A woman arrives home from work and her husband notices she's wearing a diamond necklace. He asks his wife, "Where did you get that necklace?"
She replies, "I won it in a raffle at work. Go get my bath ready while I start din ... read full comment
A woman arrives home from work and her husband notices she's wearing a diamond necklace. He asks his wife, "Where did you get that necklace?"
She replies, "I won it in a raffle at work. Go get my bath ready while I start dinner."
The next day, the women arrives home from work wearing a diamond bracelet. Her husband asks, "Where did you get the bracelet?"
She replies, "I won it in a raffle at work. Go get my bath ready while I start dinner."
The next day, her husband notices she arrives home from work wearing a mink coat. He says, "I suppose you won that in a raffle at work?" She replies, "Yeah I did! How did you guess? Go get my bath ready while I start supper."
Later after supper, she goes to take her bath and she notices there is only one inch of water in the tub. She yells to her husband, "HEY! There's only an inch of water in the tub." He replies, "I didn't want you to get your raffle ticket wet."
THE NDC MAN DOES NOT CARE ABOUT HIS NPP WIFE AND HER WINNINGS EITHER.
TOTE 12 years ago
STOP FOOLING YOURSELF; WE WANT PEACE IN GHANA:
STOP FOOLING YOURSELF; WE WANT PEACE IN GHANA:
IVY 12 years ago
HUYA
HUYA
HolyGhost 12 years ago
...And indeed we do not want one party state, npp are better off in opposition, which they will be for donkey years to come.
...And indeed we do not want one party state, npp are better off in opposition, which they will be for donkey years to come.
insight to the bone 12 years ago
Fake leaders claim thrones without building kingdoms as pepeni has done by murdering mills . today there is another divide and that is the north south whereby these Muslims think its their god given right to plunder and oppre ... read full comment
Fake leaders claim thrones without building kingdoms as pepeni has done by murdering mills . today there is another divide and that is the north south whereby these Muslims think its their god given right to plunder and oppress the Akans. Just as pharaoh had pestilence after pestilence , no water , no electricity , no infrastructure , no development, chinese locusts poisoning our lands and waters ,corruption and death everywhere and the people suffer. they are blind to see the will of God and in their selfish fantasies think its a right or their turn to pillage the coffers . they send their chariots or special police and army to try in put fear in the children of God the Akans . we are told their plan is to start shooting first and again blame the Akans so we must now prepare and make sure when they do not a single one leaves alive . we number millions and can never be defeated by your mischievous fools . THe lord has promised us freedom and nobody with their trickery and biased toilet carrying pepeni judges can stop it.It is time to take the children to the villages and prepare to defend ourselves against this evil pepeni , long live the republic of Akan
Snoop 12 years ago
Look at your heading? With all that education?? You are an illiterate!!! Which court proceedings did you watch to come up with that uneducated and stupid heading?? That tribal gang called NPP has a fat ZERO chance of forming ... read full comment
Look at your heading? With all that education?? You are an illiterate!!! Which court proceedings did you watch to come up with that uneducated and stupid heading?? That tribal gang called NPP has a fat ZERO chance of forming any government, period. Their petition is a fraud.
Dzigbodi, CT USA 12 years ago
For once you have written something that I perfectly agree with. You sound like a Ghanaian today. Normally I you are ndc bias.
For once you have written something that I perfectly agree with. You sound like a Ghanaian today. Normally I you are ndc bias.
kpata 12 years ago
THIS IS A JOKE, DREAM ON!
THIS IS A JOKE, DREAM ON!
TOTE 12 years ago
IT NOT TIME FOR NPP
IT NOT TIME FOR NPP
Jury 12 years ago
.............TO RULE GHANA ANYMORE!!!
EVEN GHANAIANS DON'T WANT THE EXISTANCE OF THIS 'BOMB-THROWING' PARTY ANYMORE!!!
THEN, WHO IS TALKING ABOUT A UNION GOVERNMENT COALITION?? WHAT A HELL??
... read full comment
.............TO RULE GHANA ANYMORE!!!
EVEN GHANAIANS DON'T WANT THE EXISTANCE OF THIS 'BOMB-THROWING' PARTY ANYMORE!!!
THEN, WHO IS TALKING ABOUT A UNION GOVERNMENT COALITION?? WHAT A HELL??
