Editorial: Hannah Bissiw In The Kraal

Dr. Hannah Bissiw must be at her wits� end managing the expected repercussions of the outrageous figures quoted for the refurbishing and renovation of a number of government bungalows. Outrageous as the figures may sound, we find it normal practice and therefore untoward, the spirit behind embarking on the exercises. We are not enthused, however, about the figures and the breaching of existing laws as regards the public expenditures. New occupants to such abodes may have varying tastes for colour, furniture style and the like and these could be attended to if possible. However, this should be done with economic reasonableness and within the law. Prior to the assumption of office of the Mills Administration, a certain well-managed propaganda was let out on the political landscape, fueled by so-called commentators to the effect that some bungalows were in bad shape. The propaganda, which appeared to be preparing the minds of Ghanaians for the outrageous figures, created the impression that the occupants of the bungalows in question were a bunch of irresponsible and filthy persons in the mould of destructive Vikings.These must be halcyon days for the woman who insists that she be addressed as Dr., having worked for the Cuba bestowed title. She is making maximum use of the favourite status she is enjoying at Ridge which insulates her against all political challenges, including even a transfer to another portfolio, safe on her own volition. An opportunity to remain cocooned in the air-conditioned office of the Ministry of Water Resources, Works and Housing as minister, away from tsetsefly-infested cattle ranch and injecting cows, must be relished by all means. Such relish can take the form of leading media representatives to bungalows to chase out the ghosts of former ministers, long after they had been gone from the vicinities and capturing undeserved headlines in cynical rags called newspapers. Hannah�s argument, when she was put in the spotlight, was as worthless as it was senseless. Imagine defending the outrageous figures, because according, to her a lot of things were looted from the bungalows in question and even going ahead to point at such relatively trivial items like spoons and pillow cases. Outright bunkum, we dare assert in modern day Ghana! A cynic remarked that maybe, the new ministers need comfortable bungalows so that they can work for the nation. For a government which painted a picture of an empty kitty when it took over ten or so months ago to suddenly take the path of profligacy is beyond our ken. The over GH�1.2 million far exceeds what was quoted earlier and which got dyed-in-the-wool NDC radio station apologists exclaiming over its size. The revised and highly-appreciated figures should have shocked them by now, we think. Considering the palatial furnishings in the pipeline make us conclude that those in charge today have not learnt a thing from the past. The so-called broken down locksets hymn being sang by Hannah, as a factor for the profligacy, cannot fly in the face of reality. Some of the excuses are so simplistic that they sound pedantic for want of a better expression. Otherwise, why would the minister state the figures were inflated by public officers? Did the political heads not see them before making them public? Give us a break. By this commentary, we are drawing the attention of discerning Ghanaians to judge people by their actions instead of words. If they talk about power to the people, they are not being sincere, as they really mean power to themselves. By the way, whatever happened to the award of contracts based on the tender system in consonance with Procurement Law applicable in the country? We shall return to this subject again but Vet Dr. Hannah Bissiw should bow her head in shame and learn to be humble.