See Who Is Talking About Corruption!  

The choice of today's heading was inspired by DAILY GUIDE'S editorial of April 15, 2015 titled, 'See who is talking.' It was in response to comments by Justice William Atuguba in relation to the perceived role of the Ghana Bar Association, directly or indirectly, in contributing to the worsening corruption we all see today.

The theme of the editorial was mainly to drum home the point that 'he who seeks equity must come with clean hands'. I fully associate myself with the letter and spirit of the editorial.

Two contrasting images keep on appearing in my medulla anytime I remember the election petition hearing. The first image is of Counsel Tsatsu Tsikata being treated with kids' gloves, with one judge asking, 'Oh counsel, are you angry?' The other image is of Lawyer Philip Addison being treated with iron fist, with Justice Atuguba shouting his voice hoarse, 'Sit down, counsel.'

For a man who shamelessly exhibited gross bias during the election petition trial, it smacks of hypocrisy to see Atuguba point accusing fingers at others. His is a perfect case of an overused pot calling a fairly used kettle black.

I borrowed the heading because the theme of the editorial resonates with today's piece. Time and again, we hear His Excellency President 'Yentie Obiaa' talk about corruption and the effort he and his government are making to fight it. In his recent pronouncement, he called on all and sundry to support in the fight against the cancer since he could not do it alone.

It is very heart-warming to hear the President on corruption. It is refreshing to note that he is at least expressing the desire to fight the cancer. For sure, my compatriots and I are ready and willing to heed the call to support the fight against corruption.

Wait a minute! What if the one making the call has his hands soiled? Would one be convinced of his sincerity to lead the fight against corruption?

Abusuapanin, would you go to a brothel to seek advice on morality from an unrepentant prostitute? Would you also seek advice on morality from a 50-year-old man whose stock in trade is having 'jigi-jigi' bouts with 19-year-old damsels? What about seeking advice on personal hygiene from a man who continuously soils his trousers with faecal matter?

There have been numerous damning allegations of corruption levelled against the President. One that clearly comes to mind was the response from Martin Amidu, aka Citizen Vigilante, when the President dared his critics to bring any case of corruption against him. The Citizen Vigilante took up the challenge and cited an unambiguous example.

He dared the President to deny the fact that the late Agya Atta did set up a three-man committee to investigate the stinky deal which led to the acquisition of five aircraft, including Embraer 190 aircraft and a hangar. The committee, comprising Hon William Aboah, Mr George Amoah and Brig Gen Allotey (Rtd), according to the Citizen Vigilante, never saw the light of day because of 'pressure groups' within the party. It has been almost three years since the revelation was made, and we are yet to hear a denial from the President.

I'm sure you are very familiar with the sad SADA story and the voodoo 'Akomfem' project. The refusal of his government to punish the culprits has raised many eyebrows. Indeed, elevating the former SADA boss who caused the mess to the position of ambassador makes one wonder what the President is trying to hide.

The President was once reported to have likened corruption to mass murder. I do agree with him, considering the devastating effects of corruption. If one were to go by his reasoning, then one would not be faulted if one called on the ICC to try him for genocide because there are many corruption cases hanging on his neck like a noose.

The only body mandated by our Constitution to advice the President is the Council of State. I've even heard many people postulate that the Council of State is the body mandated to choose Afari-Gyan's successor, and not the President.

Without intending to look down upon any constitutionally mandated body, I ask this simple question: Which Council of State are my compatriots referring to? Is it the same Council of State that has the likes of Ama Benyiwa Doe, aka Ama Chavez, as members? Hahaha, we are jokers indeed!

It is my conviction that the Council of State has outlived its usefulness. It is an open secret that majority of its members are praise-singers and bootlickers. The body is thus a rubber stamp and a drain on the state's coffers.

Even if no one would listen, I've dared to publicly pronounce that the fetish priest has a coloured dentition. Let the fetish priest call on his gods to do their worst!

See you next week for another interesting konkonsa, Deo volente!

By Agya Kwaku Ogboro