type of dead brain teachers,are called SAKABO teacher or AGUTOR teachers...meaning DANKWASRI/AMPAI teacher/s.
C.Y. ANDY-K 10 years ago

THE ETHNIC IMBROGLIO IN GHANA: THE ORIGINS, PART 1

The tribal imbroglio, rather than starting in recent times, has been brewing for a long, long while now. In fact, the roots of the prejudices and the insults we see some r ...
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THE ETHNIC IMBROGLIO IN GHANA: THE ORIGINS, PART 1

The tribal imbroglio, rather than starting in recent times, has been brewing for a long, long while now. In fact, the roots of the prejudices and the insults we see some raining on others date back to pre-colonial times. So, any attempt to understand the worrying phenomenon must address the canker from that era. That is what I intend to do, with special focus on the apparent cleavage between Ewes and Akans (and any others). But now, I’d begin with the colonial times. When you hear the cry of lamentation:
Dza le le leeeeeee!

Me zu kluvi

The road to Kontsiabu

Strewn with gold dusts.

Only those without

in their eyes gold dusts

felt the pangs of hunger and thirst…

then you’d know that the time to narrate the doleful tales of the pre-colonial era, where it all began, has arrived; but you’d get a glimpse now.

Not to waste time apportioning blame, the Akans (and Gas, if I may add them), started these tribal abuse and attacks on Ewes many decades ago; nay, centuries back, as I said earlier. But as mentioned above, I won't delve as yet into the pre-colonial times when it was free for all, with even some Ewe states joining in marauding and plundering other Ewe states for the slave markets of the Gold Coast. I had indeed provided a write up on that sordid era on Ghanaweb’s SIL in the 1990s, which is available. One German businessman with biz connections to Ghana who used to read the nonsense on SIL wrote a private mail to me saying that he was always wondering why Africans sold each other into slavery to Europeans and Arabs; reading my detailed historical account enlightened him on how and why it happened for the first time. That story must be re-told all over Africa in other to understand the roots of the conflicts that bedevilled the continent after independence.

In Ghana, the colonial times modern version started after the WW1 when Anlo, Tongu and Peki migrants from within the Gold Coast and those from the newly acquired TVT from the Germans started moving to the Akan and Ga areas to either fish, farm or seek paid employment. Ewes from Togo and Benin Republic (Dahomey) escaping from French repressive rule came later. Some Ewes, esp. the educated ones, also got jobs with the commercial houses and the colonial administration. Some, such as Gbedema and Nkulenu, started their own private businesses. Soon, they were becoming prosperous in their chosen fields and/or rising up in the ranks wherever they were employed due to the usual hard working nature of most migrants. After all, the far superior German missionary vocational educational set up, compared to the British, had equipped them much better with skills in the crafts and building, such as carpentry and masonry, which were in much demand by the colonial authority and the other natives of the Gold Coast and Asante. That was when trouble began and the attacks started, as far back as the 1930s.

Below is a brief quote from S. Greene about how the Fantes started perceiving Anlo-Ewe fisher folk; a perception or prejudice which is not much different from what permeates the Akan ethnic group as a whole up to today (not only a few bigots on Ghanaweb). Ewes find out to our chagrin or amusement, often as a kid, that that was how our fellow country men and women perceive us. The encounter is therefore a personal story too.

Not much has changed in the prejudiced minds of too many Akans, as we daily witness on Ghanaweb, even though many too have developed over the years an obsession or desire to marry Ewe girls, failure which often brought in its wake stories of tribalism heaped against Ewes. As I told some Akan teacher colleagues in Nigeria, it was the scary and “irrational” Akan “wofa” (uncle) inheritance system, stupid! Horrible stories of how Ewe widows were in particular dispossessed and treated shabbily were enough to dissuade any idea of marriage to even a most love besotted Akan man! It is no wonder that, with the interstate law of inheritance in place, marriage to Akan men has been on the increase.

I know an Ewe from the Peki area who swore that it’d never be possible to change the jaundiced perception of Akans of Ewes from his own experiences attending Mpraeso Teacher Training College, and then teaching at Mpraeso and in Kumasi. He said one particular woman - a cook in the school - they used to go to church with wouldn’t believe that he did not have any “ekpelekpedzi” under their bed! I said it was possible and gave an example of my own experiences in Nigeria. I managed to convince my fellow Akan teachers that I don’t indulge nor believe in those things - juju or voodoo or even any god (white or black), and wouldn’t drink “ogogoro” with them – when there is original Gordon’s gin and lime cordiale to have – and they somehow lost some “respect”, (or was it fear?) for me. They’d say I wasn’t a proper Anloman and fool around with me!

Between 1982-4, when their Anti-Ewe diatribes had reached fever point and they were advocating massacring Ewes as done to the Ibos in Nigeria who they claimed were also allegedly dominating Nigeria in the 1960s, I thought of putting some fear into them by creating some “kporsi” (“see-and-run”) to scare them. Fact is, practically every smart Ewe knows how to scare Akans and Gas even though they don’t have “foko” (anything), as we say in Anlo but I will keep that out of this write up. Good I didn’t do so, otherwise they’d be giving testimonies up to today about what an Anlo teacher did to them in Nigeria – they’d have packed out and run from their rooms on the ground floor of the storey building we were hiring. I “protected” myself practically by chocking the door handle with a chair, as I had seen in movies, before I went to bed, in order to prevent them from making me the first casualty of their let-us-kill-Ewes mania! Funny some of them even became staunch PNDC supporters, only to change their minds again years later when I met some on a visit to Ghana.

Anyway, enough with the digression into the personal narrative and to Sandra Greene.

From p.148 of Sandra Greene I quote:

"Increased Anlo identification with their northern Ewe-speaking neighbours may have also been enhanced by the experience many had while participating in migrant fishing. After World War I, numerous groups of Anlo men and women traveled to other coastal areas, including the Fante area of the Gold Coast, in order to pursue their commercial fishing activities. For many, this was probably the first time they had traveled outside their home area, and/or to a district where they were a distinct linguistic minority. In these locations, they conducted themselves as they had in their own home villages, but those among whom they come to live - often temporarily, just for the fishing season - came to view the Anlos' prosperity with jealousy and suspicion. Stories circulated that associated the Anlo with "blood-curdling" crimes. R.W. Wyllie indicates, for example, that from at least the 1930s "Fanti [children] learned to view the Anlos as thieves, kidnappers, sorcerers, and ritual murderers." The social tensions that accompany these beliefs - and the very fact that these beliefs were held by a non-Ewe speaking people - must have heightened the Anlo's awareness of their linguistic and cultural background and generated some sense of identification with their Ewe-speaking peoples whom they would have encountered in the Gold Coast."

The encounter with the Gold Coasters was enough to turn any Ewe into a paranoid schizophrenic, developed a siege mentality (become “inward-looking”?) and very resentful towards any idea of union with the Gold Coast, not to mention marry an Akan.

