By King Amoah
Our Editor reports
In a candid admission of misjudgment, the District Chief Executive (DCE) for Atwima Nwabiagya North Hon. Zakaria Mba has rendered public apology to the media for politicizing educational matters.
The incident arose following the DCE’s decision to paint the Barrekese Basic Primary School with the colors of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) a move that have drawn sharp criticism and prompted questions about the politicization of public infrastructure.
The controversy came to bare when a correspondent from a Kumasi based radio station Agyenkwa FM questioned Hon. Mba about the rationale behind the NDC branding of a government school.
In his initial defense, the DCE stated that he saw nothing wrong with the colors emphasizing that the focus should be on the quality work of the renovation.
However when journalists pressed him further to explan whether the previous governments had adopted similar party colored approaches in their administration Hon. Mba appeared to be offering conflicting explanations.
This visible discomfort mood led the DCE to shift his stance.
In his response to the media he stated, my good friends of the inky fraternity I apologize for my action.
I don’t know my decision of painting a government school with party colors are offense.
He then pleaded for forgiveness urging the media not to escalate the issue.
Don’t escalate this this matter he implored as he promised that their ( journalists) future visits to the school would reveal a different shape and different colors.
Despite his apologies a significant questions remain unanswered.
Hon. Mba failed to clarify whether he would personally fund the repainting of the school.
Again if the funds would come from he Assembly’s coffers who would approve it.
Furthermore the likelihood of the Assembly to approve additional funds to correct the DCE’s politically motivated decision remains a point of contention.
This incident indicates a broader concern raised by some citizens in Ghana who perceive a growing trend of political arrogance and power corruption among appointees of the current NDC led government.
Critiques suggest that such behavior, where political positions are seen as a granting unchecked authority is being witnessed not only in the politicization of education but also in alleged violations of galamsey laws that display disobedience in community matters, and instances of official abuses.
- The Barrekese Basic Primary School incident therefore appears to be a vivid example of this perceived trend as characterized by many government appointees and party stalwarts.7
