Fellow Accraists, I salute you in the name of our ancestors. It is the month of ‘Homowo’ and I’m proud to say things have been on the quiet, Agbonaa, where the sprinkling of the traditional meal, Kpokpoii’ (dried mashed corn missed with red oil and served with palmnut soup) took place. It was a colourful event, a clear departure from previous years when chaos had dominated the event. The feuding families had long smoked the symbolic peace-pipe, an important step for Saturday’s outcome. But more importantly, I had the peace of mind to enjoy the program. I had endured pain and anguish the previous weeks, with the hockey pitch saga. But thank God I’m now free, free at last. The phrase sounds sweet like a declaration of independence. People can kill you with their words in this country. So I’m happy to be out of the media spotlight, until such a time that my own stupidity gets the better part of me. I have been reading with pain and, sometimes excitement, the furore generated by a junior colleague in government-I mean the Deputy Minister of Communication, Victoria Hamma. She had incurred the wrath of the gods, for want of a better word. What the heck came over her to utter those words; “this is not the speech I edited.” Which mature person says such ludicrous thing at a public programme? Only her, I guess. Anyway, who was she trying to impress with that childish attitude? That’s what happens when immature people are appointed into positions. I’m not saying this because she’s a young woman, no. This government has some of the smartest young appointees who, I can bet my beard, will not exhibit such naïve tendencies. Honestly, I’m not the least surprised about her attitude. I saw her address party supporters during the campaign period and it was bizarre. She could not articulate a single idea to woo her constituents. It would have been sad if she had made into the parliament. Instead of putting out sound arguments like her then opponents, that sharp tongue lawyer, she resorted to personal attacks. Sick joke! It was pathetic. As a mayor of Accra and a loyal party member, I taught she displayed immaturity. To crown it all, she promised to build ‘Soobolo’ factory for the people once she secures the seat. Pathetic. I left the rally ground with eggs all over my face. While driving back home, I colleague from our party called me to find out how she secured the party’s nomination in the first place. It was very embarrassing. Is that the same NDC Jerry Rawlings laboured for? Is that the same party Professor Mills gave her life to? I’m still in shock. I hear she’s issued a statement accusing almost everyone but herself, of the Faux pas. She claimed those lambasting her are chauvinist, misogynic and ageist, and that the attacks on her were because she’s a woman. “I am glad to state that I am not alien to this development which is deeply rooted in chauvinist, misogynic, ageist and similar reactionary tendencies since entering public life. I will however not be distracted by such media assault in my duties as Deputy Minister of Communications.” What nonsense. Who said because you’re a woman and goofs nobody should talk about it? She needs some growing up to do. Public service is not like playing Chess. It’s a hard job. You don’t expect the public not to question your actions when is their money that is used to feed you. What has she done in life, anyway? Sad that those around her are not giving her any good counsel. She should shut up and stop being confrontational. Does she think the current post she occupies is for life? It’s just a passing phase. And no mature person will behave like that. Until next week, enjoy the filth. Yours faithfully, Mayor Abodwes3