LET ME TELL YOU, THE SECRET WHY & HOW NPP & KUFOUR GOT THE CHANCE TO WIN FOR THE LAST TIME WAS DUE TO THE BRUTALITIES OF JJ. RAWLINGS' KILLINGS & DISAPPEARANCES OF JUDGES & OTHERS.
THE ONLY HIDDEN REASON THAT WHY THE CENTRAL & WESTERN REGIONS VOTED FLOATINGLY, BLINDLY & MASSIVELY FOR NPP TO COME TO POWER WITH REGRETS.
AND LOOK BACK AT WHAT KUFOUR & HIS THUGS DID BEFORE THEY WERE VOTED OUT & SEE ALL WHAT THEY LEFT BEHIND FOR GHANA??
I CONCLUDE HERE THAT, GHANAIANS ARE TOTALLY FED UP SINCE LONG TIME AGO WITH NPP/UP THE BOMB-THROWERS, THE WAR-MONGERS & POWER-HUNGRY CROOKS STILL IN GHANA'S POLITICS!!!!!!!!!
Yaw Amofa 12 years ago
People are talking as if NDC is offering NPP power sharing option. Apuuuuu! Over the dead bodies of NDC supporters.
People are talking as if NDC is offering NPP power sharing option. Apuuuuu! Over the dead bodies of NDC supporters.
LONTO-BOY 12 years ago
MASSA KOFI, this article is objective, intelligent and very perceptive. Firstly, I think those pondering the formation of Unity/Coalition Government between NPP and NDC are the politicians who feel 'insecure' and worried abou ... read full comment
MASSA KOFI, this article is objective, intelligent and very perceptive. Firstly, I think those pondering the formation of Unity/Coalition Government between NPP and NDC are the politicians who feel 'insecure' and worried about losing political power, should the verdict go against their party. Do you believe most of our politicians are into politics because of deep love for the country? Secondly, those prominent Ghanaians like Archbishop Palmer-Buckle, proposing the Unity/Coalition Government are either being 'preachy' or nervous about what's to come after the Supreme Court verdict. If the call is based on the notion that it will bring peace to the country, harmony and unity among NDC-NPP, and help develop Ghana, then they should think again. Unity/Coalition Government will not all of a sudden revitalise the sense of patriotism of the country's politicians. And in terms of threat to the country's peace and security, let's not forget that right from our independence and throughout our successive systems of governance, sinister political motives and prominent politicians have been behind tribal conflicts and clannish clashes in Ghana. So, the notion that NPP-NDC Coalition Government could bring peace is misguided.
With this Coalition Government proposal, are we sacrificing justice for peace because we presume the Supreme Court verdict on the election petition will be "inconclusive" or what? Let's wait for the Supreme Court to deliver its ruling and which party gets the favourable verdict, presumably has won the Presidential Election, and should be responsible for running this country. And if there's the willingness on the part of either an NDC Government or NPP Government to appoint experienced and competent figures into ministerial positions as genuine effort to reach out across the political parties that should be lauded, and replicated by successive Governments. This is the kind of new politics I believe in. I believe in either a Majority Government of NDC or Minority Government of NPP[depending on direction of judgement] is necessary at the moment with strong and effective Opposition parties to hold the ruling Government accountable and responsible. Very simple!
In a perfect world, UG/Coalition brings together the finest brains from parties for the good of the country. By contrast, Ghana's political landscape and root of our politics makes the idea of UG/Coalition of NDC-NPP a journey to nowhere. It will neither be in the two parties leadership interests and for our national interest. Does NPP really fancy sleeping with NDC before getting down to the business of running the country together in a Coalition/Unity Government? I doubt it!! Aside, being ideologically at odds, Ghana's political situation has not reach a crisis point to call for gathering of political parties to salvage the country. UG/Coalition will not necessarily provide that stable, strong, decisive and progressive government that our country needs.
Kofi Ata, Cambridge, UK 12 years ago
Was disappointed with the comments until I read yours and those after you. Reading what Nana Akomea is reportedly saying about unity/coalition government, it appears NPP will welcome it. It sounds like both NDC and NPP are no ... read full comment
Was disappointed with the comments until I read yours and those after you. Reading what Nana Akomea is reportedly saying about unity/coalition government, it appears NPP will welcome it. It sounds like both NDC and NPP are not confident, though according to General Mosquito, NPP misunderstood Dr Kwabena Adjei. I agree with you that I just cannot see NDC and NPP working together in a unity or coalition government. It's simply not feasible.
