Our attention has been drawn to s statement by a faceless group calling itself NDC Amsterdam which sought to denigrate the good name and reputation of ACGIE. Normally, ACGIE does not respond to such poorly written, badly edited and logically incompetent statements coming from non-existent groups who have nothing to contribute to the discourse. However, it is important to set the records straight so that fiction does not become facts.
We wish to state that ACGIE is a legally registered organisation under the French Civil Code and has its headquarters in Strasburg –France. It is also a member of the International Federation of Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), and indeed the first Ghanaian organisation to be accorded that prestigious status. Our membership of this federation provides us with the platform to make representations at international forums, events and programmes organised by the United Nations (UN), the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and the European Union (EU) to mention but a few.
Since its formation ACGIE has been engaged in a number of programmes and activities all aimed at making a positive contribution towards the development of our country-Ghana. Notable among them is the petition we sent to the President of the European Council asking the EU to support Ghana during and after the election petition hearing. We have for the past two years been engaged in discussions with various Ghanaian Associations, individuals and foreign investors to draw their attention to the investment opportunities in Ghana.
Furthermore, ACGIE has set up an Agricultural Co-operative Society (AGROCORPS Ghana.) which will go into agro-processing with effect from 2014. In addition to this, ACGIE has made contacts with the Federation of European Farmers to explore the possibilities of establishing co-operation and coordination with their Ghanaian counterparts. A formal meeting to finalise this agreement will be held in Brussels in the coming weeks. Another area of concern to ACGIE is the electoral reforms in Ghana. As a responsible organisation, we have submitted our proposals to the electoral commission. Not only that ACGIE has called for a meeting with the President of the European Council to discuss how the EU can support the electoral reforms through funding and capacity building. Our concern is that while we are making all efforts to encourage Ghanaians to come home and invest, reckless and irresponsible statements from government appointees undermine all such efforts.
It should be made clear that unlike the situation in Ghana today, ACGIE is a very serious organisation with competent leadership that has a clear vision and sense of direction. Moreover, the leadership of ACGIE is made up of people who have been very successful in their various professions whether as Businessmen, Pharmacist, Engineers, Consultants, Journalists, Lawyers and Employers.
We must point out that membership of ACGIE is open to ALL GHANAIANS irrespective of political affiliation, gender or religion. And we welcome all Ghanaians who are genuinely interested in the development of our country to join us. As we speak our membership includes NDC supporters as well as NPP sympathisers who have decided to put the interest of their nation first. Hence, it is factually incorrect, absurd and fallacious for this unknown group calling itself NDC Amsterdam to suggest that ACGIE is an appendage of the NPP. We can state as a matter of fact that ACGIE is the most diverse, most democratic and the most representative Ghanaian organisation in the diaspora.
On the issue of whether ACGIE has what it takes to analyse the statement by Brigadier General Nunoo-Mensah, the least said about it the better and we leave that to readers to make their own judgement. Suffice it to say that yes indeed ACGIE does not have what it takes to analyse such rather absurd, irrational and infantile statements by people on the fringes of lunacy. We wish to remind the writer that ACGIE is only prepared and willing to engage in critical analysis of issues and statements that are well-reasoned, thoughtful and make some sense and not the thrush that came from the retired general.
Unfortunately, the said Mr Doddo cannot differentiate between a Press Release and a communique. What ACGIE put out was a PRESS RELEASE and not a COMMUNIQUE so this faceless Mr Doddo who was not bold enough to include his full name and position should educate himself before he comes out only to subject himself to public ridicule and embarrassment. He further makes another embarrassing statement to the effect that “The government of Ghana is made up of NDC/NPP members (along with other parties) and the only difference is, we have ------“ Again this is factually incorrect, totally misleading and a blatant lie that can only come from an ill-educated mind. The government of Ghana as presently constituted is made up of people from the NDC and no other party is included in the government . Thus, for the “one-man” NDC in Amsterdam to suggest that the NPP and other Parties are part of the government is a clear demonstration of his ignorance and how little he understands the governance system in Ghana.
Interestingly, the entire statement is full of contradictions. First, he condemns ACGIE for criticising Brigadier General (Rtd) Nunoo-Mensah but at the same time concludes that he does not agree with him. So is it about criticising the messenger or the message.? Any fool can criticise, condemn or complain (and most fools do). But it takes men of character, vision and courage to build a nation and that will remain the focus of ACGIE
Signed
Kwaku Anane-Gyinde
Secretary
ACGIE
