Features
Is Aŋlɔ State under siege?
Torgbui-Sri-III
I might not have been born in my hometown of Anyako, but I spent 15 solid years from 1957 in the Aŋlɔ State attending basic and secondary schools.
During this period I learned the Ewe language and literature, our sojourn to our current location from the present Benue State of Nigeria through Ketu (also in Nigeria), Ŋɔtsie and Tsevie.
I know my people would have still gone west, crossing the Volta river, but for the advanced age of the great Torgbui Wenya who, after having led his people through thick and thin, felt he was too advanced in age to continue further. Every Aŋlɔ worth their heritage knows how their new identity came about and Aŋlɔgā (Anloga) became its capital.
As a student at Zion College at Aŋlɔgā I took the trouble to visit the historical sites that I learned about in Middle School. I saw myself living through our history as a people and tribe.
Not only that; I felt a deep sense of belonging. It confirmed my understanding of our communality and responsibility towards one another, fierce honesty and abhorrence of evil.
I knew also that only the Bate and Adzovia clans could ascend the throne as Awoamefia, the Overlord of the Aŋlɔ State. Coming from the Liké Clan disqualifies me to ever become the Awoamefia. But thankfully, I come from the Royal Akornu House of Anyako.
All that I have seen captured in our historical narrative is that Torgbui Wenya anointed and installed his nephew (his sister’s son) as Awoamefia Torgbui Sri. But the narratives do not tell us why Torgbui Wenya chose his nephew over others in spite of the Dogbo (that’s who they were) custom of patrilineal inheritance.
Some analysts say Torgbui Wenya saw greater leadership qualities in his nephew than any other person who could be a candidate. Of course, this is not new in human history.
So, our great leader and founder of the Aŋlɔ State, issued this as an edict that has been with the Aŋlɔ State till date. As Dutɔ (custodian of the land) he became kingmaker. This was his prerogative.
In fact, Amega Wenya’s nephew Fuiga Kponoe, was the Prince and heir apparent of the Tado Ewe when he ran away with the Stool to join his maternal uncle Wenya and the Dogbo Eυe in Ŋɔtsie. This proclaiming him was a master stroke that united the hitherto separated Tado and Dogbo Eυe into one monolith in Ŋɔtsie.
There is no recorded challenge to Torgbui Wenya’s decision and the people of Aŋlɔ have lived with this for centuries. As a result, we have had the following Awoamefia:
1. Torgbui Sri I (1468-1504);
2. Torgbui Adeladza I (1504-1524);
3. Torgbui Zanyedo I (1525-1538);
4. Torgbui Akotsui I (1540-1568);
5. Torgbui Ŋditsi I (1568-1594);
6. Torgbui Adzanu I (1595-1630);
7. Torgbui Agodomatu I (1631-1660);
8. Torgbui Agodeha I (1661-1685) and
9. Torgbui Aholu Nunya I (1686-1725).
They were followed by
10. Torgbui Atsia I (1726-1776);
11. Torgbui Atsiasa I (1784-1810);
12. Torgbui Letsa Gbagba I (1810- 1840);
13. Torgbui Amedor Kpegla I (1849- 1906);
14. Torgbui Sri II (1906-1956) and
15. Torgbui Adeladza II (1957-1997).
The Awadada (Warlord) Torgbui Agbesi Awusu II acted as Awoamefia from 1997 till the current Awoamefia Torgbui Sri III was installed in 2011 as the 16th Awoamefia of Aŋlɔ.
As stated earlier, the succession process that brought in the current Awoamefia was as murky as it was confusing, especially for those of us not within the Bate and Adzovia Clans. Until very recently, when someone was purporting to be Torgbui Wenya III, there had been a relative quiet in Aŋlɔ.
Actually, the succession of the current Awoamefia was due mainly to opportunism and greed within the Adzovia Clan, which disunity has gravely affected effective Traditional governance in Aŋlɔ.
From the listed succession of Awoamefia, one could deduce that nothing has ever been heard of a Torgbui Wenya as Dutɔ of Aŋlɔ aside of the great founder of the Aŋlɔ State and dynasty, Dutɔ Wenya who anointed and installed his nephew as Awoamefia.
It is difficult to understand why someone would pop up and lay claim to a position not recognised as having been part of our recent traditional norms and practice, unless the claimant has an agenda only he and his handlers (if there are any) know. Personally, I suspect political paymasters whose avowed aim is to divide and rule the people.
Assuming, without admitting, that it was wrong for the great Torgbui Wenya to install his nephew as Awoamefia, do we rise up after almost five hundred years to want to right the wrong? If this were allowable, should there not be a process or template for such? Have these been followed or this so-called Torgbui Wenya III is only an attention seeker bent on destroying the Aŋlɔ State?