As some of you know, the Anlo area through Tongu to the Peki area had been part of the Gold Coast colony proper, effectively from 1874 though the British “bought” and claimed the area from the Danes in 1850; hence the freedom to move to other parts of the Gold Coast and Asante later. Besides, many southern Ewes are descendants of Ga-Adangbe, Elmina and Denkyira fugitives dating back respectively to 1687 when the Akwamus first thrashed the Gas for cutting the “bolobolo” (foreskin) of their prince sent to the Ga Mantse Okai Koi’s court to understudy courtship, and 1700, when the Asantes defeated the Denkyiras and took over Elmina from the Denkyiras. Going back to Ge (Accra) and Sima (Shama) with their new kinsmen was just like returning to the ancestors' land. In fact, it was the descendants of those fugitives who were the first migrants, having maintained links with their ancestral lands during their long period in exile. Reindorf had written about that back and forth movement among the Ga fugitives long ago. That’s how Osu-Anecho came to be founded and how all Ewes got the derogatory epithet “Ayigbe” (Ayi refuse), whether they were descendants of fugitives or not. The “dzulor” bit the Gas added originally referred to the Okai Koi stool regalia which the Ga-Ewes in Togo refused to return to Accra and still claim to be its protectors. Remember the trips with pre-colonial undertones their chiefs made to Ghana when the NPP took over power in 2000?

We read from the December 6, 1919 edition of the West Africa magazine a letter sent to the colonial government of the Gold Coast:
“We PEOPLE of Togoland, descended from two principal countries, Elmina
(Ane) and Accra (Ge), both of the Gold Coast Colony, ask to have British government because it is the government of our fathers, whose customs are our customs, and a British Colony is half-an-hour distant from us.
We ask to have British government because it is the government of our kith and kin, our race and our tribe.
We ask for British government because of our relationship with our people on the west, which must assert itself..” (culled from West Africa 12-16 Dec. 1994)

And so on it went. I can make long comments on the above quotes but suffice it to say that it was the beginning and end of the love affair which started as unification with the Gold Coast movement ending up as the drive to secede from the Gold Coast.

One may wonder why the petitioners did not even acknowledge the Ewes, Dagombas, Konkombas, Akans and the host of other ethnic and tribal groups in Togo who also have their “kith and kin” within the Gold Coast and the Northern Territories. I guess this piece of history may come as a surprise to the ingrates who make a living of always reminding us that Ewes come from Togo, some of whom carried a video to Lome to trace the roots of Fiifii Kwetey there, instead of doing so in Accra; better still, Ayawaso! Well, he said he was from Nogokpo, which rubbed a sore spot for me, but that’s another, story.

THE EWE BACKLASH

By the 1940s, Ewes, Anlos in particular, in the Gold Coast had had enough of the vilification and undeserved demonisation their successes were arousing. The returnee Anes and Ges (Gas), now fused as the Genyi, as Anlos refer to them, through intermarriages, also soon discovered that they were not welcome, or often welcomed with shouts of “Ayigbe dzulor”! Disenchantment set in and secession from Ghana became a far better option. The result was the 1956 plebiscite and the rest is history.

Then come the post Feb 24 1966 coup era, when Busia and his PP turned this traditional vilification of Ewes into a political tool to win the 1969 general elections. It was preceded by an internal struggle within the NLC to share the spoils of office after the coup, which increasingly took an ethnic tone. My own father was a sacrificial victim. An extended quote from Dennis Austin, that great chronicler of Ghana history, captures the gist of it, so here we go:

“A surprising and disagreeable novelty of the election was the extraordinary anti-Ewe sentiment that was express1ed in conversation with many of those who were against Gbedemah and his party. One can explain this strong animus not simply by a dislike of Gbedema’s reappearance in political life but in relations to events after the 1966 coup. Suddenly there were the soldiers and the police, and everyone burst out singing, but when the music died down away it was noticed that the NLC (it seemed) was commanded by minorities: Ewe and Ga. When Ankrah (a Ga), was moved out, and charges were brought over-hastily by Harlley against the Chief of Defence Staff, Michael Otu, the evidence to many was overwhelming. It was all an Ewe plot. Soon Ghana would be run for the benefit of an energetic minority, operating first within the armed forces, and now behind Gbedemah. ‘Appoint an Ewe to a public corporation or to a government department and within a year the entire hierarchy down to the messenger will be an Ewe.’ So the argument ran. And there was always some evidence for it, since the Ewe, deprived of any natural wealth in their own barren region, have been energetic in seizing the opportunities of public employment, including positions in the army and the police, which wealthier communities (like the Akan) did not wish to occupy. In practice, looking through the list of senior officers in government department and the public corporations, the evidence is certainly not clear of any Ewe domination: it could hardly be in view of their number. But a belief does not, of course, have to be true before people hold it fervently.
Now there is an Akan-dominated government of an Akan dominated society. Were I to become, by some improbable chance of fate, leader of the governing party I would be much less apprehensive of my Ewe opponents in front than of the large and expectant following behind. I would be fearful too of the ambitions of those now excluded from power, remembering the Songs of Innocence that:
The strongest poison ever known
Came from Caeser’s laurel crown” (D. Austin 1976:125)

Austin was writing with hindsight about what befell Busia’s regime, overthrown in a coup led by an Asante.

The interested reader is referred to the link on the Internet to read an extended abstract of the book in order to get a fuller understanding of the ethnic imbroglio in Ghana and so be able to compare events from then and now and subsequent analysis.

Dennis Austin - 1976 - Political Science - 199 pages
books.google.co.uk/books?isbn=084190278X...

In Part 2, I intend to examine the hate campaign against the Ewes and the consequences or reactions from the 1970s which led to Kofi Awoonor’s infamous prison book, The Ghana Revolution, which he claimed he wrote in prison when gaoled for helping Brig. Kattah to escape from Ghana. It’d be necessary to focus on the Ghana Army, from its origins and recruitment trends since it is at the crux of the matter.
.
Andy C.Y. Kwawukume, better known as C.Y. Andy-K, is a freethinker, Pan-Africanist and an ardent Nkrumaist.
cyandyk@ymail.com

References:

Dennis Austin (1976): Ghana Observed: Essays on the Politics of a W. African Republic.
Manchester Univ. Press.
Sandra E. Greene (1995): Gender, Ethnicity, and Social Change on the Upper Slave
Coast: A History of the Anlo-Ewe. Heinemann and James Currey
Robert W. Wyllie. “Migrant Anlo Fishing Companies and Socio-Political Change: A
Comparative Study.” Africa, XXXIX, 4 (1969), 396-410.
GOOD AT INTRUCTIONS 10 years ago

THEY WILL RUN GHANA TO THE GROUND

THEY WILL RUN GHANA TO THE GROUND
Kontopiaat 10 years ago

Your message is true but we cannot call what you have written poetry. It is the worst and most terrible pretence at poetry. What type of doctorate do you have? Akomfem doctorate?

Your message is true but we cannot call what you have written poetry. It is the worst and most terrible pretence at poetry. What type of doctorate do you have? Akomfem doctorate?
EZEKIEL 10 years ago

It LOOKS as if there are TOO MANY unis in the USA awarding the PhD !!!!!
This is SHIT!

