A VERY THOUGHTFULL ARTICLE. THIS SUPERIORITY COMPLEX SHOULD BE NIPPED IN THE BUD.
A VERY THOUGHTFULL ARTICLE. THIS SUPERIORITY COMPLEX SHOULD BE NIPPED IN THE BUD.
OYOKOBA 10 years ago
I recently posted in one of my comments, inter-alia, Atuguba's creeping throwback to an era associated with the culture of silence on 6th July, 2013.
I wrote: " It is about time these judges stop wearing horse-hairs and Dra ... read full comment
I recently posted in one of my comments, inter-alia, Atuguba's creeping throwback to an era associated with the culture of silence on 6th July, 2013.
I wrote: " It is about time these judges stop wearing horse-hairs and Dracula robes; that would enable fresh air to go through their natural hair. This overly deferential words like "My Lord, Your Lordship, and Your Worship" etc somehow have gone to inflate their super egos. They have to be reminded that they are not angels. They are fallible and we the people who pay their salaries have every right to criticize them. If they want to become "Thought Police" then they have got to build bigger prisons to hold us all. Thought lies in public opinion and they can't even attempt to control it. They would make an ass of themselves if they try. The same goes for the president, the excessive accolades - "His Excellency the President" - that his bootlickers abuse our ears with are overused and over the top. If only he was doing something extraordinary and excellent, but you and I know what we are being served is mediocrity and not excellence". In the West Africa sub-region another joker embroiled in honourifics is the president. He prefers to be addressed as His Excellency the President Sheik Professor Alhaji Doctor, the Commander-in-Chief Yahya Jammeh. We often cite Kwame Nkrumah as a dictator but I am beginning to think stupid party sycophants created for him the pedestal to become one. His Excellency the President the Commander-in-Chief my foot. Your papa or mama called you John X and that is what I am going to call you, no over extended less deserving prefixes.
I had toyed since then in my mind the idea of writing a full blown article on usage of excessive deferential titles on public servants; yes people who should be our servants rather than our lords. Reading what you have masterfully written here, Adams, I rest my case. You have done the subject justice. Excellent article. Bravo!
william 10 years ago
These issues John has raised relate to the psychology of relations between the governors and the governed. They also bring to mind issues of African culture and titles as well as 'fun fool respect'!!Indeed is not about disres ... read full comment
These issues John has raised relate to the psychology of relations between the governors and the governed. They also bring to mind issues of African culture and titles as well as 'fun fool respect'!!Indeed is not about disrespecting or abandoning titles; it is about sanitising them! Ordinarily you would not add ' His Excellency' to 'Mr President'. In Nigeria they say ' Mr. President'. In the US ' President this or President that. In the UK Prime Minister this or that, etc. Psychologically, adding 'Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces appears to influenced by our recent and gladly past history of military intervention in politics and the need to remind them they are under the authority of the civilian administration! John , you need to follow up and write formally to the Authorities concerned whom I think would not be against your pertinent comments.
Al Gammal 10 years ago
The swedes have nothing like Excellency, Honourable, Lordship, etc. They don't even address PhD holders as "Dr" and students call their professors by their first names. People call the Prime Minister by his first name. Yet th ... read full comment
The swedes have nothing like Excellency, Honourable, Lordship, etc. They don't even address PhD holders as "Dr" and students call their professors by their first names. People call the Prime Minister by his first name. Yet this country is faaaaaaar better governed than Ghana. And this tiny country gives us aid!!!
Thanks, Adams, for a very well written and argued piece. The language is great too - far above the average seen on ghanaweb.
More of such, please...
afuabaosei 10 years ago
I have thought about these "titles" myself over and over and their meaning to those positions, Its only in Africa and i hope the first group of people to end this are the MEDIA. If they stop using those titles everyone else w ... read full comment
I have thought about these "titles" myself over and over and their meaning to those positions, Its only in Africa and i hope the first group of people to end this are the MEDIA. If they stop using those titles everyone else will.
Vuvuzela 10 years ago
This article is petty, subjective and empty.
Even without titles, Ghanaians and blacks would still be behaving the way we do. As far as we are concerned, Ministers of State etc. don't have monopoly of feeling big, megalom ... read full comment
This article is petty, subjective and empty.
Even without titles, Ghanaians and blacks would still be behaving the way we do. As far as we are concerned, Ministers of State etc. don't have monopoly of feeling big, megalomaniac and above the law. We are all like them; we resemble like drops of water! We are simply stupid and this is NOT because of titles, I regret.
These titles are used in other countries in Africa and the world the same way we do in Ghana and for the same reasons; respect for authority. In short, they are just standard protocols or courtesy that don't confer or translate any subtle meanings of subservience to anyone or adducing any meaning to anyone being more important than others. On the contrary it is rather the basic precepts, traditions and culture of the society that make us feel others more important.
In Ghana, I can hardly called anyone older than me, even by just one day, by his real name without adding titles like "bro", "sister", "uncle", "auntie" etc. During my time in the Secondary School we never called seniors by name without first addressing them by "Senior", which made it stuck, to the extent that, even long after school, you still can't find ways to call those seniors by their name without having certain feelings about it. This is because that is how we were taught in our Society, to respect the one in elder position. Generally this is without malice. None at all.
Getting to countries in the North of West Africa, a person can address his/her mother or father directly by their names without sentiments of incurring disrespect, and a child of eight years or less could call you by your name with no disrespect intended.
There is nothing bad in showing respect or reverence for others. This is at the base of every civilized society and shows bearing of courteousness and humility. Names and titles mean nothing. Our problem we have in our society, in Africa and among black folk is the change in mentality and attitude prevalent in our days, which is completely different from what is used to be in the time of our forefathers who were way more refined. These are problems due to the way we want to be seen and judged by others because we wield influence of have money and also because we are selfish and deviantly self-centered.
There are times I blame white people for coming to change what we were when they think we could evolve to have the same mentality they have. They did wrong in bringing to us civilization and lifestyle we can't imitate. We should have been left alone in our forests together with our gold and diamonds etc. we would have no use for in event. That would have been satisfying
Think!
Vuvuzela 10 years ago
* Countries in Europe use the same address...
