Opinions of Monday, 29 June 2009

Columnist: Kweku Objective

Adim Odoom should not be made a scapegoat for Muntaka’s greed.

The outcome of the report on Mubarak Muntaka’s misconduct does not satisfy me at all neither does it auger well for our young ‘whistle blower’ practice. For obvious politically motivated reasons, the principal accountant at the ministry of Youth and Sports has been interdicted as well. What at all is happening here?

Right from the day this investigation began, the attention has been on the whistle blower (Mr. Odoom) rather than the accused. He has been picked, hustled and bustled by national security operatives to try and intimidate him from pursuing his right anti-corrupt convictions. From the findings of the committee, Mr. Odoom has not embezzled any money at all. It is very clear here that he was not happy with the way Muntaka was running the ministry and some of his financial demands. This led him to stand in the way of the powers that be at the ministry, which has resulted in his ultimate sacrifice (transfer from the ministry). I can surely say that if Mr. Odoom had connived with the powers and backed down to their demands at the expense of the state, he would still be in his job. ‘If you can’t beat them, join them’ isn’t it? What at all is happening in Ghana?

Instead of President Mills standing his ground to make a scapegoat of his minister, he has chosen to cover up for him by giving him an escape route that seems dignifying whilst people like gracious Mr. Odoom who has put his job and livelihood on the line to save the poor Ghanaian taxpayer, stands to suffer.

What do they mean by saying that the Chief Director and the Principal accountant should have ensured that the laid down procedures are followed? Who is the boss at the ministry? Is it Mr. Odoom or the Minister? By the way is Mr. Odoom a baby sitter? And if the President felt Muntaka needed baby sitting on administrative procedures at the ministry, why give him the job. Surely this smells of some of the mistakes President Kufour made by trying to cover up for people like Wereko-Brobbey and Dr. Anane when they were clearly robbing the poor Ghanaian taxpayer of our little resources. Mr. President please call a spade a spade and don’t try to apportion the blame on this poor whistle blower else it might discourage people from coming up with vital informant to fight corruption.

Reinstate Mr. Odoom as soon as possible. He deserves credit for standing up against corruption.

Thank you.

Kweku Objective

(This writer is always asking intuitive questions that will aid national development. My objective is to see a ‘corruption free’ Ghana where people are given equal opportunities to excel irrespective of their tribe, colour, creed, religion, gender or age. Join Kweku Objective on this crusade) God Bless you!

Contacts: Email: dr.objective@yahoo.co.uk Facebook: Kweku Objective