Editorial: Oh Jake!

Ghanaians were shocked when somewhere in September last year, Mr Jake Obetsebi Lamptey, one-time Minister for Tourism and Diasporan Relations, applied for the purchase of his official bungalow located at the Independence Avenue. It was interesting that after overstaying in the said bungalow. Mr Obetsebi Lamptey would apply for the residence meant for government officials during their stewardship. Coming at a time the NPP had demonstrated its love for grabbing state property and on the eve of the last general elections. Jake�s actions were seen as unconscionable, to say the least. With an important election ahead, one would not expect his greed to over-ride the overall interest of the entire party. It is a fact that singular act contributed in no small way to the defeat of the NPP, as many Ghanaians interpreted it as a sample of what persists in the party. One would therefore expect the respectable gentleman to learn from his mistakes, especially after the publication of Dr Arthur Kennedy�s book cataloguing the causes of the party�s defeat. Ghanaians were once again taken aback when reports came through that Mr Jake Obetsebi-Lamptey had taken the government to court for illegally occupying a property allocated to him, a case he has lost. Much as there is nothing legally wrong with him taking government to court, Jake has kept many wondering if he truly has a strong conscience that guides his actions. At this point, the honourable thing for him to do is to give up this case and rest the case with his reputation intact. However, this latest development has once again brought him under public scrutiny and there is no doubt that he would pay a high image price for stretching the issue this far. Perhaps, he is not conscious of the cost at stake. The Catalyst would like to offer a free advice to Mr Jake Obetsebi Lamptey. Ghanaians are watching you and would judge you according to what you do. Your reputation and that of your party are at stake and your colleagues in the NPP would not forgive you if you don�t give up on this greedy adventure. Oh Jake!