* Our mentality is to blame for our troubles.
* Titles don't mean diddly squat.
* Countries in Europe use the same address...
* Our mentality is to blame for our troubles.
* Titles don't mean diddly squat.
Repugnant. 10 years ago
"when men yield up the privilege of thinking" That is the sum total of all our problems. Any one who dare think own his own is branded a dictator along with all the nonsensical hypothesis and banal vulgarities.
The mist al ... read full comment
"when men yield up the privilege of thinking" That is the sum total of all our problems. Any one who dare think own his own is branded a dictator along with all the nonsensical hypothesis and banal vulgarities.
The mist always follow the rain, yet what we get in return is goat excrement!
Repugnant. 10 years ago
Any one who dare think on his own
Any one who dare think on his own
william 10 years ago
Are you suggesting that those who are not given to our African flamboyance respect their leaders any less than we do! John has not at any moment suggested we disrespect our leaders! What he is suggesting is good for both the ... read full comment
Are you suggesting that those who are not given to our African flamboyance respect their leaders any less than we do! John has not at any moment suggested we disrespect our leaders! What he is suggesting is good for both the leaders and the people, i e, fine-tune our titles to reflect the psychology of our times! What is it? Titles that reflect the reducing gap between the leaders and the led!
Dapaah Daniel 10 years ago
This system of titular honour was derived from colonial masters...in law, parliament, etc...they have ways of addressing themselves which we picked up in the course of making their language our official medium of communicatio ... read full comment
This system of titular honour was derived from colonial masters...in law, parliament, etc...they have ways of addressing themselves which we picked up in the course of making their language our official medium of communication.
nyankonwu 10 years ago
call them judges
call them judges
Prof Lungu 10 years ago
Critical mind at work, the way we see it!
READ: "...Why would ministers consider themselves accountable to us ordinary Ghanaians on the street, when we fall over ourselves to call them “Honourable” and beg for their be ... read full comment
Critical mind at work, the way we see it!
READ: "...Why would ministers consider themselves accountable to us ordinary Ghanaians on the street, when we fall over ourselves to call them “Honourable” and beg for their benevolence?..."
OUR COMMENT: Good question, particularly given that what they give is first the peoples'.
But we disagree with this one!
READ: "...Are not Jesus and Allah the only ones that we should refer to us Lord?..."
OUR COMMENT: Really? We posit that this is also part of the problem. Intellectuals and scholars ought to be able to write critiques without quotations or references to their religions and their subjective faiths. Again, this is part of the problem - many of us do not greatly understand or appreciate the secular nature of the nation Ghanaians must build.
Read This:
Ghanaweb Feature Article of Saturday, 11 May 2013
Columnist: Lungu, Prof
Ghana's Youth Against Gerontocracy, Religion, Critical Thinking!
Prof Lungu 10 years ago
In other words, who are the "we"?
In other words, who are the "we"?
KB 10 years ago
Wow,you're living up to your name,Lungulungu,sorry,PROF(lol)Lungu!!Intellectuals and scholarsd ought to be able to write critiques without quotations or references to their religions and their subjective faiths.Yeah,right,but ... read full comment
Wow,you're living up to your name,Lungulungu,sorry,PROF(lol)Lungu!!Intellectuals and scholarsd ought to be able to write critiques without quotations or references to their religions and their subjective faiths.Yeah,right,but they should always remember to indicate their titles,like PROF LUNGU!YEAAAH!!!GO PROF!!LOL!!
Prof Lungu 10 years ago
KB,
You have a problem with "Prof Lungu"?
"Prof Lungu" is not an "official"!
"Prof Lungu" is not a "public servant"!
The drift of the essay does not even begin to apply!
But yes, ....Intellectuals and scholars ... read full comment
KB,
You have a problem with "Prof Lungu"?
"Prof Lungu" is not an "official"!
"Prof Lungu" is not a "public servant"!
The drift of the essay does not even begin to apply!
But yes, ....Intellectuals and scholars ought to be able to write critiques without quotations or references to their religions and their subjective faiths...
So the question for you is this: What do you have against that position?
Yarney 10 years ago
You are giving that dummy called KB a lot of credit like he understands the issue here. This fool is a tribalist who believes anything against this government or saying anything against current Politicians is against the Mah ... read full comment
You are giving that dummy called KB a lot of credit like he understands the issue here. This fool is a tribalist who believes anything against this government or saying anything against current Politicians is against the Mahama administration. He derives his pride in having a Northerner as President and anything against this administration will not be accepted by him.
TEACHER 10 years ago
Well, these food for thought must be made part of our educational transformation or forget it. I agree that, such admonitions are so perfect but the Ghanaian's local thinking is so hard pressed to make a change..... But belei ... read full comment
Well, these food for thought must be made part of our educational transformation or forget it. I agree that, such admonitions are so perfect but the Ghanaian's local thinking is so hard pressed to make a change..... But beleive me---that change will come when we like it or not.....Is somebody thinking of the Arab Spring. We will surely have our own AND THOSE IN CHARGE wil not like it if THEY done change. Amen for Positive Change.
BE BOLD 10 years ago
"These officials are our servants, they are not our superiors in anyway. They are not excellent, honorable or lords. They are just public servants and we must regard them as such."
The unnecessary titles lure them to think t ... read full comment
"These officials are our servants, they are not our superiors in anyway. They are not excellent, honorable or lords. They are just public servants and we must regard them as such."
The unnecessary titles lure them to think they are above the law and not accountable to anyone.
Thanks for writing this article because it is something I have always worried over for a nation like Ghana struggling to grow. I do not see any humility in these titles other than the opportunity to enlarge the egos of these non performing fools and criminals. They have the best of both worlds because the more they steal, the more they are honored as an "His Excellency"
Ghana is done and no wonder we are standing still; we are busy chasing empty titles and money than to develop our talent as a nation so we all grow together and prosper together. We have instead adopted very bad attitudes and taking turns to destroying ourselves, our future and the prospects of ever coming back.
Yarney 10 years ago
Even the DCE's are addressed as honourables and some of these DCE's can't even interprete the district budget.
