The refusal of the Venerable Tobge Afede to accept his ex-gratia has become topical and polarized in our public discourse. While some believe the gesture was a noteworthy effort in solidarity with the people of Ghana, there are some schools of the reason that proffer same to be a ploy intended to score unwarranted ‘attention’.
Let me from the outset make it clear that the impulse of this write-up is not to discuss the persona of the respected Chief, but his action which has become of a national concern.
To begin with, the gesture of the former Council of State member is not a novelty around the world and Ghana is not an exception. Indeed, I concur with those who tout the gesture as honorable; to surrender a rightfully deserving remuneration back to the state is rightly commendable especially if the intent is patriotic.
The million-dollar question that arises from this subject matter is whether citizens should refuse honorariums and legitimate salaries or end of service benefits from the state in the fashion we are witnessing? Is the thinking behind the gesture justified and should we as a nation encourage same?
A cursory assessment of Togbe’s statement and his subsequent interview with the Daily Graphic online raises even more concerns. The use of the phrase “poor country” and ” huge sum” among others are suggestive to me that the impulse was to serve the bidding of a particular political sect in this country and stimulate a disruptive political debate which has the potential of undermining the state institution he was blessed to serve.
Is Togbe telling us that he has become richer than the state? I admire his intellectual knack and business acumen. I am afraid to say that despite his enviable achievement in life, his suggestion that the state is ‘poor’ is untrue. Togbe and all persons of influence and indeed all of us are a ‘creation’ of the state. Can you imagine if the state did not create that enabling environment for Togbe and others in business to thrive, what would have been said about them today?
When President Donald Trump declined his salary for four years, the money was not ‘slapped’ back in the face of the state: the recipient (Trump) on monthly basis had to donate the money to agencies and institutions of his choice. What prevented Togbe from doing same?
The Chief further argues that it was ‘inappropriate to receive huge’ payments as ex-gratia after receiving a salary during his active service period. While I think such thoughts should be considered by Ghanaians, the timing of his statement and action remain suspicious to me which I surmise is intended to incite the hoi polloi against the government of the day.
I draw this conclusion because the subject of ex-gratia and other forms of gratuities for article 71 office holders has been very topical in this country. At all materials moments that the subject has come up for discussion, I have not cited nor heard Togbe make such contributions he is claiming now. The question again is why now Togbe?
It is thus important to posit that the economic woes of this country are not a creation of the ruling government and of course its long-standing structural weaknesses. The likes of Togbe have and should continue offering technical inputs on how we can get it right as a country and nothing more.
Come to think of it, it took such an experienced business mogul eight (8) months to refund the money he claims was inappropriate? From a critical constructionist standpoint, I surmise his action was an afterthought not borne out of genuine intention but populist. If he is a man of his words and of the pedigree of integrity he is seeking to exude, I think he should refund with the accrued interest on the money if not all of the salary.
Let me repeat that all the big names who pride themselves as persons of influence and power were/are fortified and propelled in their areas of interest by the state. What will be the influence of a Chief for instance, if he is not given the opportunity by the state to lead. All those in business can attribute their success to the blessing of the state; that is to say that the state is bigger than any individual.
We have a long way to go as a country.
