Editorial: Farrago Of Absurdities

Although not the worst political iniquity to be visited on him by the new wielders of power in the country, the denial of a constitutionally authorized office for immediate past President John Agyekum Kufuor made worrying headlines. He is still without one and it does not appear he is going to be provided with one anytime soon since after all, it is one of the measures activated to humiliate him.Even if there are plans to deactivate the measures, the man�s growing stature in the international community is further compounding matters in the eyes of the new team at the throttles. That former President Kufuor is still without a state-provided office has been confirmed by his Special Assistant Frank Agyekum, who added that even salaries of staff serving him remain outstanding.Vice President John Dramani Mahama�s wife is now using a state bungalow as her office but the Number Two man�s spokesperson explained that the story is not entirely true. Although he admits that the lady has been provided with a state facility for use as her office, he was quick to explain that it houses the non-governmental organization she runs. Perhaps, she is drawing from the experience of the 31st December Women�s Movement which depends on state facilities for its operations. It is gratifying to learn that Lordina intends to get busy contributing, as it were, towards changing Ghana positively through an NGO situated in a state property.What we found unusual, and this sentiment is shared by many, is the lady�s position, as articulated by John Abdulai Jinapor that the refurbishing cost was wholly borne by her. If there are good gestures which can cause people to squirm in their seats, this is one.We find it absurd that the honourable lady would dip her hands into her pockets to refurbish a public bungalow. As we compile this editorial, many Ghanaians are questioning the political wisdom in the provision of a state bungalow to the Second Lady when the gesture is not prescribed by the constitution. The storm which has been generated by the selective provision of state-approved privileges for us smacks of mischief on the part of the authorities.Such anomalies do not augur well for the future of democracy in the country at a time when the media is far-reaching in coverage of issues. The extent to which the subject under review has penetrated the Ghanaian society is beyond imagination.The Vice President�s spokesperson�s argument sounded hollow as it defies logic, especially when he recalled the airlifting of former Vice President Aliu Mahama�s spouse for medical treatment from the state�s coffers. The provision of medical attention for a Vice President�s spouse is unlike giving her a state bungalow at a time when the former President has been denied one. The Executive Director of the Danquah Institute, Gabby Otchere Darko�s observation that the denial of state privileges to former President Kufuor is a malicious and vindictive action on the part of government is not out of place, we dare state. Our way of doing politics is flawed and we think that if we do not find common ground that is national, as observed by the Danquah Institute chief, our democracy is heading for disaster, with the polaraisation of the country becoming more pronounced.