Bringing back NDC Chairman Dr Kwabena Agyei's statement to this scenario is exciting.
TRUTH: Dr Agyei exhorted the Chief Justice to "purge the Judiciary of those corrupt elements" since in his view, the ... read full comment
Dear Mr Kofi Ata
Bringing back NDC Chairman Dr Kwabena Agyei's statement to this scenario is exciting.
TRUTH: Dr Agyei exhorted the Chief Justice to "purge the Judiciary of those corrupt elements" since in his view, the NDC was fed up with repeated clear cases being lost.
Dr Aguei further added that should the CJ fail to that, they would find a way to do it for her.
The interviewing Journalist then asked Dr Agyei "HOW WILL YOU DO THIS"?
It was here that Dr Agyei responded "OH, THERE ARE SO MANY WAYS TO KILL CAT"!
Above is a very common expression in Eweland in Volta Region, which bothers DR AGYEI's NKONYA town.
There are so many ways to kill a cat, Dear Mr Ata Kofi, there are so many ways to make known, one's case. By text, by e-mail, by all the new gadgets and what have you.
It was NEVER a damaging statement, or a statement to incite fear, or panic, or horror.
Cheers Long live Ghana
Manny 10 years ago
That was a refreshing , well thought out article. Can you imagine where we'll be as a a nation if we enforce our existing laws? Hopefully our political actors will take heed.
That was a refreshing , well thought out article. Can you imagine where we'll be as a a nation if we enforce our existing laws? Hopefully our political actors will take heed.
NANA KUFUOR 10 years ago
Mr. Kofi Atta, your article is brilliant. You have to come back to Ghana and some us will give you the necessary support to ensure that rules in the country are enforced. The only additional thing is to improve on time keepin ... read full comment
Mr. Kofi Atta, your article is brilliant. You have to come back to Ghana and some us will give you the necessary support to ensure that rules in the country are enforced. The only additional thing is to improve on time keeping. With all these our GDP will quadruple without borrowing a dime from any country.
Kofi Ata, Cambridge, UK 10 years ago
NANA, if rules, regulations and laws are enforced, time keeping will be part of the rules. For example, the unwritten rule is that, workers are at the desk by 9.00am and leave at 5.00pm so if that is enforced, every worker wi ... read full comment
NANA, if rules, regulations and laws are enforced, time keeping will be part of the rules. For example, the unwritten rule is that, workers are at the desk by 9.00am and leave at 5.00pm so if that is enforced, every worker will be on time. That will apply to other appointments as well.
Africanus 10 years ago
The question is who will enforce the laws. The law enforcement body is adjudged to be the most corrupt organization in the country. Politicians cannot be relied upon, even pastor cannot be trusted in Ghana. Who.. Who... will ... read full comment
The question is who will enforce the laws. The law enforcement body is adjudged to be the most corrupt organization in the country. Politicians cannot be relied upon, even pastor cannot be trusted in Ghana. Who.. Who... will stand up for Ghana!!!
I am so happy with what Justice Atiguba said, indeed he spoke for many Ghanaians.
PAUL AFFUL 10 years ago
“Politicians have disabled law enforcement agencies because of the power they have arrogated to themselves and it is up to the judiciary to clamp down on political bigotry. If we don’t, we will be letting the state down ... read full comment
“Politicians have disabled law enforcement agencies because of the power they have arrogated to themselves and it is up to the judiciary to clamp down on political bigotry. If we don’t, we will be letting the state down”. THIS STATEMENT BY ATUBUGA REALLY MADE ME FEEL PROUD TO BE A GHANAIAN BCOS AT LONG LAST I FOUND THAT WE HAVE SUCH NOBLE HONEST MEN OF INTEGRITY READY TO STOP OUR GREEDY AND SELFISH POLITICIANS FROM DESTROYING GHANA.....LOOK AT HOW ATTA MILLS THE SO CALLED ASOMDWEHENE ALLOWED BETTYMOULD AND BARTON ODRO TO DUPE GHANA THRO FAKE JDEBTS, AND EVEN SACKED MARTIN AMIDU FOR FIGHTING CORRUPTION......AND NPP BIG NAMES SAT IDLY BY AS THE NDC LAWYERS MISUSED THE LAW TO COMMIT DAYLIGHT ARMED ROBBERY ON GHANAIAN COFFERS...AT LONG LAST THE SUPREME COURT HAS PROVED THRO ATUGUBA THAT WE HAVE MEN OF GOD AND PATRIOTISM IN GHANA TO DEFEND US AGAINST GREEDY SELFISH POLITICIANS
Nyansasem 10 years ago
I will choose to dwell and debate on the substance of your article rather than the trivialities like Atuguba being the best there is. I have come to conclude that you will never see anything wrong with our SC Judges or their ... read full comment
I will choose to dwell and debate on the substance of your article rather than the trivialities like Atuguba being the best there is. I have come to conclude that you will never see anything wrong with our SC Judges or their actions, so there is no need to take you on that. You like citing examples from UK and USA, I hope you will one day give us one, just one example where a Supreme Court Judge comes to court bleating like Goat for another Lawyer to tell him to be mindful of his blood Pressure.
On a serious note, I do agree with you about our Politicians; they are the ones that are tearing the country apart. The people have been literally brainwashed and "boxed" into tribal and political groupings. I know some of you don't want to talk about tribalism that has been allowed to permeate our political discourse, but it does not change the truth; we have become tribal pets for the educated elites who continue to use us for their gains.
