The Head of the Political Science Department of the KNUST, Professor Amoako Baah has questioned government’s decision to present four-wheel drive pick-up vehicles to the National House of Chiefs.
In his opinion, “it is a misplaced priority” which according to him, creates the impression that all is well in the face of the current economy.
President John Mahama in fulfillment of a promise made last year presented 13 four-wheel drive pick-up vehicles to the National House of Chiefs in Kumasi Wednesday.
Each of the 10 Regional Houses of Chiefs is entitled to one vehicle, one for the National House of Chiefs and two for the Chieftaincy Secretariat in Accra and are expected to help the chiefs in the discharge of their duties.
But the President’s gesture seems to have angered some Ghanaians with many questioning the priorities of the Mahama-led administration.
Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen programme Thursday, Dr. Amoako Baah said though sharing cars to chiefs is a laudable idea, it is “ill-timed”.
He indicated that, at a time the economy has taken a nose dive, “we have to invest the little money we have into where it matters most”.
The Political Science lecturer was quick to add that “I’m not downplaying the importance of the Chieftaincy institution but where he is putting his resources is not a priority area.
He maintained that such monies should be invested in the School Feeding Programmes and the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) which are in dire need of funds.
He described as worrying President Mahama’s penchant for giving out freebies. Dr. Amoako Baah scoffed at the motive for that gesture because the “President is not supposed to be in a popularity contest just to remain relevant”.
He called on government to, as a matter of urgency, put its act together to win back the confidence of Ghanaians.
