THE VOICE OF REASON: THE OIL MONEY BROUHAHA: Euphoria Has Turned to Despair.
By Kwaku Adu-Gyamfi
Feature Article | Sun, 29 Nov 2009
Feature Article | Sun, 29 Nov 2009
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Barrels of Oil, the Western Region Militants
And Corruption Are very Combustive Elements.
The Militanization of Ghana's Oil fields…..
PEOPLE; LET'S TAKE a peek into what's in store for our corrupt and lousy politicians and their foreign collaborators when the oil starts flowing.
Few weeks ago the Ghanaians' dreadful fear was amplified to the highest decibel by the report that the Niger Delta notorious militants from Nigeria –who are known for their kidnappings and blowing up oil installations --are allegedly in town to train and arm the Ghanaian locals in the western region---to destabilize the impending oil industry, and possibly make life unbearable for the government and the average Ghanaians.
That news is resulting fear that our policy makers and politicians might not be able to enjoy the life style they have envisioned. It sends a wave of uncertainty rippling through the political corridors; just as they thought they got everything down pat .The anxiety is making the Ghanaian officials very nervous and causing some sleepless nights at Castle. The news is making everyone jittery, without paying any attention to the real issue on the oil debate. Make those three issues: inequity, inequity, inequity!
Right now the only stumbling blocks are the politicians' unwillingness to handle the nation's money with clean hands and put the people's interests and aspirations ahead of their own and give the people reasons to dream big and live a more fulfilling life. Folks, that is too much to fulfill if you're thinking of going on a shopping spree in London and stash few million dollars here and there, in foreign bank accounts when the oil starts to flow.
If you have been following the “oil money” debate in the media and on the web lately, you will notice that most people believe in two things. One: The oil money will bring us more misery than bliss. Two: The criminal elements will camp out in Ghana and prey on innocent people.
But, there is one thing no one is saying—at least not in public. Yes, Ghanaians are going to be super lazy and wait for government's handouts, but the next election is going to be very deadly and dangerous, to say the least. The surest way for one to get access to the oil money or wind up having a Swiss bank account is be an elected official or a politician. Therefore, the next Ghanaian election seasons are not going to be the same. There will be serious incidents and accidents because the career politicians won't go away calmly .Those waiting in the wings to taste the gravy will do anything and everything to get rid of the old guards. If you don't believe me that is your business. But, I will be proven right come next national election. So stay tuned!
Let's face it. Ghana is not a member of OPEC, yet more has been written about the dangers and negative impacts of oil on Ghana than its benefits—I wonder why! Come on, People, don't be too negative!
Ya, way to go! Give it up to the Nigerians, they know how to start trouble and teach Ghanaians how to make a living. Does an armed robbery, or 419 or Sakawa ring a bell? Why bother to look for a job if you can pick up weapons and terrorize the nation, all in the name of looking out for number one and the fair share of the “national pie”?
The fact of the matter is Ghanaians are very suspicious and wary of the politician's ability to handle huge amounts of the nation's money very judiciously. That suspicion is fueled by the fact that African politicians in general and Ghanaian politicians in particular, are not trustworthy when it comes to the people's needs and money.
Akwatia in the Kwaebibrim district is tucked between Asamankese and Kade .It was once the only diamond mining center in Ghana ,back in the days ,yet the revenue from the diamond never trickled down to the residents of the area—who lost their faming lands and livelihoods in lieu of a better life for their future and their families' future. But, that didn't materialize.
Driving around in the middle of the town that once was among the most productive towns in Ghana, there was little traffic and minimal commercial activity, other than the storekeepers selling their dusty, outdated and suntanned wares, and the residents hanging out to kill time. Now Akwatia is just a ghost –town with no viable business activities. What you'll see are wasted landscapes and empty bungalows with their bushy lawns.
The last time I checked the mines were closed and the only thing left is the hope of the people and a little resilience to believe in miracles .It's amazing how they still stand in line several hours every four years to cast their votes. They surely deserve medals.
The story repeats itself across West -Africa and the entire Africa region. There are many instances of corrupt African officials plundering the natural resources of their countries for their own use, while their people starve.
Either they receive bribes or extortion payments from the companies doing business in their countries, as a percentage of their contracts, or they cook up cockamamie schemes to transfer their countries' hard
earned money into personal foreign bank accounts.
In our own neighborhood in Ghana, politicians are not great custodians of our money and natural resources either .Case in point :during the rush for presidential candidacy and the lunatic display of cold cash by some of the NPP aspirants, the impression was created that they had their private central banks that mint money with no restriction. That speaks volumes of our politicians' lack of compassion, responsibility and humility.
Recently, the New York Times has featured articles upon articles about West African governments' corrupt officials that really bring head-scratching and embarrassing moments —to say the least. In November 17th 2009 issue, The Times outlined the assets of Teodoro Nguema Obiango. He's the son of the Equatorial Guinea's president and minister of Forest and Agriculture. Yep, he is in charge of the timber logging industry and the other natural resources. Go figure!
. Continued
Source: Kwaku Adu-Gyamfi
And Corruption Are very Combustive Elements.
The Militanization of Ghana's Oil fields…..
