AFAG must stop the Hypocrisy or ..…(Rejoinder)

I read with dismay a statement with title “AFAG must stop the Hypocrisy or ….” issued by Youth Activist Network (YAN) on the 13thFebruary 2009 on myjoyonline.com in desperate reaction to the genuine social concerns raised by AFAG.

In the first place, the title of their statement was most unfortunate. If I may ask what would happen if AFAG continues to expose the hypocrisy and deceit of the ruling NDC? I think the title can be best described as unfortunate. Just as YAN has every right to issue statements on matters of their interest, so can AFAG choose to speak on any matter which is inimical and insensitive to Ghanaians. YAN must learn to eschew threats in their efforts to defend their parochial interests.

In the said statement, “The Youth Activist Network of the National Democratic Congress wishes to express great shock and utmost disappointment in the way the Nana Akufo-Addo brainchild the AFAG now realizes that Ghanaians are poor and for that matter must be treated with sensitivity”, I think this statement is laughable, for YAN to describe AFAG as the brain-child of an individual smacks of unjustified desperation. In any case, it is not strange for a political group or pressure group to be the brainchild of any individual Ghanaian. For instance, the NDC as a political party is the brainchild of Ex- President JJ Rawlings which YAN belongs to. AFAG unlike the NDC has not stated anywhere that it is the brainchild of any individual therefore Ghanaians expect YAN to accord them (AFAG) that respect.

Ghanaians expect youth groups like YAN which is pro-government to be telling us the truth. These young men have access to official documents and information which are of interest in this matter. One can not fathom why these young men would want to deceive Ghanaians after all the deceit we are witnessing.

Government has announced amidst the cries of Ghanaians that it has imposed 20 per cent ad valorem tax on drinking water. Indeed, drinking water producers have been holding series of meeting to plan how to include the tax into the prices of drinking water. Again, one Mr. Magnus Nunoo, who is the association's president is reported to have said “The consumer is the one who is paying, whether you like it or not”. This is a clear indication that the tax imposed on drinking water would further erode the ordinary Ghanaians purchasing power.

On the issue of increment in road tolls, AFAG has been responsible enough to call for a reduction in the road tolls. ”we are therefore asking Government with immediate effect revise downwards the recent increases in the Road tolls , charges of the departments, agencies” AFAG stated. Why would a supposed Socialist inclined political party, increase road levy by 1000%? That is the insensitivity the group AFAG is exposing. Ghanaians expected YAN to congratulate AFAG for that responsible and patriotic gesture. We have seen pressure groups like the Committee for Joint Action (CJA), who went on demonstration on petty and irrelevant matters. I would like to point out here that, our president, John Evans Atta Mills participated in one of those demonstrations. CJA unlike AFAG hardly suggested to the then government alternatives to solving social and economic problems which the country faced.

“YAN has argued that the Road fund which is usually used for these activities has various component which include the road and bridge tolls that contributes only 1.8% to the fund whiles other components like petroleum levy which is borne by the majority of the populace contributes 94%. Hence any caring government would reduce the burden on the people by lowering the petroleum levy or taxes and adjust the road toll, which doesn't have direct impact on the majority of the populace. This informed the 5% reduction in petroleum taxes in 2009”, YAN and in fact the government must be told that Ghanaians are more discerning and sophisticated than they can imagine. How can a “caring” government decrease petroleum levies by 5% (which saw no decrease in transport fares), then within some hours increased fuel prices astronomically.

While I acknowledge efforts by YAN to defend the government, Ghanaians expect them to do so with the interest of the nation at heart. They should resist attempts by some individuals in government to misdirect their useful energies.

Faisal Ibrahim
Former SRC President- Zenith University College
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