I do not need to give you any examples, since all your citations are facts well known by everyone who wants to know. What I want to dwell on is what can be done to arrest this situation that keeps on dividing the people and retarding our progress. For us to move on, just like you said, the political leaders need to lead by example. They have to listen to the Supreme Court judges, especially from Dotsei's advice to Sir John about the an sad case in the Volta region that no leader has brought to the fore. How can they do this?
Firstly, the leaders (Mahama & Akufo) could warn their leaders NOT to go on FM Stations to defend them, rather only to debate on his plans, policies and programs. This will force ministers or those Ministers-to-be to learn more about their work and to be more articulate on policies rather than personalities.
Secondly, the party leaders have to make it a point that anyone who goes on FM Station should articulate their manifestos, and not to insult any opposition members. They could even let Ghanaians know the members of their party that have been chosen to deal with manifestos on FM Radios. Currently, there are so many FM Radios and all that they do is to call someone who says he is NPP or NDC member to talk.
Thirdly, the MEDIA should crack their own whips by sanctioning FM Radios and Newspapers that always try to turn political discourse into insults and tribal wars. When there was public outcry about DEELAY for allowing Wunloce or whatever to show his penis on TV, the came down on her and ban the her show. But less than a month or so, her show was back on the air and it seems no one is saying anything. That is the problem we have.
Fourthly, like you have eloquently elaborated, the President or the leader of the Opposition should have the balls to sack or force any leader who misbehave to resign. Why should the President keep on apologizing for the stupid behavior of Accra Mayor and still keep him? And why could Akufo not have the balls to denounce Ken Agyapong publicly?
Thanks, we have only one Ghana and must work hard to keep it intact.
Kofi Ata, Cambridge, UK 10 years ago
Good morning Nyansasem. Please do not shy away from pointing out the trivialities by way of constructive criticisms. That is the best way we can learn from each other. My earlier comment headed "what do you want from me", was ... read full comment
Good morning Nyansasem. Please do not shy away from pointing out the trivialities by way of constructive criticisms. That is the best way we can learn from each other. My earlier comment headed "what do you want from me", was not meant to stop you from pointing out my lapses.
You have made good contributions with a suggestion that I made in an article I wrote last night. That is, for political commentators to debate issues and policies instead of insults and personality attacks.
Regrading the behaviour of Justice Atuguba or the SC Justices, I do not share your view that I tend not to see anything wrong with them. In fact, I have criticised some of their decisions in previous articles (the unfairness of the contempt trials by them and matters of case management and, disclosure and or discovery orders that the parties, especially, the respondents disregarded but the Justices ignored on a number of occasions, etc).
To answer the specific question of the Presiding Judges' behaviour in court last Wednesday. I studied Sociology and therefore, my simple explanation is, it is cultural. In other words, that is how most Ghanaians respond to such situations.
Why do I say so? It was reported by Social Scientists in Ghana that research showed that people along the coast in Ghana had deeper voices than those far from the coast. As a student at St Augustine's College in Cape Coast, which is just long the Atlantic Coast, (the school is separated from the sea by a road and coconut trees), other students in Cape Coast often accused us of being with loud mouth. Meaning, we were noisy. Then when I went to St Peter's at Kwawu-Nkwatia, the students there also said students from Cape Coast (there were six of us in from Cape Coast schools in Lower and Upper Six)had loud mouth. In other words, we talk to much and make noise. Then finally, when I came to the UK, I realised that talking with a raised voice is a Ghanaian thing.
I am normally considered a gentleman but when I engage in argument or dealing with serious matters, often non-Ghanaians say I am shouting. One day a very good Ghanaian friend of mine and his wife visited me here in Cambridge from London. I had other seven adult guests and just the three of us were from Ghana. We got into political discussions. After my friend and his wife left, my guests said, they now understand why I shout when I am serious because my friend was even louder. My daughter who was just 8 years at the time, thought my friend was angry. Whenever she listens to Ghanaian radio and television discussion programmes with me, she often asked if the guests are quarreling. In conclusion, it is the way Ghanaians emphasis the importance of a matter when delivering a serious message. Let's continue the debate.
DusTY-FooT-pHiloSophER 10 years ago
Ease up, fellows. We are all striving to build a better Ghana for all. So, mend fences and let's move on.
Ease up, fellows. We are all striving to build a better Ghana for all. So, mend fences and let's move on.
Ebo Mends, NEW YORK 10 years ago
My good friend has done it again. Just brilliant, simply fantastic. Calling a spade a spade. Hiding behind our political affiliations to let people get away with murder, literally. Unless we are ready to deal with our own ... read full comment
My good friend has done it again. Just brilliant, simply fantastic. Calling a spade a spade. Hiding behind our political affiliations to let people get away with murder, literally. Unless we are ready to deal with our own when they are wrong, let's stop critizing others when they do the same. There is a word for that - HYPOCRICY.
Kofi Asaase Asa--- Mantukwa 10 years ago
Don't you agree with me that if Lawyer Ayikoi Otoo had not earlier on cautioned the Supreme Court Justices, and particularly, Justice Atuguba, to be very careful in the way they are using the power of 'Contempt of Court', Mr. ... read full comment
Don't you agree with me that if Lawyer Ayikoi Otoo had not earlier on cautioned the Supreme Court Justices, and particularly, Justice Atuguba, to be very careful in the way they are using the power of 'Contempt of Court', Mr. Ayikoi Otoo, would himself had been guilty of the same, by advising Justice Atuguba of high blood pressure?
