Chief Executive Officer of National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Dr. Bernard Okoe Boye, has expressed his reservations and directed a question towards the organizers of the #occupyjulorbihouse movement.
During a press interaction, he deliberated on the potential for adopting a more appropriate appellation for their campaign.
Dr. Boye argued that the process of naming should be undertaken with due diligence, given the profound significance of names and their associated connotations.
In his perspective, Dr. Boye highlighted the inherent significance of names, underscoring their implicit meanings and symbolism.
He pointed out the importance of exercising caution in selecting a name like ‘julorbi,’ as it translates to “thief” in the Ga language.
He contended that such a choice could inadvertently convey a negative message to both the Ga tribe and the broader community.
Furthermore, Dr. Boye underscored the significance of upholding Ghana’s rich customs and traditions.
He stressed the need for individuals to be mindful of their actions and their potential impacts on societal progress and well-being.
“People have the right to protest, but if the title of your protest is ‘julorbi’,it’s my language, you know the meaning of ‘julorbi’ in Ga? It means thief. Please we are a country of customs and norms, you are the one preaching advancement of society. You mean you couldn’t have had a different name occupyjulorbihouse,” he added.
The organizers of the #OccupyJulorBi House protest, known as The Democracy Hub, initiated the first protest from September 21 to September 23, 2023.
They have recently declared their plan to launch a second edition of the protest, scheduled to occur from December 1 to December 31, 2023, at Jubilee House.
The organization has expressed serious concerns about the current state of the nation under President Akufo-Addo’s leadership.
The Democracy Hub asserts that the President’s management of the country has been characterized by incompetence, a lack of integrity, the routine abuse of power, and greed.
They are particularly troubled by the persistent high levels of youth unemployment, economic mismanagement that has endangered the prospects of young people and pushed millions of Ghanaians into poverty.
They are also alarmed by declining press freedom, extrajudicial killings, and the slow progress in democratic reforms.