Even the DCE's are addressed as honourables and some of these DCE's can't even interprete the district budget.
YB 10 years ago
Very pathetic bro. And the worst part of this nonsense is that some of these DCEs are frustrating the technocrats at the Assemblies with their empty brains. I think we have a very long way to go.
Very pathetic bro. And the worst part of this nonsense is that some of these DCEs are frustrating the technocrats at the Assemblies with their empty brains. I think we have a very long way to go.
princewilly@ymail.com 10 years ago
Once there was a monkey that had only 4 fingers. He was very mad. So, one day the monkey went to a monkey hand repair shop.
The monkey that worked there said "how can I help you?"
The monkey said "Hi my name is George a ... read full comment
Once there was a monkey that had only 4 fingers. He was very mad. So, one day the monkey went to a monkey hand repair shop.
The monkey that worked there said "how can I help you?"
The monkey said "Hi my name is George and I would like...." then the monkey that worked there immediately interrupted George and said "that's the name of my ass!"
George said "you named your butt?"
"Sure", said the monkey who worked there.
George then asked "So, what's your name?"
"Dick", said the man that worked there.
"Ha ha ha!" George started cracking up "that is a funny name!" George said to Dick.
George said "would you like to meet another man named Dick?"
Dick said "Ok."
George took out his penis and said "there you go"
MenayeAFUAforiwa 10 years ago
Prince, I love your story very much. We hear such names every minute in the USA,eg. Dick Chaney.The Vice President to George Bush.
Prince, I love your story very much. We hear such names every minute in the USA,eg. Dick Chaney.The Vice President to George Bush.
princewilly@ymail.com 10 years ago
HILLARY CLINTON RAISED HER SKIRT BEFORE CONGRESS AND SAID NO MORE BUSH AND DICK.
HILLARY CLINTON RAISED HER SKIRT BEFORE CONGRESS AND SAID NO MORE BUSH AND DICK.
AKWELE 10 years ago
I believe it is people who are corrupt and not the mere titles. Titles however may contribute to it, a lot of people without titles are just as corrupt if not worse. The title makes the corrupt individual stand out.
I believe it is people who are corrupt and not the mere titles. Titles however may contribute to it, a lot of people without titles are just as corrupt if not worse. The title makes the corrupt individual stand out.
yd 10 years ago
You are absolutely right but the Ghanaian citizens does not see themselves as superior than these soo called politicians.
You are absolutely right but the Ghanaian citizens does not see themselves as superior than these soo called politicians.
Kojo 10 years ago
Look there are more serious issues to engage our minds on wate anaa? Why are Ghanaians masters over such useless issues. You have the time to pen plenty paragraphs on this? too much free time I suppose.
Look there are more serious issues to engage our minds on wate anaa? Why are Ghanaians masters over such useless issues. You have the time to pen plenty paragraphs on this? too much free time I suppose.
ASMAH TEMA 10 years ago
Very true to every word. we have to educate ourselves and understand that when we vote for people we are hiring them to do a job for us.
Very true to every word. we have to educate ourselves and understand that when we vote for people we are hiring them to do a job for us.
MenayeAFUAforiwa 10 years ago
If it is not important Judge Atuguba and his ilk would not send their fellow citizens to jail for disobeying their commands.
If it is not important Judge Atuguba and his ilk would not send their fellow citizens to jail for disobeying their commands.
Repugnant. 10 years ago
Thank you, when Addison was caught the other day, in court trying to impeach the credibility of Afari Djan with a forged voters registrar extract instead of proper sanctions or contempt, Atuguba feebly called for withdrawal, ... read full comment
Thank you, when Addison was caught the other day, in court trying to impeach the credibility of Afari Djan with a forged voters registrar extract instead of proper sanctions or contempt, Atuguba feebly called for withdrawal, the Ghanaian is being fed goat excrement in their everyday existence.
PKA 10 years ago
This article is clearly much ado about nothing. The fact that the three arms og government and other public servants are elected and/or appointed to serve does not mean they are the footstools of the citizens and thus should ... read full comment
This article is clearly much ado about nothing. The fact that the three arms og government and other public servants are elected and/or appointed to serve does not mean they are the footstools of the citizens and thus should not be accorded the necessary respect.
The use of specific titles for public servants is indeed global and varies from country to country depending on the culture and history of the country in question. To say that the use of titles is "killing us" is a hollow argument. A corrupt person will still be corrupt regardless of which name/title they go by.
I fail to see how titles of public officials can lead to poor drinking water, intermittent power supply, poor sanitation, increased unemployment and high inflation. We need to find more pragmatic ways of turning our economy around. Stripping our public servants off their titles is certainly not one of them.
Pontius Pilate 10 years ago
the psyche of a man can even pre-destined him to succeed or fail. much as perhaps the mere title given to a person shouldn't generally speaking pose any challenge or problem, what we have witnessed over time is its psychologi ... read full comment
the psyche of a man can even pre-destined him to succeed or fail. much as perhaps the mere title given to a person shouldn't generally speaking pose any challenge or problem, what we have witnessed over time is its psychological and misrepresented effect it is having on our body-politic.
you are right in that it was not for nothing that these titles were chosen for these office holders. they are indeed conferred so that it would give some elevation to the responsibilities we as citizens have imposed on these office holders. however those powers vested in the positions and titles do not and must not in anyway sway the occupants into thinking themselves above what they are not. unfortunately that seem to be what we are witnessing and the writer's point of view.
the solution
perhaps not necessarily scraping off titles but the respect of the laws of the land and strict accountability by all and sundry irrespective of your person or the office you hold.
there are abundant examples of high office holders in many parts of the world who by mere subjection to the rule of law have been rendered non-superior.
but who are we to blame? the root cause is as clear as daylight. education is the key. if each and everyone of us would understand and appreciate our inalienable rights as citizens and stakeholders of corporate ghana, nobody and i mean nobody whether honorable, your excellency, your lordship or mr. would even dare overstep his or her boundary.
may be we can put it to the test.
