Features
An SOS call from the motorway

Driver from Accra to Tema is often thrilling when you hit the fast-track idea and get cracking down the motorway almost airborne. In six or seven minutes, you must ease up. Welcome to the Harbour City.
While decelerating, you are likely to look to the left, and there lies Ashaiman, a town of many parts. You are forced to make a slight bow in honour of one of Sikaman’s unkempt habitations. That is also where some armed robbers are born and bred, using the motorway for their practical attachment.
Some of the robbers were not born criminals, though. They began life as corn-mill attendants and as magicians, but magic is not paying these days. Armed robbery is the single most lucrative profession today after church business. So the magicians now turn to procure arms not to fight a civil war, but to make money.
Along the length of the motorway, there are various camps for the robbers, some of whom come from Baatsona area, some from Accra suburbs and of course Ashaiman, otherwise known as Hanoi. Business begins at about 8:30 p.m. on week days, 7:00pm at weekends and public holidays.
The targets are motorists. There is an overhead bridge somewhere along the motorway, from where some criminals drop boulders or blocks on cars to disconcert the drivers. It is a trick to get them to stop to find out what the hell is happening. They are then pounced upon and robbed.
Cars that break down are rather easy prey. The robbers just walk leisurely to the driver and demand all the money on him, his briefcase, watch, shoes, shirt, trousers and all. If you are not careful, you can end up at home like a mad man completely naked.
That is, if you are not lucky and they ask you to hand over your “supporter” as well.
Well, if you are a lady, you can well imagine your fate.
The problem with the motorway is that when you break down at night, the palaver is between you and your God. No motorist is prepared to stop and help you because everyone is thinking you might be an armed robber posing as a motorist in distress.
On February 1, 2001, I was cruising comfortably on the motorway in my Concord, listening to some good music on Atlantis FM, wishing to get home early to catch some rest. Perched on the front seat beside me was a lady colleague I lifted. She usually alights at the end of the motorway.
I was enjoying the ride and it was about 5:50 p.m. when the Concord developed a fault with all the jerks and power off. I veered into the pedestrian lane and realised I was really in for it. Luckily, a taxi had also developed a fault and a mechanic was fixing it up. He came up to me and asked to help. I opened the bonnet.
He did what he could and asked me to start the engine. It kicked into life and I was delighted. “What’s my charge?
He picked up the money and I zoomed away. 100 metres away, the car grounded to a halt again. I asked the lady to stay by the car; I’ll do a quick dash to fetch the mechanic.
“I’m afraid,” she said. “What of if armed men come here?”
Okay, I’ll stay here. Walk briskly and get the mechanic down. He took the money and did no job. Drag him right here.”
She walked back to get the mechanic. It was about 6:30 pm and she wasn’t getting back early enough with the guy. I was worried. I started walking after her to see what the hell was happening. I saw her from the distance returning alone. “Jesus Christ of Nazareth,” I said to myself.
I didn’t know I was such a good Christian. The word “Jesus Christ came naturally to me, the only one who could save me.
The lady and I now started waving down speeding motorists and none stopped. One attempted to stop, but I guess he decided otherwise when he saw my height and frame.
I am six feet tall and I look like a semi-professional heavyweight before. Actually I can deliver a slugger when it comes to it, but that has never been my style. I’m quite sure the man who decided to stop but sped on thought I was a very dangerous criminal playing a trick.
The lady and myself kept begging for anybody to stop and just listen to what we had to say. For about one hour, we were at it. At a certain point, I wanted to kneel down so that passing motorists would not be terrified at my height. Of course, nothing worked so far.
I had to seek the face of God. Earlier, I had alerted Jesus Christ that an SOS call was in the pipeline. I started praying silently to myself. The time was about 7:45pm. Time was running out. “Oh Jesus, it is only you who can deliver me, Kwame Alomele and this lady from evil. If you don’t do it, who else can? Our trust is all in you….”
It is a long time since I attended church, and I wondered whether Jesus was listening to me. “Jesus, you came to redeem sinners, not the righteous,”
I reminded Him, “Please, save me.” And He did.
A car sped by but miraculously screeched to a halt about 100 metres away “Oh glory! Oh glory!” I intoned.
A man came out. “I think I know Are you not the writer?”
Yes sir. My car broke down here and none is stopping to help us out. What’s your name sir?”
That’s not necessary now. I’ll get you to Tema and then we can find a mechanic or someone to tow your car.”
I picked up my briefcase, removed the tape and locked the power windows. We hopped into his car and off we went, leaving the Concord behind. Even if they removed the windscreens, it could be better than going home naked.
It was about 9:00 pm when we tracked down my mechanic and by the time I finally got home it was 11:00 am. A day well spent on a motorway that had no police patrol, no security of my sort, to phone system, nothing. That is why the armed robbers are having a field day on Ghana’s beloved motorway.
