Features
Parliament: When Bagbin decides to tell a ‘red’ lie
Many Ghanaians strongly believe that the Rt. Honourable Speaker of Parliament, Mr Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, is not a robot and can never act as one.
Many also believe that Rt. Honourable Bagbin will not allow himself to be ‘programmed’ as autopilot or ‘a human post office’ where ‘people’ will post their ‘letters’ for him to read to compromise his venerable position as the Speaker of Ghana’s Parliament.
A lot of Ghanaians also hold the view that Rt. Honourable Bagbin is now ‘a national human property’ for all Ghanaians not only for his political party, the National Democratic Congress.
But latest development in the recent visitation of the Ethiopian Parliamentary delegation to Ghana seems to be erasing the lofty assertions made by a number of Ghanaians about our Rt. Honourable Speaker of Parliament.
One may ask: What is the beef?
The Speaker of Parliament in a recent interaction with a delegation from the Ethiopian Parliament is reported to have said; “but for last minute movements where some parliamentary seats were snatched by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) , the NDC would have had Majority in Parliament.”
Reportedly, Rt. Honourable Bagbin said:”The NPP General Secretary, John Boadu, even admitted that the NDC won more seats in Parliament, but some last-minute moves were made to snatch some of the seats from the NDC.”
Rt. Honourable Bagbin reportedly added:”That one is a statement of fact.”
Expectedly, the NPP General Secretary has described the claim by Rt. Honourable Bagbin that parliamentary majority went in favour of the Opposition NDC as “falsehood.”
“There is no iota of truth in such statement made by Rt. Honourable Bagbin to the Ethiopian Parliament since I have never stated anywhere that the NPP devised tactics to get parliamentary majority in its favour,” John Boadu has said.
He insists that ; “the NPP has always maintained in its post elections comment that the party won majority of the parliamentary seats.”
But the question is: Has Mr Bagbin himself got water-tight evidence to back what he allegedly told the Ethiopian Parliamentary delegation?
Assuming the NPP General Secretary said exactly what Mr Speaker is quoting him to have said; does it make his statement true? Where is the evidence to justify that the so-called statement made by the NPP General Secretary is nothing but the truth?
Readers, do you remember? While waiting for the declaration of the December 7, 2020 election results, former President John Dramani Mahama said at a press conference in Accra that:”We have won the elections. We have also won 140 parliamentary seats and what else do we expect?”
He stressed:” I am happy Ghanaians have rejected the Akufo-Addo government,” and asked his NDC supporters to take to the streets and jubilate.
Additionally, former President Mahama stated:”The Akufo-Addo government is using the military to change the results of the elections to favour Akufo-Addo and his NPP.”
So, Rt. Honourable Bagbin: From what former President Mahama is quoted to have said; be said to be true? Where is the evidence to back it? Is it because the statement is coming from ex-President Mahama, it must be accepted as the ‘gospel’ truth?
Rt. Honourable Bagbin: You are known as a very competent lawyer. Not so? In the ‘ game of law, ‘ is it not the case that EVIDENCE is supreme? So, where is the evidence that what you told the Ethiopian Parliamentary delegation actually happened?
If you cannot produce the evidence, is it not the case that you told a ‘red’ lie to the Ethiopian delegation?
And after the declaration of the presidential results, Mr Mahama and the NDC roundly rejected the results, claiming that the will of the people had been subverted and that “the proper verdict of the people had been stolen.”
Rt. Honourable Bagbin: So, did you believe; and do you still believe the statement above? If you believe the statement to be true; is it because it is coming from ex-President Mahama and the NDC? And do you have any evidence to support such a statement?
Mr Speaker: In spite of the ‘apparent truth’ you believed in ; was it not strange to you when ex-President Mahama went to Supreme Court, rather seeking injunction, directing the Electoral Commission to conduct another election between him and President Akufo-Addo ?
And that President Akufo Addo did not cross the constitutional threshold of 50 per cent plus one, to warrant the declaration of the presidential election results in his favour?
Mr Speaker: Were you surprised that the “stolen verdict” chorus; “the government using the military to change the election results”; and “the Electoral Commission attempting to change the election results to favour Akufo-Addo”; all evaporated from ex-President Mahama’s petition to the Supreme Court?
The simple answer is ; ex-President Mahama did not have any evidence anywhere to support his ’emotional’ statements.
Rt. Honourable Bagbin: Since you decided to follow “the ‘red‘ lie tangent”, you might have, as well, relayed the ’emotional’ statements made by your party to the Ethiopian delegation and topped it up with the Supreme Court ruling.
From a distance, Mr Speaker, I can tell with all the confidence at my command, that your reasoning prowess is more than excellent. So, why do you descend into the ‘red’ lie zone?
Readers, now let’s listen to Professor Edward Gyampo of the University of Ghana: “Bagbin is expected to be very firm and neutral person who will not even do the bidding of his own party and he sounded that caution.
“And if he begins to make such statements not backed by evidence, you open yourself up for needless criticisms.”
Professor Gyampo says: “They went to court. If they had that evidence, they should have shown this there. These things have been settled because we have handled them in court by the ruling.
“For a whole Speaker to be saying this; I mean, it’s a bit problematic because if you do that, it undermines the expected neutrality.”
Over to you, Rt. Honourable Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin. Any response?
