One Akan proverb I love so much is, “The stick used in beating Takyi is lying in wait for use on Baah.” The essence of the wise-saying is to admonish people to learn from the mistakes of others to avoid going through same bitter experiences.
Unfortunately, many of us tend to ignore the wisdom in this wise-saying. Some do that out of desperation, while others delude themselves into believing they could outwit the system. However one looks at it, it is sheer stupidity to ignore clear warnings and walk straight into fire with one’s eyes opened.
One such example is the story of the Assin North Member of Parliament (MP), James Gyaakye Quayson. He did not learn any lessons from the bitter experience of the late Adamu Dramani Sakande of Bawku Central.
To refresh your memory, Adamu Sakande’s legitimacy as MP was challenged by a Bawku-based cattle dealer, Sumaila Bielbiel, in the high court because of his dual citizenship status. The Fast Track Accra High Court found him guilty of false declaration of office, perjury and deceit of public officer and subsequently sentenced him to two years imprisonment in July 2012.
He was pardoned by then President Ogwanfunu on medical grounds in December 2012. But the former legislator never recovered from the shock, disgrace and illness until he joined his ancestors in Samanfoland in September last year.
Similar scenario is being played out in Asomdwekrom today. After the legal gymnastics and desperate attempts by the respondents to delay its decision, the Cape Coast High Court has finally delivered its judgment in the matter brought before it on the dual citizenship of the Assin North MP. The judge annulled the results of the 2020 parliamentary elections in the Assin North constituency and ordered for fresh elections to be conducted in the constituency.
Now the question on many lips is whether criminal prosecution will follow soon in line with the Adamu Sakande principle. Many folks riding on the Great Elephant have replied in the affirmative, while those under the eagle-headed Umbrella doubt there will be anything of the sort.
But I think the decision to opt for criminal prosecution depends entirely on the next action of Gyaakye Quayson. My hunch is that there wouldn’t be any criminal prosecution if Gyaakye Quayson wisely licked his wounds and hanged his political boots. But if he allows his party folks to deceive him into fighting to regain his lost seat, then I will bet my last cowry on the country witnessing the re-enactment of Adamu Sakande’s sad end.
It was obvious on 7th January, 2021 that Haruna and his Umbrella brethren were willing to secure the speakership position at the detriment of Gyaakye Quason. Haruna and his party posited that the man should be allowed to err on the side of the law and wait for the judgment. Their wish was granted and the judgment finally made last Wednesday. Why are they now crying wolf?
Sometimes I’m tempted to feel sad for the former legislator. But looking at how he carried himself on the 7th of January on the floor of Parliament against wise counsel, I believe he knew exactly what he was doing; so he should raise his head high and take the blow on the chin.
I’m not a lawyer, but if filing of nominations closed on 19th October, 2020 and I received my certificate of renunciation on 26th November, 2020, five clear weeks after close of nominations, then common sense should tell me I was not qualified.
Gyaakye Quayson should not be fooled by Sammy Gyamfi’s Facebook postings, Haruna’s empty press conferences and the ‘chooboi’ chants of his party folks. The best they can do is to solidarize with him during the trial and visit him when he is eventually incarcerated. Then, and only then, will he realize his foolhardiness.
So Mr. Canadian, your party people have sacrificed you on the altar of politics. They are only making noise so you wouldn’t feel neglected. You will only come to the bitter realization when you are alone in your prison cell. And what a sad end it will be!
See you next week for another interesting konkonsa, Deo volente!