Dominic Nitiwul, Defense Minister
Dear Son,
I woke up to the sad news of you accusing and denigrating the former President, H.E John Dramani of acquiring a parcel of land supposedly belonging to the Ghana Armed Forces during a meet the press series Thursday 7th December. 2017. Unfortunately, you failed to provide [ads1]details of the said property.
In as much as you have the right to freedom of speech it is always prudent to consider what you say, how you say it and about whom you say what you say. These basic requirements are important because if a negative statement is said about someone, especially about someone who is both nationally and internationally recognized and acclaimed for his achievements, then you stand for both national and international ridicule, unless you take steps to put the wrong write. It is a fact that the Former President is not your match. Son, your right to freedom of speech must go with respect for the right and dignity of others especially in your capacity as a Minister of State.
My check and knowledge is that the former president and family are currently residing in a residential estate developed by a private development company. I know for a fact that there are may many other residents living in that estate and it only God who knows the motive for which you singled out and chose to mention only the Former President. Your accusation couldn’t have been true if you had taken the time to do some due diligence by cross checking from the Lands Commission and the Attorney General’s Office, in addition to the information at the Defence Ministry over which you preside.
As a young man who has risen through the social ladder very quickly, there is a very strong temptation to feel big in the head which I advise you seriously combat. Victory will see you climbing higher and higher or the other way round.
Certainly, you are aware that after the exchange of power on 7th January 2017, most appointees of the New Patriotic Party have on several occasions attempted to smear the hard won reputation of the Former President and his family with unfounded allegations as corrupt among many others yet failed woefully. For instance, the Chief Executive Officer of Cocoboard made similar allegations about the former president of owing the Cocoboard Guest House at Bole, a deliberately calculated attempt to bring to the dustbin all the achievements of the for former president. The credibility of those who make such false allegation is good only for the dustbin. It will grieve my heart for you to be part of the group who deliberately peddle falsehood in the name of politics. I wish to use this medium to advise that you cross check information before coming public to help avert the embarrassment to your high office.
As you are aware many languages are tonal. In our language, Likpakpaln, the word for woman could mean sheep, whistle, find when an item is lost with a little change of tone. Your tone could make or unmake you.
As it is a fact that the Former President has NOT bought and is occupying property on a land that belongs to the military, I advise that you do the noble thing of rendering an unqualified apology to the Former President and his family. Remember son, that it takes courage to say sorry and yet you will earn for yourself the dignity and expectation of your high office.
In conclusion I wish to further advise that you concentrate on his oversight responsibilities of helping President Nana Addo Danquah Akkufo Addo to achieve his numerous promises as far as our men and women in uniform are concern.
Sgd
Kenneth Wujangi
Former Deputy Chief of Staff (Ops)