Really, I saw Justice Atuguba of displaying the attribute of a 'semi- god',yelling and shouting as if the 'hell is breaking loose'.
Kofi Ata, Cambridge, UK 10 years ago
Kofi, Ayikoi-Otoo explained what he meant by the powers of the court to use contempt of court as almost arbitrary. In fact, he used that positively when the Justices asked him to clarify what he meant by that statement. There ... read full comment
Kofi, Ayikoi-Otoo explained what he meant by the powers of the court to use contempt of court as almost arbitrary. In fact, he used that positively when the Justices asked him to clarify what he meant by that statement. Therefore, he could not have been guilty of contempt of court.
Nyansasem 10 years ago
So, you are a Perscoba. I did not know that. I thought you and Azar were together at Augustine for your sixth form.
You may be right. Probably, we have been "indoctrinated" by western culture and expect to see the same thi ... read full comment
So, you are a Perscoba. I did not know that. I thought you and Azar were together at Augustine for your sixth form.
You may be right. Probably, we have been "indoctrinated" by western culture and expect to see the same thing from our judges. The "loudiest" Judge I have ever heard is judge Judy on TV. Yet, she is no where near what I am seeing or hearing from our Judges.
I wanted to use the Kenyan SC judges to buttress my point, but then again, the East Africans believe that West Africans like Nigerians and Ghanaians are very loud. I wanted to a youtube and show you how one of the lawyers refused to sit down when asked to so by the Presiding Judge, but hardly do you see any attempt from any of the Judges to yell at her. When a court police came to remove her, the Judges pleaded on her behalf and finally pleaded with her to sit down. You can check that on youtube and see how "civilized" they were in court. Not only the judges, but the lawyers and the audience at the court.
But I will agree with you that may be it is in our genes.
Kofi Ata, Cambridge, UK 10 years ago
I agree with you that Kenyan experience was an example of best practice for African countries to emulate. I also think their previous experience might have influenced the conduct of all stakeholders. Yes, SC Justice Atuguba m ... read full comment
I agree with you that Kenyan experience was an example of best practice for African countries to emulate. I also think their previous experience might have influenced the conduct of all stakeholders. Yes, SC Justice Atuguba might have gone over the top but he could be excused as I would have probably done the same.
Azar and I went to Persco together specifically to do A Level Accounting which was not available at Augusco so we were classmates at both schools.
Okoe 10 years ago
The security should read this piece over and over. There is absolute lawlessness on our streets and they just stand idle by. Are you afraid, I think so. Something is holding you back and it is with the Police commanders I thi ... read full comment
The security should read this piece over and over. There is absolute lawlessness on our streets and they just stand idle by. Are you afraid, I think so. Something is holding you back and it is with the Police commanders I think. Even traffic operations are not done the way I knew how as when I was growing up. Folks, indiscipline is killing us on our roads and communities.
Shika Abraham 10 years ago
In fact it is obvious this article is not coming from any ordinary person. For three times i have read and enjoyed reading it. I believe Ghana can only be moved forward by true patriotic of your kind who can master his person ... read full comment
In fact it is obvious this article is not coming from any ordinary person. For three times i have read and enjoyed reading it. I believe Ghana can only be moved forward by true patriotic of your kind who can master his personal bias and call a spade by the name. The time to act is now. I wish i could have your e-mail.
BENGUN 10 years ago
An excellent article,but Kofi Atta must understand that in Christianity,the believe is that God created us in his own image so we should have HIS attributes,for example,be just,gentle,peaceful,kind ect.Attributes,such as ange ... read full comment
An excellent article,but Kofi Atta must understand that in Christianity,the believe is that God created us in his own image so we should have HIS attributes,for example,be just,gentle,peaceful,kind ect.Attributes,such as anger,violence,divisiveness,strife,deception ect are not of God but of the Satan and his evil spirits.All of us are influenced by evil spirits but at at various degrees at different points in time.Mr Ata you do things that are not of God every moment,perhaps not to the same degree as Sir John at this point in time. I believe this is where Ayikoi-Otoo is coming from. Who knows,your worse will come one day just as Sir John.You will recall Atubuga saying that he has been informed that Sir John used to be a nice gentleman until he entered politics.Time changes you know.
