Features

A dilemma called Ghana (Part 1)

Just after midnight on March 6, 1957, a nation was inspired to take its destiny into its own hands. A nation was given hope of becoming great by managing its own affairs. Today, that nation is not only in a dilemma; that nation is a dilemma.

Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah set out to lead six million or so Ghanaians at the time to a future of self-sufficiency and wealth. He embarked on providing infrastructure for education, manufacturing, health, transport, agriculture and many more.

Many secondary schools were built, roads constructed, industries set up and an agricultural brigade put in place. State farms were established, and Tema and Takoradi ports were built to facilitate trade. A national shipping line was set up and named the Black Star Line.

To give impetus to the industrial revolution, Nkrumah built the hydropower station known as the Volta Dam at Akosombo to provide cheap electricity for the industries. Tema was billed to spearhead this industrial revolution. Many factories sprang up in Tema, providing jobs for thousands of people.

The Volta Aluminium Company (VALCO) was the leader in this endeavour, followed by textile mills, the State Fishing Company, steel works and many others. Tema itself was zoned and built as a modern city with all the amenities befitting its status. The 19-mile Accra-Tema Motorway was constructed as a fast traffic route between Tema and the capital.

A national airline, known as Ghana Airways, was also established to participate in the global aviation industry. Flying the national flag, Ghana Airways was very popular with travelers in the West African subregion and beyond. Indeed, Nkrumah’s dream for this country knew no bounds.

He strengthened the Civil Service bequeathed to his government by the colonialists and made it more efficient and professional. To engender national cohesion devoid of class and tribalism, the government policy was for more boarding secondary schools to accommodate students from all over the country studying together. I recollect when I entered Zion College (Zico) in 1967, I met students from Nigeria, Togo, Cameroon, Liberia and from almost all regions of Ghana.

It was for Ghana’s technological advancement that the University of Science and Technology (now KNUST) was established in Kumasi and the University College of Cape Coast (now University of Cape Coast) to train professional graduate teachers for the secondary schools. Teacher training colleges were opened in almost all the regions.

With a vision for future scientific advancement, Nkrumah decided to build an atomic plant which could serve the nation’s energy needs and also spearhead research activities.

Ghana produced tyres from the Bonsa Tyre Factory, matches at Kade, transistor radios, called Akasanoma, in Tema, jute bags in Kumasi, and glass at Aboso. Juapong produced gray baft for the textile mills in Tema, especially the Ghana Textile Printing Company (GTP). Oil palm plantations sprang up in Benso, Kwamoso and other places. A brand of vehicles called Boafo was assembled in this country.

This country became so attractive globally that many Africans in the Diaspora claimed to be Ghanaians. And many African countries started clamouring for independence. The torch of independence, lit by Nkrumah, was burning across sub Saharan Africa. “Ablode gbarzaa” was the refrain in Keta, where I was a five-year-old, precosious and notoriously inquisitive boy in kindergarten at the time.

Ghana was on a roll until attempts were made to take Nkrumah out by both internal and external forces. Assassination attempts were made on him, bombs were thrown at him. The imperialist forces branded him a Communist, a vermin to Western interests that must be eliminated at all costs. Western interests began strangling Ghana’s economy, thus creating disaffection to the government.

Nkrumah was in a bind, trying to figure out how to get the country out of economic strangulation. Prices of commodities began rising and life was becoming difficult for the citizens. And the political opposition was making capital out of it all.

Then, on Thursday, February 24, 1966, the military and police announced the overthrow of the government. Nkrumah himself was out of the country on a peace mission to Hanoi. The reason given for the coup d’etat was that the Osagyefo had lost control of the economy and things were difficult for Ghanaians. A National Liberation Council comprising high-ranking soldiers and police was formed to run the country.

Like almost all politicians, Nkrumah ignored advice not to travel. An astrologer, psychic and herbalist, Mr. E.S. Fia Demanya, told Nkrumah that if he traveled, he would not set foot on Ghanaian soil again. Nkrumah did not believe this. The rest is history, as the saying goes. I do not yet know why politicians believe only in themselves and brush aside sound advice.

