DR. KWAME AKUFO-ANOFF

I met the just fired or on leave GBC boss in 1994 upon my return from San are in the then Zabzugu-Tatale District in the Northern where i worked as a Teacher of life skills, Agricultural Science and Mathematics until the Konkomba-Nanumba, 'guinea fowl' conflict in February 1994. Upon my return to my new post at Nsawam, my Keteku, Accra-Newtown friend, Emmanuel Aboagye-Wiafe, then a news caster on GTV introduced me to Emmanuel Banafo (koliko) to help me take part in the then most watched TV series, Thursday TV Theatre. On that faithful Monday afternoon, I met koliko at the GBC gate. We went through formalities and entered. I was very happy that day because it was a personal encounter with 'TV stars', I remember Fred Amigo, Wakefield Akuoku, Kwame Sefa Kayi, Pusher, who I was asked to understudy,Diana Gbartey and a host of them. As we interacted, this dark, slim free flowing man came around. He was the Director of the group, Nyankonton Players. Members simply called him Juta. He appeared easy going that first day. Juta later hosted a reggae program on radio Gold if I remember correctly. Signing out, he usually will say; "this has been Kwame Anoff, son of Akufo". I also remember his love for the names Kunta Kinte and Sundiata. He at the time held that driving in Accra was so frustrating due to traffic jams it made more sense using public transport than driving. I wasn't and still I'm not sure of his political leaning but coming from Aburi and bearing a certain name, I can only conjecture that he may be red, white and blue. When the position of GBC Director General was advertised, my preferred candidate was a certain James Asante who I approached personally to contest but he declined because of his open affiliation to the NDC though he was very qualified. I understood his position because it was around the time NPP followers were complaining about the appointment to the NDC of Dr. Carl Margin. Then came the news of one Dr. Annor Akufo Now. I was not familiar with the names so I ignored until I read a"congratulations Juta....". I was happy for him but sad as well. Happy for him because he deserved and still deserves it because he is competent and experienced enough to deliver on any given job. His 'mehodist' attitude; 'if it must be done, it must be done well attitude' is unquestionable. Anyone in doubt can simply go back and watch plays he directed and his performances on the job in previous positions he held. Sad for him because I knew his personality is not made for a politically controlled and sensitive position like the GBC Director General. If you ask me, he is strong willed and a perfectionist who always wants the job executed in accordance with law. I was not surprised when he sought to push for the implementation of the TV licence Act. Our problem as a state is our inability to ensure strict enforcement of existing laws. One may ask why? Simple! Because there is lack of political will for fear of losing election. Appointment of dumb state officials who stay as stooges or empty or hollow minds. These appointees mostly do not have the 'balls' to act independently or outside the box. Some are simply clueless. My fear as an NDC member, when Kwame Anoff was appointed as GBC Director was a possible bias against my party. He was not bias. Fortunately, H. E. John Bahama did not intimidate him nor did any NDC appointee. His axing today has strengthened my love and respect for the NDC. A party that can and is able to work harmoniously with all Ghanaians whether they agree or disagree with the party. My position on the problem is that i am not surprised at all because this current government is mediocre one that do not believe in people who will put politics aside and do things right. The man Anoff may have been fired or has proceeded on leave but he has distinguished himself as a man with good intentions ready to apply existing laws for the good of the country. Dr. Kwame Akufo-Anoff (Annor Akufo Ntow) if that is also right, I wish you very well in the life ahead.