Mr. President- Pardon Tsatsu Tsikata

There are times when one feels proud to be a member of the human race and at times when one despairs. As a people and nation, I genuinely believe my country is the best country on earth. Ghanaians are at their best when we come to the aid of the least fortunate, deprived and powerless among us. We are a “super nation” when collectively we act as one big family, accept each other for what we are and forgive each other.

Like many Ghanaians, I was heartbroken, gutted and devastated when I heard the cries and wailing of our brothers and sisters at Gushiegu. No wonder the Regional Minister broke down in tears as he visited the scene of the fighting and heard the heart-rending stories of our mothers and sisters. As always it is the women who bear the brunt of such wanton and senseless acts of destruction. As always, there is an excuse. The upsurge in fighting is extremely bad news for the people of the Northern Region and Ghana as a whole. The blame lies squarely on the shoulders of the two main political parties- they cannot absolve themselves.

There is no doubt in my mind that “tribal politics” as preached by some members of the NPP and NDC have exacerbated the problem. Our country may become “balkanized”, if people of all sides of the political divide do not wake up. Everything and I mean literally everything is being politicized. For example, the death of Ya Na, the sentencing of Tsatsu, the awards system, the micro-credit loans to traders, the allocation of market stalls at Accra, the distribution of aid to the poor are just a few issues that has been politicized.

A time may come when Kenkey will become (CPP food), Fufuo (NPP food) yoko- Gari (NDC food), tuo zafi (PNC food). We are getting close to the stage when politics takes over our lives. For heaven’s sake we are one big family – either we learn to live together or we all sink together. The unity of our country is at stake.

Regarding Tsatsu, Let me be clear about a few issues

First, Tsatsu had a fair trial and was sentenced under the existing laws of Ghana- I have no problem with that.

Second, no one is above the law and that applies to Tsatsu Tsikata.

Third, Tsatsu had six whole years to clear his name and on my watch that is ample time for any defendant to absolve himself.

Fourth, I think it is unfair for anyone to pressurize the judiciary or the executive when it comes to the law.

However, I still believe that the freeing of Tsatsu would send all the right signals to the electorate in Ghana. I would start my plea to Mr. President by analyzing the responses of Ghanaians to the jailing of Tsatsu

Response by Ghanaians

The response of Ghanaians to the incarceration of Tsatsu can be divided into four camps-the NDC camp: (Tsatsu is innocent and the law is an ass) NPP camp (the law must take its course) the Pay time back camp (Tsatsu was the architect of all the bad laws during the PNDC time – he deserves his jail term) the reconciliation camp (yes, he is guilty under the law but he never profited personally).

Where do I stand? My take on the issue is simple.

First, the freeing of Tsatsu Tsikata by President Kufuor would help promote national unity, reconciliation, social cohesion and also enhance multi-party democracy.

Second, no one and I mean no one in Ghana can accused Tsatsu Tsikata of being a corrupt public servant.

Yes, he has made many mistakes; Yes, under the PNDC many Ghanaians suffered and some lost their lives under the draconian laws designed and implememented by Tsatsu and his cohorts. Yes, he made a mistake of investing the proceeds of GNPC into Valley farms and therefore guilty as charged. Yes, he tried to play the “legal game” and lost. Yes, he believed he could not be imprisoned.

But and a big but, his continual incarceration is bad for the body politick of our country. Moreover, I am fully aware of the desire of President Kufuor to leave a legacy of peace, stability and a united country. For example, in March 2008, President Kufuor personally invited the leaders of the warring factions in the North (Kusasis and Mamprusis) to the Castle and made a personal appeal to them. He encouraged them to set aside their differences and help forge and build a better future for their children.

President Kufuor is seen by world leaders as a conciliator, peace- maker and a gentle giant. Under him Ghana is seen as an oasis for peace and tranquility. Ghanaians love him because of his humility and sense of fair play.

Mr. President, you have always encouraged your children, nephews, cousins and aunties to be law abiding, to respect the laws of the country and to build bridges of peace and hope. One of your favourite hymns is “Make me a Channel of your Peace”; at this critical stage of our democratic experiment I plead with you to pardon Tsatsu.

His release may not resolve all our problems; it may not end the troubles in the North neither would it end the insults nor the bickering by both the NPP and NDC but it would assist in dosing the flames of hatred, anger and disunity that face our country-. Big Brother – Make us Proud- Pardon -Tsatsu.

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