Betty’s resignation:

“Per the standards set for Ghanaians in 1979, most of Prof. Mills’ appointees should be led to Teshie shooting range this afternoon.”

This was a comment posted on my facebook wall by one Fusieni Issah of SIC Financial Services Limited in reaction to Hon. Betty Mould-Iddrisu’s resignation. Such benighted commentary from a seemingly educated Ghanaian saddens my heart.

The people of Ghana have a right to feel outraged by the loss of public funds through negligence on the part of politicians and civil servants. The expression of anger over the judgment debt paid to Mr. Alfred Woyome is therefore rightly placed. However, it is very important we are guided by the principle of legal right and democracy.

Democracy is so much more than going to the polls and having elections. The building blocks of a democratic society, among other components include the principle of legal right. It is only the courts, which are vested with the authority to pronounce guilt on anyone, and if we truly want our country to stand out as a shining example of the rule of law, if we want outsiders to look at our country with reverence and respect, we ought to submit to the courts instead of trials in the courts of public opinion.

It is hard not to notice the personal attacks on Betty. These attacks are not only unfair; they are a prelude to a subversion of justice. The case is under investigation, she has stepped aside as a measure of goodwill and that is good news.

Whether she was pushed out or she jumped is immaterial. We should focus on getting to the heart of the issue; we should be encouraging people to cooperate with EOCO, and not crucifixion on the basis of suspicion of negligence. Her decision to resign is commendable and does her more good than harm. It is in the government’s best interest. If a government gets attacked incessantly over a controversy involving one of its members, the best thing such a member could do is to put country and government over personal interest by stepping aside and that is exactly what Betty has done. If the people feel she has done anything wrong, let judgment take its course in the courts and not the media. Betty Mould has endeared herself as the woman who put down her job to save her government from being distracted.

Ras Mubarak

www.rasmubarak.net mmubarak79@yahoo.com