Oliver Barker-Vormawor has addressed growing social media comparisons between Ato Essien and Frederick Kumi, popularly known as Abu Trica, following the resurfacing of Essien’s photos at a high-profile government event.
In a detailed post, the anti-curroption campainer urged Ghanaians to stop tagging him in the pictures and drawing parallels between the two men.
“Please, for the love of God. Can people stop tagging me in the picture of Ato Essien at the high-level Government event. And also stop comparing him to Abu Trica. The two cases are not the same,” he wrote.
He explained the distinction, noting that Essien “was only convicted of stealing Ghana money; not American money; and in fact he has been granted bail pending appeal for extreme ill health; as he was nearing death.”
In contrast, Barker-Vormawor described Abu Trica as “healthy and from Swedru. He hasn’t been charged with any offence yet.
But EOCO has explained that he is a notorious criminal even though he hasn’t been convicted. But how dare a Swedru boy steal from Americans.
Ghana cannot allow you to steal from America. Ah, we cannot allow you to do that, when Ghana money is there. Learn sense. Jail Abu Trica. He is from Swedru!”
Responding to critics who pointed out that Essien is also from Swedru, he added, “And those in my comment section saying that Ato Essien is also from Swedru, and so what? It’s like saying they are both Ghanaians. Is your Ghana his Ghana?”
The controversy comes after Essien was seen at the press conference marking the signing of an agreement between Cybele Energy and the Government of Guyana for oil exploration in South America.
He is the first African and the first Ghanaian to secure such a deal, highlighting a notable achievement despite his prior conviction.
