Hit-and Run Minister Symptomatic of Bigger Problem in Ghanaian Society

On Thursday night the Deputy Upper East Regional Minister, Daniel Syme knocked down two people whilst driving, then promptly fled the scene without stopping to enquire as to the condition of the two victims.

The two, one Robert Abuley and a woman were riding a motorbike when the accident occurred. Robert Abuley, 37, subsequently died upon admission to the Intensive Care Unit of the Bolgatanga Hospital.

Interestingly, the minister claimed he thought he had hit donkeys, an assertion which infuriated the family of the deceased. More worrying, the Minister is still walking around two days after the incident, with the Police taking no action, not even inviting him in to give his statement.

Now I am no expert in law, but a human being has died and at the very least the police must conduct an investigation to ascertain the facts of the matter as they are. And knocking people down and fleeing the scene must surely be breaking the law.

Anyhow, this whole incident illustrates the disturbing mindset of some individuals in advanced positions in society, who feel that their position gives them a free pass towards the law.

Other than that why would this minister claim he felt he had hit donkeys, and expect people to just buy that story? He probably feels the family are lesser human beings who are probably worrying him over an unfortunate incident.

However as many people have mentioned, including the family of the victim, do donkeys ride motorcycles?

I see no reason why the ‘Honorable’ My Syne should be walking around a free man after a man died in an incident involving him at the wheel of a car. If this was an ‘ordinary’ Ghanaian, he’d be facing the full rigours of the law, probably detained in lockup and facing some very livid police officers.

However, a Deputy Minister is ‘above the law’ so nothing can be done with him.

Witnesses to the incident, including one Stanley Abopan, brother to the victim, claimed the minister was drunk at the time of the incident. Obviously, this is a very serious allegation that merits a thorough investigation.

The Police however, as with many Ghanaian institutions, feel some people are out of their reach. It is another of the many issues plaguing us in Ghana, were the powerful are given a certain reverence by the people who should stand up and protect the rights of everyone.

Even if the Police arrest Mr Syme today, that’s too long after the incident to serve as any kind of face saving action.

The law is the law, and should be applied equally to everyone. This whole situation paints an unfortunate picture and represents one of the many wrongs present in our society.