Paul Amuna 12 years ago
Kofi, your general argument about the 'inappropriateness' of a "Unity Government" in the true sense of the term in the current political history of Ghana makes a lot of sense. I personally do not support it because it is need ... read full comment
Kofi, your general argument about the 'inappropriateness' of a "Unity Government" in the true sense of the term in the current political history of Ghana makes a lot of sense. I personally do not support it because it is needless in my view, not necessarily that the principle of a Unity Government in Ghana should be 'frowned upon'.
My reasons are that a true unity government based on demand from civil society and party supporters from all sides with the view to eliminating - "lustration" as you explained, deal with a common national development agenda and collectively tackle corruption would be ideal although I concede with the current level of 'political education' and the impression of 'politics as a path to success and riches' which feeds our corruption would make that ideal a very tall order indeed.
On the other hand, you have hit the nail on the head about lustration which has characterised our governments since the NLC military overthrow of the Osagyefo in 1966. The Busia government and subsequently the Acheampong regime cemented that philosophy and in the case of the military it was often accompanied by arrests, seizing of personal assets etc. (and in the case of the AFRC regime of Rawlings in 1979; and the early days of the PNDC in 1981 - 1983) imprisonment and of course, political assassinations in a few cases.
I believe that although all governments (even in places like the UK) prefer to have appointees who would favour their policies and / or promote their agenda and therefore would 'replace' certain people in favour of their own people (e.g. the case of some key changes in the UK Defence ministry, Treasury department and Education departments under the current Coalition government of Cameron), by and large the civil service and technocrats who understand their role to mean to SERVE without regard tend to remain in post (until someone in government feels otherwise).
In the case of Ghana, it seems to me there is often no logic to the way these people are replaced (and sometimes interdicted and spend years in the wilderness waiting to be given reasons for their interdiction). I know of a few cases in the PNDC regime where the affected individuals eventually succumbed to the stress and died prematurely.
I am of the view that for a young democracy such as ours and a country in economic and demographic transition, we need all the experienced human resource to build and develop into the next phase - middle income status.
It is unwise, frankly stupid and a retrogressive act to keep replacing the few people we have in authority. There is also this notion among some that 'those working for one party' in technical positions "are not good enough" to work for the other party. Hence it is not uncommon to hear or read statements and comments by 'party people' to the effect that appointees from the other party are "not qualified" to serve in theirs!!!
Since you are associated with the legal profession, what do you think about this suggestion: that technocrats and other personnel appointed (irrespective of party) into positions of authority and key public sector roles of leadership are vetted, tested, interviewed and appointed on a meritocratic system enshrined in, and supported by the constitution; and that once appointed, their appointments (e.g. for certain fixed terms; renewable e.g. once) will be 'ring-fenced' like the case of supreme court justices thereby making them immune from government interference?
Such appointees according to their terms of reference would operate in a similar fashion like the Electoral Commissioner (or police and army chiefs) and their first and sole duty will be to serve the state, not a particular government and their appraisal (e.g. annually) is a transparent process subject to national scrutiny.
To me, this way, people who put themselves forward for consideration would recognise that they cannot bring partisanship into their role and the 'checks' here would be via parliament and civil society (hence the transparent and open appraisal system) to ensure that if they choose to 'sabotage' a government of a different 'political colour' or persuasion, they will be found out and dealt with because they will be breaking their own code of conduct.
that way we gradually take this matter out of the hands of politicians (who can oversee the vetting and appointment system when and where new vacancies arise as a result either of natural wastage or otherwise).
Just my own thoughts on the issue.
Kofi Ata, Cambridge, UK 12 years ago
Paul, thanks for your brilliant contribution. Regarding the legal protection for heads and senior officials of public bodies who are appointed on merit or for their expertise (technocrats) and not because of which political s ... read full comment
Paul, thanks for your brilliant contribution. Regarding the legal protection for heads and senior officials of public bodies who are appointed on merit or for their expertise (technocrats) and not because of which political shirt they wear, there can be no absolute protection from political interference. Relying on my understanding of Employment Law, it is the prerogative of the employer to hire and fire and therefore if an employer wants to fire, they can always find a way around to do so. However, if the employer breaches the terms of engagement in the firing processes, then the employee can go to court to seek redress, including demanding reinstatement. That can sometimes be difficult when the employer is a government, particularly in a developing country.