PEOPLE; LET'S TAKE a peek into what's in store for our corrupt and lousy politicians and their foreign collaborators when the oil starts flowing.
Few weeks ago the Ghanaians' dreadful fear was amplified to the highest decibel by the report that the Niger Delta notorious militants from Nigeria –who are known for their kidnappings and blowing up oil installations --are allegedly in town to train and arm the Ghanaian locals in the western region---to destabilize the impending oil industry, and possibly make life unbearable for the government and the average Ghanaians.
That news is resulting fear that our policy makers and politicians might not be able to enjoy the life style they have envisioned. It sends a wave of uncertainty rippling through the political corridors; just as they thought they got everything down pat .The anxiety is making the Ghanaian officials very nervous and causing some sleepless nights at Castle. The news is making everyone jittery, without paying any attention to the real issue on the oil debate. Make those three issues: inequity, inequity, inequity!
Right now the only stumbling blocks are the politicians' unwillingness to handle the nation's money with clean hands and put the people's interests and aspirations ahead of their own and give the people reasons to dream big and live a more fulfilling life. Folks, that is too much to fulfill if you're thinking of going on a shopping spree in London and stash few million dollars here and there, in foreign bank accounts when the oil starts to flow.
If you have been following the “oil money” debate in the media and on the web lately, you will notice that most people believe in two things. One: The oil money will bring us more misery than bliss. Two: The criminal elements will camp out in Ghana and prey on innocent people.
But, there is one thing no one is saying—at least not in public. Yes, Ghanaians are going to be super lazy and wait for government's handouts, but the next election is going to be very deadly and dangerous, to say the least. The surest way for one to get access to the oil money or wind up having a Swiss bank account is be an elected official or a politician. Therefore, the next Ghanaian election seasons are not going to be the same. There will be serious incidents and accidents because the career politicians won't go away calmly .Those waiting in the wings to taste the gravy will do anything and everything to get rid of the old guards. If you don't believe me that is your business. But, I will be proven right come next national election. So stay tuned!
Let's face it. Ghana is not a member of OPEC, yet more has been written about the dangers and negative impacts of oil on Ghana than its benefits—I wonder why! Come on, People, don't be too negative!
Ya, way to go! Give it up to the Nigerians, they know how to start trouble and teach Ghanaians how to make a living. Does an armed robbery, or 419 or Sakawa ring a bell? Why bother to look for a job if you can pick up weapons and terrorize the nation, all in the name of looking out for number one and the fair share of the “national pie”?
The fact of the matter is Ghanaians are very suspicious and wary of the politician's ability to handle huge amounts of the nation's money very judiciously. That suspicion is fueled by the fact that African politicians in general and Ghanaian politicians in particular, are not trustworthy when it comes to the people's needs and money.
Akwatia in the Kwaebibrim district is tucked between Asamankese and Kade .It was once the only diamond mining center in Ghana ,back in the days ,yet the revenue from the diamond never trickled down to the residents of the area—who lost their faming lands and livelihoods in lieu of a better life for their future and their families' future. But, that didn't materialize.
Driving around in the middle of the town that once was among the most productive towns in Ghana, there was little traffic and minimal commercial activity, other than the storekeepers selling their dusty, outdated and suntanned wares, and the residents hanging out to kill time. Now Akwatia is just a ghost –town with no viable business activities. What you'll see are wasted landscapes and empty bungalows with their bushy lawns.
The last time I checked the mines were closed and the only thing left is the hope of the people and a little resilience to believe in miracles .It's amazing how they still stand in line several hours every four years to cast their votes. They surely deserve medals.
The story repeats itself across West -Africa and the entire Africa region. There are many instances of corrupt African officials plundering the natural resources of their countries for their own use, while their people starve.
Either they receive bribes or extortion payments from the companies doing business in their countries, as a percentage of their contracts, or they cook up cockamamie schemes to transfer their countries' hard
earned money into personal foreign bank accounts.
In our own neighborhood in Ghana, politicians are not great custodians of our money and natural resources either .Case in point :during the rush for presidential candidacy and the lunatic display of cold cash by some of the NPP aspirants, the impression was created that they had their private central banks that mint money with no restriction. That speaks volumes of our politicians' lack of compassion, responsibility and humility.
Recently, the New York Times has featured articles upon articles about West African governments' corrupt officials that really bring head-scratching and embarrassing moments —to say the least. In November 17th 2009 issue, The Times outlined the assets of Teodoro Nguema Obiango. He's the son of the Equatorial Guinea's president and minister of Forest and Agriculture. Yep, he is in charge of the timber logging industry and the other natural resources. Go figure!
. Continued
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Other Articles by Kwaku Adu-Gyamfi
The Voice Of Reason: Why Bother: An Archaic Educational System Thriving In The New World-Economy!The Voice Of Reason: A Straight –Up Request: If You Want to Screw Ghana, At least Use Condom!THE VOICE OF REASON: The Unique Gifts For the Holidays: Try volunteerism, Time, Emotional Support or Small Act of kindness.THE VOICE OF REASON: The Pathology of Our Educational System: The Educational Reform still Elusive, whilst The NAGRAT Is Thinking Of A Strike! THE VOICE OF REASON: The Private Security Agencies Abound: Let’s Caution Against The Sub-Standard Ones.
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