It LOOKS as if there are TOO MANY unis in the USA awarding the PhD !!!!!
This is SHIT!
Harrison 10 years ago

If you know to much, come home and help. It is easy to sit outside and talk your mine. With all your book long english, come home and help build the country

If you know to much, come home and help. It is easy to sit outside and talk your mine. With all your book long english, come home and help build the country
Yaro 10 years ago

FUCK THIS SHIT. ANOTHER HOT AIR BLOWING PROFESSOR...YOUR MOTHER!!!

FUCK THIS SHIT. ANOTHER HOT AIR BLOWING PROFESSOR...YOUR MOTHER!!!
Jones 10 years ago

Why the insult? Say something sensible, Yaro!

Why the insult? Say something sensible, Yaro!
Yaro 10 years ago

Jones, when people who claim to know all try to act like they are shit, you tell them they are shit. That piece is nothing but what I called it, PIECE OF SHIT!!! I didn't want to waste my time as she did to sit and use her Go ...
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Jones, when people who claim to know all try to act like they are shit, you tell them they are shit. That piece is nothing but what I called it, PIECE OF SHIT!!! I didn't want to waste my time as she did to sit and use her God given creative mind and talent to concoct writings that had nothing but create and deepen divisiveness among a peace loving people.

I'll carry shit to the one who spews shit from her mouth, mind and pen. You really want me to waste my time writing something else you want to call sensible when she wrote nothing sensible? What is more sensible than calling a piece of shit, a piece of shit if that is what it is? Don't get the wrong ideas about me Jones, some of us have what it takes to make astute judgements over summary foolishness and more. Rethink what you wrote and ask of me. I say sensible when I read sensibility.

You called me the shit carrier, wish I read your personal reaction to that Shit piece of foolishness from a University Professor in the US. You asked why the insult... I react to the person who should have used her intellect and deep capacity to discern the importance of diversity after her wide travels to create harmony instead of using her shallow-mindedness to spew myopic sentiments and views aimed at instigating tribalism and promote the same.

Something sensible? Are Akans the only tribes in Ghana besides Northerners who need to rewarded with political appointments and positions? You probably think my pen name Yaro, makes me a northerner too, right?...come again Jones!!! The difference between me and her is that I have a deep sense to know what stupid writings like what she put up here does to nation building. I embrace all regardless of who you are and try to find the good in a person that can be used to promote nation building not wag my tongue to divide without assessing the personality to institute diligence for collective progress which is what I believe a good minded, forward thinking person would get themselves busy over and want too. Serious minds should be used for serious creations not wasting time over people who act with impunity simply because they begin to have twitches in the wrong places of their bodies! I wished you had managed to say something sensible too after you read my piece instead of calling me the shit carrier.

She would have helped herself a lot if her reaction was based on facts and not just on those posts she quoted. A credible party in the country is crumbling because of ethnic/tribal sentiments and you still teeth over tribal sentiments.

You think I insulted her? I hope you come back to read this!!!
pee 10 years ago

This is a f o o l I s h article

This is a f o o l I s h article
Winneba Man 10 years ago

You just hate to face reality! Read again and post another comment!

You just hate to face reality! Read again and post another comment!
too known 10 years ago

Who is more tribalistic then these forest people from the south

Who is more tribalistic then these forest people from the south
Ghana 10 years ago

Akadu Wansima, your education didn't help you at all. Your perception of the whole life is based on parochial prism of ethnocentrism.
The last time I read some of you postings, you boasted of having houses in which people r ...
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Akadu Wansima, your education didn't help you at all. Your perception of the whole life is based on parochial prism of ethnocentrism.
The last time I read some of you postings, you boasted of having houses in which people rent. Be reminded that, Almighty God will never ask you how many houses did you acquire in this world. Almighty God will ask for your stewardship base on how you treated your fellow human beings on earth.
People who are really educated are reasonable people but, unfortunately you lack the intelligence to be reasonable.
It was only kufour who was tribalisti 10 years ago

It was only Kufour (your mentor) who was a king of tribalism by appointing 98% Akans in popular corrupt government.
President Dramani, do your work and don't fugitive Dr. in the diaspora.

It was only Kufour (your mentor) who was a king of tribalism by appointing 98% Akans in popular corrupt government.
President Dramani, do your work and don't fugitive Dr. in the diaspora.
DANFI 10 years ago

EVEN THE COOK AT GHANA EMBASSY IN LONDON DURING KUFUORS ADM WAS AN AKAN NOT MENTION HIS MINISTER ,HE MADE HIS JUNIOR BROTHER MINISTER OF DEFENCE ,PROF ALL THAT WAS FINE WITH YOU.SHAME .

EVEN THE COOK AT GHANA EMBASSY IN LONDON DURING KUFUORS ADM WAS AN AKAN NOT MENTION HIS MINISTER ,HE MADE HIS JUNIOR BROTHER MINISTER OF DEFENCE ,PROF ALL THAT WAS FINE WITH YOU.SHAME .
Winneba Man 10 years ago

Don't mind the insult. You have spoken for all Ghanaians who are true nationalism. Anyway, most of those who have responded don't understand what you wrote! Akadu, keep it up! More grease on your chest!

Don't mind the insult. You have spoken for all Ghanaians who are true nationalism. Anyway, most of those who have responded don't understand what you wrote! Akadu, keep it up! More grease on your chest!
DDH 10 years ago

This Winneba man and the so-called prof do not understand anything. The issue is not about who can write but is about who can write sensible things. There are now too many of this book long PhD holders flooding the media with ...
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This Winneba man and the so-called prof do not understand anything. The issue is not about who can write but is about who can write sensible things. There are now too many of this book long PhD holders flooding the media with all sort of nonsense
MARK 10 years ago

DOES THE SCHOOL AT WHICH YOU'RE A PROFESSOR HAVE A NAME?

DOES THE SCHOOL AT WHICH YOU'RE A PROFESSOR HAVE A NAME?
Winneba Man 10 years ago

Deal with what Akadu has written! Where she teaches is not the issue.