Meanwhile, Ghanaians, not used to hardship, poured into the streets to jubilate at the overthrow of Nkrumah. He was called names as if he was the devil incarnate. The junta that took power paraded some Nkrumah appointees through the streets locked up in a cage like zoo animals.

It has been said that the American CIA was behind Nkrumah’s overthrow. If this were indeed true, what did the men in uniform benefit from it? Cash inducement to sell one’s country to the West? I think they were the very people trained to protect and defend the territorial integrity of the land. As soldiers, they could be pardoned for not being politicians, but as senior officers who took courses to earn their promotions, they should have some intellectual capacity to discern what the Americans were asking them to do. The big picture was lost on them.

Today, almost six decades later, the only thing Ghanaians say with any semblance of pride is that we were the first country south of the Sahara to gain independence. Nothing else. Nkrumah said we preferred self-government in danger to servitude in tranquility. As I write, I am told our central bank is under the supervision of someone from Kenya on the orders of the IMF/World Bank. Even in servitude, there is no tranquility.

Almost six decades on , is Ghana better than it was before the Osagyefo was overthrown? Where are the industries, the state farms, and the boarding schools? Where is Ghana Airways? Do we still have the Black Star Line? The machines to kickstart Ghana’s atomic project were taken away by the Americans. The Accra-Tena Motorway is an apology. Tema has lost its shine.

Nkrumah himself was declared persona non grata and it was illegal to display any portrait of him. His political party, the Convention People’s Party, was proscribed and declared an illegal organization.

I am told there is an American military detachment based in this country today. Word has it that our own Commander-in-Chief is barred from visiting the site. Is that how much we have debased our sovereignty as a nation? I need answers.

Writer’s email address:

akofa45@yahoo.com

By Dr. Akofa K. Segbefia

Features

The increasing entrepreneurship among the Ghanaian diaspora in Finland

It seems more Ghanaian migrants in Finland are going into entrepreneurship or self-employment, and today I focus on the increasing economic activities of some people in the Ghanaian migrant community.

This is important because it shows the positive side of some Ghanaian individual migrants or groups (or their companies) who are accomplishing or trying to accomplish much for their wellbeing in Finland.

Some time ago, I wrote on the same topic, and today, I continue on that tangent but with a closer look on the expanding entrepreneurial endeavours among Ghanaian migrants in Finland. In this write up, I concentrate on the rise of business ventures that Ghanaian migrants in Finland usually engage in as part of their economic activities in Finland.

Such ventures include hair salons or barbering shops, grocery shops or shop keeping generally, etc. which are operated in some Finnish cities, especially in the Helsinki capital area (such as Espoo, Helsinki, and Vantaa).

Existing research studies show that migrants may start their own companies based on their entrepreneurial aspirations and/or necessity as it may be difficult for them to find suitable jobs matching their education. Other studies point out that migrant entrepreneurs also create their own jobs and tend to employ other migrants if the business is successful, thus helping to reduce the unemployment burden in the host country. Whatever the case, I think both scenarios go well with Ghanaian migrants in Finland.

Hair salons and barbering shops

I previously wrote that barbering shops and salons are becoming increasingly popular and are patronised by other Ghanaian or African migrants in Finland, especially women. Recent new barbering shops and hairdressing salons opened by Ghanaian and other African migrants to add to the number of existing ones attests to this point. Other Ghanaian/African migrant entrepreneurs are into African clothing shops or dress-making/fashion industry. The artefacts or clothing shops usually sell fabrics brought from Ghana and other parts of Africa.

Aside this, some Ghanaians have established cleaning companies or a business in housing apartment rentals.

Shop keeping and African foodstuffs

Ghanaian migrants/entrepreneurs living in Finland are involved in shop keeping (or buying and selling) ventures.

There are also African restaurants that serve African dishes. The cooking and serving of “Ghanaian food” is encouraged at events organised by Ghanaian groups and individuals. It is therefore not surprising that the dishes sold in restaurants are highly patronised too.

The selling of Ghanaian or African food and artefacts has been common among the Ghanaian migrants in Finland. One can easily buy Ghanaian foodstuffs such as yams, garri, and others imported from Ghana and other African countries. I think this could make things easier should anyone set up a Ghanaian/African restaurant.