SIR JOHN BENEFITED FROM KEN CASE TOO 10 years ago
LAWYER CLIENT RELATIONSHIP IS A CONFIDENTIAL ONE. NANA ADDO IS IN COURT IN HIS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY NOT AS NPP . AYIKOI OTTO IS NOT NPP LAWYER OR EXTERNAL COUNSEL BUT CHAIRMAN OF THE CONSTITUTIONAL COMMITTEE. NANA TRAINED AND ... read full comment
LAWYER CLIENT RELATIONSHIP IS A CONFIDENTIAL ONE. NANA ADDO IS IN COURT IN HIS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY NOT AS NPP . AYIKOI OTTO IS NOT NPP LAWYER OR EXTERNAL COUNSEL BUT CHAIRMAN OF THE CONSTITUTIONAL COMMITTEE. NANA TRAINED AND WORKED WITH ADSISON IN HIS CHAMBERS BEFORE ADDSION SET UP HIS OWN OFICE. THE LAWYERS IN NANA AKUFO ADDO S CHAMBER NOW WHO WERE NOT ADED TO HIS LEGAL TEAM NOR ASKED TO LEAD SHOLD BE THE ONES TO COMPLAIN NOT AYIKOI OTOO. I BEGAN BY REFERRING TO CONFIDENTIAL RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN CLIENT AND LAWYER. NANA WENT FOR ADDISON WHO HE CAN TRUST AND BE LOYAL . AFTER NANA AND AYIKOI WERE AT THE PEAK IN PRIVATE PRACTICE AT THE SAME TIME. AND SERVED IN THE GREATWER ACCRA BAR EXECUTIVES PER HAPS AT THE SAME TIME. ADDISON IS NO STRANGER TO THE SUPREME COURT AND HAS WON A LOT OF CASES THERE IN FACT HE PRACTICES MORE AT THE SUPREME COURT THAN MANY LAWYERS TODAY AND THEY KNOW HIM. AYIKOI IS NO DOUBT BRILIANT AND WOULD BE MY LAWYER ANY TIME BUT I THINK HE SHOULD HAVE SIAD SOME OF THE THINGS HE SAID AFTER THE VERDICT WHICH MAKES MANY THINK ATTA AKYEA FLOPPED. TO SAY THAT YOU DONT GO TO COURT TO ARGUE WITH JUDGES OVER COMTEMPT IS TO TAKE A SWIPE AT ATTA AKYEA WHO EVEY BODY SAW ARGUED WITH THE JUDGES. HE ALSO PERHAPS HAD A BAD CLIENT BECAUSE WHILE SIR JOHN WAS QUIOET KEN KURANCHIE SAID SOMETHINGS I BELIEE HIS LAWYER DID NOT EXPECT FROM HIM AND MIGHT HAVE TAKEN ATTA AKYEA BY SURPRISE. BUT LAWYER CLIENT RELATIONSHIP IS SUCH THAT ATTA AKYEA CANNOT GO PUBLIC TO CONDEMN KEN KURANCHIE. IN FACT KEN KURANCHIE WAS EXCELLENT IN COMING OUT TO DEFEND ATTA AKYEA THAT HE DID HIS BEST THAT IS THE ESSENCE OF CLIENT LAWYER CONFIDENTIAL RELATIONSHIP. JUSTICE ATUGUAB HAS P[ROVED BEYOND DOUBT HIS JUDICIAL ACUMEN AND SKILL BUT I WOULD THINK HE WENT OVERBOARD IN DISPLAYING BAD TEMPER AT TIMES AND WE MUST SAY SO. SIR JOHN AND AYIKOI OTOO BENEFITTED FROM THE FIRST CASES AS WELL, WE SHOULD NOT FORGET. IF SIR JOHN WAS THE FIRST CONTEMPT CASE HE COULD HAVE BEEN JAILED AS WELL FOR TEN DAYS AND KEN KURANCHIE GIVEN A BOND IF HE CAME LATER. HOW CAN ONE SAY THAT YOU DONT GO TO COURT IN A CONTEMPT CASE TO ARGUE WITH THE JUDGES. YOU GO AND DEFEND YOUR CLIENT. AFTER ALL ONE OF THOSE CHARGED WITH CONTEMPT WAS FREED COMPLETELY WHEN IT TUNRED OUT THAT HE DID NOT EVEN UTTER THE WORDS FOR WHICH HE WAS BROUGHT TO COURT ON CONTEMPT. THE JUDGES SHOUDL HAVE APOLOGISED TO HIM. HE DID NOT GO FREE BECAUSE HE CAME TO STAND STILL AND NOT ARGUE HE CAMT TO EXPLAIN THAT HE WAS NOT PRESENT AT THE RADIO STATION ON THE DAY HE WAS SAID TO HAVE SIAD THOSE ALLEGEDLY CONTEMTOUS STATEMENT WHICH LANDED HIM IN COURT. SO IT IS NOT ENTIRELY CORRECT TO SAY THAT YIOU DO NOT GO AND ARGUE. IF SO WHY THEY PUT YOU IN THE WITNESS BOX TO SPEAK AND YOU ARE ALLOWED TO BRING YOUR LAWYER NOT JUST TO COME AND BEG OR APOLOGISE TO BUT ARGUE THE LAW IN MITIGATION. FOR EXAMPLE AYIKOI ARGUED WITH ONE OF THE JUDGES TELLING HIM HE AYIKOI KNEW WHAT HE WAS TALKING ABOUT WHEN HE SAID THE CONTEMPT CHARGE HAS BEEN DESCRIBED BY A CHIEF JUSTICE AS ALOMOST ARBITRARY. WHO KNOWS WHETHER IF HE HAD NOT MADE THAT ARGUMENT WITH THAT JUDGE WHO OBVIOUSLY TOOK PART IN THE DECISION MAKING, SIR JOHN COULD NOT HAVE SIMPLY BEEN CAUTIONED AND DISCHARGED. WHY WAIT TO COME TO COURT TO APOLOGISE WHEN SIR JOHN COULD HAVE BEEN ADVISED BY HIS LAWYERS TO GO TO THE SAME RADIO STATION TO APOLOGISE BEFORE THE COURT CASE WHEN OBVIOUSLY ISSUING A GUIDELINES TO PARTY COMMNICATORS WOULD NOT AMOUNT TO APOLOGISE ALTHOUGH IT IS ARGUABLE THAT IT AMOUNT TO PURGING ONE SELF OF CONTEMPT. THE HIGHEST FORM OF PURGING ONESELF OF CONTEMPT IS APOLOGY TO THE PUBLIC USISNG THE SAME MEDIUM USED TO MALIGN THE JUDGES . THE POINT IS NO ONE SHOULD USE THIS SIR JOHN CASE TO QUESTION THE WISDOM IN NANA ADDO APPOINTING ADDISON AS HIS COUNSEL. HE IS MORE COMFORTANBLE WITH HIM IN THE SPIRIT OF THE CLIENT LAWYER CONFIENTILA RELATIONSHIP. IF A LAWYER GOES ON AIR TO SAY NPP DID NTO CONSULT HIM WHICH HE SHOULD HAVE SIAD IN PUBLIC AND I BELIEVE NPP WOULD NTO BE HAPPY ABOUT THAT STATEMENT WHICH NYAHO TAMAKLOE IS CAPITALISING ON. THAT BREACHES CONFIDENTIALITY BETWEEN AYIKOI OTOO AND HIS NPP PARTY. the constitution makes the election petition an individual's case and not the NPP s case and so Nana Addo could for his lawyer in the person of addison who he can trust to keep things confidential after the case and again it is the lawyers in Akufo addo s chamber who were not included in the legal team or asked to lead the team who should complain and not others on behalf of Ayikoi Otoo. Ayikoi should not have disclosed to the public that Nana Addo 's team did not want him on the team because he knows that it is not the NPP who hired the lawyers but the individuals doing he petition