Deal with what Akadu has written! Where she teaches is not the issue.
peace 10 years ago

kill that fool stupid mahama

kill that fool stupid mahama
NANA ALL THE WAY 10 years ago

YOU CALL YOURSELF 'PEACE' AND CALLING FOR THE KILLING OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF GHANA. I BELIEVE YOU DON'T KNOW THE MEANING OF THE WORD PEACE. EITHER CHANGE YOUR NAME OR CHANGE YOUR WAY OF THINKING. STOP GIVING AKAN ...
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YOU CALL YOURSELF 'PEACE' AND CALLING FOR THE KILLING OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF GHANA. I BELIEVE YOU DON'T KNOW THE MEANING OF THE WORD PEACE. EITHER CHANGE YOUR NAME OR CHANGE YOUR WAY OF THINKING. STOP GIVING AKANS AS THE BLOOD LOVING PEOPLE.
Dr. J. D. Ramsey. USA 10 years ago

Can Ghanaians just get along? No one cares whether you’re an African from Sudan, Ghana, Nigeria, etc. What is wrong with these few so called “PhD’s” at some community colleges in the US? These people should be better ...
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Can Ghanaians just get along? No one cares whether you’re an African from Sudan, Ghana, Nigeria, etc. What is wrong with these few so called “PhD’s” at some community colleges in the US? These people should be better at forging unity instead of the ignorance they expose to the world. These confirms the adage that “ a fool remains a fool with a PhD. Grow up and learn to be Ghanaians.
Emma Odoi-Sykes 10 years ago

I think that Akadu has boldly done a brilliant job by pointing out the on-going tribalism in our country. He does not single out Mahama, but focuses on him because he is now in charge of Ghana. Like it or not, there are too m ...
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I think that Akadu has boldly done a brilliant job by pointing out the on-going tribalism in our country. He does not single out Mahama, but focuses on him because he is now in charge of Ghana. Like it or not, there are too many Northerners in this govt. It is not good for our country. So Dr where do you teach - Ivy League school since you have made it clear that Akadu teaches at community college. Dr. Akadu's prescription is far better than your ostrich approach. I also teach at community college in the USA!
JENGBERA JENGBE 10 years ago

Emma, with respect, Ph.D holders teaching at back street community colleges in the USA, appear to be the problem. Their shallowness epitomises the ignorance, indeed the stark illiteracy, which pervades this space. Kwame Okoam ...
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Emma, with respect, Ph.D holders teaching at back street community colleges in the USA, appear to be the problem. Their shallowness epitomises the ignorance, indeed the stark illiteracy, which pervades this space. Kwame Okoampa-Ahoofe "knows" Bawku to be the capital of Ghana's Upper East region. Now Akadu Mensema sees "Northerners" as a monolithic tribe. And, Akadu Mensema is a sociologist? How tribalist can you get? It is not that she does not understand that lumping ethnic groups together is in itself discriminatory and tribalist, it is that she is a bigot who does not give a monkeys who she offends particularly if they are northerners.On 14 November 2012 President John Mahama had not made any appointments of government when Akadu Mensema wrote 'Mahama Ehhh! Limann was not a "Watchman!"' in which she said of President Mahama: "The elitist Northerner/ The clueless Tribalist......Curator of NDC's tribalism/ Count Northerners lucky/ For having free education / For wielding the Vice Presidency". If you fail to see Mensema's prejudice against the President and the north even then, then I am clearly wasting my effort. Mensema is a vile, irredeemable tribalist - the evidence abounds in the archives of Ghanaweb. She is an utter disgrace and pandering to her would be a crying shame indeed.
Yaro 10 years ago

...some still defend this piece of shit of an article from a clueless sociology professor who ironically seem to have no idea that Northerners is not a tribe anywhere in Ghana!

...some still defend this piece of shit of an article from a clueless sociology professor who ironically seem to have no idea that Northerners is not a tribe anywhere in Ghana!
Create, loot and share 10 years ago

Those criticizing Prof. Akadu are all fools. Ask yourselves if tribalism exist in Ghana now or not. You are all behaving like ostriches pretending as if all is well with the nation. This canker called tribalism must be tackle ...
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Those criticizing Prof. Akadu are all fools. Ask yourselves if tribalism exist in Ghana now or not. You are all behaving like ostriches pretending as if all is well with the nation. This canker called tribalism must be tackled head on and not swept under the carpet. I can tell you that Prof. Akadu being a sociologist can read the mindset and psyche of the people through various postings and comments on Ghanaweb and hence try to address them.

Tribalism exist in all spheres of public life in Ghana now. It is not being openly discussed for fear of one being victimized. Someone posted a comment not quite long ago on Ghanaweb accusing Ewe hiring managers of showing favoritism towards Ewes and bias towards Akans in general and Ashantis in particular and indeed most people harbour the feeling that this is true. This open bias is usually justified by the saying that they have been appointed or employed on the basis of merit but we know this is untrue. They are always ready to hire an Ewe or even a Togolese, a Beninoire, or a Nigerian and leave out the Akan.

It is as if a kind of cartel has been formed to sideline some ethnic groupings in Ghana now. The problem gets compounded when it turns political and this has to be checked and corrected before something untoward happens in our homeland Ghana.

Do not say Prof.Akadu is clueless. She definitely knows what she is doing.
Joe Turkey 10 years ago

What the hell is she saying? Historian, sociologist. Unfortunate, we do not need either in Ghana. So Akadu is unemployable here. I wonder if Mahama can find any use for, ... what? ... sociology?

What the hell is she saying? Historian, sociologist. Unfortunate, we do not need either in Ghana. So Akadu is unemployable here. I wonder if Mahama can find any use for, ... what? ... sociology?
Emma Odoi-Sykes 10 years ago

I can say for sure that you have a computer, but you are illiterate. You want historians, sociologists, etc., but Mahama studied history and is ruling you.

I can say for sure that you have a computer, but you are illiterate. You want historians, sociologists, etc., but Mahama studied history and is ruling you.
Create, loot and share 10 years ago

You are in the end insulting John Mahama. The President is himself a Historian. You do not need a histioran when we have one as the Prez. Go fuck John Mahama then.

You are in the end insulting John Mahama. The President is himself a Historian. You do not need a histioran when we have one as the Prez. Go fuck John Mahama then.
GOUTREMANFOKIDEMEO 10 years ago

YOUR OWN BAD DEEDS WILL LEAD YOU TO GRAVE. THANK YOU

YOUR OWN BAD DEEDS WILL LEAD YOU TO GRAVE. THANK YOU
Emma Odoi-Sykes 10 years ago

You disagree so you invoke death! You will go first! Mark it on your forehead.

You disagree so you invoke death! You will go first! Mark it on your forehead.
Emma Odoi-Sykes 10 years ago

Akadu, thanks for what you said about speaking truth to power. It is obvious that most of the commentators don't even read, but choose to insult you. You are a jewel in these hard times in our country's history.

Akadu, thanks for what you said about speaking truth to power. It is obvious that most of the commentators don't even read, but choose to insult you. You are a jewel in these hard times in our country's history.
Bayour 10 years ago

Where were you when Northerners were sideline.prof indeed

Where were you when Northerners were sideline.prof indeed
Kpengson Ray 10 years ago

Thanks for the much awaited poem. I hope the President reads this!
Keep the poems coming, insults do not help anyone! With a poem it sets us thinking! Dr. Kumbour will love this!

Thanks for the much awaited poem. I hope the President reads this!
Keep the poems coming, insults do not help anyone! With a poem it sets us thinking! Dr. Kumbour will love this!
FRESH DOE 10 years ago

Some Ghanaians have got more degrees than common sense. In our country, I can say all our leaders at least have first degrees, yet we lack common sense just like this so-called Prof Akadu.

What I will ask him or her - Are ...
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Some Ghanaians have got more degrees than common sense. In our country, I can say all our leaders at least have first degrees, yet we lack common sense just like this so-called Prof Akadu.

What I will ask him or her - Are Northerners not Ghanaians. As a person, honestly, I DO NOT share the idea of this person or that person. If that person can deliver, change the status quo, then so be it!

