Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, the nominee for the position of Defence Minister, appeared before Parliament’s Appointments Committee on Tuesday, January 28, 2024. During the vetting process, he addressed a previous social media post concerning alleged encroachment on Ghana International School (GIS) lands in Cantonments, Accra. In his earlier post, Dr. Boamah had accused an unnamed businessman of illegally encroaching on the school’s land and implied the involvement of the then-ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) government. However, under questioning from the Appointments Committee, Dr. Boamah retracted his accusations, admitting that they lacked concrete evidence and that he should not have implicated the NPP without proof.
The Minority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, pressed Dr. Boamah for hard evidence to substantiate his initial claims. Dr. Boamah conceded that he had relied on circumstantial evidence and did not possess concrete proof at the time of his social media post. He acknowledged that his accusations were based on strong circumstantial evidence but admitted that this was insufficient to justify his public statements and the implication of the NPP. Mr. Afenyo-Markin advised Dr. Boamah to utilize the Right to Information (RTI) Law to gather verified information before making public accusations in the future. Surprisingly, Dr. Boamah admitted to not having read the RTI law, citing its limitations as a reason, though without elaborating on the specific limitations he perceived.
Dr. Boamah’s initial social media post had characterized the alleged encroachers as “liberal land looters” and condemned their audacity and disregard for moral integrity. He described the alleged encroachment as a “despicable practice” and questioned the moral compass and good judgment of those involved. He further broadened his criticism to address the wider issue of land misappropriation, highlighting how such practices negatively impact civil servants who are forced to commute long distances due to the sale of state lands under the guise of various policies. His initial post displayed a strong sense of outrage and concern about the potential loss of valuable land resources and the ethical implications of such actions.
The retraction of his claims by Dr. Boamah underscores the importance of verifying information before making public statements, especially on sensitive matters involving government entities and private individuals. His initial accusation, though made with seemingly good intentions, risked unjustly damaging the reputation of the accused businessman and the NPP. The incident serves as a reminder of the potential harm that can be caused by unsubstantiated accusations, particularly when amplified through social media. It highlights the need for public figures, especially those aspiring to high office, to exercise caution and responsibility in their public pronouncements.
This incident also emphasizes the importance of due process and the principle of presumption of innocence. Accusations, even if made with a belief in their veracity, should be substantiated with evidence before being made public. The use of social media as a platform for making serious accusations without proper verification can lead to misinformation and damage reputations unfairly. The RTI law, while not without its limitations, provides a mechanism for obtaining information from public institutions, which can be crucial in verifying claims before they are disseminated publicly.
Furthermore, Dr. Boamah’s admission of not having read the RTI law raises concerns about his preparedness for the role of Defence Minister. The RTI law is a significant piece of legislation that promotes transparency and accountability in government. A deep understanding of this law is essential for any public official, particularly one holding a position with such significant responsibilities as the Minister of Defence. This incident suggests a need for greater emphasis on educating public officials about the RTI law and other relevant legislation to ensure they are equipped to fulfill their duties effectively and responsibly. It also underscores the importance of ongoing learning and engagement with the legal framework governing public affairs.