Tony Habia 10 years ago
Those titles are not what are destroying Ghana. What really is destroying Ghana is the appellation "Nana" in the Ashanti’s' psyche. I came back to GH this year after 18 years and what I found is every Ashanti (mostly) want ... read full comment
Those titles are not what are destroying Ghana. What really is destroying Ghana is the appellation "Nana" in the Ashanti’s' psyche. I came back to GH this year after 18 years and what I found is every Ashanti (mostly) want to be called "Nana", an idea of entitlement, ownership and subjectiveness or enslaveness. For me this Nanaship should be referred to our traditional rulers who have attained a certain high position in the hierarchy reciprocal to the President of the Republic, Speaker of Parliament or Chairman of Joint Chief of Staff of Army. Those later appellations disappeared once your term is over and become “ex or former” without entitlement. The danger here is we don’t have ex or former Nanas and these Ashantis once they become Nanas, they think they own Ghana and every Ghanaian is their subject. The whole election petition is about that, (period). “I Nana Akuffu Addo with my ethnic group, we own GH and how you Mr. Mahama, with your northern ethnic group, dare challenge the presidency, I am entitled to. So to level the plane field the respondents have to put another “Nana” Nana Ato Dadzie at the front to send this message: we also have a Nana, you are the only Nana. This is dangerous for the country and became an ingredient for instability, under and non-development. This Nana thing is to be compared to “Chief” in Nigeria. It never lifted up that country, in contrary it made Nigeria as bad shape as it is now. I am not against ceremonial names but in our Ghanaian context it taking us backward because of our thinking and conception. Please stop this Nanaship; if you are king, prince, princess, nananoom in your village, have your subjects in that square call you like that, do not impose it the whole country. There are honorable names out there in the Republic that are signs for development like Professor, Doctor and mister that no one will deny you for.
Kojo! 10 years ago
Those meaningless and idiotic titles like his excellency and honourable were introduced to Ghana by the npp when they first got the chance to rule Ghana. Empty barrels!
Nana this nana that...
Those meaningless and idiotic titles like his excellency and honourable were introduced to Ghana by the npp when they first got the chance to rule Ghana. Empty barrels!
Nana this nana that...
Brute 10 years ago
you must be very very foolish! what actually came into your small mind that made you spend a lot of time to write this long bullshit? you are a fool!!!!!
you must be very very foolish! what actually came into your small mind that made you spend a lot of time to write this long bullshit? you are a fool!!!!!
Asiwome 10 years ago
It looks to me as if we are running a serfdom with "brainy" lords taking advantage of peons. We should examine the way we view each other and our world.
It looks to me as if we are running a serfdom with "brainy" lords taking advantage of peons. We should examine the way we view each other and our world.
Nicholas Sallah 10 years ago
Critical minds at work indeed. I agree with you 100% and believe any soul-searching citizen of Ghana can't help but to agree with you. I suggest you start a movement or some active ground work towards this and let's see how t ... read full comment
Critical minds at work indeed. I agree with you 100% and believe any soul-searching citizen of Ghana can't help but to agree with you. I suggest you start a movement or some active ground work towards this and let's see how this can spread the awareness in our dear country. Great job. Keep it up.
Satcmo 10 years ago
Its time we as a nation have a second thought about the way we project the officials and let them be subject to the electorate insteaYourd of the electorate being subject to them in every area ofthe administration
Its time we as a nation have a second thought about the way we project the officials and let them be subject to the electorate insteaYourd of the electorate being subject to them in every area ofthe administration
Satcmo 10 years ago
Be subjective to the electorate in their assigned offices and do not lord it over us as we the electorate who voted them to office are their servants.
Be subjective to the electorate in their assigned offices and do not lord it over us as we the electorate who voted them to office are their servants.
Ama Osu Accra 10 years ago
People shower these titles because they are afraid. Yes silently Afraid so we show too much respect. These people in power can make you lose your job in 1 minute.
People shower these titles because they are afraid. Yes silently Afraid so we show too much respect. These people in power can make you lose your job in 1 minute.
me and you 10 years ago
with all the problems facing GH this is what you could write about. You must be a one boring creature.
with all the problems facing GH this is what you could write about. You must be a one boring creature.
YB 10 years ago
You don't seem to understand the problems of your society. Majority of the our people suffer from low self esteem and inferiority as a result of the "title difference". Ghanians must be made to understand that we make our big ... read full comment
You don't seem to understand the problems of your society. Majority of the our people suffer from low self esteem and inferiority as a result of the "title difference". Ghanians must be made to understand that we make our big men and not they us.
Dynamic 10 years ago
At least, he has written something sensible with his God's given talent which does not insult any one.What he has written is the truth.
Even though, Europeans and America call their head of states sometimes by the surname ... read full comment
At least, he has written something sensible with his God's given talent which does not insult any one.What he has written is the truth.
Even though, Europeans and America call their head of states sometimes by the surnames only. Hardly would any one use the honourable and etc.But in Ghana, we have made them gods. What a shame!
Unfortunately, despite your self 'acclaimed interesting nature' look at what you have written? Just read and listen to yourself to see whether your comment makes sense even in this forum. You have a big problem. Wise up
T.T 10 years ago
Dynamic, you are confused.
Dynamic, you are confused.
Robin Hood 10 years ago
Neither President Obama nor Prime Minister David Cameron is ever referred to as "Your Excelency".Each is called by his name or simply his title.It is about time Ghanaians stop making these public servants feel too pompous.
Neither President Obama nor Prime Minister David Cameron is ever referred to as "Your Excelency".Each is called by his name or simply his title.It is about time Ghanaians stop making these public servants feel too pompous.
PKA 10 years ago
Do we always have to do things the western way? Come on guys! Are we ever going to be proud of who we are? Poor Ghanaians.
Do we always have to do things the western way? Come on guys! Are we ever going to be proud of who we are? Poor Ghanaians.
Ghana 10 years ago
Any body who don't understand this article it means that fellow is a shallow minded person.
If you give a simpleton a higher position than their position that's exactly what you reap. Looting and disrespect.
Any body who don't understand this article it means that fellow is a shallow minded person.
If you give a simpleton a higher position than their position that's exactly what you reap. Looting and disrespect.
