Ayisi-Boateng must be sacked! – Dr Kobby Mensah

Social commentator and lecturer at the University of Ghana Business says despite the apology by Ghana’s High Commissioner to South Africa, he must be relieved of his duties.

Dr Kobby Mensah says the comment sets a bad precedence because Ghanaians in South Africa will have to turn to other foreign embassies for assistance because they will not have faith in their own Commissioner.

Speaking on Joy FM’s Ghana Connect programme Friday, the tough talking lecturer said government is setting a bad example that it cannot defend its own people.

“If South African’s start maltreating Ghanaians,  will our [government] have the courage to stand by them?” he questioned.

Mr Ayisi-Boateng came under public criticism after declaring that he will prioritise members of the NPP in his dealings because they are the reason he got the job.

The comments were condemned as undiplomatic, and calls for his resignation keep increasing despite his public apology.

Some Ghanaians in South Africa have reportedly accepted the apology by George Ayisi-Boateng.

The Association of Ghanaian Citizens in South Africa said although it believes Mr Ayisi-Boateng may subconsciously prioritise members of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) in his dealings, they are ready to meet with him on the way forward.

Initially, the Association expressed concern over the comments, fearing non-NPP members will not be treated fairly.

However, Chairman of the Association, Ellis Ayayee, is hoping the Association can reach a compromise on how members can receive a fair treatment.

But the Minority in Parliament maintains it wants Ayisi-Boateng to resign over  his “shameful utterances.”

The opposition lawmakers in a statement Thursday said the top diplomat has demonstrated by his actions that he lacks the right temperament to represent Ghanaians in a foreign country.

Adding his voice to those calling for the head of the High Commissioner, Dr Kobby Mensah said considering the xenophobic tendencies in South Africa, Ghanaians there will feel threatened if they do not possess an NPP membership. 

He recounted his fears during the time of Gordon Brown's utterances of 'Bristish jobs for Bristish people' during the credit crunch which made a lot of non-Brits uncomfortable. 

"I don't think for a minute this man made a mistake. That is exactly his thinking faculty and that is what he would do when he gets the opportunity," he said. 

He added that considering how long it took the High Commissioner to apologise, he was only being insincere.

"The NPP people should not be happy because he will consider his family first and cronies before them." 

 

  

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