AN EXCUSE?

Let's not pretend this is absolute. The expose has brought to the fore,many perspectives of the "whys" and "hows". An attempt which to some extent leaves much to be desired is made to justify why some sell justice. Some say, the conditions of service of state attorneys is not motivating enough. Well, it may be true but why should that lead to innocent souls being punished? Why should that be a justification to put a price tag on justice like "kulikuli" in the market. Why should it always be external motivation doing the trick. Does it even deter people?? I always say, if it's just money you so badly need, there are other avenues. You can even try "Sakawa" if you don't mind. Are we pretending we know not what we are likely to take home in a particular field? Are we hypocrites? Why do we then say we love what we do, yet our only motivation is the goodies in that particular field?? Let's be sincere, like Ace Ankomah's confession on why he refused to be a judge. It's simple, just get something else to do if you so wish to amass the kind of wealth you desire. Please don't enter a field especially the public sector and later say, you are not being treated well. Hence, the masses should suffer. That's unacceptable!! This second part helps to explain why conditions of service and goodies no matter how much, may still not deter people from being corrupt. Without ignoring the fact that conditions of service do good to workers, I wish to refer us to a particular economic theory, called the WATER-DIAMOND paradox or the paradox of VALUE. This means basically that, water is necessary and very useful in terms of survival but diamonds command a higher price in the market. Water too satisfies temporarily, but comparatively diamonds never. When you take a glass of water you get fuller with each additional glass. Diamonds do not satisfy like water does because there's always an unquenchable desire for more. This is based on marginal utility, scarcity and necessity. These three underpin the theory. Money falls in the category of diamonds: it never satisfies. Just how much is enough?? Trust me money no matter how much will appear meagre. Ask our excellencies, ask our honourables and you would know it's just like they work for free although we see ¢7000 and above as being too much. Are we not the same people who say they're corrupt?? But just what don't they get?? What still makes them steal from our common property?? Aren't they fed enough?? Ask our stars, like Babyjet, Andre, Baba Rahman, Jordan etc and what you consider as fat cash will be seen as a pittance. They forced us airlift cash! Money is just insatiable! Are we still thinking conditions of service is enough to stop corruption or even deter people?? I certainly do not agree based on what this theory has taught me. It's either you're working with your heart or with your head. Motivation to serve, goes beyond the physical. Motivation emanating from the inside is what gets the job done. That's my position. Of course, the external can support but it certainly is not enough. In sum, the conditions of service we keep talking about won't be enough no matter how much. You choose to serve and you choose to be corrupt. My Lords, that cannot be an excuse. Some appeared incorruptible,you could have been same. #Letsnotpretend. Good morning my neighbours.

AN EPISTLE TO THE MAN OF GOD.