Honestman 10 years ago
This writer is nothing less than a clown. Who is directing this thrash to? It's neither the writer nor the people of Ghana today who conjured those titles for people occupying those offices/positions. They were there long bef ... read full comment
This writer is nothing less than a clown. Who is directing this thrash to? It's neither the writer nor the people of Ghana today who conjured those titles for people occupying those offices/positions. They were there long before the writer and maybe his parents were born.Besides, Ghanaians did not create those titles, we inherited them, just as we inherited the English language from the British. The writer is imagining what does not exist and can't!
Kuoro 10 years ago
The English created the titles but they not use them commonly as we do in Ghana even to the extent that if you fail to some that that the become mad at you. The writer is a critical thinker.
The English created the titles but they not use them commonly as we do in Ghana even to the extent that if you fail to some that that the become mad at you. The writer is a critical thinker.
Kuoro 10 years ago
The English created the titles but they do not use them commonly as we do in Ghana here even to the extent that if you fail to call some with that title they become mad at you. The writer is a critical thinker don't rubbish h ... read full comment
The English created the titles but they do not use them commonly as we do in Ghana here even to the extent that if you fail to call some with that title they become mad at you. The writer is a critical thinker don't rubbish him.
Kojo! 10 years ago
The latest collection or re-awakening of title craze was introduced by NPP when kufour first came into power. That was when His excellency, Honourable shit began.
The latest collection or re-awakening of title craze was introduced by NPP when kufour first came into power. That was when His excellency, Honourable shit began.
Repugnant. 10 years ago
The writer believes, that in an ideal state, no man should call another individual his "Lord or excellency, or honorable." because they retardate. This does not happen in the USA THE MOTHER OF ALL DEMOCRACIES AND REPUBLICS, w ... read full comment
The writer believes, that in an ideal state, no man should call another individual his "Lord or excellency, or honorable." because they retardate. This does not happen in the USA THE MOTHER OF ALL DEMOCRACIES AND REPUBLICS, where the inalienable right of the individual is subsumed. But in our domain of embellished servitude, we have even been responding to our female judges as lords instead of her ladyships, where as in the US their lawmakers are referred to as congress men and ladies or gentlemen and gentle ladies etc, because subjectively all men are equal under their democracy. Your assertions may have their relevance, but they are called 'shaping in psychology'. Not even Parrots in their own environment will indulge in search desultory mechanical behavior. Do we really think as humans or simply imitate? Thank you.
ABDULAI 10 years ago
i am baffled too. Even in correct english, the title of the political office is applied after the name lke: MR kofi mensah honourable M.P OF BAYERE BON.Never would one see in the british, amercican or the russian press excell ... read full comment
i am baffled too. Even in correct english, the title of the political office is applied after the name lke: MR kofi mensah honourable M.P OF BAYERE BON.Never would one see in the british, amercican or the russian press excellecy before the names of their presidents, what is wrong with us? EVEN FORMER AMBASSADORS WHOARE SUPPOSED TO BE GURUS OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS CONTINUE TO REFER TO THEMSEKVES AS HE/ AMBASSDOR ETC EVEN IN RETIREMENT WHEN THEIR CONTEMPORARIES ARE SMPLY REFFFERED TO AS FORMER DIPLMATS.
Drah 10 years ago
This is a classical piece BUT how many people would listen n take this advice. Ghanaians over elaborate everythin- weddings, funeral, etc though they're not benefitting us in anyway.
This is a classical piece BUT how many people would listen n take this advice. Ghanaians over elaborate everythin- weddings, funeral, etc though they're not benefitting us in anyway.
De Prince Collectionz 10 years ago
I welcome you all to De Prince Collectionz with love. At De Prince Collectionz, we sell high quality ladies and gents clothes, shoes and accessories at affordable prices.
Please go to our website (www.deprincecollectionz.web ... read full comment
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The groveling is becoming too much! We should ask ourselves are we subjects or citizens?
The funny thing is that on the one hand groveling...on the other hand indiscipline everywhere...and by the SAME PEOPLE!
The groveling is becoming too much! We should ask ourselves are we subjects or citizens?
The funny thing is that on the one hand groveling...on the other hand indiscipline everywhere...and by the SAME PEOPLE!
akonfem prez come clean,9holes 10 years ago
HMMMM NSEM PII,KILLER MAHAMA KILLED MILLS,NOW IS GHANAINS BECOS HIS JUJU NEEDS MORE BLOOD,MAHMA IS FAKE TO THE NATION,INCOMPETENNT,CORRUPTS,BIG THIEF,WOMANIZER GAY,ATOPAHENE,USELESS ONE,SHAME ON HIM
HMMMM NSEM PII,KILLER MAHAMA KILLED MILLS,NOW IS GHANAINS BECOS HIS JUJU NEEDS MORE BLOOD,MAHMA IS FAKE TO THE NATION,INCOMPETENNT,CORRUPTS,BIG THIEF,WOMANIZER GAY,ATOPAHENE,USELESS ONE,SHAME ON HIM
hhj 10 years ago
STUPIDITY AT ITS BEST.
STUPIDITY AT ITS BEST.
yawv atebubu 10 years ago
mister, is kumasi part of ghana,and if so part of the rebublic? where from the title otumfour.. is there any justification in fellow human carrying fellow human "otumfour" so sad
mister, is kumasi part of ghana,and if so part of the rebublic? where from the title otumfour.. is there any justification in fellow human carrying fellow human "otumfour" so sad
afuabaosei 10 years ago
Mr Atebubu, its rather unfortunate u don't know the Republic governance and the traditional rule. With traditional rule, the people are subjects to the chief. Get your dictionary and educate yourself.
Mr Atebubu, its rather unfortunate u don't know the Republic governance and the traditional rule. With traditional rule, the people are subjects to the chief. Get your dictionary and educate yourself.
Kojo! 10 years ago
Abi?
Abi?
