As a human rights advocate and a believer in justice, I have taken a serious interest in the mounting protests over the government's inability to pay the allowances of Nation Builders Corps recipients (NABCO).
I have listened to the concerns of the affected beneficiaries, as well as the government's reaction and explanations by party communicators on different media platforms addressing the substantive problem, with fair attention.
Following a thorough examination of all pertinent concerns, I believe that, while we recognize the country's present economic problems, it is demoralizing and unjust for the current crop of NABCO recipients to be denied their due after months of service to the country.
It is, indeed, an act of utter insensitivity to subject hardworking employees to the type of disappointment that NABCO recipients are experiencing.
This is completely wrong, and as a firm believer in equitable and humane treatment for all, I see it as a flagrant breach of the recipients' rights.
It is worth noting, however, that President Akufo-Addo has boosted his personnel at the Presidency at a time when the government is lamenting a lack of cash to cover its expanding expenditure.
A close review of the present staffing in the White House reveals duplication of jobs and the formation of portfolios, which appear to be a reward system for adherents to the party.
We have looked with scorn at the massive quantities of money that have been expended for the construction of the National Cathedral, despite the scarcity of resources.
Aside from the fact that the GHS25 million figure has yet to be authorized by Parliament, the notion of a National Cathedral should not even be considered a priority in the current economic climate.
What good is an ostensibly national temple of worship if citizens are not compensated for their labor?
Is it the government's belief that God will be pleased with a structure built in His name while His people are hungry after toiling and breaking their backs for their country?
In light of the government's failure to deal decisively with the outstanding arrears owed the NABCO beneficiaries, I would like to use this platform to urge President Akufo-Addo and relevant state agencies to take immediate steps to pay in full all monies owed the teeming beneficiaries who continue to toil for the country on an empty stomach.
At a time when the threat of terrorism in the region is strong, it is a lack of discretion and sound judgment on the part of the government to enable its young people to be drawn in by the enticements of terrorist groups by refusing to pay them what they are owed.
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