Dear man of God, I'm usually not comfortable hitting hard on what you do because it's the Lord's business. I learned also that, you are the anointed ones and you are untouchable. Yes, I'm scared to touch but not to ask. I listen to some of your sermons. I see some of your miracles on TV. I must say some of you are not that bad. It's just that I want to get answers to some nagging questions. Let's consider your call to serve the Lord. When God gave you the gift, did He say it's a church you should found? When God gave you the gift, did He say you and your wife should be the 'CEOs' of a church? I ask because I think there's always a degree of selfishness in that. Why your own church?? Why didn't you stay in the church where you grew?? Why not use your gift to help already existing churches afterall, we are all part of the body of christ and doing the Lord's business. Why do you instruct your flock to increase it's number either arithmetrically or preferably geometrically? I'm sure we are all trying to get to heaven. But why should my heaven going be dependent on the church I attend? You openly condemn churches that made Christianity spread far and wide. You say they're no good. They're doing the wrong thing. I'm very sure you must be smiling in the inside because some ignorant followers have accepted this and are now your church elders. You claim what you say and do is the truth. But we can battle it out on what is the truth and what's not, the whole day. Your pictures are almost everywhere and on all your church items. I hope they're not worshipping your images too. The church that protected the scriptures and did not conceal the word is attacked almost everyday. We are aware of some of you who now live the 'good life', sleep in the nicest homes, drive the best of cars, feed sumptuously yet you preach more of giving to God and the need to be Christlike. The man you claim you work for, walked the earth with nothing yet you are a beneficiary of all the goodies he obtained for us. He walked the earth, had no home, no car, no money yet it's His name that saves.You mislead your members and make them believe everybody must be rich. Yet, the man who walked the earth said, the poor was always going to be with us. When you check the height of your fingers, what comes to mind? It's not unfairness you see, it's roles we are all to play. Just cut your thumb. Some of your members pity you more than the street child. They can even say, 'my pastor should stay in a multi-million dollar home'. I've seen some stories of your networths. If that's true, then Damn!! that's certainly the Lord's business; very lucrative. Some of your members starve but nobody's really paying attention. There's discrimination in your church based on finance. The rich are coaxed into being church elders. They're offered the best of seats during service and receive 'more prayers'. You have an office which is out of bounds only if you cannot afford. That's the Lord's business certainly. Members overlook this aspect because as I said, is the Lord's business. You teach not of the main topic, salvation. You teach not of the race we are all running. May I remind you man of God that, NB; The salvific and redemptive mission of christ was not for fun. Your members to some extent see you as the ideal preacher. Most of them sheepishly follow you and even begin to worship you instead of God: largely your fault. The church was sure a safe haven but now it's more terrorising than boko haram. I've been invited to so many of your programmes. I attend some though. I'm very sure your attacks on orthodox churches are usually borne out of jealousy, selfishness and so on. Is somebody in search of a following or helping others see the light?? Thomas Hobbes, 17th century British philosopher held that, some if not all our actions are prompted by selfish desires. If this is anything to go by, some if not all men of God founded churches for personal gain. Enjoy ya day my friends

