Former Chief Executive of the Ghana National Petroleum Authority (GNPC) , Mr. Tsatsu Tsikata, says much as the particular university a flagbearer attended should not be a matter of concern to anyone, the flagrant attempt by some people to hide verifiable facts about the New Patriotic Party�s Nana Akufo-Addo�s educational background leaves much to be desired.
�The fact that there is such a categorical rejection about a truth of the person rather gives course of concern. It raises issues about integrity because there is no reason why on such a simple matter we cannot get the truth from the person himself,� Mr. Tsikata said.
He was addressing issues raised by the Research and Advocacy Platform (RAP) about whether Nana Akufo-Addo�s attended the renowned Oxford University in the United Kingdom.
The Convener of the group, Felix Kwakye-Ofosu, says there is an attempt to keep under wraps the real reason why Nana Akfuo-Addo quit the Ivy League university.
According to Mr. Kwakye Ofosu, the NPP flagbearer has blotted out the period when he attended the Oxford University from his resume because questions are being raised as to whether he was kicked out for nonperformance or for misbehaving.
He questioned the basis of Nana Addo�s proclamation that he is not corrupt and will never be corrupt, when he has not made public the reason why he left the school of such high repute.
Much ado about nothing � Arthur Kennedy
The Campaign Manager of the NPP flagbearer in 2008, Dr. Arthur Kobina Kennedy, however believes the focus on Nana Addo�s educational background is diversionary and dubious.
He said: �I think all these talk about which institution this person went [to] is a little bit of a red herring. There is nobody in Ghana who doubts the fact that Nana Akufo-Addo is a lawyer. He went to university, he went to law school; he is an accomplished lawyer.�
He argued: �I think we should focus this campaign on what people can do for the country rather than their problems. We should not waste time discussing the possible failures in an individual�s resume.�
Dr. Kennedy stated that the political parties must begin to examine the issues that matter to the common Ghanaian in every part of the country instead of the side issues.
Asked whether he could confirm whether Nana Addo went to Oxford University, Dr. Arthur Kennedy said �I do not know because I have not looked at his resume; but frankly, I think that it doesn�t make any difference to me and it shouldn�t make any difference to any Ghanaian.�
He said Nana Addo is qualified for the presidency and therefore people should not take heed to all the �unnecessary� issues. He said it is not exactly relevant for an individual to indicate in his resume that he went to an Ivy league university such as Oxford University, saying �let�s get serious.�
�Let�s move on to real issues. We like side issues, that is why our country is not moving forward,� he said, adding Nana Addo went through Parliament�s Appointment Committee before becoming a Minister in the erstwhile Kufuor administration and that should put the matter to rest.
Nana Addo�s Integrity at stake � Tsikata
But Mr. Tsikata, an alumnus of the Oxford University who completed a BCL Master degree (Law) in 1971 said Nana Addo must address the concerns raised immediately as it borders on integrity.
�Whether he went to Oxford or not may not itself be the main issue now but the issue of integrity as to why it is something that should be denied when it is a fact that is verifiable from the records of the university, I don�t understand that frankly. That is a puzzle to me.�
Asked if it was normal to leave out a fact such as attending a reputable school like the Oxford University, Mr. Tsikata said �of course it�s not normal. It�s not normal, why he would leave it out and I really cannot understand why.�
He said what even worsens the matter is the fact that some members of the NPP communication team are making categorical statements that Nana Addo did not attend the Oxford University. According to Mr. Tsikata, those making such statements are rather linking his father to the university, a situation he contends is impossible.
�The truth of the matter is that, in the period where for instance people have obtained, through the Freedom of Information Act confirmation that Nana Akufo-Addo was in Oxford, in that period his father was the Chief Justice of the Republic of Ghana, so it�s not possible that it was his father about whom they are talking. It must be about him,� he argued.
He said Ghanaians must be concerned about the matter particularly if there is any indication that someone who wants to be president of the nation is covering up a truth about himself.
Source: radioxyzonline.com
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How can somebody who calls him self a lawyer speak Like that.am not surprised that is why this country has been Where it is now. Am shocked are u going to lead a mutiny said person
If Rawlings( the murderer of my uncles and aunts and destroyer of Ghana) who never passed O'level could rule Ghana for 19 years and had people like Tsatsu in government, then what use is Tsatsu Tsikata for attending Oxford.He wasted the resources of his parents, Ghana who sponsored his education in Oxford, his brain and time for attending Oxford University. What Ghana profited from sponsoring Tsatsu in Oxford Unvirsity was to come and steal Ghana money. What use is he to Ghana for attending Oxford? An intellectual indeed. He's lowered his brain to the level of a JSS gradute like Kwakye-Ofosu another JSS graduate who is confused who his real father his.
What is wrong if someone wants to know the truth about the president of this nation?
Tsatsu Tsikata and Ofosu Kwakye wants to mislead the public so that when the Special Prosecutor starts to bring them to light they will simply say witch hunting. A cowboy film Actor was President of the world. Reagan of USA. Keep your mouths shout. Nana Addo is God's choosen for Ghana. All the evil corrupts will be jailed.
Why don't you start going to the law school yourself and stop waisting precious time on this your cacophonous research on distinguished Nana Akufo Addo? You are disfiguring your own image on fruitless researc.
But why the insults? If someone claims an achievement which people want to know, why do you insult? Ghana will remain like this if we continue opening your foul mouths at 360 degrees on people.
Tsikata.is hypocrite. Why didn't he ask Nana. when both were handling cases in court together!
What qualification does Rawlings have? Even that you are fine with him. With just "O" level certificate, he ruled Ghana for 19 years. You Ofosu kwakye what qualification do you have?
Ofosu this is your course mate from legon. Please you are a disgrace to us so take care.
Nana has no concern to address. The Osagyefo Barge you took from Bulkan Energy Ghana and did not make good use of it tell Ghanaian the status of that power plant