Correcting The Political Incorrectness: Was Allotey's Suspension Necessary?

Bernard Allotey Jacobs

The NDC leadership had been monitoring closely what appeared to be Allotey's pent-up behaviour, amid profound consternation and worry.

Yes, they feared the 'hand grenade' could explode one day.They'd seen the fault line shaped up. And they'd disturbingly watched the fracture gradually moving the crust from its entrenched position so to speak. But,

it was a matter of time, one political analyst made the observation.

Must they continue to watch him hurt their party?
Or they should clip his wings before the umbrella capitulates?

Indeed, they couldn't wait any longer. And so before twilight on Wednesday 6, May 2020 they did what to them seemed necessary.The opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) suspended Bernard Allotey Jacobs, a former Central Regional Chairman of the party, for what it described as “persistent anti-party.'

To say Allotey was stressing them out, is an understatement. The outspoken social commentator was mentioning the unmentionables, ruffling feathers and stepping on fat toes. In fact, Allotey had become a pain in their neck if you like-- one who to them(the leadership) was chipping away the fortunes of the party, hence the calculated decision.

A statement signed by the party's National Chairman, Samuel Ofosu-Ampofo, said the decision was taken after a meeting held on the said date, by the Functional Executive Committee (FEC) of the party which acted on behalf of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC).

The final decision came on Wednesday but the FEC had long been strategezing as to how to go about it.

"Kusie mpie awia." A rat that takes flight in a broad day light might've seen an ominous danger.

But I think Allotey's suspension was long overdue. Why? You cannot claim to be a staunch member of a party and continue to wash its dirty linen in public. And this isn't the first time the leadership is sanctioning one of its leaders. Prof.Josiah Aryee a former General Secretary of the party was suspended over an alleged GH 3,000 bribery scandal. It was purported, he took that money from the NPP. And the leadership believed Aryee's bribe kept them in opposition in 2004.

In 2016, months leading to the epic general elections similar fate befell three former NPP party executives regarding alleged gross misconducts.

The statement went on to say that: "Bernard Allotey Jacobs's suspension takes immediate effect in accordance with “Article 46(1), 46(6) and 46(8)(b) of the party’s constitution."

It further stated: “The matter has been referred to the Disciplinary Committee of the party for further action."

You know what that means right?
They aren't done with him yet. Perhaps, a more punitive action could be in the offing.

Prior, to this event, the party had issued a statement to boycott Peace FM’s morning show dubbed Kokrokoo over what it regarded as an “unfair panelling system that the Production Team of that programme has continuously foisted on the NDC over a number of months”.

And that statement was signed by Sammy Gyamfi, the National Communication Officer of the party. He explained that:: "The boycott has to do with the unreasonable decision of the producers and host of the program to permanently reserve one (1) of the two (2) slots the party has traditionally had on Wednesdays on the show to Mr. Allotey Jacobs, who is often introduced by the host of the program as a 'Social Commentator with strong leanings to the NDC,' ostensibly to spite the NDC”.

The statement continued: “All efforts to get the producers and host of the program to give us a fair representation on the show over the past eight (8) months, including a complaint to the Management of the station for an amicable resolution of this matter, has proven futile as the party continues to be treated with utmost contempt.”

Was Allotey's suspension necessary?
Paul Kruger, a former South African president once said: "This is my country and these are my laws.

Those who do not want to obey the laws must leave the country."

Indeed, laws and rules are made to be followed.
But oftentimes the very people who make these laws break them for reasons best known to them.

Political parties like many other organisations have their rules and regulations governing them. Procedures of joining, suspending or dismissing membership is determined by that party's statutes/charter.

Thus, if Allotey's conducts were in contravention to the party's rules and regulations then his suspension was necessary. Be reminded you cannot cut your nose to spite your own face. Rocking a boat from within or inside is worse than having it rocked from outside it.

Remember, no individual(s) must view himself as bigger than his party. In other words, the rules can affect any member or members of the party, irrespective of one's political status or standing.

