Warmest Greetings, Sir! My third letter may come to you as a surprise because it is coming not too long after the second. But I’m sure you understand because you believe more in citizens than spectators.
How has life been so far on the highest throne of the land? I believe the seat is very hot, not as cool as some of my compatriots think. It is great to know that you and your able lieutenants have managed to steer the ship of state from dangerous to safety waters. But we are far from reaching the shore.
Soon after your coronation as the chief driver of the state vehicle, many were those who wondered how you were going to correct the numerous ills left by your predecessor, President Ogwanfunu. But by dint of hardwork, you’ve managed to rectify the foundational defects of the building for construction to continue.
There is an Akan saying which literally translates, “The person who truly loves you is the one who will look you straight in the eye and tell you the truth without mincing words.” I want your government to succeed so I will tell you the bitter truth.
For sure, your government is doing well; but could do far better. Stabilising the economy, paying nursing and teacher trainee allowances, reducing electricity tariffs, improving infrastructure and paying off the huge debt left by President Ogwanfunu are no mean achievements. The Free SHS Policy, the biggest of them all, will no doubt be one of your greatest legacies. It is the reason I support your decision to back the policy with a legal framework.
But beware of the teacher unions. They seem to be blowing hot and cold on the policy. Otherwise, why will Angel Cabonu of NAGRAT peddle a blatant lie against the policy? Among other lies, he said, on Adom FM last Saturday morning that the double track was unnecessary because those on the Gold Track are only about 30% of those on the Green Track. Sir, just beware of political detractors in teachers’ gown.
Your achievements notwithstanding, you need to be reminded of the reality on the ground. Please do not believe all the sweet whisperings in your ears by your appointees. Many of their stories do not reflect the reality.
Yes, the main opposition Zu-za is making a lot of empty noise. But trust me when I say many neutrals and even folks sympathetic to your party are grumbling.
The refusal to reduce your elephant size government is something many are not enthused about. Many of your ministers are simply draining the national coffers because their output is not commensurate with their huge salaries and allowances. With your level of experience, it is still baffling that you seem unaware of the political implications of your belligerence.
I’m sure you are not oblivious of the fact that ours is one of the accident prone countries in the world. With such chilling evidence staring us in the face, how can you allow less than sixty (60) ambulances to serve over 25 million people. It is unpardonable, Mr Prez!
Of course, Madam Bloated-Budget Koomson told us her ministry had budgeted for and was procuring 275 ambulances. Just like the boy in the MTNÂ ‘momo’ advert, my question is ‘where are the ambulances’?
For your information, the Kotokoli community in Ghana is not happy about the marginalisation. They recall with nostalgia how you honoured the Kotokoli Wuro with a courtesy call during the 2016 campaign. You asked for their votes and they responded positively by voting massively for you. Unfortunately, not a single person of Kotokoli descent is in your government.
But the good news is that it is not too late to rectify the anomaly. Please do not say you cannot find any competent hand from that stock because many competent hands can be found there, Yours truly inclusive.
Sir, one of your strongest points during the 2016 campaign was the incorruptibility card you played. With the seeming inaction on your part in the light of one or two clear corruption cases in your government, I doubt if the incorruptibility card can win you any vote in 2020. In other words, those of us who believe you can do something about corruption are gradually losing hope.
You see, your silence on the Commonwealth fiasco in Australia is deafening. With the level of rot on display, it is very shocking that the nation wreckers are still walking free. More so when such acts were committed under the reign of a man bearing the incorruptible tag!
By and large, your government is doing well. But we did not go for you just to do well. We voted for you to go beyond that and drastically reduce corruption and the suffering of the downtrodden. And that is exactly what we expect.
Mr. President, many of your compatriots still believe in you. Eschew the niceties and long speeches. Just crack the whip and let the chips fall where they may. Best of luck in that regard!
I hope to write to you again, Deo volente!
By Agya Kwaku Ogboro