The Minority Leader in Parliament, Mr. Alexander Afenyo-Markin yesterday subjected President John Dramani Mahama’s Minister-designate for Communications, Digital Technology and Innovation to diligent scrutiny over various allegations he made against top public officials.
Sam Nartey George was subjected to strict proof on some accusations and incendiary attacks on Ghana’s Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo, former President Nana Akufo-Addo and former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia as well as his views on the highly controversial anti-Gay Bill.
He was under fire for more than three hours as he was grilled by the Minority Leader Afenyo-Markin to substantiate his claims on Facebook and various radio and TV stations.
Mr Sam George had claimed that the Chief Justice had engaged in ‘judicial thuggery’, among others for supposedly delaying a ruling on the anti-Gay bill case that had been brought before the Supreme Court by some citizens of Ghana.
“There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that the current Chief Justice is engaged in judicial thuggery and poses an existential threat to the dispensation of justice in an equitable, fair, and just manner. Such partisan behaviour at the apex of our judiciary must not be entertained and must be condemned with all the force reasonable people can muster. Judicial gangsterism is a precursor for the breakdown in the dispensation of justice and the doctrine of the rule of law,” Sam George posted on his Facebook page.
Even though he could not prove how the Chief Justice delayed the ruling when the Minority Leader and the Ranking Member on the Appointments Committee, Mr. Afenyo-Markin questioned him, the ministerial nominee insisted he still stood by what he said about the Chief Justice.
Allegations against Akufo-Addo
Mr. Sam George who is also the Member of Parliament (MP) Ningo/Prampram had claim that former President Nana Akufo-Addo was complicit and a beneficiary of illegal mining activities popularly known as ‘galamsey’ and was indeed complicit in the menace.
However, when he was again subjected to strict proof, the nominee failed to provide evidence but that because then President Akufo-Addo had put his presidency on the line to fight the galamsey, he must be complicit and also held responsible for some members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) engaging in the galamsey activities.
When Mr. Afenyo-Markin asked Sam George if President Mahama should be held responsible and complicit should any member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) be engaged in galamsey activities, the nominee said “No because President Mahama did not put his presidency on the line to fight galamsey.”
The MP for Ningo/Prampram also failed to prove his allegations that President Akufo-Addo looted the public purse instead of protecting it.
Looting
Mr. Sam George had also claimed on his Facebook page that officials of Akufo-Addo administration had looted state resources and that such individuals should not be allowed to flee the country.
Consequently, Mr. Afenyo-Markin asked the nominee to read out a document of his own post Facebook, which he complied saying, “Dear Comrades, take positions at the airports and land borders. None of those who have raped our nation’s resources should be allowed to skip town. Those who have stolen the public purse Must be made to account for every pesewa. Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL) must swing into full action. For our children. For our nation. Let’s go! (With a lion emoji. A Ghana flag. And a fire emoji.).”
Again, Mr. Sam George could not provide evidence of those he claimed “raped” the nation’s resources and “stolen the public purse.”
Anti-Gay Bill
Mr. Sam George has vowed to resume his advocacy against homosexuality by pursuing the anti-gay bill in the 9th Parliament.
He reaffirmed his strong stance against LGBTQ+ activities, stating that the bill is necessary to uphold Ghanaian cultural values and societal norms.
The nominee insisted that the bill’s reintroduction is in line with the will of the Ghanaian people.
“This is a matter of principle and national interest. The anti-gay bill is not about discrimination but about preserving our moral and cultural values as a country,” he stated.
He further argued that while Ghana remains committed to human rights, certain practices are not in line with the country’s traditions and beliefs.
Mr. Sam George expressed confidence that the bill, once reintroduced, would receive broad support from both Parliament and the general public.
“The people of Ghana have spoken clearly on this issue, and as their representative, I will ensure that their voice is heard,” he added.
Mr Sam George also dismissed concerns from international bodies regarding the bill, asserting that Ghana has the right to determine its laws without external interference.
He pledged to work closely with Parliament and relevant stakeholders to ensure the bill’s passage, reinforcing his dedication to safeguarding Ghanaian societal values.
Mr Sam George was the lead campaigner among a group of MPs who pushed the anti-gay bill as private members, but the bill did not see the light of day.
This was because former President Akufo-Addo could not assent to it due to some legal challenges at the Supreme Court.