STRIKES AND THE GHANA MEDICAL ASSOCIATION

Strikes are legal and that is well understood. Let's pause for a moment and take a deeper reflection on the ramifications of these actions. I guess we all will see the damage that's usually caused. I've always felt bad about these actions although the organisers and partakers of these actions may always have legitimate concerns. It is always teachers here, doctors there etc. Listened to a radio discussion on the issue of strikes earlier today. In fact I was happy because my thoughts were expressed and more was added. A medical doctor phoned in and to my surprise castigated his fraternity. He bemoaned the path the medical association was threading. It's as if they only talk when a strike is imminent. This stemmed from the ultimatum given to the government by the Ghana medical association to look into their conditions of service or else.....(fill the gap). This necessitated this piece to present what I think and ask for critical commentary on my ideas. This especially is for the Ghana Medical Association. I know people might see this as funny and can even call me an ignoramus..I'm ready but that does not deter me from speaking my mind like #Kofisaidit. Let's say you are right for striking. Let's say it's legal to strike. Let's say your concerns are genuine. Let's say you don't care whatever happens afterwards. Let's say that is the way to go. Let's say your actions were beneficial at the end: you achieved your target. But how did that contribute meaningfully to Ghana's development?? Can you go back and undo the damage you caused because of your actions?? You were paid later but could you pay for the loss earlier?? I speak like a fool ain't it?? Limit your vexation for I might have a point. When do we hear the medical association in the news?? Is it not just to threaten government over money issues?? A friend once told me that, medical doctors have been exalted in Ghana so much so that, they have taken us for a ride. Beginning to see reason in that. They are treated preferentially from day one making them feel they are the 'superior' profession in Ghana. They see themselves 'gods' and expect to be worshipped. All other professions should pay homage to they, the 'exalted ones'. Right from school they have been the pharisees( separated ones) being praised and carried in high esteem. After school, almost everything is prepared and there's not much struggle to settle. Job secured, 'allawa' too and other goodies. I don't even want to talk about the respect society gives doctors. All these privileges provided to help make you who you want to be. Upon all that, they strike at any least thing. Is that how you are paying us back?? Do I need to tell you, you are to save lives?? Do I need to tell you it's rather the opposite your actions bring?? People toiled for this country to stand. What are you also doing to keep it on its toes? I know some are already defensive and have started vilifying me. But let's be sincere, passion seldom sends a person to a medical school today. No research conducted but quite sure money and pride are the germane motivating factors. The profession has become a place that shows 'class'. Doctors are presumed to be of a higher status. I'm sure that has made them bossy. This can partly explain the problem we are facing. Will it also be the the fact that, they are few? If you became a doctor for no other reason than the passion to save lives, then you are sure to be striking at the least provocation. They work is difficult, they say. But whose work is easy? Let me be frank with you, every job is difficult and nobody finds his(generically) work as easy as ABCD. No matter where you find yourself, you would face challenges. Don't even try again comparing yourselves to other professions on the basis of importance. What!! Let everyone strike and you would know you are just part of a team but not the whole team in the nation. Let everyone strike and you would see who is important. Respect your cleaners in your offices my friends. And spare me this annoying comparative analysis I often hear: go to America and see, go to Britain etc. As if Ghana can match America et al in any field. If you don't feel good at where you are, you simply move. Brigadier Nunoo Mensah spoke in unambiguous words- “If you don’t want the job, Ghana is not a police state. Take your passports and get out of this country and don’t destroy the country for us; if you can’t sacrifice like what some of us have done, then get out. If the Kitchen is too hot for you, get out,’’ Yes, you heard him. Harsh tone huh?? He was angry and felt Ghana was/is loosing the patriots. When we all compare our jobs to developed countries like America or Great Britain what happens?? It's not even their main salary too oo, they strike because of allowances mostly and other privileges. Some jobs don't even have allowance, what they get cannot even take them home yet they are there. This reminds me of one proverb in the 'Gods are not to blame' , " a chicken eats corn, drinks water, swallows pebbles, yet complains of having no teeth. If she had teeth, would she eat gold? Let her ask the cow who has teeth yet eats grass". What again should we do to you? We are not asking for too much brethren, it is what would help mother Ghana. I tell you,with all sincerity that it's not sweet anywhere. We need to SACRIFICE!! We have to be PATRIOTIC. You don't do this comparing yourselves to other people who are duping Ghana. You do this knowing in you heart you are serving a people whom you cheerish. You do this knowing you are saving a nation. Must somebody make you patriotic?? I rest my case. Feel free to educate me.

ALL SHALL PASS

You may have been born into a family where you have known no peace. Wipe your tears, descendant of Adam because all shall pass. Death may have taken away your happiness. You may have lost the only person providing your needs. Hold yourself together beloved, all that pain shall fade away. Many are those who contemplate death as the only way out of a bad situation. Just be patient brethren,for the moon moves slowly but by daybreak it crosses the sky. See?, all those shall pass. You may be watching other kids enjoy while you sit wondering why you're poor.Son, that too shall pass. Wondering where to get your next meal? That too shall pass. As you go to school,you may be ridiculed for being academically poor. It may be unbearable but that too shall pass. Failure may dampen your spirit, make you seem useless. Ebezina(cry not),because that will pass. You may be seriously sick,almost dying. Your medical reports may present hopelessness.Don't give in because this too shall pass. You may be crying because you're not married.Pressures from family and friends, making you very very uncomfortable. Worry not, my sister,my brother.That too shall pass. Your son/daughter may be giving you sleepless nights because of their conduct. Just keep the faith mom,that certainly shall pass. Some have no offsprings,they cry to God for mercy everyday.God has told me to tell you that, it shall soon pass. You may be unemployed temporarily. Life may be unbearable because some are working while you're searching.Keep the search dear and never give up,for that status shall soon pass. Today is my birthday,my message to you, you and you.And do you know,even this too shall pass?? The creator has instructed I pass this onto you: never forget how I raised the dead,never forget how I calmed the sea, never forget I walked on the water,never forget I provided food,even in abundance.Know this too,He has plans for everyone. Cheer👆because,all these troubles shall soon pass. awennalaatiirimbey.blogspot.com