KWEKU 10 years ago
ONE OF THE VERY FEW SENSIBLE ARTICLES BY GHANAIANS I HAVE READ IN RECENT TIMES. THESE ARE SOME OF THE HEALTHFUL TOPICS WORTHY OF DISCUSSING NOT THE DIRTY ONES ABOUT NPP AND NDC AND THEIR SELFISH HOLIGANS
ONE OF THE VERY FEW SENSIBLE ARTICLES BY GHANAIANS I HAVE READ IN RECENT TIMES. THESE ARE SOME OF THE HEALTHFUL TOPICS WORTHY OF DISCUSSING NOT THE DIRTY ONES ABOUT NPP AND NDC AND THEIR SELFISH HOLIGANS
akonfem prez come clean,9holes 10 years ago
MAHAMA IS A THIEFS,CORRUPT AND CRIMINAL,HE KILLED MILLS,DOC ASEM FOFRO SAID IT,HE IS AN NDC ,MAN,SHAME TO AZAA MAHAMA,KWASEA
MAHAMA IS A THIEFS,CORRUPT AND CRIMINAL,HE KILLED MILLS,DOC ASEM FOFRO SAID IT,HE IS AN NDC ,MAN,SHAME TO AZAA MAHAMA,KWASEA
Kobre 10 years ago
My brother this a typical Jerry Rawlings attitude which promotes indescipline and disregard for authority.The problem is not titles but rather chiefs traveling all the from Kumasi, Ho, Tamale and the like only to congratulate ... read full comment
My brother this a typical Jerry Rawlings attitude which promotes indescipline and disregard for authority.The problem is not titles but rather chiefs traveling all the from Kumasi, Ho, Tamale and the like only to congratulate the Prez.titles separate the governor from the governed. That is not wrong that is what make democracy work.The headmaster is different
from the student this must at all times be recognized.
Repugnant. 10 years ago
It is 'Do you know who I am?'
It is 'Do you know who I am?'
adom 10 years ago
This is the most educated article I have read this year on SIL. Lets educate ourselves and free ourselves from mental slavery
I have always been flabbergasted with old and retired Ambassadors like Kabral Amihere who still w ... read full comment
This is the most educated article I have read this year on SIL. Lets educate ourselves and free ourselves from mental slavery
I have always been flabbergasted with old and retired Ambassadors like Kabral Amihere who still want to be refered to as Ambassador Amihere. This notion even sips into the public office holders who refuse to retire for younger generation to take over because they even think public service is a hereditary property
BLACKMAN 10 years ago
KWAME, YOU ARE ABSOLUTELY RIGHT!!! WHAT HAVE THEY DONE FOR GHANA TO DESERVE THESE TITLES. NONE, ZIP, ZERO.THEY DESERVE TO BE CALLED YOUR EXCELLENCY CORRUPTED LEADER AND DISHONEST PARLIAMENTARIANS.WE MUST REWARD GOOD PEOPLE FO ... read full comment
KWAME, YOU ARE ABSOLUTELY RIGHT!!! WHAT HAVE THEY DONE FOR GHANA TO DESERVE THESE TITLES. NONE, ZIP, ZERO.THEY DESERVE TO BE CALLED YOUR EXCELLENCY CORRUPTED LEADER AND DISHONEST PARLIAMENTARIANS.WE MUST REWARD GOOD PEOPLE FOR GOOD DEEDS.NOT BAD PEOPLE FOR EXCELLENT TITLES.KUDOS TO KWAME
iowa 10 years ago
Bravo, Mr writer.I like this article.Citizens of any civilized country do not bow down to people we have sent to serve us.Therefore those parliamentarians are the servants and we the citizens are the masters, but unfortunatel ... read full comment
Bravo, Mr writer.I like this article.Citizens of any civilized country do not bow down to people we have sent to serve us.Therefore those parliamentarians are the servants and we the citizens are the masters, but unfortunately its the opposite in Ghana.Its time Ghanaians wake up.
Brefo Isaac 10 years ago
You are absolutely right.
You are absolutely right.
princewilly@ymail.com 10 years ago
HILLARY CLINTON RAISED HER SKIRT BEFORE THE GHANA PARLIAMENT AND SAID NO MORE BUSH AND DICK.
HILLARY CLINTON RAISED HER SKIRT BEFORE THE GHANA PARLIAMENT AND SAID NO MORE BUSH AND DICK.
Mansa Musa 10 years ago
Great great piece. I would have loved you to expand this article to our 'beloved' pastors et al. Very soon armed robbers will accord themselves titles just like our chiefs, politicians. pastors and fake PHD holders! Mediocrit ... read full comment
Great great piece. I would have loved you to expand this article to our 'beloved' pastors et al. Very soon armed robbers will accord themselves titles just like our chiefs, politicians. pastors and fake PHD holders! Mediocrity is killing us and shallow minds have taken over our system. Where in the world would a semi illiterate parliamentarian even dream to compare himself to a well educated hard trained medical doctor?..only in Sikaman
CONCERN CITIZEN 10 years ago
VERY GOOD ARTICLE. THESE TITLES IN GHANA NO GOOD AND MAKE THEM LAZY BECUASE THEIR BRAINS ARE FERMENTED BEFORE THEIR POST AND CALLING THEM HONOURABLE, HIS EXCELLENCY ETC MAKE THE SWOLLEN HEADED WORSE AND THEREFORE NON PERFORMI ... read full comment
VERY GOOD ARTICLE. THESE TITLES IN GHANA NO GOOD AND MAKE THEM LAZY BECUASE THEIR BRAINS ARE FERMENTED BEFORE THEIR POST AND CALLING THEM HONOURABLE, HIS EXCELLENCY ETC MAKE THE SWOLLEN HEADED WORSE AND THEREFORE NON PERFORMING. STUPID TITLES IN GHANA. HEALTH MINISTER CALL HERSELF HONOURABLE MEANWHILE PREGNANT WOMEN SLEEPING ON FLOOR AT KORLE BU IN PAIN. WHAT A FUCKY COUNTRY, PRORITY UPSIDE DOWN.
Alonte din 10 years ago
This over flattery has been eaten me up. Therefore you find NDC communicators saying His Excellency the President on radio when all that is required is "The President" Nonsense!! Thank you Mr Adams
This over flattery has been eaten me up. Therefore you find NDC communicators saying His Excellency the President on radio when all that is required is "The President" Nonsense!! Thank you Mr Adams
BOLD 10 years ago
I think they (NDC) die when you do not address Mahama "His Excellency" and in fact he is not and shouldn't be when we have priorities to address. A bunch of mother fuckers!!!!
