Ghanaians fear that the high numbered [email protected] committee members would go the way of the [email protected] committee who allegedly squandered the country’s resources
It is a well known fact that each independence celebration comes with its own dynamics. Ghana will on 6th March 2017, celebrate its Diamond Jubilee after gaining independence from Britain in 1957.
The nation however, hopes not to experience a deja vu of what happened in year 2007, when she celebrated her 50th independence.
President Nana Addo on Thursday, inaugurated a 30-member committee to plan for the country’s 60th anniversary celebrations. The committee, chaired by Ken Amankwa will supervise all events and planning processes leading to the celebration.
Other members of the committee include Historians, Professor Irene Odotei and Professor JH Nketiah, Senior Lecturer at the School of Communication Studies, University of Ghana, Professor Audrey Gadzekpo and a lawyer, Kweku Asirifi. During the inauguration, Akufo-Addo charged members of the committee to advance the sense of unity and oneness among Ghanaians in the celebration of the anniversary.
Below is the full list of members of the [email protected] committee:
Director Finance and Administration at the Presidency
Representative from Ministry of Tourism and Creative Arts
Meanwhile, questions have been raised among the public regarding the integrity of the so called committee for [email protected] celebrations. Ghanaians fear that the high numbered [email protected] committee members, could go the way of [email protected] committee who were said to have squandered the country’s resources.
Ghanaians have questioned the high numbered list of the appointees, with regards to conservation. Some are of the opinion that the number of members on the list could be a waste of the country’s financial resources. Others have expressed their take on the issue, saying that 30 slots in the committee will only make room for misappropriation of funds as such numbers make it easier for possible siphoning of state funds just like in 2007.
No Cause to Worry – President Nana Addo
President Nana Addo and his aides have calmed the fears of the people regarding the possible looting of government funds by the [email protected] committee. Nana Addo during his appointment, explained that Ghana is low on funds and will not tolerate any form of looting. He pointed out that the committee as well as the celebrations will employ austerity measures, considering the current state of the economy.
See: What Nana Addo Is Saying and Doing About the State of the Economy
The controversial committee for independence celebration has also assured Ghanaians of transparency and accountability throughout the course of its activities. Deputy Chief of Staff and Vice Chairman for the [email protected] Planning Committee, Samuel Abu Jinapor has said that the committee will truly serve the people, and will not use the occasion as an opportunity to make money at the expense of the state.
Abu Jinapor says the public concerns are understandable, which is why the President has charged the committee to be very mindful of the circumstances surrounding the country’s economy.
A similar committee was inaugurated in 2007 by then President John Kufuor, to man the activities for the celebration of Ghana’s 50th anniversary. However it was discovered after the celebration, that there was a gross misappropriation of funds by the committee.
The discovery had Dr. Wereko Brobbey and Kwadwo Okyere Mpiani, Chairman of the National Planning Committee for [email protected] in August 2010 indicted. The duo had been charged of willfully causing financial loss to the State. However, their prosecution failed as they pleaded not guilty and were subsequently discharged by the Court of Appeal.
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