Features
Interesting happenings in these latter days
When Papa Mintah was born into the world of today, some 70 years ago he was faced with a number of problems, which made it difficult for him to achieve his aim in life, thereby making him lose hope as a person who is determined to succeed, no matter what.
His children are in their 40s, since he did not give birth to them early, even though he married at an early age of 25. His first wife could not give birth until she met her untimely death in a motor accident from Kasoa market where she had gone to buy a few things for the house. The death of Naa Akorkor made Papa Mintah very sad and disorganised, vowing to himself not to marry again, because of his special love for his late wife.
However, pressure was put on him by family members who thought that he was still a young man to take on a new wife, because of temptations in the world. To avoid needless and irresponsible amorous relationships with some of the women around, his brothers and sisters as well as some cousins and friends counselled him to change his mind and take on a wife, since he was very responsible, hardworking and respected by residents in and around the community.
Positive results
This pressure yielded positive results, so at the age of 30, Papa Mintah took on a new wife, known as Abena Serwaa, a juicy young lady who was very beautiful in the eyes of many men. She grew to be a good wife and was liked very much by Papa Mintah’s families. Papa Mintah himself also proved to be a darling husband, and he was prepared to do all he could to make his darling wife happy.
In the evenings, Papa Mintah will have some sweet words for his new wife, Abena Serwaa, stating that, “I love you dearly, Abena, and I have not regretted changing my decision on marriage to settle down with you as my wife”. Abena would also look at him and say, “I am all for you at any time, that is, day and night”. This went on for days, weeks, months and years until God blessed them with three children, two boys and a girl. The eldest son, Kwaku Nimoh, decided to marry at the age of 35, but could not do so, because the person he wanted to marry left him, making it difficult for him to understand the difficulties encountered in his personal life. He had to wait till age 41 before meeting another lady, but just as he was preparing to marry, this lady also lost her life in a motor accident.
Bitter experience
This bitter experience dampened the hopes of Kwaku Nimoh who, like his father, also decided not to marry at all. He had to wait till he was 43 before being fortunate enough to meet another lady in the nearby town. The two of them agreed to marry, but they were also faced with some obstacles.
It was becoming very difficult to understand all these happenings, because Papa Mintah’s families, after praying and praying for their lives, seem to be encountering obstacles in their lives. Remembering his own personal experience before marriage, Papa Mintah advised his son, Kwaku Nimoh, not to lose hope, but know that life is not always easy, especially getting the right person to marry.
For Papa Mintah and his children, life has not been pleasant with them, especially in the area of marriage, even though, business wise, they have been successful.
Good and successful business
In the area of farming, for example, they have had large farms, and shops. They were also engaged in retailing activities. Even though, they were from the Akuapem area their success in business made their neighbours think that they were Kwahu people, since people from Kwahu area are noted for good and successful business.
“Eii, you Kwahu people are good at business oo”. Some of the neighbours would say to them. One of them, Kwaku Giushie, would say that “Eii, I wish I were you, but each time he says this Kwaku Nimoh would reply: “Never say that, because we also have our own problems”. And, indeed, they were faced with their own problems, when it comes to marriage. Apart from marriage, they were also faced with problems relating to safety and insecurity in their personal lives. It is for these reasons that no one is supposed to compare his/herself to another person. As it is often said in Akan, “Mi nya wo ay, έyέ mu suo”, meaning, “You should never wish to be like someone since all people have their peculiar problems in life”.
Achieving a purpose in life
These problems were encountered by Papa Mintah’s families, each time they were on the verge of achieving a purpose in life. This situation is similar to a group of people in political parties and even government. In the case of NPP government, for example, having ruled so well and impacted the economy with many economic programmes and policies, a number of issues, though false and misleading, have been emerging to disturb the good works being done, and, if the President and the government do not stay focused, they would be derailed from their good intentions.
Examples of the disturbing issues are the outbreak of fire in market places believed to be related to the work of some political elements in the country as well as senseless attacks on government officials by some opposition members, and also the resignation of the Special Prosecutor as well as matters arising from it. These are events that are well known to all Ghanaians, so the government should remain focused, since these are dangerous days prior to the conduct of the upcoming elections.
There used to be a teacher who always advised his students that, “last days are dangerous”. By this, he meant that any time you get closer to achieving a purpose in life such as going through elections, especially when the electorates are likely to vote for you, or when as a student you are assiduously preparing for exams that you are bent on passing, you need to be extremely careful and feverishly pray for success, since the enemy can use spiritual tentacles and other physical tricks to thwart your good efforts.
Political players
We all need to learn from this and know that as political players and responsible government “the last days will always be dangerous”. Within this context, the ruling government and the majority of Ghanaians ought to note that these are interesting happenings, especially taking place just before the upcoming elections.
I hope Mr President and his team of officials are listening attentively and picking lessons from this. Please never panic, because truth will always prevail in these difficult times, since interesting happenings will always take place in these “latter days”.
Dr. Kofi Amponsah-Bediako
Features
The Prophet part 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.”
By Ekow de Heer
Features
Full Gospel Businessmen Fellowship launches project to transform young lives
The Full Gospel Businessmen’s Fellowship International (FGBMFI) Ghana has launched the Senior High Schools and Colleges Project (SCP) aimed at empowering and transforming the lives of young people.
Speaking at the launch, Professor Mike Ocquaye, the former Speaker of Parliament, emphasised the need to catch them young and train them as the current times were challenging.
He lauded the project, calling on all to support it, saying “In fact, it’s very important to catch them young, train them, lead them, guide them, and mentor them because the times are indeed rough,” Prof. Ocquaye said.
Mr Ekow Egyir Dadson, the Director, Schools and Colleges Directorate, stated that since its inception in 2018, the SCP had reached over 70 educational institutions with countless testimonies of transformation.
“We began with the Presbyterian Boys Secondary School (PRESEC) Legon, and now in 2024, we have visited 74 schools and impacted the lives of over 100,000 students, some of whom were personally mentored and now have graduated from the universities.”
He explained that the SCP, a vision by FGBMFI Ghana, was a bold outreach programme designed to call young people to Christ, train and equip them for the future.
He cited testimony-sharing, mentorship, career guidance, entrepreneurship and counseling as some of the unique approaches to be used in reaching out to the targeted students.
Mr Emmanuel Baba Mahama, the National President of the FGBMFI Ghana, launched the SCP Manual, which would help the FGBMFI Zonal Family Chapters across Ghana in order to adopt schools and colleges within their catchment areas.
The Schools and Colleges project is making a great impact; we have had first-hand testimonies from school heads, teachers, and students (mentees) about the SCP. This project has come to stay, Mr Baba Mahama assured.
He, therefore, called for more volunteers and partners to help the SCP shape the next generation of leaders and citizens.
Findings by the FGBMFI revealed that Ghana’s senior high schools, colleges, and university students face growing challenges like addictions, indiscipline, poor academic performance, pornography, homosexuality, broken homes, and a lack of godly guidance.
That had been a concern to many parents and society, “but the FGBMFI believes there is hope to rescue and restore these young students,” Mr Mahama said. –GNA