Aŋlɔ has gone through turbulent times and this is an inauspicious moment to sew any seed of disunity among the people. Already, political chicanery has been deployed to decimate the Aŋlɔ unity by carving out and creating paramountcies to stand on their own. We should not tolerate any malicious attempt to destroy us further by selfseekers or those dancing to the tunes of self-serving characters.
The paramountcies thus created must follow the example and time tested practice of Asanteman where all Asante paramountcies owe allegiance and deference to the Asantehene. Sadly, the current Awoamefia does not seem to want to exert his authority in this regard.
I must point out that our traditional rulers have held this country together more than any politicians have ever attempted to. Indeed, politicians benefit from our disunity as different tribal groups than they will admit to. This is why it is dangerous to want to sew disaffection in any of our traditional areas.
Now, the Ministry of Chieftaincy Affairs has written to the Dutɔ Wenya III to desist from carrying himself as such. Methinks that should have put paid to the activities of this fellow, but he fired back at the Ministry as if it does not know what it is about.
As I write, the Accra High Court is to sit on a case of one injunction or another on the celebration of this year’s Hogbezā. I am careful not to dwell on the legalities as I am not a lawyer. My understanding is that the fellow holding himself as Dutɔ is a lawyer.
I have watched video clips of some young women of Aŋlɔ lambasting the people involved in this Chieftaincy saga. Their contention is that it is a needless exercise for grown men to squabble over who has traditional authority while Aŋlɔ wallows in abject underdevelopment and poverty.
Much as their concerns make a lot of sense, it must be borne thoroughly in mind that a harmonious traditional area gives assurance to investors in development and commercial projects. It is timely, though, to call for sane minds so the area can see development.
Personally, my take is that the weakness of the Awoamezi is the reason why Aŋlɔ has come to this. Court or no Court, methinks the invocation of the time-tested Great Oath of Aŋlɔ could settle this once and for all. If this will cleanse us of miscreants, usurpers and selfseekers, so be it. We have a tradition to keep and customs to uphold. Nothing should break our sanity as a people.
By Dr. Akofa K. Segbefia
Writer’s email address:
akofa45@yahoo.com
Features
Preventing the brain’s melting point with BOS
The human brain is a complex and delicate organ, susceptible to damage from various factors, including extreme temperatures.
The brain’s melting point, also known as the temperature threshold beyond which brain tissue begins to degrade, is a critical concern for individuals seeking to maintain optimal cognitive function.
Fortunately, the Brain Operating System (BOS) offers a revolutionary solution to prevent the brain’s melting point.
Understanding the brain’s melting point
The brain’s melting point refers to the temperature threshold beyond which brain tissue begins to degrade, leading to irreversible damage.
This temperature threshold varies depending on individual factors, such as age, health, and environmental conditions. However, research suggests that the brain’s melting point is approximately 104°F (40°C) to 107°F (42°C).
The role of BOS in preventing the brain’s melting point
BOS, a cutting-edge technology, plays a crucial role in preventing the brain’s melting point. By leveraging advanced neural interfaces and artificial intelligence, BOS monitors and regulates brain temperature, ensuring that it remains within a safe range.
How BOS prevents the brain’s melting point
BOS prevents the brain’s melting point through several mechanisms:
1. Temperature regulation: BOS continuously monitors brain temperature, adjusting neural activity to maintain a stable temperature.
2. Heat dissipation: BOS enhances heat dissipation through increased blood flow and sweating.
3. Neuro protection: BOS protects neurons from heat-induced damage.
Benefits of BOS in preventing the brain’s melting point
The benefits of BOS in preventing the brain’s melting point are numerous:
1. Prevents brain damage: BOS prevents brain damage caused by excessive heat.
2. Maintains cognitive function: BOS ensures optimal cognitive function by maintaining stable brain temperature.
3. Enhances brain resilience: BOS enhances brain resilience to temperature fluctuations.
Real-World applications of BOS
BOS has various real-world applications:
1. High-performance computing: BOS enables high-performance computing by maintaining optimal brain temperature.
2. Medical applications: BOS has medical applications, such as treating heat-related illnesses.
3. Space exploration: BOS is crucial for space exploration, where extreme temperatures pose a significant risk.
Conclusion
BOS is a revolutionary technology that prevents the brain’s melting point, ensuring optimal cognitive function and overall well-being. By leveraging advanced neural interfaces and artificial intelligence, BOS monitors and regulates brain temperature, protecting against heat-related damage.
