Features
The Prophet -2
‘I can see in the spirit, that some of you have been trading for years without seeing any meaningful profits, some young women have been disappointed by men who have either abandoned them and left for foreign lands and forgotten about them, or stopped sending money for the upkeep of their wives and children.
I can see young men who are desperate for visas to travel abroad but have either been duped by visa contractors or refused at the embassies. From tomorrow, I assure you, the visas will be given.
Young women, I have news for you. You will receive telephone calls, and you will hear very good news. Handsome young men with money in their pockets will come and marry you, and take care of you. Traders, you will get big business and big profits from today. From today, you will see that I am a true prophet who has come to deliver you.’
Shouts of ‘Amen,’ ‘thank you Prophet’ and ‘I receive it’ greeted his sermon. After a final prayer, he asked the congregation to come early the following day, and bring others, because there would be many testimonies.
There would also be ‘special anointing’ for great miracles. Although he did not ask for an offering, most of the people came and dropped notes, and coins at the ‘pulpit’. When they left, Antobam counted the money.
‘GH¢900!’ he almost shouted, ‘and I did not even ask for an offering. This is fantabulous!’ Going to the Nana Kofi Broni shrine, he told himself, was a very wise move.
He started making plans……He had to choose a few assistants who would carry out his orders……. He had to hire some chairs as soon as possible……He had to find a suitable piece of land and, if possible, build his own church……. He had to start looking for a nice car, befitting the status of a popular preacher …… And, most importantly, he had to select two, three or four nice, young women to take care of his needs, apart from the servants who would cook, wash, iron and do other errands for him.
Abruptly, he told himself, this hungry, scruffy Kukurantumi boy was being transformed into a man of power and money, with some of the most beautiful women in town at his beck and call. Wow!
After a shower and supper, he shut the door to the very small room that served as his bedroom and dropped on the bed. Almost immediately, the shrill sounds, like whispers, began.
This time he did not express any fears. He realised to his great surprise that even though the sounds were not in the form of any language, he could understand them.
Tomorrow there will be testimonies……they will give money…….some rich people are being prepared …….they will bring big money ………. we will give them what they want, and they will bring money ……. big money …….big, big money……the women will also come, a number of them. ‘
He went to sleep smiling and whispering to himself, ‘big, big money, and women!’
He woke up at 5 and took a shower. After a breakfast of tea and several slices of bread he set off. On reaching the venue he saw to his great surprise that the place was full.
Very full, and quite a number of people rushed to embrace him and give him the wonderful news. The excited people narrated the testimonies about big sales, telephone calls from relatives directing them to go to Western Union, and impotent husbands who had miraculously rediscovered their magic powers.
He was truly glad that Nana Kofi Broni’s magic had already started working, but most of his attention was focused on the ladies in the congregation. He noticed to his great delight that some of them were really nice. I must start making my selection, he told himself. Today!
‘Give a mighty clap offering to the great, mighty one for his wonders among us!’ he started, and the response was very big.
‘I said yesterday that you were going to see signs and wonders, and I am very happy that my word has been fulfilled. Even though we have taken allowed one hour for testimonies, many more of you would like to testify.
Tomorrow, I promise you that there will be ample time. I will only preach a short sermon. The rest of the time will be taken up by consultations, after which I will give directions on what to do to ensure that you defeat your enemies, secure your marriage and, most importantly, continue increasing your profits in your business’. His sermon was interspersed with ecstatic shouts of ‘Amen’, ‘it is true’, ‘God bless you’ and ‘I receive it’.
His final word was emphatic; ‘Big miracles are coming your way. Keep attending church, and don’t forget to give thanks to God’.
Features
The thin line between leadership and insanity
Introduction
Effective leadership is crucial for organisational success, yet the pressure to perform can push even the most capable leaders to the edge. The line between perseverance and insanity can become blurred, leading to detrimental consequences for individuals and organisations alike. This article explores the qualities that distinguish successful leaders from those who succumb to insanity, highlighting the importance of self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and adaptability.
