By Napoleon Ato Kittoe
A little verbal exchange between the newly-appointed CEO of the Petroleum Commission, Victoria Emefa Hardcastle and the NPP MP for Nsawam-Adoagyiri, Frank Annoh-Dompreh has billowed out of their space to the entire map, even emitting beyond. Emefa, until her recent appointment, was in the obscure place despite the talk about her prowess as a legal practitioner soon as her new position was announced. Annoh-Dompreh as a lawmaker, somehow controversy-strewn, is however a familiar public face,
Reports say, the tensions arose over the issue of the phrase “micro-minority” ostensibly by the woman to a stiff-necked reaction by the man in this act.
This then sets off an imbroglio to a boiling point. First of all, a matter like this could not have traveled far in the period up to the mid-90s owing to the absence of a gadget like smart mobile phones, and the fewer numbers of close circuit television, CCTV. Now in place, people should be aware that privacy is reduced to the barest minimum given the several sources of footage.
Secondly, impulsive behavior that tends to be negative hardly gets the warm embrace of a society ready to pounce on such situations. Sometimes, we make “mountains out of molehills” if cases involve high profile personalities. In the example of Emefa versus Annoh-Dompreh, the location of the undiplomatic engagement was also sensitive. Vulgarity is barred in and around parliament houses and to its members irrespective of where they may be. That is why the parliamentarian is called “the honourable.”
It presupposes those conferred with the title of value and virtue must also live up to the initially unearned given accolades if we strictly go by the dictates of philosophy. Thanks to the digital communication age, the incident went virile. In many cases almost instantly, certain uncanny attitudes by some members of Parliament that gave sour tastes in our mouths.
Eye-witness accounts reveal that there was a cause and effect situation between the banterers in the case being tossed around in the court of public opinion with those acting in defence of Emefa saying the MP gave a cold-shoulder to the “micro-minority” utterance from Emefa thus, “I will deal with you in public.” The alleged statement we are told evoked an unsavoury word from her as tempers ran high and jumped out of the windows to yet another unplanned and unpleasant choreography in the full glare of the people, the umpteenth time it was. Gradually, the supposedly sacrosanct tower of State, the legislature, is being pulled down by acts not of the law but unrestrained behaviours on the location by persons who matter.
This was not the first time Annoh-Dompreh was caught in confrontation either for good or bad reasons.
Whilst trying to calm the tempers of a colleague MP on the floor of the House as a chief whip of the New Patriotic Party, he got a rude shock when K.T Hammond threw his hands at him, not much strength in that physical onslaught, but was symbolic of the boorish behavior that is taking shape. In another situation, Annoh Dompreh issued tough but civil words for the then political opposition when he granted an interview to the media in the heat of the power play between the Legislature and the Supreme Court in 2024. Again, he was in the news in the 7 December 2024 elections over a dispute in hisy constituency results. It is imperceptible as yet, whether Mr Dompreh is a victim of circumstances or he begets what he does. What looks visible on him is that he is tough, a trait that is not negative.
Madam Emefa Hardcastle on the other hand bears a name that is a picture-perfect oxymoron, a literary device where opposite words are knit together. “Emefa” in the Anlo language of Ghana means “it is cool.” The Hardcastle carries the weight of the literal meaning, a robustness. Castles are fortified estates and advertised as “hard” only accentuates that meaning, “hard-nut to crack.” It is almost like ice and fire conferred on an individual which only creates a sense of enigma. She was relatively unknown until her recent appointment.
Marching behind the two actors in the theatre’s are supporters rationalizing bits and pieces of the drama that is unfolding. However, it is reported that two senior MPs on the majority side have expressed misgivings about her alleged utterance and urged her to make amends.
In all these, what stands out for evaluation in the court of public opinion would perhaps be the meanings that lend themselves. Would people tag the whole affair as one more act of political arrogance and which side would get the tick on the tallies from the specific case between Emefa Hardcastlet and Frank Annoh-Dompreh? It is instructive to note that the 2024 elections in Ghana signed off MPs who exhibited unruly behaviors, and similarly the public has called out the bluff of top appointees whose work is outside that chamber.
African folklore makes the bold statement that if a conflict erupts between a man and his wife, and the woman is publicly adjudged to be wrong by adjutants, the marriage is over. In the matter of public affairs, even if a woman is wrong, a man can say sorry on her behalf. Then we move on. Ghanaian traditional culture is a two-way street invariably yoked by virtue.
Indeed, the devil has ways of misrepresenting people. It appears observing public affairs over a period in her quiet place, she did not like the attitude of some people and unconsciously built a latent feeling of resentment in her. It looks like the proximity gave her the opportunity to let go of what she felt about past situations in parliament. She was quick to say “did I mention your name?” That suggests she quickly buckled up. That withdrawal was significant. I don’t think that scene will ever be re-enacted.
To politicians, you must be shining examples of the good order befitting of the blanket reputation templates conferred on you. Indeed, all people, including myself, ought to be guided by the words of Benjamin Franklin. He said “anything that begins with anger ends in shame.”
Inspire others to do the right things as told of the American Polymath, Benjamin Franklin whose commitment to public service and creativity in his lifetime set new standards.