though i see some typing errors but g 10 years ago
I agree just that you wanted to say YIKOI should NOT have gone public about his claim that the NANA AKUFO ADDO team did nto want him. I saw other similar omissions
Good caution though
I agree just that you wanted to say YIKOI should NOT have gone public about his claim that the NANA AKUFO ADDO team did nto want him. I saw other similar omissions
Good caution though
first so Justice Atuguba did not beli 10 years ago
his guidelines to pary faithful describing it as a SHAM.
his guidelines to pary faithful describing it as a SHAM.
were tookintoaccount pleas by other g 10 years ago
yes it was not only ayikoi otoo s skill but also the judges said they took into accountt the pleas by other stakeholders inlcuding the peace council religious bodies and the political parties themselves apart from the plea by ... read full comment
yes it was not only ayikoi otoo s skill but also the judges said they took into accountt the pleas by other stakeholders inlcuding the peace council religious bodies and the political parties themselves apart from the plea by ayikoi otto
So we should not compare ayikoi otoo with atta akyea. Ken kuranchie did not have simlar pleas for mercy from the peace council, religious bodies etc Only the lawyers for the petitoners and respondenmt went to the chambers to plead with the judges beofre the sentnece of Awuku and co
NANA KUFUOR 10 years ago
I will suggest parliament must pass a legislation to have a mini Supreme Court permanently. Their role is to enforce all the laws in this country and give their rulings.
I will suggest parliament must pass a legislation to have a mini Supreme Court permanently. Their role is to enforce all the laws in this country and give their rulings.
Kofi Ata, Cambridge, UK 10 years ago
NANA, a mini Supreme Court is not necessary or any new body required to implement my policy recommendation. There are more than enough institutions and bodies in Ghana to enforce rules, regulations and laws in Ghana. Moreover ... read full comment
NANA, a mini Supreme Court is not necessary or any new body required to implement my policy recommendation. There are more than enough institutions and bodies in Ghana to enforce rules, regulations and laws in Ghana. Moreover, any such mini Supreme Court would be unconstitutional. No democratic country has a parallel Supreme Court. There is no provision for it in the constitution.
Kofi Ata, Cambridge, UK 10 years ago
I agree that it is the three petitioners' right to choose their attorney/s. However, since this was a collective action brought by the three on behalf of the party, he could have had a role. I just posed question and not sugg ... read full comment
I agree that it is the three petitioners' right to choose their attorney/s. However, since this was a collective action brought by the three on behalf of the party, he could have had a role. I just posed question and not suggesting that he must have been on the team.
natty 10 years ago
One of the greatest article ever, you can see from the comments, there are interlectual.
One of the greatest article ever, you can see from the comments, there are interlectual.
Paul Amuna 10 years ago
It continues to worry me that party leaders FAIL to even admonish, let alone openly condemn what their surrogates do or say. These chaps seem to emulate what those before them have always done, with arrogance and impunity. I ... read full comment
It continues to worry me that party leaders FAIL to even admonish, let alone openly condemn what their surrogates do or say. These chaps seem to emulate what those before them have always done, with arrogance and impunity. I still find it hard and painful to accept that we have not grown out of this mentality which incidentally, Kofi Annan captures very well in his book "Interventions" (2012).
In it he talks of this lack of (or failure of leadership) where those "subservient" to these African leaders, compete to more or less sing their praise. My own take is that in return, these guys 'misbehave', insult the rest of us, and because they often 'do the bidding and dirty work' for the leaders, they simply gloss over their misdemeanours (or even secretly support it) otherwise why have we not seen individuals sanctioned, including being forced to resign or being sacked.
And why have these parties not come out to make bold statements distancing themselves from the utterances or actions of these recalcitrant individuals?
