There are two observations I want to make the first one is that you have actually misquoted Ayikoi Otoo and the second is that your concluding remark is more a call to violence than the president's remark.
There is no way ... read full comment
There are two observations I want to make the first one is that you have actually misquoted Ayikoi Otoo and the second is that your concluding remark is more a call to violence than the president's remark.
There is no way Ayikoi's mitigating remark could be narrowed down to politicians as you portrayed because the word Gbeshi refers to any body that had done an outrageous thing contrary to his nature.
So it implies one has been possessed by the devil and not a politician since it has nothing to do with politics but human beings in general.It has got nothing to do with politics per se.
The second point is that if any one is calling for violence it your remark of twisting the president's remark out of all proportion and giving it a violent character that will cause the violence and not the president.
It is a matter of giving the president's remark a violent connotation and drawing a mischief out of it.
Kwadwo. 8 years ago
The failure of Mahama to solve problems and the corruption engulfing his government will cause him to descend into the gutters Brace yourself for tribal politics from his cabal because it is something they can exploit to conf ... read full comment
The failure of Mahama to solve problems and the corruption engulfing his government will cause him to descend into the gutters Brace yourself for tribal politics from his cabal because it is something they can exploit to confuse the vulnerable for votes. This is from the Rawlings' playbook and we hope that Ghanaians are not fooled by this.
Kofi Ata, Cambridge, UK 8 years ago
Kodjo, my apology for getting the meaning of Ggbeshi wrong. Unfortunately, despite spending most of my youthful days in Accra, I could not pick up the language, probably due to the fact that we lived in predominantly non-Ga s ... read full comment
Kodjo, my apology for getting the meaning of Ggbeshi wrong. Unfortunately, despite spending most of my youthful days in Accra, I could not pick up the language, probably due to the fact that we lived in predominantly non-Ga speaking areas. I must admit that I am very poor at languages.
Mahmoud 8 years ago
In any civilized democratic country the Minister of Interior and the Police Chief would have left office long ago because; they failed miserably in the discharge of their duties to mother Ghana and its people.
Immediately ... read full comment
In any civilized democratic country the Minister of Interior and the Police Chief would have left office long ago because; they failed miserably in the discharge of their duties to mother Ghana and its people.
Immediately after the violence at Talansi, NDC officials started to propagate deceitfully that it was a mob fight between NDC and NPP supporters, and the Interior Minister shamefully joined in to say that "violence begets violence". Yet, the Minister forgot that it was his duty to investigate the matter thoroughly through the security forces and tell Ghanaians who exactly did what, since arms and thumb-printed ballot papers were confiscated from some people at the crime scene.
These specific crimes or exhibits could have led us to the real criminals and masterminds behind the stuffing of ballot boxes and shootings. Instead, our unprofessional police preferred to toe the line of those in power, and claimed that they were going to prosecute ghosts rather than follow the available leads. In the last suicide bombing at a mosque in Kuwait, the security officers identified and arrested the owner of the car that took the suicide bomber to the mosque and followed it up with the arrest of the driver. From that point, the investigations led to the masterminds and accomplishes of the heinous crime.
The question is why didn't our security forces investigate the leads that could have lead us to the bigger picture, rather than gloss over them as if they confiscated the AK-47s, cutlasses and thumb-printed ballot papers from the air? Our security forces and the government including Mr. Woyongo are trying to bury the truth between Azorka boys and Bolga Bull Boys, and blindfold Ghanaians in order to cover the government's own tracks in the violence to steal the verdict of Ghanaians again. Ghanaians deserve better the dirty tricks of this NDC government.
Kofi Ata, Cambridge, UK 8 years ago
I accept that President Mahama analysing NPP internal conflict, the two murders and referring to NPP as enemies was metaphor. However, looking at the nature of party politics in Ghana and lack of political maturity among the ... read full comment
I accept that President Mahama analysing NPP internal conflict, the two murders and referring to NPP as enemies was metaphor. However, looking at the nature of party politics in Ghana and lack of political maturity among the fanatical supporters of political parities, particularly NDC and NPP, where some take such words as the gospel truth, it's better political leaders avoid such language.
In fact,the very subject that the President was referring to is the result of factions within the NPP regarding themselves as enemies. For example, those on the Afoko side consider those who are against Afoko as enemies whilst those on Nana Akufo-Addo's side also consider the Afoko side as enemies (though both murder victims belong to Nana's side). That is why given the opportunity they attack themselves.
It is the political environment that should concern us. Majority of commentators understood the word as metaphor and I hope that is how fanatical supporters of NDC and NPP also see it. That would be great and a giant leap into party political development and multi-party democracy in Ghana.
Says Who 8 years ago
It is only those with something to hide that beat the war drums. The NPP wants nothing to do with violence. That is why the NPP is assidiously getting rid of the troublemakers.