The IT sector/Online business

The information technology (IT) sector is another area that is gaining interest among the Ghanaian migrant entrepreneurs. Many potential entrepreneurs are considering going into the IT start-ups and entrepreneurship.

I do not have much information about what the situation is but I would not be surprised to hear one day that some of them have actually taken off and are doing well. It could also be that some businesses are mostly going to operate online.

As I mentioned some time ago, many Ghanaian migrants in Finland have acquired more expertise and resources (academically, economically, technically, technologically, etc.), and the IT sector looks to be very promising for venturing into entrepreneurship.

Other African migrants may currently be operating or have previously owned media (including videography) or newspaper/magazine outlets, particularly in the capital city of Helsinki.

Opportunities for integration

These days the question whether the business opportunities is a positive sign of integration of Ghanaian migrants in Finland keeps coming to my mind.

Could it also offer opportunities for them to team up with Finnish companies for business and investment opportunities either in Ghana or in Finland? Maybe!

As I keep pointing out, Finland encourages migrants’ participation in the planning of issues concerning the migrants themselves as one of the efficient ways to improve their inclusion in the Finnish society.

There is an enabling environment created within the Finnish business and entrepreneurship sector for people who are business-minded, including migrants. Thank you!

perpetual.crentsil@yahoo. com

By Perpetual Crentsil

Features

The Prophet part 9

Antubam followed her. She indicated for him to sit down. She was about to call Mary when she emerged from the hall, followed by Suzzie.

“It’s good you are both here,” she said. “There’s something I need to tell all three of you. Mr Antubam, I will not waste time on your so-called interest in me, because you and I are two very different people with absolutely nothing in common. The main point I want to make now is that your so-called church is nothing but a fraud with which you are deceiving people who may be ignorant today, but are still precious in God’s sight.

Apart from deceiving them and enriching yourself, you are using God’s name to commit fraud. Today you may be enjoying money, food, alcohol and women, but you will certainly pay a high price for it, unless of course you are willing to repent now. My concern is for my two sisters.

I am demanding that they cut all links with you, now. No visits to your home or church, and no telephone calls. I have told them to give you back every penny you have given them. I am prepared to find money to pay whatever they owe you. That is all I have to say.”

Antubam rose, furious, and pointed his finger at her.

“Let me warn you, Betty. Yes, I am interested in you, and I am ready to take care of all your needs, even to rent a house and buy a car for you. But I will not allow you to insult me. You better withdraw those words you have used against me now, or I will deal with you very soon.”

“Don’t make me laugh, Antubam. You? Deal with me? Why don’t you deal with me now? You have to wait till you go to the shrine and beg the fetish priest to deal with me? See how miserable you are? I dare you! Leave my house now, and go to that miserable fetish priest and get him to rain down all his powers on me!”

“You will see!” Antubam declared as he moved towards his car. He hesitated for a moment to see if Mary and Suzzie would walk him to the car, but noticing that they were firmly glued to their seats he got in the car and drove home.

He got out of the car and went straight to the drinks cupboard, poured himself a full glass of whisky and gulped down half of it. He sat down and called his batman, Kofi Takyi.

“Which two women did you call today?”

“Aggie, one of the new members is in. She is having supper in the guest room. Priscilla will be coming around 9pm.”

“Good work, Kofi. Now, get me my food.” After wolfing down the fufu and light soup, he gulped down the other half of the whisky and stretched out on the sofa and began a smooth, rhythmic snore. Priscilla entered, walked over and, shaking her head, strolled to the bedroom.

Betty came from the shower to find the two friends still glued to their seats.

“Well? Aren’t you two going to say anything?”

“I have something to say,” Mary said. “I don’t understand you, Betty. You want us to cut all links with Antubam, and to refund all the money he has given us. Now, when we do that, do we come back here tomorrow, sit and stare at the sky and hope and pray that our holy sister (Betty) will bring us manna to eat?”

“Such a stupid statement must not come from you, Mary. What happened to your WASSCE qualifications and your intelligence? Here’s some free advice. Get on the internet. Submit applications for university admission. I am prepared to pay for the two of you. And from tomorrow, start studying the Bible seriously, with the intention of doing what it says. I assure you, there are solutions in the Bible for every problem you face today, and will face tomorrow. All you need, Mary, is to use your God-given intelligence. How could you stoop so low as to take money from a common thief and drunkard like Antubam?”

