Nitiwul’s remarks on AMA relocation exercise unfortunate – Anatu Bogobiri Esq

The Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Anatu Anne Seidu Bogobiri Esq. has criticized former Defence Minister Dominic Nitiwul over comments he made about an Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) relocation exercise involving members of the Konkomba community.

In a statement, Madam Bogobiri said the former minister’s remarks could introduce an ethnic dimension into what she described as a city management exercise and urged public officials to exercise caution in their commentary.

“I have watched a video in circulation in which former Minister for Defence, Hon. Dominic Nitiwul, addresses a relocation exercise by the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) affecting some of our brothers and sisters from the Konkomba community.”

She said the tone of Nitiwul’s remarks was concerning, particularly given his experience as a former Minister of State.

“With respect, the tone and framing of the remarks are unfortunate and do not reflect the circumspection expected of a former Minister of State, particularly one who has held the sensitive portfolio of Defence.”

Madam Bogobiri warned that commentary touching on ethnic groups must be handled carefully to avoid tensions.

“At a time when Accra remains a cosmopolitan home for all Ghanaians, public commentary on an exercise that affects any ethnic group must be handled with utmost care.”

She added that remarks that appear to give an ethnic character to city-management decisions could heighten tensions.

“Remarks that appear to introduce an ethnic dimension to a city management exercise have the potential to heighten tension and be misinterpreted, which is not in the interest of our national cohesion.”

Her comments come against the backdrop of the AMA’s efforts to reorganize trading activities and redevelop parts of Agbogbloshie.

In August, the Assembly maintained a one-month ultimatum for occupants of areas including the Agbogbloshie Cargo Station, Nzema Market and parts of the Konkomba Yam Market to vacate land earmarked for a proposed 24-hour economy market.

The AMA said it had engaged affected traders over the planned relocation, while traders expressed concerns about the impact on their livelihoods.

Madam Bogobiri said there were more constructive ways for political leaders to support affected persons, including engaging the AMA on humane relocation arrangements and advocating economic opportunities.

“There were more constructive ways to advocate for the affected persons. For instance, the occasion could have been used to appeal to the AMA for humane and orderly relocation processes, and to lobby for economic opportunities for them, including priority consideration in the 24-hour economy markets initiative and other livelihood support programmes.”

She acknowledged Nitiwul’s desire to support members of his community but urged that such advocacy should promote unity and stability.

She ultimately called on current and former public officials to use their positions to promote national cohesion.