So if you call yourself educated elite, change your mind and be positive and anyone can do it, if they have the will.
Adom 10 years ago

You wrote that you are a 'nationalist Denkyira beauty'. That betrays you as a tribalist deep at heart. Your dirge will be taken with a pinch of salt. Did you speak against it when JJ did it? Are you an apologist yourself?

You wrote that you are a 'nationalist Denkyira beauty'. That betrays you as a tribalist deep at heart. Your dirge will be taken with a pinch of salt. Did you speak against it when JJ did it? Are you an apologist yourself?
razak seini 10 years ago

Shame onto this writer.If all are from ashanti ,or upper west and can do the work what does it matter.please, please stop this silly write ups

Shame onto this writer.If all are from ashanti ,or upper west and can do the work what does it matter.please, please stop this silly write ups
Apok 10 years ago

Mensema, i can see you are very learned but it pains me how you are wasting all of it just to support an unworthy course of 'Yen Akan Fuo' your write-ups are full of tribalism against Ewes and northerners. but let me tell you ...
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Mensema, i can see you are very learned but it pains me how you are wasting all of it just to support an unworthy course of 'Yen Akan Fuo' your write-ups are full of tribalism against Ewes and northerners. but let me tell you whether you like it or not, God has appointed us to rule over you and that is what it is. And if you cant take that, then tooooooo bad for you.
Afua (Texas) 10 years ago

I couldn't help laughing at your silly arguments. You state that Akadu is a tribalist, yet you claim divine intervention as the source of Mahama's ethnocentric policies! Now in your shallow-minded and knee-jerk response, God ...
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I couldn't help laughing at your silly arguments. You state that Akadu is a tribalist, yet you claim divine intervention as the source of Mahama's ethnocentric policies! Now in your shallow-minded and knee-jerk response, God is a tribalist! Too many fools are behind computers! You are right Akadu is very learned, but it is her message that you don't like because you are a Northerner who can't think beyond tribe!
NAAH BANZIE. 10 years ago

NO WONDER, I KNOW YOU LIVE IN THE SAME APPARTMENT WITH ( BEN TEXAS )DID WE HAVE ANY TRIBE IN GHANA CALLED NORTHERNERS? YOUR SOCALLED AKADU,BUY HER phd, IN LEGOS WHEN SHE WAS THERE DOING TU-TU JOB.

NO WONDER, I KNOW YOU LIVE IN THE SAME APPARTMENT WITH ( BEN TEXAS )DID WE HAVE ANY TRIBE IN GHANA CALLED NORTHERNERS? YOUR SOCALLED AKADU,BUY HER phd, IN LEGOS WHEN SHE WAS THERE DOING TU-TU JOB.
NAAH BANZIE. 10 years ago

ALL THIS MILO TIN WANT TO RULE GHANA, LET ME TELL U, AKANS CAN NOT BE TRUSTED.

ALL THIS MILO TIN WANT TO RULE GHANA, LET ME TELL U, AKANS CAN NOT BE TRUSTED.
Apok 10 years ago

Another way to be free from not seeing us rule over you is to die. but even then we will rule over your grave. fuck

Another way to be free from not seeing us rule over you is to die. but even then we will rule over your grave. fuck
mazola 10 years ago

It was bad for kuffour to appoint his brother and other cronies to top ministerialpositions. It was equally bad to have had the Asantehene represent Ghana in the US. But Mahama needs to be mindful of a simple fact:: Ghanaians ...
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It was bad for kuffour to appoint his brother and other cronies to top ministerialpositions. It was equally bad to have had the Asantehene represent Ghana in the US. But Mahama needs to be mindful of a simple fact:: Ghanaians are very discerning. A word to the wise.
.
Mends 10 years ago

This is one piece of rubbish, written by an idiot.

This is one piece of rubbish, written by an idiot.
Tina 10 years ago

why not.All the appointees are qualified.

why not.All the appointees are qualified.
Elvis 10 years ago

Point on de spot.But he will not listen ooo prof.

Point on de spot.But he will not listen ooo prof.
Good Citizen 10 years ago

IDIOT ADAKU OR WHOEVER,WHEN KUFOUR WAS TRIBLISING EVERYTHING I KNOW BY THEN YOUR WERE AN ILLITERATE AND COULD NOT SPEW OUT THIS RUBBISH,JUST WAIT,MAHAMA HASN'T STARTED YET, I AM EVEN SAD THAT HE HAS APPOINTED FEW AKANS.

IDIOT ADAKU OR WHOEVER,WHEN KUFOUR WAS TRIBLISING EVERYTHING I KNOW BY THEN YOUR WERE AN ILLITERATE AND COULD NOT SPEW OUT THIS RUBBISH,JUST WAIT,MAHAMA HASN'T STARTED YET, I AM EVEN SAD THAT HE HAS APPOINTED FEW AKANS.
Appletus 10 years ago

Does one appointment or two appointments from the president merit this ?
Can someone do a breakdown of Excellency"s appointments? By the way Alex Mould is an Akan of Fante origin. Is it not right that Akan is a large embrac ...
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Does one appointment or two appointments from the president merit this ?
Can someone do a breakdown of Excellency"s appointments? By the way Alex Mould is an Akan of Fante origin. Is it not right that Akan is a large embrace of Fante, akyem, akwapim, bono etc? Is the poet now limiting the extent of the Akan hegemony?
Kwanza 10 years ago

Alex Mould IS NOT Fante!

Alex Mould IS NOT Fante!
Earl Jones 10 years ago

I beg to differ. A cursory look at the ethnic origin of ministers and other government functionaries does not support the assertion that President Mahama favours Northerners.
President Mahama's government is the most ethnic ...
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I beg to differ. A cursory look at the ethnic origin of ministers and other government functionaries does not support the assertion that President Mahama favours Northerners.
President Mahama's government is the most ethnically balanced in Ghana's history.
Kojo 10 years ago

always speak the truth

always speak the truth
Anus_of_Pinksheet 10 years ago

What a write up!!!! This is npp's real pink shit.

What a write up!!!! This is npp's real pink shit.
Kofi, UG 10 years ago

The Prof has has said it all. This is northerners government. Time for the northerners also to loot. Meanwhile what have they added to the economy.

The Prof has has said it all. This is northerners government. Time for the northerners also to loot. Meanwhile what have they added to the economy.
OKRO MOUTH 10 years ago

Whether an appointee is Frafra,Ashanti,Brong or Nzima is not an issue;(they all Ghanaians.)What should be a matter of concern is whether the appointees are qualified, capable and corruption free.