Corruption and Matters Arising

I had thought I was the only skeptic,of course not a doomsayer but one who knows the future is bright only if we are serious about it. We have overheard that, the youth represent the future, which is true. We place a lot of value on our offspring,knowing they will one day take after us. Judging from what I observed while in school, I had no choice than to weep for mother Ghana and Africa.Students who paraded themselves as patriots and incorruptible left with no legacies to show for those tags.Their(students) conduct gave me the impression that, we may just be faced with Severe Acute Corruption Syndrome(SACS) in the not too distant future.The youth of hope present no hope no more. But as I have written a piece on my blog(awennalaatiirimbey.blogspot.com), 'Goats beget not sheep', I had identified one influence from our parenting. Literally and naturally, goats cannot birth sheep. So what ever we the youth do, can be placed at the doorsteps of our guardians who so much have problems with our lifestyles.They have managed to nurture a non serious and lazy youth,who give them nightmares with their quick-get-rich-attitude.Yet again, when mother cow is chewing grass,its young ones watch keenly. We were not begotten so, we learned so. Anything learned can always be unlearned. But just how??? A leading African Entrepreneur in an interview on TV3 Ghana,Dr John Christopher Kiribu says, we are always interested in just making cheap money but not build a robust and resilient economy.I guess he is right.The sort of youth we are raising is what is material and pressing because they will act accordingly. Our anti corruption fight starts from somewhere and that is our culture. Our way of life now,is a threat to our future. Professor Lumumba said, a research in Kenya demonstrates that,about 40% of the respondents, saw nothing wrong with corruption. That's pathetic, to say the least but they backed their rather surprising and evil mindsets by pointing out that, it was only wrong when caught.And the only thing one needed to do was to avoid being caught. That is the danger we are faced with. Our anti corruption fight starts from somewhere and that is our culture. Our way of life now, is a threat to our future. That is the danger we are faced with. Hitherto and even today as put by Professor P. Lumumba,in our various communities those who stole/steal are labelled as thieves and punished. They become inelligible to lead and are ostracized at times.One who stole/steals a goat,yam,fowls etc has no place in our communities.In Ghana,you may be lynched to death.That's society expressing its disgust at such lifestyles and using that,as a deterrence. The same crop of human beings would watch and even dignify and to a larger extent,glorify thievery which involves billions. Double standards?? Or stealing can be accepted if done at some level?? If only the same anger from our various communities could be directed at whoever was involved in the thievery,I won't have been wasting my pen and paper.We would have been better. I have witnessed that communal action against deviants in our communities and towns and it is not pleasant. Although it violates our human rights,it seems not a crime. Nation wreckers and as Anas Aremeyaw Anas captioned one of his works, "cereal killers", walk free while the others maybe those who have committed "lesser" crimes are either dead or locked away. Let a crime be a crime. We have seen many who sound loudest in our anti-corruption fight. The truth is however that, not everyone who shouts is genuine. Some just complain about corruption because they lack the same opportunity as others to be corrupt. Watch the various activists and see when they are muted. Be it civil society groups, journalists, politicians and so on. Some always feel they're being cheated by others not because they want that cheating should stop, but because they're just on the other side of the equation. We must careful. Corruption is a threat to our democracy and to our very existence. It needs an urgent cure and intensive care. The judiciary was thought to be the last bastion in our fight. But we have seen some very bad examples which has further dwindled our hopes. In our fight against corruption, the three arms of government need to be reading from the same page. Our efforts must be concerted.No one can win this war individually it takes the political will and willingness of all and sundry to work towards that. We need the wisdom of our elders,we need young people's energy. This war fought alone will be a dead end. The problem needs a lot of caution in its handling. The same systems must clean themselves. I opined sometime that,"no one is so strong enough to single handedly rob an entire nation. When a nation is robbed,it is either a company or crowd that's involved." Therefore,we ought not take this fight jokingly. Corruption,a disease to be cured. Corruption,a must fight menace. Corruption a fight for all. Don't be left out!

