Opinions of Wednesday, 13 November 2013
Columnist: Kpodzo, Charles
The NDC USA wishes to express its outrage and opposition to the NPP USA's statements in the media which call for Victoria Hammah's arrest. I am sure NPP USA living in the United States should know better. It is our view that while the recorded statements attributed to the former deputy minister of state may be interpreted as being inappropriate and even unpatriotic, they are essentially a private conversation of a Ghanaian citizen which were recorded by an employee who was behaving very irresponsibly and have no business "playing the cop".
It is essential for all to understand that human as we are, may in private say things that we don't really mean especially in a private conversation. In many occasions, unsuspectingly, many may engage in exaggeration, cynicism, and humor for which they cannot be held to account for in the same manner that they may be held to account for public utterances. When people are not watching, one may take the liberty to say more than they know and believes. To engage the law enforcement authorities in the pursuit of citizens for what they say in private, is totally outrageous and out of the main frame of legal arguments. A statement of intent should not be misinterpreted as an act even before it is committed. The law enforcement agencies should only be used when there is an actual crime or threat to public order or a person. Even some of the allegations of NPP USA against certain reputable persons are more suitable for legal actions than what has been recorded in this so called saga. Defamation of character, is a more serious crime than a doctored tape as was alleged by the recorder himself. Additionally, a close listening of the former Deputy Minister's statements indicated that, she was herself engaging in speculation about other people, especially regarding the role of Nana Oye Lithur. The minister in question, has publicly denied that any such meeting occurred between herself and any member of the judiciary.
The NDC USA believes that, government should remain focused on its plans and work to improve the lives of the Ghanaian people. It is our view that, the government should use its valuable time to do the work of the people and move the country forward.
The President and his administration should not be distracted from fulfilling the will of the people as they have demonstrated in the last election and also vindicated by the highest court of the land. The President has acted appropriately in this matter and all Ghanaians must support his bold initiatives and forge ahead and leave trivial politics to the NPP as they are solely focused on. The NPP is doing what they do best by discrediting the good work of President John Mahama's administration. The statement purported to have been said by the Deputy Communication minister cannot be overemphasized, but we in the diaspora and especially NDC USA will like to encourage the President to continue to implement his agenda as promised. The NPP USA and NPP in Ghana, will always take advantage of such misguided statements by an individual to mislead Ghanaians in believing that, things are what they say they are.
Ghanaians will judge the NDC party and President John Mahama's administration not by what people say privately to their friends but what is been done to better the lives of our countrymen.
We are on track and we as a party, shall fulfill all our goals and pledges to the people of Ghana by the end of our mandated term and leave the issue for Ghanaians to judge. God bless our country Ghana and our dear leader, President John Dramani Mahama.
Signed:
Mr. Charles Kpodzo Secretary, NDC USA