Suzzie rose quietly and held Betty’s hand. “Do you know, Betty? Until a few minutes ago I did not know that you cared so much about me that you consider me your sister. I promise you. We will do as you say. Mary, we will go and collect the rent money, add it to all the money we have taken, and pay it into the account. From tomorrow, Betty, Mary and I will follow you wherever you go’. With tears streaming down her cheeks she walked away.”

Antubam got up with a start. He checked the time on his phone. It was midnight. He sat up, and was moving towards the bedroom when he heard the voices.

“Is anything the matter?” he said. “You have never come here at this time. I thought you only come at dawn.”

“We are always here. We only contact you when we have to. We have to warn you. That girl is trouble. If you don’t leave her alone there will be problems.”

“I don’t understand. I can’t leave her alone. I must sleep with her as many times as possible, conquer her. Why can’t you get her for me?”

“She is firmly buried in the book. You are sleeping with two women every night, and there are many more available in the church. Leave that girl alone?”

“Do you fear her? What book is that? I don’t know why…..” before he could finish the sentence several flashes of pain like a horsewhip on fire cut across his back, and he yelled, bringing Priscilla and Aggie from their rooms.

“What is it, Antubam?” Priscilla asked.

“Er…er. I saw a revelation about a church member who is in some trouble. I need to pray for her. Please go back to the rooms. I will join you soon.” Aggie went to the room, but Priscilla lingered.

“Antubam, why don’t you tell me what the problem is so that I can help you? It appears you have just received some spiritual lashes. Are you being punished for something you have done?”

“Perhaps your husband is punishing me for sleeping with you.”

“Do you dare insult me, Antubam. You will certainly regret speaking to me like this?”

“You have a loud mouth, but your only abilities in life, Priscilla, are sex and extorting money. I will come and sleep with you shortly, and give you money in the morning. Now leave!” She slipped out quietly, and the voices resumed.

“Next time you talk like that you will receive a much bigger punishment. We are only trying to protect you. You are planning to go to the shrine tomorrow morning to invoke curses on the girl. Be careful. Our master may grant your wish if you press him, but you may regret it.”

“I am sorry if I sound ungrateful, but I just can’t resist that girl. She is so beautiful and sexy. Moreover she has insulted me, and I must punish her.”

“Remember we warned you. You are already in danger. One of your competitors is asking questions about you, and thinking about the possibility of dealing with you. Jehoshaphat Agyiri. Everyone calls him Gidigidi.”

“I have heard of him. But what have I done?”

“He belongs to us. We work for him. He wants to check if you will threaten him. He can’t do you any harm as long as you use the stick. But your main problem will come from the girl.”

“Thank you for your help. As for the girl, please talk to Nana Broni for me. I am ready to pay anything for the pleasure of catching that girl in my bed and disciplining her.”

“Antubam,” Priscilla started, “are you going to apologise for the way you spoke to me? And are you going to apologise for bringing another woman here even though I am here with you?”

“Are you going to collect money from me tomorrow morning, Priscilla?”

“Get into bed, you idiot. I wonder why those women in the church cannot see you for the cheap fraudster you really are.”

Antubam took off at dawn, and arrived at the shrine before five.

“You are welcome, Antubam. We know, yet we still ask, as the saying goes. What brings you here?”

“You already know, Okomfo. I must have the girl at all costs. I am prepared to pay anything.”

“I have already consulted Nana Ama Kokoben. I have prepared a fire for her. She will be here any minute, with her mirrors. What you are asking is beyond me, but she is willing to help you. Ah, here she is.”

The small woman sat on a stool next to Okomfo, and stared into Antubam’s eyes for several minutes.

“I will try to help you, but the effort will come from you.” They moved over to the fire, and she placed the two mirrors over the fire.”

“Look! You will see the girl. Take this needle. When she appears in the mirror, pierce her eyes with the needle. By the time you get back to Tafo she will be at your house. From today, she will follow you just as a dog follows its master.”

By Ekow de Heer