Whether an appointee is Frafra,Ashanti,Brong or Nzima is not an issue;(they all Ghanaians.)What should be a matter of concern is whether the appointees are qualified, capable and corruption free.
KWESI NYANTAKYE YEBOAH 10 years ago

Well, that is the question. you saw it and you referred it in your piece. lndeed, its a problem to see and talk of in this nation of ours. Becoming a president in Ghana means appointing and serving your native tribal people. ...
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Well, that is the question. you saw it and you referred it in your piece. lndeed, its a problem to see and talk of in this nation of ours. Becoming a president in Ghana means appointing and serving your native tribal people. this practice became the order of the day when Kufour become president of Ghana. then you saw nothing about it. you wrote nothing about it. its was right to exclude other tribes especially the Ewes from kofour's government. well l can only agree with you if limit this tribal appointments to only kufour and mahama presidency, and not Rawlings's and mill's presidency. Rawlings and Mills distributed posts more balanced and equitable than kufour and mahama had or is doing. mahama is an ungrateful person, neglecting the ewes who voted en block for him. how l wish the ewes would vote against him next time round!!!. But we live to see. the ewe parliamentarian should lead the campaign of 'vote against mahama' in 2016. he must be taught a simple lesson for betraying and neglecting those whose vote put him there. the supreme court should have cancelled the votes from the volta and declare nana the president, for start. ungrateful 'brat'.
Zuburubu 10 years ago

You are fruitcake and racist professor

You are fruitcake and racist professor
Zuburubu 10 years ago

Professor do nothing at all, tribalistic organism who is doing nothing better to build his own nation but rather insighting evil into good peoples at home's mind.

Professor do nothing at all, tribalistic organism who is doing nothing better to build his own nation but rather insighting evil into good peoples at home's mind.
Cantankerous 10 years ago

Usual tribalistic drivel from you no where!

Usual tribalistic drivel from you no where!
My brother 10 years ago

Is Northerner a tribe or Akan a tribe? You have been indoctrinated from infancy and still could not differentiate between tribe and ethnicity even in your elite status.

Is Northerner a tribe or Akan a tribe? You have been indoctrinated from infancy and still could not differentiate between tribe and ethnicity even in your elite status.
John 10 years ago

Where were you when Kuffour declared openly that he could not find any qualified person from the Upper West region to join his cabinet? Where were you when Kuffour appointed 19 of his relatives to plush Government jobs in his ...
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Where were you when Kuffour declared openly that he could not find any qualified person from the Upper West region to join his cabinet? Where were you when Kuffour appointed 19 of his relatives to plush Government jobs in his first month in office? Kuffour's administration was stocked with nothing less than 99% Akans. Are Akans the only people in Ghana? For sure, they are the most corrupt and most tribalistic people in Ghana. They will languish in opposition forever. Grow up Girl!!!
Pelicles 10 years ago

Look, there is nothing wrong appointing Northerners as long as they are competent and can perform better. Northerners are Ghanaians too but the only problem is we are rather practicing "tribal politics" in Ghana which is not ...
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Look, there is nothing wrong appointing Northerners as long as they are competent and can perform better. Northerners are Ghanaians too but the only problem is we are rather practicing "tribal politics" in Ghana which is not quite good.
zongo president 10 years ago

Mahama you can bring or all family members to leave with you at flagstaff house nobody cares ,,,,thieve, corrupt, stupid, president,,,,,,,

Mahama you can bring or all family members to leave with you at flagstaff house nobody cares ,,,,thieve, corrupt, stupid, president,,,,,,,
Yaa Dede, UK 10 years ago

The Brong mafia -Asiedu Nketia, Yaw Boateng Gyan, and Afari Gyan - conspired to enthroned John Mahama only for him to satisfy the northern people's greed. Is there any meaningful Brong presence in Mahama's government? Time w ...
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The Brong mafia -Asiedu Nketia, Yaw Boateng Gyan, and Afari Gyan - conspired to enthroned John Mahama only for him to satisfy the northern people's greed. Is there any meaningful Brong presence in Mahama's government? Time will tell!
length... 10 years ago

professor at which college...lies,u r bt a piece of shit. ..asantes r rapist,armed robbers. .impregnating northern mad women...if amh,ah,is poetry den we r al poets..amh ah..d poetry of foolish,dirty akan woman...

professor at which college...lies,u r bt a piece of shit. ..asantes r rapist,armed robbers. .impregnating northern mad women...if amh,ah,is poetry den we r al poets..amh ah..d poetry of foolish,dirty akan woman...
DAVE 10 years ago

ISN'T ALEX MOULD BY VIRTUE OG HIS MOTHER BEING AN ASHANTI FROM EJURATIA IN ASHANTI ,AN ASHANTI MAN HIMSELF. SLOWPOKE MASQURADING AS ACADEMIC

ISN'T ALEX MOULD BY VIRTUE OG HIS MOTHER BEING AN ASHANTI FROM EJURATIA IN ASHANTI ,AN ASHANTI MAN HIMSELF. SLOWPOKE MASQURADING AS ACADEMIC
osei yaw - london 10 years ago

The Gold Coast (now Ghana) did not enter into Independent in 1957 with an established tribe known as "Akans"; for

- Ghana has established tribes known as Ashantis, Fantis, Northerners, Kwahus, Akwapims, Gas, Ewes, Akims, B ...
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The Gold Coast (now Ghana) did not enter into Independent in 1957 with an established tribe known as "Akans"; for

- Ghana has established tribes known as Ashantis, Fantis, Northerners, Kwahus, Akwapims, Gas, Ewes, Akims, Brongs and et ce tera

- i am an Ashanti; with my top man the powerful Otumfuor; and, NPP's Akufo Ado is an Akim with his top man the Akim Omanhene; reason, it takes an idiot to see me and Akufo Ado as "Akans"

- bury those sham history books; for, the so called "Akans" in history, that roamed borderless west coast of Africa without a written language and spoke mumbo-jumbo, are dead as the dodo; they were sub-humans who slept with their grandmothers and mothers and raped their daughters; in roots, they could also be traced to Togo, Benin, Cameroons and Ivory Coast; is AKADU Ntiriwa Mensema asking President Mahama to recruit peoples from the above mentioned States into his Administration?

- i should think AKADU Ntiriwa Mensema, Ph. D. is spinning

Osei Wusu-Khanin/osei yaw - london
osei yaw - london 10 years ago

- correction- into Independence

- correction- into Independence
C.Y. ANDY-K 10 years ago

Osei Yaw,

You are partially right. No ethnic group recognised as "Akans" existed officially and even academically until the Bonduku Conference of 1974 in the Ivory coast so designated the members of the the related languag ...
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Osei Yaw,

You are partially right. No ethnic group recognised as "Akans" existed officially and even academically until the Bonduku Conference of 1974 in the Ivory coast so designated the members of the the related languages and dialects generally referred to by linguists as "Akan" as such. JB Danquah assiduously worked for that recognition, even though he was wrong on many of his claims. Refs available.

BTW, there was no ethnic designation as "Northerner" too.

As for being sub-human and the rest, it is just crap from you!

Know that before 1700, there was nothing like Asante! Asante was the last and youngest of the "Akan" polities that arose and collapsed in the forest belt of Ghana.

