Investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni has waded into the debate over government support for Ghanaian evacuees, describing complaints over the amount given as “nauseating entitlement.”

In a strongly worded post shared on Facebook, Manasseh argued that Ghanaians who were airlifted from South Africa after xenophobic threats should show gratitude rather than discontent.

“Some countries abandoned their people because they either did not care enough or they did not think it was economically wise to spend huge sums of money chartering planes and evacuating their people. Your country did not abandon you. It chartered aircraft and lifted you,” he wrote.

According to him, government spent huge sums to bring citizens home at a time when the country has pressing needs that could have been addressed with that money, but no one complained because “your life as a citizen is just as pressing.”

Manasseh said it was therefore worrying that after the evacuation and subsequent financial support from the state, some beneficiaries are complaining that the amount is not enough.

“Sir, some people need only 2000 cedis to start a business, but the state has not given them anything. Others worked and paid taxes while you were away, but have not received a pesewa from the state. Think about that,” he stated.

He added that while the frustration of losing opportunities abroad is understandable, the evacuation was not forced but was done to save lives.

He added that “We can sympathise with whatever opportunities you may have lost by returning home, but note that the government did not forcibly evacuate you. Your safety was paramount. You could have lost your life if the government had abandoned you.”

Manasseh warned that such complaints only fuel negativity in the political space.

“Your complaints will please a section of our society that lives in perpetual search of negativity with which to score cheap political points. But to the discerning people, it is a nauseating sense of entitlement,” he stressed.

He concluded with a call for appreciation “And whatever you have been given to ease your return is an added bonus. Appreciate it and pray for more. There’s a vast difference between a favour and an entitlement.”

By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme

The Member of Parliament for Ketu North, Eric Edem Agbana, has taken a swipe at the Ghana Education Service (GES) over its handling of the controversy surrounding Prospectus Ghana Limited and the National Council of Parent-Teacher Associations (NCPTA).

In a statement on Monday morning, the MP said GES’s latest clarification press release “raises more questions than it answers.”

According to Mr. Agbana, the GES is increasingly becoming a liability to government due to its handling of key issues affecting teachers and parents.

“The GES is increasingly becoming a source of avoidable disaffection for our government. From the handling of teacher recruitments to issues of teacher’s promotion and others. We must not do things that erode the confidence people have in our government,” he said.

The MP is demanding that GES makes public its Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Prospectus Ghana Limited, trading as EduPack PGL.

In its earlier statement, GES confirmed having an MoU with the company but insisted purchase of its products was strictly voluntary.

“If the GES says it has an MoU with Prospectus Ghana Limited, then publish the MoU. Ghanaians deserve to know exactly what was agreed, what products it covers, and what authority, if any, it gives Prospectus Ghana,” he demanded.

The legislator also questioned why Prospectus Ghana has been able to create the impression among schools and parents that its products are mandatory.

“More importantly, why has Prospectus Ghana consistently created the impression that it had an agreement to introduce or impose these items on parents and students if, according to the GES, purchases are strictly voluntary?,” he quizzed.

He further asked whether other educational vendors require similar MoUs to access schools, and if so, what the approval process is and who else has benefited.

“Do other sellers or traders of educational items need an MoU with the GES before introducing their products to schools? If yes, what is the process and who else has received such approval? If no, why was an MoU necessary in this particular case?”

Mr. Agbana said the matter cannot be swept under the carpet with a mere press statement.

“If the purchase is voluntary, say so clearly to every school and parent. If Prospectus Ghana exceeded the terms of its agreement, the GES must say so and take the necessary action.”

He cautioned government institutions against actions that damage public trust.

“Dear GES, please wake up. Government institutions must not become the reason our government loses the confidence of the very people we are working to serve. We need transparency. We need accountability. We need clarity.It’s a Peaceful Monday Morning,” he concluded.

By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme