Nii Ayikoi Otoo, a respected lawyer and former Attorney General, recently voiced his surprise and disappointment at the lack of ministerial appointments for individuals with his qualifications.
During an interview, he raised concerns about the underrepresentation of the Gas and Ewes, the indigenous people of the Greater Accra Region, in the government of President Akufo-Addo.
Ayikoi Otoo questioned the reasoning behind this disparity and pointed out that there are highly qualified individuals from the Ga and Ewe community who are more than capable of serving in government positions.
One of Ayikoi Otoo’s main points of contention was the issue of regional balance in appointments, as outlined in the Constitution. He criticized the limited representation of the Gas community, highlighting the fact that only two Ga women and two Ewe held ministerial positions, while other regions had a more substantial presence in the government. He questioned whether this was an accurate reflection of regional balance and fairness.
Ayikoi Otoo also expressed his concerns about the treatment of the Gas in terms of land allocation. He argued that successive governments had failed to develop areas outside of the capital, Accra, which had put immense pressure on the lands of the Ga people. He highlighted the difficulties faced by the Gas in finding burial space in their cemeteries, which were once exclusively reserved for their community. This loss of land and limited burial space further reinforced his belief that the indigenous people of the Greater Accra Region were not being treated fairly.
Furthermore, Ayikoi Otoo criticized the compulsory acquisition of land by the government. He mentioned notable examples such as the University of Ghana, Legon, and the expansive size of ministries and the Accra Airport. He argued that these development projects had encroached upon lands that belonged to individuals and communities, including the Gas. Ayikoi Otoo questioned whether adequate compensation and benefits were provided to those affected by these land acquisitions, particularly the indigenous communities.
Another point raised by Ayikoi Otoo was the resettlement of the people of Tema Manhean. He described how their lands were acquired by the government to establish the Tema Industrial Area, resulting in the displacement of the indigenous population. He highlighted the lack of benefit to the Gas community in terms of employment opportunities and other advantages that arose from these development projects.
Ayikoi Otoo concluded by emphasizing the need for special treatment and consideration for the Gas community and other marginalized groups. He called for a fair and equitable distribution of ministerial appointments, highlighting the importance of regional balance and inclusivity in government representation. Furthermore, he stressed the significance of respecting the rights of indigenous communities in land allocation and development initiatives.
The concerns raised by Nii Ayikoi Otoo reflect a broader issue of representation, fairness, and equitable development in Ghanaian politics and governance. They underscore the need for government officials to prioritize regional balance and ensure that marginalized communities are given opportunities to participate in decision-making processes. By addressing these concerns and striving for inclusivity, Ghana can take meaningful steps towards fostering unity and ensuring that all citizens have a fair chance to contribute to the nation’s development.