Apologies, explanations & the end to Kwansema-Aryee exchanges

Over the last few days, exchanges between Ekua Kwansema and I have been posting online exchangings for our compatriots to read. While the exchanges have drawn criticisms and support for both Ms Kwansema and me in almost equal measure, it has become apparent that they have also provided entertainment to many. I can't speak for Ms Kwansema, but for me this was not the intention.

Following her riposte to my second set of questions, I decided to bring the saga to an end. I felt further exchanges were pointless – particularly as I am a nobody in the grand scheme of things. On reflection, however, I felt it would not only be good to clear the air, but I may also post ideas of my own online one day and I would want them to be taken seriously.

To those of you (supporters of Ms Kwansema, neutrals, and indeed Ms Kwansema herself), who felt I was directing Ms Kwansema on how she should write, my sincere apologies. At no point did I intend to suggest that Ekua should change her style – in fact I have always commended her on her style and her passion. I merely sought to encourage her to be a little more objective and a little less derogatory, but I realise now that it is not my place to do so.

Ms Kwansema has subsequently made it clear that she was merely campaigning for her chosen party. None of us can argue with that; it is for all of us to make of her pieces what we will – in spite of their apparent lack of balance. My mistake, I think, was as a result of my belief that if we want the best for Ghana, we will be prepared to relegate our personal interests and agenda to second place – Ghana first. I have learnt a few things through this brief exchange:

To conclude, I would also like to answer a few questions that some readers have asked me in their e-mails and online comments:

Q. Why did I target 'Ekua Kwansema'?
A. Over the election period, I read many articles by Ms Kwansema. She came out with one or two pieces every day that attacked the previous Government more than they highlighted the pros of the then opposition. This, combined with the fact that she seemed to have 'inside information' into things that were going on (e.g. at the EC headquarters), made me suspicious. I got the impression that she was more than she wanted us to believe, and I wanted to find out. A couple of friends had told me that she had not responded to their e-mails, so I decided to post my questions online to compel her to answer them.

Q. I am really not an NPP supporter?
A. No, I am not. The only person currently in Ghanaian politics that I sympathize with is Dr. Ndoum. The fact that I pick-up on some issues in the past to challenge Ms Kwasema does not mean I'm pro-NPP. However misguided I may have been, I just wanted balance. It's about time people realised that someone is not your enemy just because he / she picks up on something wrong you may have done or holds different views.

Q. If I claim to be neutral, why have I not picked on pro-NPP writers too, especially one Kwame Okoampa-Ahoofe?
A. I have read many articles during the last couple of months – some pro-NDC, and some pro-NPP. Most of them, however partisan, set out their arguments using analysis that I can't refute. Additionally, many of the authors have been writing their partisan pieces for a while, so we know them and what they're about. Ms Kwansema's pieces seem to be a different proposition, hence my challenge.

As for Dr. Ahoofe – believe it or not, I don't read his articles. Like many people, I simply can't follow them. I tried to read one of his pieces and got lost – so I haven't bothered again since. Without wishing to cause offence, it seems to me that his motivation may be to impress (using his academic achievements and his language) rather than to communicate, but that's just my opinion. I also think some of his views on ethnicity are divisive, polarising, and just wrong, but sometimes the best way to address such views is to ignore them.

What many people don't seem to realise that the fact that I 'got up' to challenge Ms Kwansema is a compliment to her in a way. I am not a writer, and it takes more considerably longer than the thirty (30) minutes it takes her to put a piece together, so for me to take time out to address her means she matter – otherwise, I would just have ignored her. With her passion for writing and her style, I felt she could be a real national asset – if she toned down the partisan stance a little and wrote more objectively. Ekua Kwansema can be for all of Ghana, and not just her chosen party.

Q. Was my 'proposal' to 'Ekua Kwansema' for real?
A. No, of course not. I'm a happily married man. It was my attempt to inject a bit of humour into what has hitherto been a serious exchange, and to show, at the same time, that I has some admiration for the lady. People's inability to get this joke has confirmed – if there was ever any doubt – that comedy is not my strong suit, and that I should never harbour ambitions to be a comedian. Apologies for the impression this bit of the exchange gave to some of you. I also want it to be noted that I didn't intend to gleam any personal details about Ms Kwansema.

Q. What do I think of President Mills' start to his term in office?
A. I guess the person who asked me this wants to know if I'm really not anti-NDC. President Mills is my commander-in-chief, and as long as he continues protects Ghana and her interests, he has my total allegiance. I have some concerns with his decision to bring in so many of the 'old guard' into his transition team, but so far I have been impressed by his rhetoric. His decision not to pursue political vendettas is laudable, as is his tone about being for all Ghanaians.

Keeping MCEs and DCEs in place for the meantime shows that his Administration may be considerate and circumspect, and not just go after those who are perceived to be pro-NPP (then again it may not). I even like his decision to appoint one Togbe to his Finance Team. If the man has the record he's said to have and can deliver for Ghana, why should we have a problem with him – chief or no chief. Ghana needs the best people, regardless of where they come from.

Finally…
Thanks to all those who read and commented on our exchanges. Maybe one day, Ms Kwansema and I may engage in other healthy online debates (non-partisan and non-tribal) that will entertain and educate some of you. Until then, this is Bob Aryee signing-off – pen down and out.