Our political maturity and proper establishment of our democracy require that there is such discipline not requiring the military (as we see unfolding in Egypt with its tragic and chaotic consequences), nor even the judiciary having to do the job of party leaders by bringing their members to heal.
To me this is too much to ask of our judges and I continue to believe that we also do not need a 'military regime' to enforce our state laws and for our politicians and politics to be responsible and relevant.
Kofi Ata, Cambridge, UK 10 years ago
Paul, you are absolutely right on the leadership failure and that is why I suggested that President Mahama should lead by example. I think how he deals with the GYEEDA report findings and recommendations will be a test case f ... read full comment
Paul, you are absolutely right on the leadership failure and that is why I suggested that President Mahama should lead by example. I think how he deals with the GYEEDA report findings and recommendations will be a test case for his Excellency, especially, his commitment to fighting corruption through the enforcement of rules, regulations and laws of the land. I hope he gets it right and that means proper due process is followed in sanctioning those found wanting so no one become a victim of miscarriage of justice.
Ghanaba Babs in the Diaspora 10 years ago
I have nothing to add to your article. Well written and unbiased.
What rights do the apolitical have in Ghana? The apolitical who does not want to engage in any form of politics seem not to have a space in amidst all the c ... read full comment
I have nothing to add to your article. Well written and unbiased.
What rights do the apolitical have in Ghana? The apolitical who does not want to engage in any form of politics seem not to have a space in amidst all the cacophony.
The silent majority are being suffocated by these politicians. Are they not part of the state?
Lets take a stand against these politicians. Atuguba rightly questioned them as to where they were deriving their source of authority?
BENGUN 10 years ago
Mr Kofi Ata,i wish to draw your attention to the fact that Dr Kwabena Adjei and Nii Lante never faced the law for what they were alleged to have said and did.However,Kennedy Agyepong and Sir John had to face the law squarely. ... read full comment
Mr Kofi Ata,i wish to draw your attention to the fact that Dr Kwabena Adjei and Nii Lante never faced the law for what they were alleged to have said and did.However,Kennedy Agyepong and Sir John had to face the law squarely.The question is,do we have different sets of laws for different parties in Ghana?.Do you expect a party whose members are being sanctioned under the laws of Ghana to also be publicly reprimanded and sanctioned by their party,while the other party members are neither sanction by the State nor their party.This does not sound politically correct to me.
case suggest NDC might lose the case 10 years ago
The Judges are trying to be hard on npp knwowing that the final verdict could be againt the NDC So NDC supportor we should not be in a hurry to be happy
The Judges are trying to be hard on npp knwowing that the final verdict could be againt the NDC So NDC supportor we should not be in a hurry to be happy
but some comments were a swipe at a c 10 years ago
BUT SOME OF THE JUDICIAL COMMENTS ABOUT WHY SHOUDL PEOPLE DIE BECAUSE OF INDIVIDUAL EGOS OF SOME POLITICIANS SEEM TO EBN AIMED AT A PARTICULAR CANDIDATE AND THAT SOUNDS BIAS
BUT SOME OF THE JUDICIAL COMMENTS ABOUT WHY SHOUDL PEOPLE DIE BECAUSE OF INDIVIDUAL EGOS OF SOME POLITICIANS SEEM TO EBN AIMED AT A PARTICULAR CANDIDATE AND THAT SOUNDS BIAS
Baby 10 years ago
Rule of Law
Rule of Law
papillon 10 years ago
We are fast becoming a lawless country and politicians are manipulating the illiterate masses on the lines of tribalism etc. Democracy is useless when dealing with an illiterate mass who don't understand what life and peace i ... read full comment
We are fast becoming a lawless country and politicians are manipulating the illiterate masses on the lines of tribalism etc. Democracy is useless when dealing with an illiterate mass who don't understand what life and peace is all about.
OPEN MINDED SAINT 10 years ago
POLITICIANS ARE BLOCK HEADED AND THINK ABOVE THE LAW. THEY SHOULD BE JAIL BY RULE OF LAW. TOO MUCH OK OK OK IN THE SYSTEM, GOD WILL HELP ATTITUDE AND POLITICIANS HAVE NO RESPECT TO ORDINARY PERSON.
POLITICIANS ARE BLOCK HEADED AND THINK ABOVE THE LAW. THEY SHOULD BE JAIL BY RULE OF LAW. TOO MUCH OK OK OK IN THE SYSTEM, GOD WILL HELP ATTITUDE AND POLITICIANS HAVE NO RESPECT TO ORDINARY PERSON.
DusTY-FooT-pHiloSophER 10 years ago
Kofi, you have spoken well. But, perhaps, you could favour me by revisiting the fiasco that arose in "Gbese town" or Odododiodoo constituency prior to the 2012 registration exercise to adequately acquaint yourself with the ma ... read full comment
Kofi, you have spoken well. But, perhaps, you could favour me by revisiting the fiasco that arose in "Gbese town" or Odododiodoo constituency prior to the 2012 registration exercise to adequately acquaint yourself with the matter in question before branding Nii Lante, as a one man Ga salvation army crusading for his tribesmen alone in his constituency. In fact, I will be the last person condoning Nii for doing what he did. But, then again, one must not also forget the aftermath of the NPP campaign launch at Mantse Agbonaa.