I think they (NDC) die when you do not address Mahama "His Excellency" and in fact he is not and shouldn't be when we have priorities to address. A bunch of mother fuckers!!!!
Jesus is the only lord
A VERY THOUGHTFULL ARTICLE. THIS SUPERIORITY COMPLEX SHOULD BE NIPPED IN THE BUD.
I recently posted in one of my comments, inter-alia, Atuguba's creeping throwback to an era associated with the culture of silence on 6th July, 2013.
I wrote: " It is about time these judges stop wearing horse-hairs and Dra ...
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These issues John has raised relate to the psychology of relations between the governors and the governed. They also bring to mind issues of African culture and titles as well as 'fun fool respect'!!Indeed is not about disres ...
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The swedes have nothing like Excellency, Honourable, Lordship, etc. They don't even address PhD holders as "Dr" and students call their professors by their first names. People call the Prime Minister by his first name. Yet th ...
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I have thought about these "titles" myself over and over and their meaning to those positions, Its only in Africa and i hope the first group of people to end this are the MEDIA. If they stop using those titles everyone else w ...
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This article is petty, subjective and empty.
Even without titles, Ghanaians and blacks would still be behaving the way we do. As far as we are concerned, Ministers of State etc. don't have monopoly of feeling big, megalom ...
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* Countries in Europe use the same address...
* Our mentality is to blame for our troubles.
* Titles don't mean diddly squat.
"when men yield up the privilege of thinking" That is the sum total of all our problems. Any one who dare think own his own is branded a dictator along with all the nonsensical hypothesis and banal vulgarities.
The mist al ...
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Any one who dare think on his own
Are you suggesting that those who are not given to our African flamboyance respect their leaders any less than we do! John has not at any moment suggested we disrespect our leaders! What he is suggesting is good for both the ...
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This system of titular honour was derived from colonial masters...in law, parliament, etc...they have ways of addressing themselves which we picked up in the course of making their language our official medium of communicatio ...
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call them judges
Critical mind at work, the way we see it!
READ: "...Why would ministers consider themselves accountable to us ordinary Ghanaians on the street, when we fall over ourselves to call them “Honourable” and beg for their be ...
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In other words, who are the "we"?
Wow,you're living up to your name,Lungulungu,sorry,PROF(lol)Lungu!!Intellectuals and scholarsd ought to be able to write critiques without quotations or references to their religions and their subjective faiths.Yeah,right,but ...
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KB,
You have a problem with "Prof Lungu"?
"Prof Lungu" is not an "official"!
"Prof Lungu" is not a "public servant"!
The drift of the essay does not even begin to apply!
But yes, ....Intellectuals and scholars ...
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You are giving that dummy called KB a lot of credit like he understands the issue here. This fool is a tribalist who believes anything against this government or saying anything against current Politicians is against the Mah ...
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Well, these food for thought must be made part of our educational transformation or forget it. I agree that, such admonitions are so perfect but the Ghanaian's local thinking is so hard pressed to make a change..... But belei ...
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"These officials are our servants, they are not our superiors in anyway. They are not excellent, honorable or lords. They are just public servants and we must regard them as such."
The unnecessary titles lure them to think t ...
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Even the DCE's are addressed as honourables and some of these DCE's can't even interprete the district budget.
Very pathetic bro. And the worst part of this nonsense is that some of these DCEs are frustrating the technocrats at the Assemblies with their empty brains. I think we have a very long way to go.
Once there was a monkey that had only 4 fingers. He was very mad. So, one day the monkey went to a monkey hand repair shop.
The monkey that worked there said "how can I help you?"
The monkey said "Hi my name is George a ...
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Prince, I love your story very much. We hear such names every minute in the USA,eg. Dick Chaney.The Vice President to George Bush.
HILLARY CLINTON RAISED HER SKIRT BEFORE CONGRESS AND SAID NO MORE BUSH AND DICK.
I believe it is people who are corrupt and not the mere titles. Titles however may contribute to it, a lot of people without titles are just as corrupt if not worse. The title makes the corrupt individual stand out.
You are absolutely right but the Ghanaian citizens does not see themselves as superior than these soo called politicians.
Look there are more serious issues to engage our minds on wate anaa? Why are Ghanaians masters over such useless issues. You have the time to pen plenty paragraphs on this? too much free time I suppose.
Very true to every word. we have to educate ourselves and understand that when we vote for people we are hiring them to do a job for us.
If it is not important Judge Atuguba and his ilk would not send their fellow citizens to jail for disobeying their commands.
Thank you, when Addison was caught the other day, in court trying to impeach the credibility of Afari Djan with a forged voters registrar extract instead of proper sanctions or contempt, Atuguba feebly called for withdrawal, ...
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This article is clearly much ado about nothing. The fact that the three arms og government and other public servants are elected and/or appointed to serve does not mean they are the footstools of the citizens and thus should ...
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the psyche of a man can even pre-destined him to succeed or fail. much as perhaps the mere title given to a person shouldn't generally speaking pose any challenge or problem, what we have witnessed over time is its psychologi ...
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Those titles are not what are destroying Ghana. What really is destroying Ghana is the appellation "Nana" in the Ashanti’s' psyche. I came back to GH this year after 18 years and what I found is every Ashanti (mostly) want ...
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Those meaningless and idiotic titles like his excellency and honourable were introduced to Ghana by the npp when they first got the chance to rule Ghana. Empty barrels!
Nana this nana that...
you must be very very foolish! what actually came into your small mind that made you spend a lot of time to write this long bullshit? you are a fool!!!!!
It looks to me as if we are running a serfdom with "brainy" lords taking advantage of peons. We should examine the way we view each other and our world.
Critical minds at work indeed. I agree with you 100% and believe any soul-searching citizen of Ghana can't help but to agree with you. I suggest you start a movement or some active ground work towards this and let's see how t ...
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Its time we as a nation have a second thought about the way we project the officials and let them be subject to the electorate insteaYourd of the electorate being subject to them in every area ofthe administration
Be subjective to the electorate in their assigned offices and do not lord it over us as we the electorate who voted them to office are their servants.
