Features
Mr. Big Stuff
In 1971, American singer, Jean Knight, released her hit single, Mr. Big Stuff. The lyrics say in part: “Who do you think you are, Mr. Big Stuff; you’re never gonna get my love. Now, because you wear all those fancy clothes (oh yeah), and have a big fine car, oh yes you do now; do you think I can afford to give you my love (oh yeah)? You think you’re higher than every star above, Mr. Big Stuff! Who do you think you are, Mr. Big Stuff? You’re never gonna get my love ……’cause when I give my love, I want love in return (oh yeah), Now I know this is a lesson Mr. Big Stuff you haven’t learned. Mr. Big Stuff, tell me, who do you think you are?
The song speaks of an amorous relationship gone bad because the man gives himself some airs and graces after his social status improves. But it also describes the irritatingly abominable streak of egotism inherent in most Ghanaian politicians. Just as Mr. Big Stuff feels he is higher than every star, these officials think they are above the supreme law of the land (Constitution). Sometimes, they behave as proudly as Lucifer did. Yes, Lucifer wanted to establish his throne over and above God’s. And if you fail to pay obeisance to these megalomaniacs, their ego is bruised badly and they seek revenge by “changing your situation” using various tools, including transfers as we found out from events in Takoradi.
The aberration dates back to the days of yore. Ghanaian folklore relates the story of Krobo Edusei, one time, Minister of the Interior under Nkrumah’s administration. He paid a working visit to a certain region where a police officer had earned rave reviews for his sense of integrity and professionalism. But he courted the displeasure and disdain of some members of the ruling CPP in the area, peeved that he would not play ball with them when they broke the law, which they did often just as present-day political folk also do. So, they reported his “bad conduct” to Krobo Edusei.
At a durbar, the police officer was pointed out to the minister. While he addressed the people, Krobo Edusei said in the twi language: “Hei, Papa polisi, nea woy3 no nyina, mate. MekՉ sremu aba. M3ba no, naw’ayi mataade3 abobՉagu me hՉ.”This translates to: “Look here, policeman, I have heard all that you are doing here. I am travelling to the North. Put off my uniform and fold it nicely for me to pick it on my return,” suggesting he owned the police uniform. Of course, he was not going to come back anytime soon. It was a display of clout to publicly shame and threaten the policeman to stop “messing” with party people. Sounds familiar?
In 2014, the then DCE of Ahafo Ano South in the Ashanti Region, Mr. Gabriel Barimah, threw a tantrum and stormed out of a programme after he overheard someone in the audience making an interjection while he was addressing a meeting attended by chiefs, government officials, health workers and some town folk, among others.
While the people were all ears for news beneficial to them, the DCE turned attention to himself, bragging, perhaps, in a veiled reference to someone he thought envied his office, that he, as the DCE, rather than somebody else, had been offered the platform to speak and grace the occasion. What did those effusions have to do with the programme? Someone not the least enthused about the speech, could not stomach the nonsense and shouted “Tweaa!” an interjection that can mean, “to hell with your statement.” In a fit of uncontrollable rage, Mr. Barimah demanded: “Who said tweaa?”
He stormed out of the programme, repeating questions like: “Are you my co-equal?” “Am I your friend?” “Why did you say tweaa?” Then, he returned momentarily and declared: “Take your programme. I am not talking again. I have handed my speech,” [sic]. Just because he was challenged, he childishly and impudently snubbed everybody at the meeting as if they did not exist. In his estimation, there was no one as important as himself. He was suspended but reinstated after some intervention by party members. What made him assume that in his jurisdiction, his word was law, or that he had a licence for autocracy? Mr. Big Stuff, who do you think you are?
The latest in the line of arrogant politicians competing for a dishonourable mention in the nation’s hall of shame, is the MCE of Sekondi-Takoradi, Mr Abdul-Mumin Issah. On Wednesday, February 2, he exhibited gross abuse of political power by spewing unprintable (words) against a police officer at a checkpoint, and even threatening to beat him to death if he dared him. The severity and bitterness of temper with which the mayor spoke showed a palpable demonstration of the presumed power and might of some political appointees in Ghana. The officer’s only crime was insisting that for orderliness to prevail at the checkpoint, the MCE’s vehicle should join the queue like any other to be properly cleared to move.
This was after the mayor allegedly drove dangerously and carelessly while approaching the checkpoint at the Kwesimintsim cemetery in an attempt to drive past the queue. A police officer in charge of the operation, identified as Inspector Sarfo Andrews, detained him, and told him he had called for the patrol team to come and handle the matter. Mr. Issah went ballistic, breathing fire and brimstone, and insisting that as the MCE, he had the right to just drive past without submitting to any check, and that the police could not treat him like any other citizen. I do not know where he found it in the statute books that the police should recognise that a mayor is above the law. Mr. Big Stuff, who do you think you are?
An exchange of words ensued during which the MCE told the officer he was stupid, ugly and many more. “I will change your situation…I will send you to Enchi,” (that is, on transfer), as if that town were inhabited by beasts of prey. Unfazed by the MCE’s threats, Inspector Andrews called his bluff with accurate, intelligent reasoning that exposed the mayor’s scant capacity for scholarship, etiquette, and leadership as well as earn respect and commendation for the police. Those who charge the police officer with insubordination should not forget the Akan proverb: “S3 wone kraman di agoro a, Չtafrew’ano, to wit “If you play with a dog, it will definitely kiss your mouth.”What did you expect from the officer when the mayor displayed such brazen incivility towards him?
Meanwhile, President Akufo-Addo has swiftly suspended the MCE for his misconduct while the police have also processed him for court charged on three counts of assault of a public officer, offensive conduct conducive to breaches of the peace and disturbing the peace in a public place contrary to Sections 205, 207 and 298 respectively, of the Criminal and Other Offences Act of 1960, Act 29.
In another development, the youth of Enchi, aggrieved by the disparaging remark made against their town by Mr. Issah, are reported to have asked him to apologise and retract his statement or face further action. But, rather unashamedly, the embattled mayor has issued a statement promising that the whole truth will come out. What exactly he meant by that is not clear because the whole encounter was captured by the smart policeman and posted on social media for all to judge for themselves. He must be told that truth is absolute and there is nothing like alternative truth. He might have some interesting ideas, but nothing can obscure the essential truth portrayed vividly by the viral video.
Mr. IGP, Dr George Akuffo Dampare, your determination to transform policing in Ghana is already showing results. Your leadership by example such as your reported obedience of traffic laws even when movement is at a snail’s pace, undoubtedly influenced Inspector Andrews to apply the rule without fear or favour. I trust your sense of rectitude will prompt you to “mention” the gallant officer “in dispatches.”
While swearing in his appointees on the first day of his presidency, US President, Joe Biden, gave them a grim and straightforward warning: Show respect to all or I will fire you.“I am not joking when I say this, if you are ever working with me and I hear you treat another colleague with disrespect… talk down to someone, I promise you I will fire you on the spot,” he emphasised. “On the spot. No ifs, ands or buts. Everybody… everybody is entitled to be treated with decency and dignity,” he added.
“The only thing I expect with absolute certitude is honesty and decency — the way you treat one another, the way you treat the people you deal with. And I mean that sincerely,…Remember: The people don’t work for us. We work for the people. I work for the people. They pay my salary. They pay your salary. They put their faith in you. I put my own faith in you. And so, we have an obligation,” Mr. Biden stressed.
This is the plain truth that all the narcissists parading as tin gods should know and apply. Otherwise, Mr. President, take a cue from your US colleague. Fire them!
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By Tony Prempeh
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