Even in the developed world, such senior staff are advised to resign and they leave quietly. A typical example in the UK was the head of the civil service commonly known as the Cabinet Secretary. The last one we were told, decided to leave after working with politicians to bring in the coalition government. It was clear that having worked with Labour government for many years the coalition government, especially, the Conservatives found it uncomfortable to work with him. The difference here is such people are sought after in the private sector so they end up with even better paid jobs in the private sector but that is not the case in Ghana.
No back to your question, if one is appointed for 4 or 5 year term and there is a change of government half way through, if the new government wants to end the contract earlier, then it must pay compensation for the remaining years rather than what is currently being practised in Ghana. For example, the former Auditor or Accountant General that the government refused to pay him because he was considered a political appointment and not a civil servant when Kufuor appointed him. What nonsense was that? Te post is a civil service and whoever occupies it is a civil servant and must enjoy all the benefits. Yet the man had to go to court to get his entitlements.
The positions protected under the constitution are different. These are constitutional organs that have been created under the constitution to guarantee their independence and to prevent interference by the other arms of government, especially manipulation by the Executive. Heads of other bodies such as the police, army and other security agencies cannot be protected by the Constitution because they are directly under the control of the Executive arm of government However, in Ghana because those appointed are considered to hold allegiance to the appointing authority (the President), incoming Presidents do not trust them. In fact, for security reasons, the President must have total confidence and trust in them. That is why Presidents appoint their most trusted ministers to the Defence Ministry, typical example was Kufuor appointing his brother. In the developed world, heads of security agencies in addition to their allegiance to the Commander-in-Chief are more willing to serve the President of the day rather than the President who appointed them, which is the case in Ghana. They resign if they cannot serve a particular president.
I think the problem is that Ghana's democracy is still developing and therefore politicians are unwilling to let go some of their power over appointments. For example, I wish the President would not have to appoint all the Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies' (MMDAs) Chief Executives but rather technocrats are appointed through an open competitive recruitment as is done here who work with the political heads (elected Chairpersons of the MMDAs) to administer the MMDAs. There is too much corruption around the appointments of the Chief Executives of the MMDAs.
Okonko Palm 12 years ago
the impression is being given that the NDC had something to hide with this late call for an inclusive government by its leadership.To some supporters this is a very unfortunate development as one wonders the motive behind the ... read full comment
the impression is being given that the NDC had something to hide with this late call for an inclusive government by its leadership.To some supporters this is a very unfortunate development as one wonders the motive behind the call.This latest development by the hierarchy of the NDC to all of a sudden propose power sharing with the NPP is not only a betrayal of the peoples' trust but is going to be the beginning of what we know of the NDC as a party.
First of all those Ministers like Fifi Kwetey must voluntarily abdicate their position as a genuine message that he is serious with that proposals.Perhaps he knows people who can perform better and and principled enough as to carry out the policies of the NDC upon which the people seem to have voted them to power.Seem because the NDC is giving the impression of the NPP wining the petition with this unfortunate late stance of the NDC leadership.On the contrary the Npp leadership is buoyant and confident even if it is like a whistle in the dark.
The alliance with the NDC is definitely in for a split.The NDC as I predict will never be the same again.It will mark the beginning of a free fall of the party because when it came to the crunch the leadership has chicken out and jettisoned its philosophy for a marriage of convenience.
Initially it had looked like the NPP is going to explode into factions after the end of the petition.But their confidence and self believe even if misguided will make them get through.The problem is with a timid nervous and completely lacking in confidence NDC.
Kofi Ata, Cambridge, UK 12 years ago
Okonko, from what Nana Akomea is reported to be saying, do you think NPP is confident? It appears both NDC and NPP are not confident and are prepared for power sharing. You are magnanimous by describing any such political pro ... read full comment
Okonko, from what Nana Akomea is reported to be saying, do you think NPP is confident? It appears both NDC and NPP are not confident and are prepared for power sharing. You are magnanimous by describing any such political prostitution as marriage of convenience. Ghana would probably deteriorate into a failed state. The plundering of state resources through loot and share would be too much to bear on the ordinary people. Poverty will increase in the midst of opulence of the ruling elite. Armed robbery, the drug menace and indiscipline will be uncontrollable. Law and order will break down and with that, a failed state. It will still be a failed state even if the military takes over under the guise of restoring whatever they think must be restored. I hope Ghana does not go that way.