It is only those with something to hide that beat the war drums. The NPP wants nothing to do with violence. That is why the NPP is assidiously getting rid of the troublemakers.
back door director 8 years ago
They do not have the monopoly over insults
They do not have the monopoly over insults
C.Y. ANDY-K 8 years ago
The sense in which Mahama used "enemies" was entirely generci and generalised, not in specific tagging of the NPP. To interprete it that way is simply a misunderstanding or mischief making. To me, President Mahama was very ap ... read full comment
The sense in which Mahama used "enemies" was entirely generci and generalised, not in specific tagging of the NPP. To interprete it that way is simply a misunderstanding or mischief making. To me, President Mahama was very apt in using that word, since the NPP people have been behaving as the vilest and foulest of enemies to their own party members and anyone they deem as opposed to them.
And you Kofi, seems to be totally oblivious to the insult-laden foul language that that's their trade in stock. So you prefer "opponents" but enemies are also ones opponents. Of course, some of are constantly insulted and threatened with death by both the rag-tag members and leaders of the NPP. I like to say it as it is - which word captures the beahviour of the NPP members better?
And I pray, Kofi, which word do you want Mahama to in eference to the unhindered violence NPP members have been meeting out to their "opponents/competitors"?
Andy-K
Andy-K
Baffour Agyemang 8 years ago
Kofi Ata i agree with you on "NDC violent past" but for the "enemies" the president was just being metaphoric.
Kofi Ata i agree with you on "NDC violent past" but for the "enemies" the president was just being metaphoric.
David 8 years ago
Wasted ink
Wasted ink
Mike frm Ho. 8 years ago
I like reading your articles especially how you put across your arguments and the language and everything but I think that once in a while, the NPP need to be told that they don't have monopoly over VOILENCE and the use of F ... read full comment
I like reading your articles especially how you put across your arguments and the language and everything but I think that once in a while, the NPP need to be told that they don't have monopoly over VOILENCE and the use of FOUL language. They can start a war and may not see the end to benefit from it.
Mahmoud 8 years ago
Dr. Michael J.K. Bokor cunningly avoided mentioning a known fact that Ewes have been voting strictly based on the dictates of their tribal warlords regardless of any national issues. Their leaders have misled them for long, a ... read full comment
Dr. Michael J.K. Bokor cunningly avoided mentioning a known fact that Ewes have been voting strictly based on the dictates of their tribal warlords regardless of any national issues. Their leaders have misled them for long, and there are signs suggesting that they would vote against tribalism and NDC in the next general election because; the common people have seen the light.
Ewes have always condemned the overthrow of Ghana's first communist dictator but kick against removal of Kotoka's name from the airport in the nation's capital just because he was an Ewe. Believe me if it were the name of Ankra or that of Afrifa, charlatans like Michael Bokor would have been writing tones of tribalistic articles to support removal of the name from that airport. Again, when Yeboah killed Kotota in the failed counter coup against the NLC, Ewes immediately pointed an accusing finger at Afrifa, saying that he had masterminded the killing in order to take the top job away from Kotoka because he was Ewe.
As a result of these conspiracy theories cemented by tribal bigotry, the Progress Party won overwhelmingly in all the regions of Ghana in 1969 except the Volta region. They also said that Victor Owusu accused them of being inward looking was used to justify many of their actions including removal of the newly elected government. Although the region benefited tremendously from the PP government in terms of development projects within that short period, they still went ahead and overthrew it unjustifiably and plunged the country into the abyss under Acheampong.
It will surprise you to know that planning of the coup started immediately after the government was sworn into office, and that had nothing to do with what it did or did not do in office. The truth is that Ewes planned the coup and lured Acheampong into it by offering him the leadership position. Busia's government made Acheampong the Army Commander and he was now being asked to betray the trust, so the reward must be big enough. The coup plotters, on the other hand, realized that he was the only obstacle in their way and they willingly made him the leader in order to reach their goal. Unfortunately, this scenario was repeated in 1981 when Rawlings deceived Akatapore and others to betray Dr. Liman paving the way for his second coup.
Those who planned and executed the 1972 coup were all Ewes, and they were Major Agbo, Major Baah, Major Solomey, and the rest of the Ewe Majors that constituted the so-called National Redemption Council immediately after the coup. Also, when Rawlings used the tribal card to occupy Ghana in the 80s and 90's, the country was virtually an Ewe Kingdom, and it will be naive and even dishonest for a so-called intellectual like Michael Bokor to believe or say that Rawlings ever won an election in Ghana freely, fairly and democratically. In fact, he used to steal verdicts of Ghanaians to remain in power fraudulently.
LONTO-BOY 8 years ago
MASSA KOFI, many readers will dismiss this piece in some ways as pure mischief making for taking President Mahama's "enemies" metaphor, literally. Personally, I think looking at President Mahama's speech structure, the word " ... read full comment
MASSA KOFI, many readers will dismiss this piece in some ways as pure mischief making for taking President Mahama's "enemies" metaphor, literally. Personally, I think looking at President Mahama's speech structure, the word "enemies" was clearly metaphorically speaking in his political jibe at the NPP in its current crisis. However, President John Mahama should be careful about his language or choice of words. Someone in his leadership position should know better.