Contact email/WhatsApp of author:
asmahfrankg@gmail.com (0505556179)
By G Frank Asmah
I experienced something on Monday, June 15, that really frustrated me. I had to go to the ministries but I could not get up early that day so I decided to pick a taxi and get to the Tuba Junction.
When I got there I realised that Traffic had built up from the Toll Booth towards Accra. After a while I got a Taxi and it was when we got to a certain spot on the road, that I realised why there was a traffic jam.
There is a short stretch of the road where each time it rains heavily, loose material run down the hill onto the road, blocking one side of the road. Vehicles from Kasoa to Accra are then forced to move into one of the lanes of those going towards Kasoa from Accra.
The two lane road from Accra to Kasoa becomes a single carriage way. That was the reason for the traffic jam from the toll booth onwards.
This has been a perineal problem and yet, no permanent solution has been found till date. The area falls under Ga South and even though, a new MCE has taken over, the technocrats are still there and so the problem is not new to them.
There is therefore no excuse for the inability of the Ga South Metropolitan Assembly to resolving the problem on that stretch of the road. Apart from the Ga South Metropolitan Assembly, another institution that must be held accountable is the Ghana Highways Authority.
The Highways Authority cannot say they are unaware of this issue. The fact that the problem falls within the area of responsibility of the Ga South Assembly, does not relieve the Ghana Highways Authority, of their responsibility of ensuring that our highways are maintained in a motorable state at all times.
A collaboration between the Ghana Highways Authority and The Ga South Municipal Assembly is required for a permanent resolution of the problem.
There was another traffic jam at a place called Atala about 250 metres to the traffic light at Old Barrier as a result of an issue similar to the one close to the toll booth, that I talked about earlier.
When we got to Weija junction, we encountered another traffic jam. The cause of this jam was a bad condition of road about 80 metres from the traffic light at Ga South Hospital heading towards Accra.
Due to the bad nature at that section of the road, vehicles are compelled to slow down resulting in a traffic jam stretching all the way to Weija Junction.
I started wondering if that short stretch of road cannot be sorted on one Sunday when traffic is usually light. When we got to the traffic light at Odorkor, there was another issue.
When the traffic light shows green, there is a slow down because there is a big pothole or should I say manhole in the outer lane, right at the traffic light. Vehicles in the outer lane are compelled to swerve into the second lane thereby causing a traffic to slow down and resulting in a traffic jam.
It is very important to take into account the effect of traffic jam on the national economy. If we are able to assess the value of the loss to the economy of the nation, I believe the issue of traffic jam will be prioritised.
Imagine persons working at various Government Organisations like Registrar General’s Department, Ghana Ports and Habours Authority, Ghana Revenue Authority, CEPS etc. and lives at Kasoa and whose job is to collect revenue for the state and is held up in traffic.
Just imagine the effect their lateness to work will have on the economy if you consider the delays in say clearing of goods at the port and as a result traders cannot sell their goods for government to generate the required taxes.
Let us deal with the traffic jams on our streets to promote economic growth. God bless.
By Laud Kissi-Mensah
Mortality is an inherent aspect of life, a universal experience that has sparked philosophical, theological, and scientific inquiry throughout human history.
This article aims to provide a comprehensive and nuanced exploration of mortality, acknowledging the complexity of the topic and the diverse perspectives surrounding it.
The biological imperative
From a biological standpoint, death is a natural part of the life cycle. It serves as a mechanism for the evolution of species, allowing for the passing on of genetic material and the adaptation to environmental changes.
Evolutionary perspective: Death allows for the recycling of resources, promoting the survival and adaptation of species.
Life span and senescence: Cellular aging and the limitations of biological systems contribute to mortality.
Philosophical and existential perspectives
Existentialism: Emphasises individual freedom and responsibility in the face of mortality.
Meaning and purpose: The finite nature of life can prompt individuals to seek meaning and purpose.
The human condition: Mortality is a fundamental aspect of the human experience, shaping our perceptions and values.
Cultural and spiritual views
Afterlife and spirituality: Many cultures and religions believe in an afterlife or spiritual continuation.
Rituals and mourning: Cultural practices surrounding death reflect the significance of mortality in human experience.
Legacy and remembrance: The impact of one’s life can transcend mortality.
Ethical considerations
End-of-life care: Ethical debates surround issues like euthanasia, assisted dying, and palliative care.
Quality of life: Balancing the value of life with the quality of life is a complex ethical issue.
Resource allocation: Societal decisions about healthcare and resource distribution involve considerations of mortality.
Psychological impact
Grief and loss: The experience of mortality can evoke profound emotional responses.
Fear and anxiety: The awareness of mortality can lead to existential anxiety.
Appreciation and gratitude: Recognising mortality can foster appreciation for life.
Conclusion
Mortality is a multifaceted aspect of human existence, influencing how we live, relate, and find meaning. Understanding and acknowledging mortality can prompt deeper reflections on life and our place in the world.
By Robert Ekow Grimmond-Thompson
News1 week agoNFS, AACMA raise GH¢300K for new fire tender
- News6 days ago
FSD Africa, others launch Green Project Preparation Facility to unlock investment in climate infrastructure in Ghana
- News6 days ago
Merck Foundation holds 13th Africa Asia Luminary with 12 First Ladies to advance healthcare capacity across Africa and Asia
