Some have questioned what Madam Tangoba Abayage, former Upper East Regional Minister said about Atimbila which is wrong and warrants an apology. This has brought the need for this editorial to explain the import and implication of her distasteful comments about Atimbila.

If you watch the video (as some people have been saying), you will see that two questions were asked. One: what did you do for the creative industry in the upper east region. Two: what became of your relation with Atimbila. The former regional minister answered only one question. I heard only an answer to one question. She had done nothing for the creative industry in the region, or if she did, she did not say, which begs the question of why she chose to speak only on Atimbila.

In the interview, she admits that ‘these are not things we should be talking about ‘ and went ahead to talk about them anyway. Certain things are meant for public consumption, and others are not for public consumption. How she spoke about Atimbila was not good, for instance; ‘how can you call me and say you’re drunk and in the hospital, and you need help? Who does that?’ If this sentence doesn’t sound insensitive, I don’t know what else is. If you want the best for him, would you rather not meet him in person and tell him? Would you instead go on the radio to talk about it? Yes, it is true, water doesn’t run the other way, but water can also be carried the other way. Did you check to know if it was true or not? If someone calls you and says it is Atimbila (and you suspect a scam), can’t you ask to speak directly with him? Should you go to the radio station to find out about it? It was true that Atimbila was in the hospital when he asked someone to call her for help. Is it wrong to ask for help?

Moreover, can you imagine his mental health if he hears and sees what she said about him? People have committed suicide for more minor things. Sometimes, we look at the surface so much that we forget there are deep wells underneath. I hope that what was supposed to be demeaning to him turns out to be what makes him a better person.

The other aspect was the condescending host trying to conceptualise and twist the points to whatever end; I have no idea. It comes off as a setup designed to undermine and demean the artist. Don’t stand on the fence. Stand up for Atimbila.

Madam Tangoba Abayage should apologise to Atimbila.