Glossary:
1. BOS: Brain Operating System.
2. Brain’s melting point: Temperature threshold beyond which brain tissue begins to degrade.
3. Neural interface: Connects human brain with digital devices.
Contact Information
virginvtech@yahoo.com
Additional resources:
1. BOS research: Explore scientific studies.
2. Neural interface resources: Discover books and articles.
3. Brain-computer interface communities: Join online forums.
Future directions
As BOS technology continues to evolve, we can expect:
1. Improved temperature regulation: Enhanced temperature regulation mechanisms.
2. Increased cognitive enhancement: Advanced cognitive enhancement capabilities.
3. Expanded applications: New applications in various fields.
By harnessing the power of BOS, individuals can safeguard their brain health and maintain optimal cognitive function, even in extreme environments.
By Robert Ekow Grimmond-Thompson
Features
Lotto wahala and Tuobodom palaver
In Sikaman lotto is not a game. It is a profession, a noble career which people aspire to. It is the highest paying profession after armed robbery and the most widespread job on this side of the Atlantic.
In places like China, lotto is a disease that has no cure. Once you are infected, no doctor on earth can cure you. May be Kofi Larteh, Ghana’s most celebrated magician, can help ease the symptoms, but no definitive cure will be forthcoming.
Coming back to Sikaman, lotto has been the financial messiah of many. That is how people look after their large families, pay school fees, marry two wives and do their own ‘monkey things.’
If you are very poor and you win a lottery, chances are that you will die before you even collect the money. You’ll die out of excitement or you’ll start day-dreaming in the streets and an articulated truck will hit you.
As such, very heavy wins are not recommended for poor people, lest they get listed too soon in the obituary columns.
The sad story is told of a heavy-duty caterpillar driver who had a very heavy lotto windfall of several millions, his first big win after several years.
CATERPILLAR
He was driving the caterpillar home when he saw his son running towards him, shouting. “All your numbers have dropped! All your numbers have dropped! He could not believe his ears.
All the four numbers he had staked had dropped and his son, who had gone to stake them for him, was himself over-excited. The poor caterpillar man just could not handle the good news. He suddenly stepped on the brakes and the caterpillar jolted him a trifle too violently, throwing him off. He landed right in front of the still moving heavy-duty machine and it crushed him flat.
I don’t think the bloke would have died if he had won a smaller amount. Sometimes too much cash is not good for the health.
Seldom, people get too confident and that can also result in a wake-keeping, like that of a man who used his lifetime savings and borrowed extra money to crack the machine with a two-sure that the compiler must compulsory drop or the world will end.
Even the shadows of the numbers or their counterparts were nowhere near the winning numbers. His shock-absorbers crumbled under the weight of the heavy disappointment. He crashed to the floor and started foaming at the mouth. He was declared dead on arrival at the nearest clinic.
WINDFALL
Recently, there was a countrywide lotto windfall, and in Kumasi it was more than a festival. Most stakers had between ¢30m and ¢40 million on two-sure that the lotto magicians had predicted at least three weeks earlier,
Kejetia chop bars were besieged with overnight millionaires, carrying huge appetites induced by Opeimu Bitters popularly called Opeimu Peters. All the meat and mudfish got sold out within an hour and procurement agents had to double up to restock.
While some were celebrating, others were weeping and gnashing teeth. The problem was that, three weeks beforehand, the two sure numbers were declared by all the lotto sorcerers, dreamers, magicians, tellers and all the self-appointed and self-promoted forecasters.
Everybody including 10-year-olds, who staked and lost. The following week, they were advised to continue staking. The faithful did continue but the faithless stopped. All of them lost. In the third week or so, a good number of confident stakers had lost faith in the two numbers. That was when the number landed.
So the windfall was for only those who had the unshakeable faith in the numbers. See what faith can do? It can move dollars. Don’t waver, so saith the holy scriptures.
The faithless indeed gnashed teeth. The winners on the other hand celebrated with a song that is as controversial as the business of lotto. It is a song played by the group called Nkasei and has something to do with a town in the Brong Ahafo Region called Tuobodom whose capital we hear is Jinijini.
I hear it is a derogatory song and the queen mother of Tuobodom got charged and breathed out electric current during her protest on air. She allegedly ended up demanding a mobile phone from Nkasei so that she could communicate with them to settle the matter peacefully, lest wahala.
Well, the song is rising up the charts and Nkasei are making the dough, but should it be at the expense of a whole townsfolk, their forebears and generations to come?
WATERPROOF
Waterproof, the famous comedian, was allegedly given hefty slaps at the Kumasi rail station by some Frafra jingoists who felt he was deriding their tribe. And Bob Okala had to run with his tail between his legs when he was confronted and realised that slaps were going to be visited on his lean face.
Let’s not use words and lyrics to cause discomfort to others.
This article was first published on Saturday July 9, 2005