Start your investigative journey from there and you could perhaps stumble upon the veracity leading to this forgone saga which almost brought the area to the bring. Remember, this is an area where everybody knows everybody right down to their cooking pot and every fish is tattooed by all and so therefore knowing the names by heart, as my dad would psychedelically put it. Simply put, they could sense an outsider from miles off hence the tense story in that vicinity. Hope you get the picture now.
Kofi Asaase Asa--- Mantukwa 10 years ago
What I deduced from the outbursts from Justice Atuguba was that, he seized that opportunity to vent out his personal, most hidden feelings, hiding behind the clothes of 'Ghanaian patriotism'.
What I deduced from the outbursts from Justice Atuguba was that, he seized that opportunity to vent out his personal, most hidden feelings, hiding behind the clothes of 'Ghanaian patriotism'.
OJ 10 years ago
Kobby Acheampong and the police onpetrol dutyis a Clear example.
Kobby Acheampong and the police onpetrol dutyis a Clear example.
mahama big thief 10 years ago
GOD BLESS YOU,BRILLIANT ARTICLE,
GOD BLESS YOU,BRILLIANT ARTICLE,
Kobena 10 years ago
Excellent piece, Kofi,
It is true that all of us should take the blame for the pathetic situation in which we find ourselves as a nation today, but those we elect/appoint as leaders bear the brunt of the blame.
The Woyome ... read full comment
Excellent piece, Kofi,
It is true that all of us should take the blame for the pathetic situation in which we find ourselves as a nation today, but those we elect/appoint as leaders bear the brunt of the blame.
The Woyome saga is a case in point. It now seems obvious that just a little background reading would have shown the AG's Department that the man had no contract to start with. The President himself was supposed to have tried on two separate occasions to stop the payment. But his appointees simply ignored him on both occasions and what did he do? Nothing!
Instead, when the case finally surfaced, he instructed that the former Minister of Spotrs rather be arrested. How very pathetic!
Simple native common sense (even at Odikro's court) says when a case is before a court of competent jurisdiction, outsiders do not interfere with it. Yet Chiefs from the Volta Region gathered and travelled to Accra to agitate for Woyome's unconditionnal release. Case of contempt of court? They got away with it.
I believe Justice Atuguba was indirectly telling the President especially, and all political party leaders that they have failed Ghana miserably. In the case of GYEEDA, for instance, my first reaction after reading through the report was, "in private industry in the civilised world, everyone involved would have been referred to the police straightaway". In fact, in Britain, the Police would have made the first move.
Our politicians get away with it because we have the kind of electorate that in many areas if you put up a goat as candidate and just say "it speaks our language", they will vote for it!
S.N.OWUSU 10 years ago
"THE ONLY THING NECESSARY FOR THE TRIUMPH OF EVIL IS FOR GOOD TO DO NOTHING"_KRONUS.IF NPP CAN CRITICIZE NPP
OPENLY WHEN HE IS WRONG,AND NDC COULD DO THE SAME,WE HAVE NO PROBLEM.GOOD WORK MY
BROTHER.
"THE ONLY THING NECESSARY FOR THE TRIUMPH OF EVIL IS FOR GOOD TO DO NOTHING"_KRONUS.IF NPP CAN CRITICIZE NPP
OPENLY WHEN HE IS WRONG,AND NDC COULD DO THE SAME,WE HAVE NO PROBLEM.GOOD WORK MY
BROTHER.
Dear Mr Kofi Ata
Bringing back NDC Chairman Dr Kwabena Agyei's statement to this scenario is exciting.
TRUTH: Dr Agyei exhorted the Chief Justice to "purge the Judiciary of those corrupt elements" since in his view, the ...
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That was a refreshing , well thought out article. Can you imagine where we'll be as a a nation if we enforce our existing laws? Hopefully our political actors will take heed.
Mr. Kofi Atta, your article is brilliant. You have to come back to Ghana and some us will give you the necessary support to ensure that rules in the country are enforced. The only additional thing is to improve on time keepin ...
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NANA, if rules, regulations and laws are enforced, time keeping will be part of the rules. For example, the unwritten rule is that, workers are at the desk by 9.00am and leave at 5.00pm so if that is enforced, every worker wi ...
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The question is who will enforce the laws. The law enforcement body is adjudged to be the most corrupt organization in the country. Politicians cannot be relied upon, even pastor cannot be trusted in Ghana. Who.. Who... will ...
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“Politicians have disabled law enforcement agencies because of the power they have arrogated to themselves and it is up to the judiciary to clamp down on political bigotry. If we don’t, we will be letting the state down ...
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I will choose to dwell and debate on the substance of your article rather than the trivialities like Atuguba being the best there is. I have come to conclude that you will never see anything wrong with our SC Judges or their ...
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Good morning Nyansasem. Please do not shy away from pointing out the trivialities by way of constructive criticisms. That is the best way we can learn from each other. My earlier comment headed "what do you want from me", was ...
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Ease up, fellows. We are all striving to build a better Ghana for all. So, mend fences and let's move on.
My good friend has done it again. Just brilliant, simply fantastic. Calling a spade a spade. Hiding behind our political affiliations to let people get away with murder, literally. Unless we are ready to deal with our own ...
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Don't you agree with me that if Lawyer Ayikoi Otoo had not earlier on cautioned the Supreme Court Justices, and particularly, Justice Atuguba, to be very careful in the way they are using the power of 'Contempt of Court', Mr. ...
