The Leopard Will Continue To Have Spots

“If you are filled with pride, then you will have no room for wisdom’’ — African proverb.

The late Bob Cole was one actor I enjoyed watching. It is a shame the youth of today could not see him display his acting prowess. “I will show you my krakye powers” were the exact words he used in the movie which made waves all over Asomdwekrom about five decades ago. The movie was entitled, “I told you so”.

I can bet my last cowry that those who have watched this movie before would want to see it again. And those who have not would be more than ready to satisfy their curiosity. Would the station of the nation be kind enough to get this great movie from their archive and screen it for the youth of today to see Bob Cole in action? Or is it the case that the film was among the recordings that were gutted by fire at GBC some years back?

Abusuapanin, I always hate to look you in the eye and say I told you so. I hate it when I’m vindicated on matters involving the Zu-za government, because it only reinforces the fact that the ‘greedy bastards’ are milking this country dry. But I’m compelled once again to proclaim, “I told you so.”

When he was appointed Sports Minister soon after the Brazil debacle, many were those who expressed optimism that things would change at the ministry. I was among those who publicly expressed their disgust at the appointment. I wasn’t enthused because I knew too well what the in-coming minister was capable of. Still wondering who I’m referring to? Wonder no more because he is no other than the man who is now known as Hon Don’t-Ask-Useless-Questions.

Each and every one of us has his or her traits. Some are known for their modesty and honesty, while others are known for their proficiency in tongue-lashing. Indeed, it was because of some young politician’s tongue-lashing prowess that Dr Jerry Boom referred to them as ‘Babies with sharp teeth’.

The famous Kwaku Ananse, for instance, is known for his slyness and trickery. The mention of his name evokes memories of the numerous tricks he exhibits in outwitting others. Clearly, Ananse’s traits are slyness and trickery.

Hon Don’t-Ask-Useless-Questions comes across as a fine gentleman. But one peculiar trait of his is that he always leaves fogs in many minds anytime he is involved in a deal. I do not impugn his motives, but the fact on the ground is that almost everything he is involved in as a public official is tainted with corruption.

Not too long ago, the government established a media fund with a seed capital of one million cowries. The fund was to help upgrade the capacity of needy but competent journalists, take care of distressed media houses and also help the National Media Commission (NMC) and other related bodies to strengthen the media, which is no doubt an important pillar in our governance system.

Even before the board was constituted, the Ministry of Information had already dipped its long hands into the cowries and bought inferior quality laptops. How many laptops they bought, nobody knew. We are also yet to be told the price of the product. Even the list of those who received the laptops was also a mystery.

I was not in the least surprised about the media fund fiasco. One name associated with the mysterious disbursement of the funds left no doubt in my mind that the expenditure was tainted. Mention the tractor fiasco, and his name would surface. Mention the Atlas debacle, and his name would surface again.

I was therefore not surprised that the same name surfaced in the media fund fiasco. Just as those of us who have read Greek mythology are not surprised to hear the name King Midas associated with gold, so we were not shocked to hear that name linked to the media fund fiasco.

Now there is the question of accountability on the AFCON expenditure, and guess what? That same name has resurfaced. Just a simple request from journalists for him to show us how the taxpayer’s cowries were spent; and the man has developed verbal diarrhoea.

I did caution my compatriots about this man but it fell on deaf ears. I can assure you of one thing; what we’ve witnessed so far from Hon Don’t-Ask-Useless-Questions is just the tip of the iceberg. Much foggier deals are in the offing. And don’t be surprised when next time he tells those seeking accountability to go and check their brains first before seeking accountability. After all, can the leopard ever change the spots on its skin?

As for Hon Don’t-Ask-Useless-Questions, my unsolicited counsel to him is to remember that knowledge without wisdom is fruitless because it is like water in the sand and that there is no hiding from the truth on the day of reckoning.

See you next week for another konkonsa, Deo volente!

Source: Agya Kwaku Ogboro/D-Guide