THE ABSOLUTE disregard for time, which has become part and parcel of most Ghanaians, especially people in authority, was manifested last Thursday at the Ministry of Defence in Burma camp as His Excellency, Vice President John Dramani Mahama left journalists, the Defence Minister, Lt. Gen. Joseph Henry Smith (rtd) and the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Maj. Gen. Peter Blay marooned at the mercy of the roasting sun.
Others who also had a feel of the drill included the Chief of Army Staff, Maj. Gen. Joseph Adinkrah, the Guard of Honour, the Navy band and some Service Chiefs.
The Vice President was scheduled to arrive and inspect a half Guard of Honour mounted by a detachment of the Ghana Navy at 14: 30 hours. He rather landed at 15: 38 hours in his sleek CDI Benz with just two State Protocol Department (SPD) vehicles and a lean motorcade.
While the Guard of Honour stood at ease in the scorching sun, the Minister and the other Military Chiefs were spotted receiving shelter very close to a wall.
However, respect for time and its very essence in the discharge of duties was among other things which led to the campaign for the national orientation programme to ensure that state officials are conscious of time management.
As Chairman of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) Council, Mr. Mahama was paying his first working visit to the Ministry and the General Headquarters.
Meanwhile, information gathered indicated that they would be discussing security matters bothering on the country.
Interestingly, pressmen who waited patiently till 5:10 pm to be briefed on proceedings at the said meeting between the Vice President and the military hierarchy did not yield any fruit. While no speech was delivered by Mr. Mahama, an apology to the media personnel for the time wasted was equally denied.
Therefore, with disappointments written all over their faces, they picked their journalistic accoutrements and marched straight home.
By Nathaniel Y.Yankson