As for the "Gbeshi" - whatever that means, it is Greek to me in the context of this narrative.
I think President Mahama's speech laid bare his hypocrisy. Of course, political violence and intolerance could tear this nation apart so it makes sense to condemn the increasing violence in NPP. However, President Mahama must be aware of the vicious and horrific cases of violence and deaths the NDC have committed in Ghana. After all, the P/NDC was formed on the bedrock of political violence.
Godd 8 years ago
I beg to differ oooo.
You mean that is the ideal aim of a political party. But in Ghana, it is not!!!
Every politician wanting power in Ghana is in it for the personal gains - both material and the respect/fear/influe ... read full comment
I beg to differ oooo.
You mean that is the ideal aim of a political party. But in Ghana, it is not!!!
Every politician wanting power in Ghana is in it for the personal gains - both material and the respect/fear/influence that come from wielding power.
For many in Ghana, it is a means of a good livelihood. For those already rich, the want of power and influence over your fellow men is the driving force. And, of course, to get even richer or at least protect your already acquired riches.
Development? Don't talk about that. It is a necessary adjunct to the main aims outlined above. They have to do something, and be seen to be doing something, in order to continue in power so they can enjoy those other things that are their primary aims.
It is only in Ghana that the President goes about "opening" or "inaugurating" projects - purely ceremonial things that he seems to have a lot of time for. Gee... And Akufo-Addo sees Mahama doing that and says: Ah, I should rather be the one doing that...
As for your heavy-handed interpretation of Mahama's use of "enemies", other contributors have adequately discussed that and I seem to share their sentiments.
Twedie-Ampong 8 years ago
Don't you know Mahama is unintelligent and foolish? It's unfortunate any idiot easily becomes president of this country. Very soon, very very soon, the literacy level of this nation will rise so that we will have the choice o ... read full comment
Don't you know Mahama is unintelligent and foolish? It's unfortunate any idiot easily becomes president of this country. Very soon, very very soon, the literacy level of this nation will rise so that we will have the choice of putting quality human beings to lead us and manage our country. I despise Mahama for his foolish utterances. This spoilt buffoon is pissing on us because on a daily basis. He is a fool; no apologies.
There are two observations I want to make the first one is that you have actually misquoted Ayikoi Otoo and the second is that your concluding remark is more a call to violence than the president's remark.
There is no way ...
read full comment
The failure of Mahama to solve problems and the corruption engulfing his government will cause him to descend into the gutters Brace yourself for tribal politics from his cabal because it is something they can exploit to conf ...
read full comment
Kodjo, my apology for getting the meaning of Ggbeshi wrong. Unfortunately, despite spending most of my youthful days in Accra, I could not pick up the language, probably due to the fact that we lived in predominantly non-Ga s ...
read full comment
In any civilized democratic country the Minister of Interior and the Police Chief would have left office long ago because; they failed miserably in the discharge of their duties to mother Ghana and its people.
Immediately ...
read full comment
I accept that President Mahama analysing NPP internal conflict, the two murders and referring to NPP as enemies was metaphor. However, looking at the nature of party politics in Ghana and lack of political maturity among the ...
read full comment
It is only those with something to hide that beat the war drums. The NPP wants nothing to do with violence. That is why the NPP is assidiously getting rid of the troublemakers.
They do not have the monopoly over insults
The sense in which Mahama used "enemies" was entirely generci and generalised, not in specific tagging of the NPP. To interprete it that way is simply a misunderstanding or mischief making. To me, President Mahama was very ap ...
read full comment
Kofi Ata i agree with you on "NDC violent past" but for the "enemies" the president was just being metaphoric.
Wasted ink
I like reading your articles especially how you put across your arguments and the language and everything but I think that once in a while, the NPP need to be told that they don't have monopoly over VOILENCE and the use of F ...
read full comment
Dr. Michael J.K. Bokor cunningly avoided mentioning a known fact that Ewes have been voting strictly based on the dictates of their tribal warlords regardless of any national issues. Their leaders have misled them for long, a ...
read full comment
MASSA KOFI, many readers will dismiss this piece in some ways as pure mischief making for taking President Mahama's "enemies" metaphor, literally. Personally, I think looking at President Mahama's speech structure, the word " ...
read full comment
I beg to differ oooo.
You mean that is the ideal aim of a political party. But in Ghana, it is not!!!
Every politician wanting power in Ghana is in it for the personal gains - both material and the respect/fear/influe ...
read full comment
Don't you know Mahama is unintelligent and foolish? It's unfortunate any idiot easily becomes president of this country. Very soon, very very soon, the literacy level of this nation will rise so that we will have the choice o ...
read full comment