The psychology of leadership
Research has identified key characteristics that differentiate effective leaders from those who struggle. Emotional intelligence, resilience, and visionary thinking are essential traits that enable leaders to inspire and motivate their teams. Conversely, leaders who lack self-awareness, empathy, and adaptability risk descending into insanity, perpetuating toxic work environments and undermining organisational performance.
The hallmarks of insanity in leadership
Leaders who exhibit insane or dysfunctional behaviour often display:
1. Narcissistic tendencies: Self-aggrandisement, lack of empathy, and exploitation.
2. Impulsivity: Spontaneous decisions, disregard for consequences.
3. Groupthink: Suppression of dissent, conformity over critical thinking.
4. Emotional instability: Mood swings, unpredictable behaviour.
The antidote to insanity: self-awareness and emotional intelligence
Leaders who recognise their limitations and biases are better equipped to lead effectively. Self-awareness enables leaders to:
1. Identify areas for personal growth and development.
2. Build strong relationships with team members.
3. Make informed, thoughtful decisions.
Emotional intelligence helps leaders navigate complex social dynamics, empathise with others, and manage conflict.
Navigating uncertainty: adaptability and resilience
Effective leaders adapt to changing circumstances, pivoting when necessary. Resilience enables leaders to bounce back from setbacks, maintaining focus on their vision.
Conclusion
Leadership and insanity are not mutually exclusive. Recognising the fine line between perseverance and insanity is crucial for leaders to avoid succumbing to dysfunctional behaviour. By cultivating self-awareness, emotional intelligence, adaptability, and resilience, leaders can navigate even the most challenging situations with clarity and purpose.
BY ROBERT EKOW GRIMMOND-THOMPSON
Features
Peace perfect peace
In this world, the most important thing is a peaceful environment in whatever endeavour you are engaged in.
Market women sell various items to the general public which plays a very important role in our socio-economic development. A visit to the ministries, will show civil servants going about their normal duties.
I believe people will go to church to worship God this Sunday and I believe others shall go to the Mosque on Friday to pray to Allah.
In the mornings, we will find people engaged in jogging as a way of exercising their bodies. All these activities cannot happen in a chaotic environment and therefore peace is essential in our everyday lives.
Peace, perfect peace, is therefore a requirement for the people in this country to go on with their lives.
I attended church service last Sunday, which was a day after elections. This would not have been possible in a chaotic environment.
I could go to church because there was peace in the immediate environs of the church and in Accra as a whole. I was given a role to play in church so Sunday was one of the memorable days in my life and I could not have experienced such a moment had peace not reigned after the elections last Saturday.
We need to congratulate ourselves as Ghanaians for going through yet another election where power has been or is being transferred from an incumbent party to the opposition party.
This is what is expected of us as Ghanaians, given our accommodating nature. The processes of our electoral system must be improved so that issues that gave ruse to pockets of disagreement at some polling stations and some collation centres will stop.
We should be thankful to God for a peaceful country after the elections. We must commend ourselves again for the generally peaceful post elections atmosphere and this must be sustained in subsequent elections so our credentials as democratic icon in Africa shall remain untainted.
The leadership of the various political parties must embark on serious educational drive to endure that their supporters recognise the need to maintain peace after elections. There has been reports of looting and disturbances in various places including government institutions. These must be frowned upon by all well-meaning Ghanaians.
We should not indulge in criminal acts and such incidents must be dealt with by the appropriate security agencies so the peace we all have enjoyed over the years shall be sustained.
There is a song in the Methodist Hymn Book which says Peace Perfect Peace In this Dark World of Sin … which is a reminder that we need peace because we are in a world of continuous turmoil.
We need to make a conscious effort to create a peaceful environment in our communities and by extension throughout the country. We should all realise that until Jesus comes, elections will take place every four years and is not something that should not allowed to divide us as a people and cause us to lose the peace we enjoy.
Let us all make up our minds that we shall never allow elections to divide us and create tension in our communities but will always strive for Peace, Perfect Peace.
BY LAUD KISSI-MENSAH