Features
The Prophet part 5
In the course of giving ‘directions,’ Osofo Antubam asked two women to wait till he finished with those in the queue. He had quietly suggested that he needed to spend time with them in order to detect the exact source of their problems, and they had also indicated their willingness to spend more time with him. He had one main objective in mind.
Mary and Suzzie had proven to be hugely helpful to him, but they had failed to help in the one most important area – the bedroom. He didn’t want to make the mistake of spending another night alone, and he wanted an alternative arrangement, just in case the girls disappointed him again. His action proved to be very wise, a few minutes later.
“Osofo, we have finished. The total figure today for the offering, tithes and consultations is GH¢5, 200. We want to add them to yesterday’s money and pay it into the account, after you have taken what you need for your personal and church expenses.”
“I have already taken some money from the consultation fees, so please pay it all into the account. I will see you at the house, won’t I?’‘Osofo’, Suzzie replied, ‘I wish you could go with us to the bank. If you could introduce yourself briefly to the Manager, we would then pay the money into the bank and give the receipts to you.” “Don’t worry, ladies.
Just go to the bank and see to on it, and call me. Let me know when you are coming to the house.” The ladies agreed and left. “Well then’, Suzzie said, ‘how much did we make today?” “Let me see” “Mary replied. “GH₵ 600.”
“Good. Now let’s pay his money into the account and go home. Did you see those ladies who stayed behind? I think the Osofo will be having them for desert after eating our food. “I saw it clearly. And did you notice that he wants us to call him when we are leaving for his house.”
“Mary, I told you that very soon the ladies will be fighting over him. He may keep us on for some time, but eventually he will sack us when he realises that we have no intention of sleeping with him.
“Now,” Osofo Antubam addressed Maame Lydia, “what I want you to do is to go home and get a few things to spend the night at the mission house. I will spend time to get to the bottom of this problem.
I assure you that from tomorrow, you will see a complete change in your business, and you will also notice that you will look radiant, and everyone will notice you for the beautiful woman you are.”
“I thank you, Osofo. I believe you. I know you will help me.” “Take this for taxi in and out. Call me when you are leaving home, and I will give you the directions to the mission house.”
“Now, he said to Abena Grace, ‘let’s go to the mission house. Today, we will solve the problems permanently. From tomorrow, there will be a new Abena Grace, prosperous and beautiful.”
“Amen, Osofo, thank you so much,” Abena replied as they walked to the roadside to join the waiting taxi. “It’s almost seven,” Suzzie said to Mary. Let’s call him. Mary called, and Osofo Antubam answered. “Osofo, the account was opened this afternoon.
We paid the money in. We have all the documents here. When shall we bring them?” “Er, Mary, why don’t you bring them early tomorrow morning? If you can’t get here by five in the morning, then let’s meet at the church.”
“Okay then, Osofo, I think we’ll meet you at church.” “I told you Mary,” Suzzy said. “He must be busy enjoying his desert. We will have another plan ready by tomorrow.” “How long are we going to be in this business, Suzie? When do we stop?” Don’t be silly, Mary.
Have you got enough money to set up your salon? As for me, I need money to pay the rent advance on a shop in a good location, some money to buy some stuff to stock the shop, and some cash to keep for personal expenses.
The rate at which we are going, we could be okay in about two weeks. A couple of rich men can come any time to consult him, and that could solve our problem quickly. Have patience, Mary. We’ll be okay very soon. And don’t worry about the wife or concubine business.
I have already told you that I will never allow this fake pastor to even kiss any of us.” ‘Osofo,” Maame Lydia said as they waited for a taxi, “when do I see you again? I can come tomorrow if you want.”
“Let’s talk after the service tomorrow. I will try to find some time’. He hailed a taxi, paid the fare and ushered her in. Within a few minutes of entering his room, Abena Grace knocked, and Antubam ushered her in.
He poured a drink for the two of them. Make yourself comfortable, Lydia. We will have an enjoyable evening, and at the same time, you will see the end of your problems.
The whispers woke him up. It’s getting to time, they seemed to be saying. The radio people will come today. Get ready to go with them. You can start in Koforidua, then Kumasi, then Accra.
You will soon be too busy for the daily services. Change from daily to Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. You will be in demand all over the nation. Very soon, others will be jealous of your success.
Antubam nodded in appreciation. It’s getting interesting, he told himself. Very interesting. “Osofo, did you hear some strange noises like voices?” Abena Grace asked. “Voices? Maybe you were dreaming, Abena.
Now, why don’t you get closer to me and forget about voices in your dreams?” She didn’t mention the subject again, but she was very certain that some strange voices were speaking in the room.
And she noticed that Osofo Antubam was listening intently and nodding. She needed solutions to her problems urgently, and her friend Yaa Takyiwaa had told her about this new pastor who was doing wonders, and urged her to seek his assistance.