Andy-K
ABUGRI HASSAN 10 years ago

YOU HAVE PROOF YOURSELF TO BE AN EWE BIGOT AND STUPID SCHOLAR. INDEED, YOU ARE BASICALLY AN ILLITERATE SCHOLAR. AKAN EXIST LONG TIME AND IT DATES BACK TO THE 17TH CENTURY DURING THE TIME OF SLAVERY. YOU WILL FIND THE PROOF T ...
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YOU HAVE PROOF YOURSELF TO BE AN EWE BIGOT AND STUPID SCHOLAR. INDEED, YOU ARE BASICALLY AN ILLITERATE SCHOLAR. AKAN EXIST LONG TIME AND IT DATES BACK TO THE 17TH CENTURY DURING THE TIME OF SLAVERY. YOU WILL FIND THE PROOF TO THIS AT GHANA NOTES AND QUERIES. ALSO NOTE, NORTHERN IS GENERIC NAME REFERRING TO ALL TRIBES IN THE NORTHERN REGION. SO IF SOMEONE USE NORTH, IT IS NOT WRONG. BIG FOOL. USE YOUR BRAIN TO REASON.
C.Y. ANDY-K 10 years ago

Kwabena,

I really like your new moniker, Abugri Hassan!

You are the illiterate scholar and fool here, not me. You haven't read enuf like me, small boy.

The "Arcanny" of the C17th did refer to all Akans of today. Ha ...
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Kwabena,

I really like your new moniker, Abugri Hassan!

You are the illiterate scholar and fool here, not me. You haven't read enuf like me, small boy.

The "Arcanny" of the C17th did refer to all Akans of today. Have you seen Mulindwa's "The 'Akan' Problem" before? I might get you the coordinates when I get home. The ignorance of some of you Akans is now festering into a serious gangrene! BTW, cocoa is also grown in the VR in commercial qty, in case you don't know.

Yeah! So Awoonor also used "Asante" in a generic way, not referring to only those within the present A/R. Don't u agree?

Anyway, what's your definition of tribalism? If Gonja appoints a Grunshie (Frafra) to a post, does that make the Gonja a tribalist? I am aware you accused Mills of tribalism cos you claimed he only appointed Ewes but....! Don't break my heart, try again!

Andy-K
Fred Hayford 10 years ago

is this AKADU AKEDENGE AKURANGA-PARRY really a Ghanaian from akwapim?HMMMMMMM...

is this AKADU AKEDENGE AKURANGA-PARRY really a Ghanaian from akwapim?HMMMMMMM...
Rockson kwabena Opare-AHOOFE 10 years ago

more questions than answer,l doubt it man

more questions than answer,l doubt it man
anane 10 years ago

nonsense northerners are person we ashantes are too tribalism.

nonsense northerners are person we ashantes are too tribalism.
Jake 10 years ago

When will this little girl ever understand that there is no tribe in Ghana called Northerners. But assume for a minute that there is a tribe called Northerners. In that case there must be a tribe in Ghana called Southerners. ...
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When will this little girl ever understand that there is no tribe in Ghana called Northerners. But assume for a minute that there is a tribe called Northerners. In that case there must be a tribe in Ghana called Southerners. Have you forgotten how many 'Southerners' Kuffour had in his administration and everywhere else in Ghana even though many of them did not know A from B and could not even read and write? What an ignoramus. This little girl has an evil mind if she can ignore Kuffour, the most tribalistic leader in Ghana's history, and yet, go to all this pain to malign Mahama.
dunaa 10 years ago

I opened this article with a notion to make certain statements. Then I found out that Dr. Mensema has already acknowledged the obvious. Atta-Mills did it. Kuffuor did it. Rawlings did it. Limman did it - perhaps not to the sa ...
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I opened this article with a notion to make certain statements. Then I found out that Dr. Mensema has already acknowledged the obvious. Atta-Mills did it. Kuffuor did it. Rawlings did it. Limman did it - perhaps not to the same degree. While it is not the most desirable way of doing things, I am willing to give Mahama the benefit of the doubt while he is doing it. You see, when members of a certain tribal group loads up on appointment, they also begin to acquire "experience", and can then be part of the cadre of future appointees. To paraphrase Spio-Gabral, they become part of the "A" team. Tsatsu is not the only "smart" NDC lawyer. There are others - perhaps from the North. By appointing them to these positions, Mahama ensures that these "new blood", who may happen to be northerners get to be part of the future pool.
FOUNDING MEMBER 10 years ago

you are more than AWOONOR whom you always accuse as tribalistic,you are slow poison and deadly,Change your style.

you are more than AWOONOR whom you always accuse as tribalistic,you are slow poison and deadly,Change your style.
Wisdom Kwame 10 years ago

Pull him Down, are you also not playing the tribalistic drums? Why must it only be the Akans that needed to be appointed. What about the Ewes, Gas, or Krobos. Judge not, so that you are also judged. You ate not holier than th ...
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Pull him Down, are you also not playing the tribalistic drums? Why must it only be the Akans that needed to be appointed. What about the Ewes, Gas, or Krobos. Judge not, so that you are also judged. You ate not holier than them that are tribalistic
DDH 10 years ago

Your PhD is a fallacy. You have not made any sense in that your poem or what you would call it. The northerners he is appointing are more than qualified and their hands very clean to handle such jobs

Your PhD is a fallacy. You have not made any sense in that your poem or what you would call it. The northerners he is appointing are more than qualified and their hands very clean to handle such jobs
corrupt mahama juju killed mills,ei 10 years ago

OH MAHAMA IS LESLESS,EVIL ANS FACKE TO THE NATION,KILLED MILLS FOR POWER,SEE WHAT HE IS DOING IN GHANA,FOOL

OH MAHAMA IS LESLESS,EVIL ANS FACKE TO THE NATION,KILLED MILLS FOR POWER,SEE WHAT HE IS DOING IN GHANA,FOOL
Jake 10 years ago

should use whatever knowledge she/he has for other things.
Like selling her/his ass for greenbacks, than spewing garbage here.

should use whatever knowledge she/he has for other things.
Like selling her/his ass for greenbacks, than spewing garbage here.
Kwesi 10 years ago

It seems to me that some of the supposed PH.D holders who are interested in the affairs of Ghana are those sitting comfortable outside of Ghana, and making plenty noise. As St. Paul would put it, they are empty cymbals clashi ...
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It seems to me that some of the supposed PH.D holders who are interested in the affairs of Ghana are those sitting comfortable outside of Ghana, and making plenty noise. As St. Paul would put it, they are empty cymbals clashing with noise. In your feel you are patronize your country and its affairs, go to Ghana and speak from there as A PH.D holder. It is not enough sitting elsewhere and insulting people. You may only end up at where you with your PH.D. Who care about such a supposed PH.D writer.
SADIQ BRAIMAH 10 years ago

For someone who calls herself a Denkyira oralist, it is strange that she does not know the difference groupings in the North of Ghana. There are there regions in the North and each region is entitled to representation in the ...
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For someone who calls herself a Denkyira oralist, it is strange that she does not know the difference groupings in the North of Ghana. There are there regions in the North and each region is entitled to representation in the Government. according to the Direct Principles of State Policy.
What a display of ignorance or is it hypocrisy? The fact I am called Kwabena does not mean that I am an Akan. Does this so-called Denkyira woman want to tell us that all Akans are Ashantis or Fantis or Kwahus or Akims?

