When Pinocchio Presides: A Midnight Jamboree of Appointments, Awards, and Contracts
Dear Nyaaba,
In the annals of governance, some regimes will be remembered for their achievements, others for their scandals. And then there are those whose defining legacy is a laughable circus—a midnight jamboree of appointments, awards, and contracts. These desperate attempts to leave an indelible mark often reek not of legacy-building, but of an unrestrained plundering of national resources.
When a government nearing the end of its tenure suddenly bursts into frenetic activity under the cover of darkness, one cannot help but ask: what is this mad rush about? Is it driven by an earnest desire to serve the nation, or is it the last dance of a regime out of tune with the rhythm of accountability?
Appointments: Fattening the Payroll
The current administration has elevated last-minute appointments into an art form. Ministries, agencies, and boards have been stuffed with a dizzying array of new hires—many of them with questionable qualifications and blatantly partisan leanings. Positions once treated as public trusts have become prizes handed out like party favors to loyalists and family members.
These appointments are not made with an eye to efficiency or reform. Instead, they are meant to entrench influence, ensure pensions for cronies, and complicate the path for any incoming government. The result? An already bloated public sector becomes more unsustainable, while genuine talents are sidelined in favor of political expediency.
Awards: Celebrating Mediocrity
In a curious twist, the regime has also embarked on a spree of self-congratulatory awards, many of which are as meaningless as they are extravagant. Some officials have been lauded for “extraordinary service” in areas where the public sees little more than mediocrity. The airwaves are filled with grand ceremonies showcasing trophies, certificates, and medals handed out to individuals who have done little to warrant such recognition.
These awards are not merely laughable—they are an insult to the hardworking citizens whose taxes fund this pomp. What value do we place on integrity and hard work when the standard for accolades is set so low?
Contracts: Looting by Pen Stroke
But the pièce de résistance of this midnight jamboree is the awarding of contracts. In the dying days of the administration, contracts worth billions are hastily signed with little transparency, often to shadowy companies with ties to powerful insiders. These deals are often structured to lock future governments into long-term financial obligations or to funnel resources into the hands of a chosen few.
Infrastructure projects, procurement deals, and resource concessions are rushed through with scant regard for due process. The people, who should be the ultimate beneficiaries of these projects, are left wondering: what is being built, and for whom?
The Farce of Accountability
All of this unfolds under the pretense of serving the public good, but the truth is far more sinister. When those in power behave as if their authority is a blank check to exploit state resources, they erode public trust and undermine the foundations of democracy.
While the administration parades its actions as evidence of “hard work until the end,” the people see it for what it truly is: a desperate attempt to secure ill-gotten gains before the lights go out.
A Call to Action
When a government resorts to such farcical measures, it is up to citizens to hold it accountable. The people must demand transparency, call out the farce, and insist that public resources be used for the common good.
As we watch this circus unfold, let us remember: leadership is not about midnight deals and hollow accolades. It is about serving the people with honesty, integrity, and a vision that transcends personal gain.
History will judge this government, not by the number of contracts signed or awards given, but by the impact—or lack thereof—of its actions on the lives of ordinary citizens. And when the pages are written, the headline might well read: “When Pinocchio Presided, the Strings of Accountability Were Cut.”
Respectfully yours
Kasise Ricky Peprah
December 30, 2024
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