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Kofi, Ayikoi-Otoo explained what he meant by the powers of the court to use contempt of court as almost arbitrary. In fact, he used that positively when the Justices asked him to clarify what he meant by that statement. There ...
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So, you are a Perscoba. I did not know that. I thought you and Azar were together at Augustine for your sixth form.
You may be right. Probably, we have been "indoctrinated" by western culture and expect to see the same thi ...
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I agree with you that Kenyan experience was an example of best practice for African countries to emulate. I also think their previous experience might have influenced the conduct of all stakeholders. Yes, SC Justice Atuguba m ...
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The security should read this piece over and over. There is absolute lawlessness on our streets and they just stand idle by. Are you afraid, I think so. Something is holding you back and it is with the Police commanders I thi ...
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In fact it is obvious this article is not coming from any ordinary person. For three times i have read and enjoyed reading it. I believe Ghana can only be moved forward by true patriotic of your kind who can master his person ...
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An excellent article,but Kofi Atta must understand that in Christianity,the believe is that God created us in his own image so we should have HIS attributes,for example,be just,gentle,peaceful,kind ect.Attributes,such as ange ...
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LAWYER CLIENT RELATIONSHIP IS A CONFIDENTIAL ONE. NANA ADDO IS IN COURT IN HIS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY NOT AS NPP . AYIKOI OTTO IS NOT NPP LAWYER OR EXTERNAL COUNSEL BUT CHAIRMAN OF THE CONSTITUTIONAL COMMITTEE. NANA TRAINED AND ...
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I agree just that you wanted to say YIKOI should NOT have gone public about his claim that the NANA AKUFO ADDO team did nto want him. I saw other similar omissions
Good caution though
his guidelines to pary faithful describing it as a SHAM.
yes it was not only ayikoi otoo s skill but also the judges said they took into accountt the pleas by other stakeholders inlcuding the peace council religious bodies and the political parties themselves apart from the plea by ...
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I will suggest parliament must pass a legislation to have a mini Supreme Court permanently. Their role is to enforce all the laws in this country and give their rulings.
NANA, a mini Supreme Court is not necessary or any new body required to implement my policy recommendation. There are more than enough institutions and bodies in Ghana to enforce rules, regulations and laws in Ghana. Moreover ...
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I agree that it is the three petitioners' right to choose their attorney/s. However, since this was a collective action brought by the three on behalf of the party, he could have had a role. I just posed question and not sugg ...
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One of the greatest article ever, you can see from the comments, there are interlectual.
It continues to worry me that party leaders FAIL to even admonish, let alone openly condemn what their surrogates do or say. These chaps seem to emulate what those before them have always done, with arrogance and impunity. I ...
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Paul, you are absolutely right on the leadership failure and that is why I suggested that President Mahama should lead by example. I think how he deals with the GYEEDA report findings and recommendations will be a test case f ...
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I have nothing to add to your article. Well written and unbiased.
What rights do the apolitical have in Ghana? The apolitical who does not want to engage in any form of politics seem not to have a space in amidst all the c ...
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Mr Kofi Ata,i wish to draw your attention to the fact that Dr Kwabena Adjei and Nii Lante never faced the law for what they were alleged to have said and did.However,Kennedy Agyepong and Sir John had to face the law squarely. ...
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The Judges are trying to be hard on npp knwowing that the final verdict could be againt the NDC So NDC supportor we should not be in a hurry to be happy
BUT SOME OF THE JUDICIAL COMMENTS ABOUT WHY SHOUDL PEOPLE DIE BECAUSE OF INDIVIDUAL EGOS OF SOME POLITICIANS SEEM TO EBN AIMED AT A PARTICULAR CANDIDATE AND THAT SOUNDS BIAS
Rule of Law
We are fast becoming a lawless country and politicians are manipulating the illiterate masses on the lines of tribalism etc. Democracy is useless when dealing with an illiterate mass who don't understand what life and peace i ...
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POLITICIANS ARE BLOCK HEADED AND THINK ABOVE THE LAW. THEY SHOULD BE JAIL BY RULE OF LAW. TOO MUCH OK OK OK IN THE SYSTEM, GOD WILL HELP ATTITUDE AND POLITICIANS HAVE NO RESPECT TO ORDINARY PERSON.
Kofi, you have spoken well. But, perhaps, you could favour me by revisiting the fiasco that arose in "Gbese town" or Odododiodoo constituency prior to the 2012 registration exercise to adequately acquaint yourself with the ma ...
read full comment
What I deduced from the outbursts from Justice Atuguba was that, he seized that opportunity to vent out his personal, most hidden feelings, hiding behind the clothes of 'Ghanaian patriotism'.
Kobby Acheampong and the police onpetrol dutyis a Clear example.
GOD BLESS YOU,BRILLIANT ARTICLE,
Excellent piece, Kofi,
It is true that all of us should take the blame for the pathetic situation in which we find ourselves as a nation today, but those we elect/appoint as leaders bear the brunt of the blame.
The Woyome ...
read full comment
"THE ONLY THING NECESSARY FOR THE TRIUMPH OF EVIL IS FOR GOOD TO DO NOTHING"_KRONUS.IF NPP CAN CRITICIZE NPP
OPENLY WHEN HE IS WRONG,AND NDC COULD DO THE SAME,WE HAVE NO PROBLEM.GOOD WORK MY
BROTHER.