Freelance investigative journalist, Manasseh Azure Awuni says providing him free water supply won't influence his vote as his convictions have nothing to do with President Nana Akufo-Addo's directive for water bills to be absorbed by government for the next three months.
According to him, even if the government supplies water for four years, he remains resolute on his principles for voting for a particular candidate.
"My water bill is a fraction of what I spend on data every month. So if you provide free water for me for the four years, it will not influence my vote. I have my priority areas when it comes to good governance and what will inform my voting decision'', he stated.
He sent a strong message to his critics who think he will "sell'' his vote because of the President's intervention stressing he has "a decent job and I have never had the problem of paying my water bills...But it will be wrong on my part to assume that everyone is like me. So let's allow those who will be swayed by the three-month free water to express their joy and their political loyalty. In the same way, let's allow those who think this cannot undo whatever bad governance (real or perceived) that they have been subjected to under this government to express themselves''.
Manasseh Azure, in a Facebook post, however commended President Akufo-Addo .
"The President's decision to provide free water for the next three months (with our tax) is a good idea. It's commendable because it will help a lot of people in these difficult times.''
Read full statement below:
THE FREE WATER POLITICS AND WHY OTHERS MUST NOT SHUT UP
The President's decision to provide free water for the next three months (with our tax) is a good idea. It's commendable because it will help a lot of people in these difficult times.
There's, however, one thing I want to point out to those who are politicising it and hurling insults at those who do not think it's a strong political weapon.
By the grace of God, I have a decent job and I have never had the problem of paying my water bills. My main problem has been that the pipeline to my house is dry most of the time.
My water bill is a fraction of what I spend on data every month. So if you provide free water for me for the four years, it will not influence my vote. I have my priority areas when it comes to good governance and what will inform my voting decision.
But it will be wrong on my part to assume that everyone is like me. So let's allow those who will be swayed by the three-month free water to express their joy and their political loyalty. In the same way, let's allow those who think this cannot undo whatever bad governance (real or perceived) that they have been subjected to under this government to express themselves.
To try to shut others up because they are not on the bandwagon of praise singing is wrong. It's undemocratic. And it infringes on their right to free speech and free expression.
Source: Josephine Acheampomaa/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana
Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. |
Manasseh, in this situation as the world finds itself, tell me sincerely....water and data which is a necessity? If you don't know, only about 20% of Ghanaians depend on data. A vast majority of our people don't care about data a bit so don't force your lifestyle on us. As many of the comments show you have one vote you can keep it in the cemetery no one cares. In any case the use of water is more critical now than your so called data. Water is life not data.
So of all the things mentioned, it is only free water for 3 months that you can talk about? I bet if you are infected with COVID-19 now, you will appreciate what the government and Ghanaians in general are doing for the citizens.
The guy has lost it already. He is just holding on the the last straw. He started well but now in a nose dive
You are a walking contradiction.
It is low-level, cheap ,chicken-brained people who are hiding behind the anonymity of online platforms to hurl insults at Manasseh. The truth is that what Manasseh has achieved and which has been recognized by reputable governments and civil society organizations is beyond the fantasy of some of you people hurling insults and writing all this "robbish" about him. This really shows why it is so easy to get away with bad governance in Ghana and the rest of Africa. By the way how much, in monetary terms, is your 3 months water bill? After your 3months water bills have been paid you will still be poor if you were poor and you will still be unemployed if you were unemployed. That is the message he is trying to convey but our thinking is so shallow we jump on the bandwagon of populism to rain insults on someone who has always tried to hold political power to accountability. No one is saying what the president did was not commendable; I personally commend him but honestly Ghanaians deserve better given the vast resources we have available for only 27million people. Everybody should be enabled to have the means to pay their bills through decent income. So after the 3 months what happens? Have we thought about that? The reason why we have people who are vulnerable in the first place is unemployment and bad policies by both NDC and NPP and the massive corruption and scandals perpetrated by these 2 parties over the years and there is no body who has fought against corruption better than Manasseh. Ghanaians should not cheapen themselves; they have the same rights to the luxuries that politicians enjoy and we should not settle for anything less; they we should not accept cheap crumbs thrown our way as if they are doing us a favor, after all it is our tax money that is being used. That is Manasseh's message. Ghana has enough resources to take care of even the needs of unemployed people if we can clamp down on corruption and hold political leadership accountable. Don't insult me because I want Ghana to work for everybody and not just a few; however, if you don't believe in Ghana working for everybody and your life being improved, go ahead and insult me and so shall it be upon your life! Amen!
Aaah is this Manasseh I know? Unbelievable, get back on track because you are losing it. I know you to be a Journalist who started well, don’t speak like a politician. Jak your profession is on track
Much as I respect you for your work, I seriously have a problem with your refusal to acknowledge your mistakes when it is pointed to you. I am afraid you are gradually loosing some of us who appreciate your objectivity in analysing issues. Your write up these days is now base on hatred of certain people than..
Nobody cares about your vote. What kind of journalist kraa is this guy?
Please Bro, this is a bit reckless. Such remarks can only be attributed to an amateur member of a political party that seeks to catch the eye of his part's leadership for a position as a political vigilante member. I think desperate serial callers will prioritize data in this hour of covid-19 global pandemic. Water is life. Other demands can come later. Lets consider the nation limited resources, take the precautionary measures on covid-19,appreciate the tax holidays, soft loans packages, health insurance packages to front line workers and Presidents diplomacy for now.
Aaah Manesseh this one deiiiii it's below belt koraaa ooooooo