Dear Uncle Martin Amidu,
It is with great difficulty that I pen these words. This is primarily because you are my uncle, and critiquing your public utterances, if not carefully phrased, might appear disrespectful. Nevertheless, your persistent attempts to vilify an innocent man compel me to respond.
In recent months, you have consistently criticized Vice President H.E. Alhaji Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia. You have written numerous epistles targeting him, often attributing unfortunate events to his leadership. Despite these accusations, which I firmly believe are unfounded, Dr. Bawumia has maintained his composure and refrained from dismissing your critique as “stupidity”—a stark contrast to former President John Mahama, who used that exact term when you, in your capacity as Special Prosecutor, linked him to the Airbus scandal. This, I expected you to exercise caution and respect towards him and know that his refusal to describe you like John Mahama did is because he was raised with the highest moral standards by Alhaji Mumumi Bawumia who you call friend. Instead, you have sought to tarnish Dr. Bawumia’s image and question his integrity, which is both disappointing and unwarranted.
Your recent characterization of Dr. Bawumia as a “clone” and a “poodle” of President Akufo-Addo is deeply troubling. It is even more perplexing considering your own political history. Before the 2000 elections, Ghana had experienced 11 years under PNDC rule and nearly eight years under the NDC, during which you served under President Rawlings. Yet, you accepted the role of running mate to Professor John Atta Mills, the candidate of the ruling NDC at the time. Respectfully, where was your conviction in the principle of government change for accountability then? Between you, who served under President Rawlings for 19 years, and Dr. Bawumia, who has served for only eight years, who better fits the description of a “clone” or “poodle”? Despite this, you gleefully accepted the position, standing alongside a flagbearer who was already a sitting Vice President.
Furthermore, your assertion that John Mahama, whom you once accused of corruption, would be a better auditor of government than Dr. Bawumia, whom you have not accused of corruption, raises serious questions. If a seasoned lawyer like yourself reduces government accountability to post-administration audits, then perhaps our constitution, which I believe you contributed to, still requires refinement. Accountability should not be limited to transitions in government. Civil society organizations and individuals like you should be able to actively hold governments accountable throughout their tenure.
In conclusion, you are entitled to support John Mahama despite your past criticisms. However, I urge you to remain consistent in your principles. Your interpretation of Dr. Bawumia’s recent statements in Walewale is subjective and should be treated as such. Dr. Bawumia is a proud Northerner, admired for his cultured and respectful demeanor. I believe that if you set aside your biases stemming from his association with President Akufo-Addo, you will reach the same conclusion.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Dr. Issah Imoro
(issahwuni@gmail.com)
3/12/2024
