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Opinions of Wednesday, 21 December 2011

Columnist: The Informer

Commentary - Probe All Judgment Debts

As an institution keen on the forward march of this country, we always and all the time strive for nothing but the truth; and it is based on these cherished principles that we call on the powers that be, to, as matter of urgency, institute thorough probe into the payment of all judgment debts that have left the nation bleeding.
Today, it is Waterville Holdings (BVI) Limited, and Mr. Alfred Agbesi Woyome against the state, which we’ve been told that tens of millions of cedis have gone down the drain, as result of completely irrational decision on the part of government officials, who unilaterally abrogated a contract which they had earlier duly signed and certified through a Procurement Authority; and no one knows who will be paid similar fortune for similar misconduct in the near future.
As an agent, much interested in public accountability by institutions of state, we have followed the on-going debate about a judgment debt paid Mr. Alfred Agbesi Woyome. Even though, to the best of our knowledge, some of the arguments do not make sense, we think it’s time we call for truce between argument and counter-argument over the issue, as we recommend a solution to the weeks-long hubbub.
Having monitored all recent developments about the said payment, what readily comes to mind is how all this payment came about. We were, therefore, very sad not to have heard any of the commentators chiefly, the Assin North MP, who has been the loudest on the matter, though he can’t find his way home.
In fact, The Informer pity Maama Ghana for what has become of her people, when in alacrity they decide to apportion blame without first of all getting fair understanding of issues at stake or under discussion.
We do not mean to insults the intelligence of Ghanaians, not at all; but the fact of the matter is that, this culture is gaining grounds, and it is distressing to hear especially, people very critical of government commenting on issues they know absolutely nothing about.
Because of politics, and for people to win power at all cost, as a result of the oil discovery in commercial quantities, issues that need national spectacle to be resolved are twisted and eventually turned into a political battle; and it is amazing.
A financial loss has been caused and until the government ordered that a probe be instituted into the matter, none and we repeat, that no single human being particularly the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) members, have any reason to ask how this judgment came about, as it tells the hypocrisy on their part.
If for nothing at all, something definitely might have led to the nation losing the said amount, and why have all not bothered to question how it came about.
The President has ordered probe into the matter, and we support him. But what we are demanding in addition to the directive given by the First Gentleman of the State is that, all judgment debts incurred and paid should equally be investigated; and we will not depart from this position.
In the case of Mr. Alfred Agbesi Woyome, a contract legally signed was unilaterally abrogated by ex-President Kufuor, following his provincial interest and nobody seems to be bothered.
Now and with swiftness and much enthusiasm, all judgment debts must be investigated so that anybody found guilty be punished to serve as deterrent to other public officers; and those of us working on this newspaper shall push for this until it is done.
Good show, Mr. President; but please take into account all judgment debts incurred by the state, so the issue can be settle once and for all. Thank you!