BE A REBEL

A life well lived has become secondary or is it tertiary? A people concerned about just their welfare and not anybody else's welfare is the prevailing phenomenon. A world where the dollar is the standard. A world where the only time respect is assured is when you're wealthy. Listen to these words on a song ..."Money is speaking(2), any idea waiting( 2)...(Lyrics from the song Gongo Aso, one Nigerian tune). A world that has swept morals underneath the carpet but expecting the right ways of living. This has created a huge challenge to anyone who tries to do right. I dare you, try doing good or living right for a day and the response will be in varied forms; from loosing friends, a handful of annoying monikers from people, earning "little" financially, being victimised, praised by a handful of disciplined men and so on . It is increasingly becoming difficult to stand for right. Is it not interesting that the preachers of right practise not right? On various platforms, we are always admonished to uphold what's right. Is it not common to hear people mock one who occupies a high position yet "poor"? Is it not common to receive enormous pressure from the same people whom you were sworn in to protect to help do wrong? I have lived for just two decades and something in years but have seen some political appointees/civil servants retire the same way they came in( seen this in Navrongo). Instead of applause, they're constantly ridiculed for returning from the "gold mine" with no gold. Apparently society expecting the single person to have taken as much gold for himself and his family. Albeit the gold, our common property.Their children may not understand why they are not living in luxury like the others. Some wives will nag for the rest of their stay together on planet earth. Pardon me for my gender bias, women. I guess you understand why it is so. This is where it gets complicated and interesting too. What do we seek?? We complain when we are shortchanged yet we shamelessly encourage the rot in the system. It's the hard truth; Ghana's future is bleak and for Ghana to develop...well that most certainly may just be a future impossible occurrence. The country has developed a certain culture that's problematic. The fact that we seem unserious with all the problems engulfing us. We seem to careless if we are to individually benefit but the whole nation suffers. Most Ghanaians by virtue of the position you occupy,

expect a certain lifestyle from you.In the public space, it is somewhat seen as the way things ought to be. And we often hear from us, "we are not saying don't chop oo but just don't do it too much". Pathetic!!! They at times go proverbial, that is everyone feasts at his/her work place.Therefore, hakuna matata.But we need worry because it is retrogressive to say the least. I, with others want a reorientation of the mind, to thinking of a new way of living that takes cognizance of the collective interest. I am searching really hard to get to the root cause of individualism in our country. We were known to love the extended family which promoted, being each others keeper. What went wrong? Our current freedom and goodies we enjoy all came from us. Yes, the struggle of our forefathers who were selfless. The struggle of our forefathers who knew they had to prepare a better Ghana for us. Unto us, resources and the right environment bequeathed. If you cannot make Ghana better, you should not make it worse. All the great men we talk about were rebels. Talk about Jesus Christ, Mahatma Gandhi, Luther King Jr, Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah, just to mention but few. They all rebelled against systems that were anti proper growth and development. They refused to cower amidst the unfavorable zeitgeist. They overlooked their interest for the national. Working day and night knowing they could overcome all the evil and rot that had engulfed their people. Some died young but left what for a lifetime, most cannot match. Not with weapons but effectual. They acted lawfully. This rebellion I suggest, is a similar one. An overthrow of not a John Dramani government, but a total overthrow of everything that encumbers our progress. A change mentally, behaviourally and attitudinally. I often say, many desire that Ghana develops but few are committed to this course. Our journey has been bereft of men who value values. Our structure we inhabit is wonky: the prevailing opinion. Change is needed: consensual. Commitment on our part: little and cosmetic or nonexistent. In our quest to move ahead, we need strong men with hearts like that of Arsenal diehards. Immune to disappointments and never stopping no matter what. The problem at hand has always been a human one .Most of us are stealing, so who catches who for who to prosecute? This rebellion like all of its ilk, will not go without stiff opposition. To wit,one has to know what should carry one through. Every rebelling should cause a division of some sort. It should destabilze a system. It should cause fear. Just like Jesus Christ says, "I came to set the earth on fire and how I wish it were already kindled!" (Luke 12: 49). He continues, "Do you suppose that I came to bring peace. No, not peace, but division"(Luke 12: 51). I am therefore inviting you to join me set Ghana on fire, destabilize the system and knock all evil out!! In sum, be a REBEL.!!! ARISE GHANA YOUTH.