Kobena 12 years ago
Kofi,
The problem began with the destruction of the old semi-professional Civil Service. The Principal Secretary was the prime mover. Once he had discussed and agreed on the nitty-gritty of the policy, he simply went ahead a ... read full comment
Kofi,
The problem began with the destruction of the old semi-professional Civil Service. The Principal Secretary was the prime mover. Once he had discussed and agreed on the nitty-gritty of the policy, he simply went ahead and saw to its successful implimentation.
He knew of the budgetary requirements, timing and breaches by contractors. The man would have been in the ministries, going from one region to another, for at least twenty-years by the time he became PS.
Appointing and removing public servants by radio announcements has done a lot of harm to the development of Ghana. In the old system, it could never happen that a minister would go to a function wihtout reading through her final speech. The Assistant Principal secretary would have made sure that she read it in his presence thenight before.
I am not sure what the function of the Public Servces Commission is at the present time, but if heads of corporations were interviewed and recommended by the Public Services Commission, we wouldn't have the situation where the CEO of a public corporation does not know where his outfit's bank accounts are.
We need a proper restructuring, not a Unity Goevernment that will simplly institutionalise corruption. It is bad enough as it is today!
A woman arrives home from work and her husband notices she's wearing a diamond necklace. He asks his wife, "Where did you get that necklace?"
She replies, "I won it in a raffle at work. Go get my bath ready while I start din ...
read full comment
STOP FOOLING YOURSELF; WE WANT PEACE IN GHANA:
HUYA
...And indeed we do not want one party state, npp are better off in opposition, which they will be for donkey years to come.
Fake leaders claim thrones without building kingdoms as pepeni has done by murdering mills . today there is another divide and that is the north south whereby these Muslims think its their god given right to plunder and oppre ...
read full comment
Look at your heading? With all that education?? You are an illiterate!!! Which court proceedings did you watch to come up with that uneducated and stupid heading?? That tribal gang called NPP has a fat ZERO chance of forming ...
read full comment
For once you have written something that I perfectly agree with. You sound like a Ghanaian today. Normally I you are ndc bias.
THIS IS A JOKE, DREAM ON!
IT NOT TIME FOR NPP
.............TO RULE GHANA ANYMORE!!!
EVEN GHANAIANS DON'T WANT THE EXISTANCE OF THIS 'BOMB-THROWING' PARTY ANYMORE!!!
THEN, WHO IS TALKING ABOUT A UNION GOVERNMENT COALITION?? WHAT A HELL??
...
read full comment
People are talking as if NDC is offering NPP power sharing option. Apuuuuu! Over the dead bodies of NDC supporters.
MASSA KOFI, this article is objective, intelligent and very perceptive. Firstly, I think those pondering the formation of Unity/Coalition Government between NPP and NDC are the politicians who feel 'insecure' and worried abou ...
read full comment
Was disappointed with the comments until I read yours and those after you. Reading what Nana Akomea is reportedly saying about unity/coalition government, it appears NPP will welcome it. It sounds like both NDC and NPP are no ...
read full comment
Kofi, your general argument about the 'inappropriateness' of a "Unity Government" in the true sense of the term in the current political history of Ghana makes a lot of sense. I personally do not support it because it is need ...
read full comment
Paul, thanks for your brilliant contribution. Regarding the legal protection for heads and senior officials of public bodies who are appointed on merit or for their expertise (technocrats) and not because of which political s ...
read full comment
the impression is being given that the NDC had something to hide with this late call for an inclusive government by its leadership.To some supporters this is a very unfortunate development as one wonders the motive behind the ...
read full comment
Okonko, from what Nana Akomea is reported to be saying, do you think NPP is confident? It appears both NDC and NPP are not confident and are prepared for power sharing. You are magnanimous by describing any such political pro ...
read full comment
Kofi,
The problem began with the destruction of the old semi-professional Civil Service. The Principal Secretary was the prime mover. Once he had discussed and agreed on the nitty-gritty of the policy, he simply went ahead a ...
read full comment
you are just dreaming if you think that way