Why members cross carpet or switch parties.
So, cross carpeting occurs everywhere, including advanced democracies. In the United States of America the history of switching parties dates back in the 18th century. In 1893 William M. Stewart, Nevada Republican Senator switched from what was then the Old Party to New Party. The most recent one happened in 2009. In April 2009, Republican Pennsylvania Senator, Arlen Specter switched to Democratic party. Billionaire and former New York mayor Michael Bloomberg has changed parties more than two times, i think.

Why is Allotey bashing his own party?
It's a question that political pundits and analysts are dealing with today..Electorates, are looking for some answers too. Did someone bribe Allotey and how much? Was it because his party had lost power?

Did he fear the new administration could investigate him if he criticises them? Or he's trying to correct the political incorrectness?

I don't really know what kind of baptism Mr. Allotey Jacobs received when he joined the NDC.

Thing is,, it seems truth has left to the eastern window.

Speaking the truth, has somewhat become an abomination in our contemporary body-politic. Journalists have become praise singers.

And it seems the watchdog institutions are watching nothing.

So perhaps the NDC guru has seen the great light.
And he's putting Ghana first and not his party.

He used to be one of the party's hatchet men.
Like Saul he castigated his opponents and ridiculed them.. But he would soon learn that that isn't the way to go. He claims he's a new man and couldn't continue to toe party lines at the expense of nation building.

If true, then he should have excommunicated himself from the umbrella and not wait on the leadership to do what's justifiable.

To me,, generally, Allotey's behaviour though welcoming in terms of its face value but it smacks quisling or betrayal

The controversy
Certainly, Allotey's suspension has not only amazed many but it's also sparked controversy and huge political debate.He's been seen by his own party as a controversial and divisive figure. But the NPP supporters see him in a different prism. He's managed to catch their admiration. He's been hailed by some, ridiculed by others and and criticised by some section of the populace.

I pray there should be more new 'Saints' going forward...those who can bear the nation's cross and not seek their selfish interests. When Saul became a new man he didn't stay with the old folks. He joined the righteous or faithfuls--- the real cross-bearers.

If you think you've seen the light stay in the light, because you cannot maintain your status in the old club and smear them with mud.

And you know what this does to our fledgling democracy? It robs us of of a formidableThird Force. The call for an alternative party would always seem like an illusion because we do not see the merit or credibility of that group.

I recently had a discussion with a university professor regarding the above subject.

Professor George Owusu of University of Ghana, Urban Geography Department saiid this: "Our democracy isn’t going to grow if one of the two parties doesn’t seem to project a forward looking posture.

For me that’s my main worry. We’re where we found ourselves due to the competing ideas from the two parties and I’m certain it may even get better and better in the future regarding developing this country."

"A third force doesn’t look likely in the short and medium terms", Professor Owusu intimated.

"The two parties have dominated so much spaces that they leave nothing to chance. Any third force would’ve to be an offshoot of the two parties. Such as those with “clean hands” coming to campaign and exposing rotten deeds, and marching on with anti-corruption crusade.

But once you enter any of them, you’re likely to soil urself before you come out. I see a window for a third force on the basis of anti corruption crusade. Ghanaians are getting fed up with corruption. But the biggest question is how?"

And I couldn't agree with him more. The two parties' dominance in Ghana’s political terrain is very crucial. And I should point out, their dominance seem to nullify any sprinter groups that might emerge from within them.So the expectation of an offshoot seems less likely as the professor had earlier speculated.

The reason, people might perceive the Saints' or those with 'clean hands' as no better than their cohorts.

They could be described or ragged as disgruntled group. Allotey in mind. Though the likes of Allotey might have clear intentions but their attitudes and actions also open another controversy.

Maybe, an anti-graft group, I will go for that:: though it wouldn't be easy for them. They would be frustrated by the two parties, they would face smear campaigns and would more likely be challenged by one major problem, which is funding or fanancing. However, there's still space for a third force, in the long run---the question is when and probably how?

So,, I think the issue of a Third Force may have to do more with financial constraints than any other factors we might think of. Remember, our politics has been politicised so much so that one cannot dabble in politics if one doesn't have the wherewithal-- money.

Prof. George Owusu: "I completely agree with you. Even if you’re from the private sector you can’t runaway from the arms of the state. Given this situation it looks like we’ve only one choice - how do we make these two parties to really respond to the needs of our people and be more forward looking," he asked.

By Gordon Offin-Amaniampong
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