She agreed to go to his home because she thought that would help her get the solutions quicker. But even though she had never encountered them before, she had heard stories about dwarfs who provided all manner of spiritual solutions to people who helped them.
And she knew that in the long run, the results were disastrous. No, she decided. She will not have anything more to do with a pastor who employed dwarfs. “Osofo, I want to go home before my parents wake up.”
By Ekow de Heer
Features
‘Allahu As-Samad’ (Part 2)
Excellence of Tawakkul (Complete reliance on Allah)
In an ahadith of the Prophet Muhammad. It is narrated by Umar ibn Al-Khattab (RA):
“If you were to rely upon Allah with reliance due to Him, He would provide for you as He provides for the birds. They go out in the morning hungry and return with their bellies full.”
(Tirmidhi, Hadith 2344; Ibn Majah, Hadith 4164)
This hadith beautifully illustrates the concept of tawakkul (reliance on Allah). It emphasises that true reliance on Allah, coupled with taking necessary actions (as the birds do by leaving their nests in search of food), and ensures that Allah will fulfill our needs.
Interdependence among Humans
Although Allah is As-Samad and entirely independent, He created human beings to rely on one another as part of His divine wisdom. This interdependence fosters relationships and builds communities. Allah says:
“And We have created you in pairs.” (Qur’an 78:8).
The Prophet likened the believers to a single body, saying:
“The believers, in their mutual kindness, compassion, and sympathy, are just like one body. When one part of the body suffers, the whole body responds with sleeplessness and fever.” (Bukhari, Hadith 6011; Muslim, Hadith 2586).
Teaching the Concept of As-Samad to Our Children
To inculcate the concept of As-Samad in the lives of our children, we must start with education, role modeling, and active engagement:
•Teach Through the Qur’an and Sunnah: Introduce Surah Al-Ikhlas to children early on, explaining the meanings of As-Samad. Share relevant stories from the Qur’an and hadith that illustrate Allah’s independence and mercy.
•Encourage Dua and Reliance on Allah: Teach children to seek Allah’s help in all matters, big or small. Reinforce that Allah is the one who provides, protects, and guides.
•Foster Gratitude and Tawakkul: Instill a sense of gratitude for Allah’s blessings and reliance on Him during challenges. Encourage children to say, “Hasbunallahu wa ni’mal wakeel” (Allah is sufficient for us, and He is the best disposer of affairs) (Qur’an 3:173).
•Model Interdependence: Demonstrate how reliance on Allah does not negate collaboration with others. For example, encourage teamwork, sharing, and helping others while emphasizing that Allah is the ultimate provider.
Leveraging Strengths to Build Society
Allah has created each individual with unique strengths and abilities. It is our responsibility to recognise these gifts and use them to benefit others. Allah commands:
“Help one another in acts of righteousness and piety, and do not help one another in sin and transgression.” (Qur’an 5:2).
The Prophet said:
“The best of people are those who bring the most benefit to others.” (Tabarani, Hadith 8597).
Islam’s Call to Unity and Compassion
Islam is a religion that promotes unity, love, and compassion. Allah commands believers to maintain unity and avoid division:
“And hold firmly to the rope of Allah all together and do not become divided.” (Qur’an 3:103).
The Prophet emphasized the importance of caring for others:
“None of you truly believes until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself.” (Bukhari, Hadith 13; Muslim, Hadith 45).
Conclusion
In conclusion, the concept of As-Samad teaches us to recognise Allah’s perfection, independence, and sufficiency. As believers, we must:
• Acknowledge our dependence on Allah and place our absolute trust in Him.
• Teach and inculcate the concept of As-Samad into the lives of our children, fostering reliance on Allah and gratitude for His blessings.
• Recognise the interdependence among humans and actively support one another in righteousness.
• Promote unity, compassion, and generosity within our communities.
Allah and His Angels send Salaat and Salaam upon His Nabiyi, Oh Ye who believe, send the blessing upon the Prophet Mohammed (s.a.w.).
May Allah guide us to embody the meanings of As-Samad in our lives, strengthen our reliance on Him, and bless our families with faith and understanding. Ameen.
References
1. Qur’an 112:1-4
2. Qur’an 10:3
3. Qur’an 31:26
4. Qur’an 35:15. Qur’an 65:3. Qur’an 78:8. Qur’an 5:2. Qur’an 3:103
5. Tafsir Ibn Kathir, Surah Al-Ikhlas
6. Muslim, Hadith 2577
7. Tirmidhi, Hadith 2516
8. Bukhari, Hadith 4684
9. Tabarani, Hadith 8597
10. Bukhari, Hadith 6011
By Imam Alhaji Saeed Abdulai, 1BN – Michel Camp