Food Poisoning in Ghana: A system failure?

To Whom It May Concern—By Dangaata 

DANGAATA 

I listened to an audio in circulation on various platforms, bearing the voice of the SRC General Secretary, Nambe Patrick, in which he sought to douse the inferno directed at the SRC by agitated students who are justifiably enraged by what has now become clear as incompetence on the part of the SRC. 

I find it disappointing, and utterly shameful, that the SRC at this crucial moment is going about soliciting for ideas and views on how to go about the challenge we're faced with as students. Imagine President Akufo Addo asking Ghanaians how to go about the Covid-19 threats to our national life. In times of crisis, leadership matter. And any leader that is dazed by what’s happening at a particular point is simply bereft of ideas, hence, deserve not to be in that position.

In the audio, Honourable Nambe, sounded frustrated by the trove of complaints and criticism they are receiving, as he acknowledged. The least they should do now, is to show any sign of frustration, for they have no idea the angst and psychological turbulence students had to bear in the past month. What he, and the entire SRC leadership should be doing now, as leaders, is to sympathise with the student body, not the seemingly strong man posture he exhibited in the audio.

I am not against soliciting for views of students. Neither am I discouraging dialogue between the SRC and the student body in making decisions about students. What the SRC has been doing since its election into office, I have observed, has been chasing ghosts. They are too busy doing everything but achieving nothing. They hardly come forth as leadership require in times on need to solve real problems pertaining students. 

Take the President, Joseph Agbezuke’s flagship campaign promise to absolve students from the infamous re-take policy for instance – what’s the status now? He literally rode on that promise to win that election, but did next to nothing to have it withdrawn as promised. Then came other situations which required SRC intervention, but zilch. It is now clear, that what GIJ have, are mere position occupants obsessed with titular prestige; not leaders. Our set of ‘leaders’ are only prudent in reckless spending of monies and awarding shadowy contracts to cronies. That’s where you see enthusiasm in its truest sense.

The posture of the SRC on this E-Learning matter smacks of chronic impotence and palpable incompetence. We need an SRC that can rise to the occasion and act decisively with the interest of student, paramount. An SRC that speaks and defend the rights and interests of students, not stooges of the management that has proven inconsiderate and insensitive to the suffering of students. We need a leadership that cannot be bullied into inertia. A leadership that is capable, and fearless in defending the interest of students without a second thought. 

My mouth has fallen!! 

*Dangaata*°