WE WERE IN THIS COUNTRY

I have always said,a politician is always a politician and will always do politics. Politics is everywhere, oWE WERE IN THIS COUNTRY I have always said, a politician is always a politician and will always do politics. Politics is everywhere, one cannot do without. You may not want to do mainstream politics but you sure will do politics willy nilly. That said, most utterances by politicians will only mean one thing; we play the same game, we only posses like the moon different phases. That's why I wrote "One Cedi; Same Value" to show politicians are just but identical twins. Doubt me not, for they seek first their interest. If not, like Kojo Yankson of the Joyfm morning show ever quizzed in one of his write-ups, what are the odds that the NDC is always wrong but the NPP is always right?? What are the odds that your party is always right? Are you saying, your party has never erred? Is that possible? Yet, we have as I have said, diehards of parties who will defend childish, shameful and generally several nonsensical positions from their party and its members. Let me ask again, what are the odds...?? Let me just jump into my vexations this morning, as time is fast approaching six. I have listened to many politicians speak on many platforms discussing varied issues. I won't say I have been impressed that much. Often, I hear excuses, accusations and counter accusations, looking for lacunae to justify wrongs and so much nonsense that is nauseating. This is one clause that has struck me, "we were in this country". I know maybe you have heard it too or used it. Its monotony pushed me to look into it critically to see what, was in this dear country of ours that is so topical. It's generally used when one intends to point to his opponent a similar incident that occurred at a different time. Often, an attempt to justify wrongdoing in the present or equalize. I have heard Kwesi Pratt Jnr, Abdul Malik Kweku Baako Jnr,Afenyo Markin,Felix Ofosu Kwakye,Okudjeto Ablakwa, Mike Oquaye Jnr and the list continues, all use that. I must say, that is my vexation! Let me beg to ask using the same clause, we know we were all in this country. But when we were all in this country and what you seek to refer to as a source of justification happened, was it PROPER?? What was your response then? I thought we were talking about propriety. I thought we were all interested in what was right. When something happens, instead of looking for what's right and proper, we go digging archives at least to have a point that we are not alone. That's when you hear," we were in this country''. When the doctors went on strike sometime back, many condemned it. Others too made political capital out of that. Many wrote, many spoke. Dr Charles Wereko Brobbey wrote condemning it and the illegality in it. He made us aware in that article, why he condemned the strike and why he condemned the one that was led by Dr Omane Boama and some junior doctors during the NPP regime too. He sure was not doing politics. Manasseh' Azure Awuni of Joyfm rather decided to do something else. He captioned his piece, why I support the doctors but not government. I am not so sure of the words but that's what he meant to say. That alone made me not read it. To me, he only spoke as someone else and not the investigator he was/is.Dr Wereko Brobbey a known politician did as good, he educated us. Manasseh on the other hand wanted to attack the government for their failed promises to the doctors a number of times. So to him, it was necessary to support the doctors. Interesting! I am sure he was just repeating " we were in this country " a number of times, in different words though just to remind readers of all the ills of yore of the government.. I believe that was not helpful. Some NDC members were also singing that chorus, yes during your regime too(apparently telling the opposition), doctors too went on strike. Therefore, this should not be seen as a problem?? I asked. It has become a chorus sung by most politicians and others.Tell NPP the infightings in their party are not a healthy sign and they would point to the fact that, every political party has gone through it. Talk about Afoko and the NPP and they will tell you Kofi Adams in the NDC also had problems. Talk to NDC about the economy and they will let you know under the NPP regime things that happened. Is it always an attempt to allow the wrong to continue or to exonerate ourselves from blame. We cannot continue on this tangent if indeed we need progress. Let us be bold to call a spade a spade. We have many examples but the bad we must always condemn. When something happens,let us reflect and come out with answers regarding the correctness of the act. That's the way to go. Just ask this simple question, when Kennedy Adjepong said what he said. Was it proper?? Don't be an Otiko Djaba who still wants a probe. If we were to probe everything by Kennedy Adjepong, he would probably still be in court