Most Insensible Of Them All

Of the multi-frontal attacks launched on the highly successful and resilient free SHS signature policy of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), the one fired by Education Minister Lee Ocran is doubtlessly the most unintelligent.

Even the President, who is leading the crusade against the signature policy, would be disappointed at the remarks uttered by one of his field commanders.

It should have ordinarily been ignored because of the imbecility inherent in it but for the need to let the people understand the stuff those opposing the free SHS policy like Lee Ocran are made of.

Such government appointees appear on the public scene donned in spotless three-piece suits, commanding respect which soon melts like ice cream when they open their mouths to pass remarks about matters dear to the hearts of Ghana. Their failure to gauge public opinion on the very serious subject of education is leading them to pass remarks largely smelly and full of humbug.

A couple of days ago, while unable to control his hatred and envy for the free SHS signature policy Nana Akufo Addo unfurled, a palpably sulking Lee Ocran passed remarks which downgraded further his position on the performance chart.

As a minister responsible for Education, he could not provide an appropriate response to the demand for an upward adjustment of feeding fees for senior high school students across the country by the Committee of Heads of Assisted Secondary Schools (CHASS).

He denied them the request by telling them that if the current fees are unable to meet current realities on the market, how can a free SHS signature policy be feasible? So petty and insensible!

He was cheeky, rude and uncouth in his response to the selfless heads who have managed our senior high schools in the face of countless challenges in their occupation.

They watch helplessly as greenhorn politicians, some of who passed out of their hands some seven or so years ago, engage in profligate expenditure after being catapulted to high government appointments. Yet, those youngsters turn around and pass insulting remarks in reaction to their former headteachers� genuine demands.

This is a man whose preference for living in denial is household knowledge. When he therefore passes negative comments about the free SHS project, we can only sneer at his nonsense.

We recall vividly his cynical remark when in the face of Ghana�s excitement over the oil find under the Kufuor regime, he said the sample which was sent to Parliament was not the black gold but palm kernel oil.

Now that there is no doubt about the genuineness about the find, how do we classify the likes of Lee Ocran? Maybe, a man with limited scruples or something close to that would do for a description.

Source: Daily Guide/EDITORIAL