In any case how many Northerners has President Mahama appointed to public positions? Is it not the same Akans who are circulating with all their evil intentions and desire to make quick money? Is the new Chief executive for the Ghana Airport Company, Mr. Asare a Northerner? Is Alex Mould who heads the GNPC a Northerner?

There is saying in the North if a man santches your wife from you but does a good farm, praise him for his hard work on the farm.

In any case what did Kufuour do with his appointments? For eight years how many Northerners did he appoint? Did he not say publicly that he did not see a capable person from the Upper-West Region to appoint?

My advise to the President is not to listen to these false academicians who only see things thru the Akan/Ashanti lens and think that if they are not included in large numbers things are going bad? Some us think the President is taking a very big risk by appointing "enemies" to very vital positions because we know "he may pay for it dearly for it thru treachery on their part" one day.

As for you the so-called Denkyira Professor you are a disgrace to your kind.Your social status traditionally is that of a praise singer and no wonder you praising your paymasters? Since when did Denkyira become servants of the Ashantis? Check your history woman.
P.K 10 years ago

Is too much to bear.Thus 1:4 government.

Is too much to bear.Thus 1:4 government.
KWAME OPOKU-SARPONG 10 years ago

WE NWWD TO MOVE AWAY FROM THESE TRIBAL THINGS.

WE NWWD TO MOVE AWAY FROM THESE TRIBAL THINGS.
Prempeh 10 years ago

Apart from using, abusing and dumping Alhaji Mahama as VP, name an occasion when the NPP appointed a Northerner. The NPP only uses Northerners and Ewes. The NPP appoints only Asantes and Akyems and now you want what? Stay ...
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Apart from using, abusing and dumping Alhaji Mahama as VP, name an occasion when the NPP appointed a Northerner. The NPP only uses Northerners and Ewes. The NPP appoints only Asantes and Akyems and now you want what? Stay there and decay for at least 20 years and that will humble our tribesmen a little. Listen, we are bad people - we Asantes. We need to change.
krupi 10 years ago

akans sjould judt join ndc anf fuck npp who are worse than Mahama

akans sjould judt join ndc anf fuck npp who are worse than Mahama
ABUGRI HASSAN 10 years ago

PARTIAL LIST OF MAHAMA’S NORTHERN MINISTERS IN HIS GOVERNMENT:

1.Nasiru Isahaku - 2nd deputy governor of the bank of ghana.
2.Moses Asaga - Chief Executive Officer of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA).
3.Dr. Raymo ...
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PARTIAL LIST OF MAHAMA’S NORTHERN MINISTERS IN HIS GOVERNMENT:

1.Nasiru Isahaku - 2nd deputy governor of the bank of ghana.
2.Moses Asaga - Chief Executive Officer of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA).
3.Dr. Raymond Akongburo Atuguba - Executive Secretary to the President
4.Dr. Clement Apaak – Presidential Staffer.
5.Dr. Sulley Gariba - Senior Policy Co-ordinator in the Office of the President.
6.Abdulai John Jinapor - Deputy minister of energy and petroleum
7.Mark Owen Woyongo - Minister for Defence.
8.Haruna Iddrisu - Minister for Trade and Industry
9.Mahama Ayariga - Minister for Information and Media Relations
10.Amin Amidu Sulemana - Minister for Roads and Highways
11.Inusah Fuseini - Minister for Lands and Natural Resources
12.Collins Dauda - Minister for Water Resources, Works and Housing
13.Nayon Bilijo - Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture Development.
14.Henry Seidu Daanaa - Minister for Chieftaincy and Traditional Affairs.
15.Abdul Rashid Hassan Pelpuo - Minister of State at the Presidency in charge of Public-Private Partnerships.
16.Nayon Bilijo - Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development
17.Alhaji Mustapha Ahmed - Minister of State at the Presidency.
18.Alhaji Limuna Mohammed Muniru - Minister of State at the Presidency
19. Alhaji Limuna Mohammed Muniru - Minister of State at the Presidency in charge of Human Resource Development and Scholarships.
20. Alhaji Limuna Mohammed Muniru - Upper East Region.
21. Bede Anwataazumo Ziedeng - Upper West Region.
22. Moses Bukari Mabengba - Northern Region.
23 -25. Mahama’s special appointees to spearhead the execution of the president’s special projects:
23.-Alban Bagbin
24.-Cletus Avoka
25.-Dr Stephen Ayidiga
26. Suhiyini Alhassan (Radio DJ) now - Board member of the airport company
27. James Agalga – Deputy Ministry of Interior.
28. Dr. Tia Sugri – Deputy Ministry of Health.
29. Dr. Alhassan Ahmed Yakubu –Deputy Ministry of Food & Agriculture.
30. Benjamin Dagadu – Deputy Ministry of Energy and Petroleum.
31.Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed –Deputy Ministry of Information & Media Relations.
32. Mohammed Baba Ahmed Jamal –Deputy Ministry of Local Government & Rural Development.
33. Dr. Musheibu Mohammed- Alfa - Deputy Ministry of Environment, Science, Tech & Innovation.
34. A.B.A. Fuseini - Deputy Regional Minister for the Northern Region
35. Dominic Akuritinga Ayine – Deputy Ministry of Justice and Attorney-General’s Department.
JMP 10 years ago

Silly analyses! Can he tell us where he obtained his PhD from? There are soo many mushroom unversities out there!

Silly analyses! Can he tell us where he obtained his PhD from? There are soo many mushroom unversities out there!
Janet - Accra 10 years ago

What should the Gas say even when they are doing the appointments on Ga land. Do you think Gas are fools. They are not at all but the slogan is "allow them to come and stay with us; we are nice people" Don't beat the Gas and ...
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What should the Gas say even when they are doing the appointments on Ga land. Do you think Gas are fools. They are not at all but the slogan is "allow them to come and stay with us; we are nice people" Don't beat the Gas and ask them not to cry. The Gas have been deprived for far too long. Come and see Tema roads. From GTP roundabout to Kpone; from TOR traffic light to Tema Steel works, From sanyo junction to Tema Steel works; From Motorway by-pass through Community 12 just to name a few. Tema has no Municipal Chief Executive as at now so everything is being done any how. 2016 is not far away so the government should continue do what it likes; the thumb will do the trick.
Kofi , south Africa 10 years ago

what do one seek to achieve with such publications, why attack his excellency when he is doing what he is suppose to do. We must understand that the country belongs to all Ghanaians(both home and abroad) and not only to a gro ...
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what do one seek to achieve with such publications, why attack his excellency when he is doing what he is suppose to do. We must understand that the country belongs to all Ghanaians(both home and abroad) and not only to a group of people?, please let us stop discriminating against any particular group of Ghanaians, we are all Ghanaians, and any Ghanaian is fit to be appointed into any position so far as he/she is qualified,lets divert our energy into uniting the nation not dividing our beloved country with loose talk. With all appologies, we must refrain from making such divisive comments. God bless our homeland Ghana. Amen.

John Mahama: Time to Appoint Akans

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