convincing judges as to why he should not be jailed. We were all in this country, so let's just be honest and real. 9 hrs · Navrongo · Privacy: Publicne cannot do without. You may not want to do mainstream politics but you sure will do politics willy nilly. That said, most utterances by politicians will only mean one thing; we play the same game, we only posses like the moon different phases. That's why I wrote "One Cedi; Same Value" to show politicians are just but identical twins. Doubt me not, for they seek first their interest. If not, like Kojo Yankson of the Joyfm morning show ever quizzed in one of his write-ups, what are the odds that the NDC is always wrong but the NPP is always right?? What are the odds that your party is always right? Are you saying, your party has never erred? Is that possible? Yet, we have as I have said, diehards of parties who will defend childish, shameful and generally several nonsensical positions from their party and its members. Let me ask again, what are the odds...?? Let me just jump into my vexations this morning, as time is fast approaching six. I have listened to many politicians speak on many platforms discussing varied issues. I won't say I have been impressed that much. Often, I hear excuses, accusations and counter accusations, looking for lacunae to justify wrongs and so much nonsense that is nauseating. This is one clause that has struck me, "we were in this country". I know maybe you have heard it too or used it. Its monotony pushed me to look into it critically to see what, was in this dear country of ours that is so topical. It's generally used when one intends to point to his opponent a similar incident that occurred at a different time. Often, an attempt to justify wrongdoing in the present or equalize. I have heard Kwesi Pratt Jnr, Abdul Malik Kweku Baako Jnr, Afenyo Markin, Felix Ofosu Kwakye, Okudjeto Ablakwa, Mike Oquaye Jnr and the list continues, all use that. I must say, that is my vexation! Let me beg to ask using the same clause, we know we were all in this country. But when we were all in this country and what you seek to refer to as a source of justification happened, was it PROPER?? What was your response then? I thought we were talking about propriety. I thought we were all interested in what was right. When something happens, instead of looking for what's right and proper, we go digging archives at least to have a point that we are not alone. That's when you hear," we were in this country''. When the doctors went on strike sometime back, many condemned it. Others too made political capital out of that. Many wrote, many spoke. Dr Charles Wereko Brobbey wrote condemning it and the illegality in it. He made us aware in that article, why he condemned the strike and why he condemned the one that was led by Dr Omane Boama and some junior doctors during the NPP regime too. He sure was not doing politics. Manasseh' Azure Awuni of Joyfm rather decided to do something else. He captioned his piece, why I support the doctors but not government. I am not so sure of the words but that's what he meant to say. That alone made me not read it. To me, he only spoke as someone else and not the investigator he was/is. Dr Wereko Brobbey a known politician did as good, he educated us. Manasseh on the other hand wanted to attack the government for their failed promises to the doctors a number of times. So to him, it was necessary to support the doctors. Interesting! I am sure he was just repeating " we were in this country " a number of times, in different words though just to remind readers of all the ills of yore of the government.. I believe that was not helpful. Some NDC members were also singing that chorus, yes during your regime too(apparently telling the opposition), doctors too went on strike. Therefore, this should not be seen as a problem?? I asked. It has become a chorus sung by most politicians and others. Tell NPP the infightings in their party are not a healthy sign and they would point to the fact that, every political party has gone through it. Talk about Afoko and the NPP and they will tell you Kofi Adams in the NDC also had problems. Talk to NDC about the economy and they will let you know under the NPP regime things that happened. Is it always an attempt to allow the wrong to continue or to exonerate ourselves from blame. We cannot continue on this tangent if indeed we need progress. Let us be bold to call a spade a spade. We have many examples but the bad we must always condemn. When something happens, let us reflect and come out with answers regarding the correctness of the act. That's the way to go. Just ask this simple question, when Kennedy Adjepong said what he said. Was it proper?? Don't be an Otiko Djaba who still wants a probe. If we were to probe everything by Kennedy Adjepong, he would probably still be in court convincing judges as to why he should not be jailed. We were all in this country, so let's just be honest and real.