People shower these titles because they are afraid. Yes silently Afraid so we show too much respect. These people in power can make you lose your job in 1 minute.
with all the problems facing GH this is what you could write about. You must be a one boring creature.
You don't seem to understand the problems of your society. Majority of the our people suffer from low self esteem and inferiority as a result of the "title difference". Ghanians must be made to understand that we make our big ...
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At least, he has written something sensible with his God's given talent which does not insult any one.What he has written is the truth.
Even though, Europeans and America call their head of states sometimes by the surname ...
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Dynamic, you are confused.
Neither President Obama nor Prime Minister David Cameron is ever referred to as "Your Excelency".Each is called by his name or simply his title.It is about time Ghanaians stop making these public servants feel too pompous.
Do we always have to do things the western way? Come on guys! Are we ever going to be proud of who we are? Poor Ghanaians.
Any body who don't understand this article it means that fellow is a shallow minded person.
If you give a simpleton a higher position than their position that's exactly what you reap. Looting and disrespect.
This writer is nothing less than a clown. Who is directing this thrash to? It's neither the writer nor the people of Ghana today who conjured those titles for people occupying those offices/positions. They were there long bef ...
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The English created the titles but they not use them commonly as we do in Ghana even to the extent that if you fail to some that that the become mad at you. The writer is a critical thinker.
The English created the titles but they do not use them commonly as we do in Ghana here even to the extent that if you fail to call some with that title they become mad at you. The writer is a critical thinker don't rubbish h ...
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The latest collection or re-awakening of title craze was introduced by NPP when kufour first came into power. That was when His excellency, Honourable shit began.
The writer believes, that in an ideal state, no man should call another individual his "Lord or excellency, or honorable." because they retardate. This does not happen in the USA THE MOTHER OF ALL DEMOCRACIES AND REPUBLICS, w ...
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i am baffled too. Even in correct english, the title of the political office is applied after the name lke: MR kofi mensah honourable M.P OF BAYERE BON.Never would one see in the british, amercican or the russian press excell ...
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This is a classical piece BUT how many people would listen n take this advice. Ghanaians over elaborate everythin- weddings, funeral, etc though they're not benefitting us in anyway.
I welcome you all to De Prince Collectionz with love. At De Prince Collectionz, we sell high quality ladies and gents clothes, shoes and accessories at affordable prices.
Please go to our website (www.deprincecollectionz.web ...
read full comment
The groveling is becoming too much! We should ask ourselves are we subjects or citizens?
The funny thing is that on the one hand groveling...on the other hand indiscipline everywhere...and by the SAME PEOPLE!
HMMMM NSEM PII,KILLER MAHAMA KILLED MILLS,NOW IS GHANAINS BECOS HIS JUJU NEEDS MORE BLOOD,MAHMA IS FAKE TO THE NATION,INCOMPETENNT,CORRUPTS,BIG THIEF,WOMANIZER GAY,ATOPAHENE,USELESS ONE,SHAME ON HIM
STUPIDITY AT ITS BEST.
mister, is kumasi part of ghana,and if so part of the rebublic? where from the title otumfour.. is there any justification in fellow human carrying fellow human "otumfour" so sad
Mr Atebubu, its rather unfortunate u don't know the Republic governance and the traditional rule. With traditional rule, the people are subjects to the chief. Get your dictionary and educate yourself.
Abi?
ONE OF THE VERY FEW SENSIBLE ARTICLES BY GHANAIANS I HAVE READ IN RECENT TIMES. THESE ARE SOME OF THE HEALTHFUL TOPICS WORTHY OF DISCUSSING NOT THE DIRTY ONES ABOUT NPP AND NDC AND THEIR SELFISH HOLIGANS
MAHAMA IS A THIEFS,CORRUPT AND CRIMINAL,HE KILLED MILLS,DOC ASEM FOFRO SAID IT,HE IS AN NDC ,MAN,SHAME TO AZAA MAHAMA,KWASEA
My brother this a typical Jerry Rawlings attitude which promotes indescipline and disregard for authority.The problem is not titles but rather chiefs traveling all the from Kumasi, Ho, Tamale and the like only to congratulate ...
read full comment
It is 'Do you know who I am?'
This is the most educated article I have read this year on SIL. Lets educate ourselves and free ourselves from mental slavery
I have always been flabbergasted with old and retired Ambassadors like Kabral Amihere who still w ...
read full comment
KWAME, YOU ARE ABSOLUTELY RIGHT!!! WHAT HAVE THEY DONE FOR GHANA TO DESERVE THESE TITLES. NONE, ZIP, ZERO.THEY DESERVE TO BE CALLED YOUR EXCELLENCY CORRUPTED LEADER AND DISHONEST PARLIAMENTARIANS.WE MUST REWARD GOOD PEOPLE FO ...
read full comment
Bravo, Mr writer.I like this article.Citizens of any civilized country do not bow down to people we have sent to serve us.Therefore those parliamentarians are the servants and we the citizens are the masters, but unfortunatel ...
read full comment
You are absolutely right.
HILLARY CLINTON RAISED HER SKIRT BEFORE THE GHANA PARLIAMENT AND SAID NO MORE BUSH AND DICK.
Great great piece. I would have loved you to expand this article to our 'beloved' pastors et al. Very soon armed robbers will accord themselves titles just like our chiefs, politicians. pastors and fake PHD holders! Mediocrit ...
read full comment
VERY GOOD ARTICLE. THESE TITLES IN GHANA NO GOOD AND MAKE THEM LAZY BECUASE THEIR BRAINS ARE FERMENTED BEFORE THEIR POST AND CALLING THEM HONOURABLE, HIS EXCELLENCY ETC MAKE THE SWOLLEN HEADED WORSE AND THEREFORE NON PERFORMI ...
read full comment
This over flattery has been eaten me up. Therefore you find NDC communicators saying His Excellency the President on radio when all that is required is "The President" Nonsense!! Thank you Mr Adams
I think they (NDC) die when you do not address Mahama "His Excellency" and in fact he is not and shouldn't be when we have priorities to address. A bunch of mother fuckers!!!!