Features
NPP: Listen to foot soldiers
The year, 2024, seems to be very far away but for many political ‘animals’ in Ghana, that year, lives with us now.
Consequently, many political activists have started doing some “huhudious” analyses and predictions as to what will befall the year, 2024.
A number of social media platforms are also recording numerous issues of discontent regarding the two main political parties in the country all geared towards the year, 2024.
On the social media, one mantra that stands out among the NPPists, is: ‘Break the 8’.
And what is the meaning of ‘Break the 8’? The contention is that since the 1992 Constitution came into force, the two main political parties in the country, NPP/NDC, have been alternating, ruling the country every eight years.
In effect, the fact of the matter is that when NDC wins power, it rules the country for eight straight years before it loses it to the NPP.
And when the NPP also wins general election, it governs the country for eight continuous years before it loses elections and hands over power to the NDC.
Even though general election is held every four years in Ghana, the pattern of victory and governorship of the country seem to be set in eight continuous years for each of Ghana’s two main political parties.
So far, there has not been any ‘break’ or interruption in the seemingly set pattern.
Readers, the NPPists, say they want to ‘Break the 8’. That is, when President Akufo-Addo exits power in 2024, after serving his two constitutional terms of eight years, an NPP administration must succeed the Akufo-Addo-led government not an NDC administration.
Interestingly, some NPP loyalists do not even believe in the ‘Break the 8’ mantra. And the social media is awash with such disbelief.
One NPP Concerned Youth Group of Tamale claims that the leadership of the party must know that they are foot soldiers not ‘foolish’ soldiers.
According to the group, the NPP leadership at both the party and governmental levels think that they are ‘foolish’ soldiers, “but they must be reminded that we are rather foot soldiers”.
The NPP Concerned Youth Group says: “You remember us during elections and abandon us when elections are over. You treat us as if we are only election winning machines.
“The grassroots continue to cry louder and louder, yet no one from the top seems to be hearing our cry.
“If the current situation continues till 2024, even if we present an angel as our presidential candidate, he will be miserably defeated.
“Turn your attention to the grassroots, supporters and foot soldiers. The party cannot ‘Break the 8’ without them.”
According to the group: “Majority of job opportunities under the Akufo-Addo-led government went to our opponents and when we talk, some people in our own democratic government will tell us that those given such opportunities are also Ghanaians.
“As if we were not Ghanaians when we were denied jobs under the past NDC governments.”
The group says: “We sell jobs and scholarships to our own suffering supporters yet we expect them to help ‘Break the 8’, adding that, “we sell contracts to known party contractors and expect them to help ‘Break the 8’. “
Incensed, the group, says “forget about those on social media shouting at the top of their voices; ‘Break the 8’. They have no idea what it will take to ‘Break the 8’.
” ‘Breaking the 8’ is not a child’s play as they think. In 2008, our party failed to ‘Break the 8’ because our grassroot supporters were dissatisfied, even though they got better treatment then, than now.”
Another NPP group, calling itself Grassroots For 2024 Votes, says the party and government must listen to them and act accordingly.
The group says: “The free-SHS policy has benefited almost every Ghanaian home but those who are still benefitting the more, are the NDC grassroot supporters.”
The group is, therefore, urging the NPP administration to design and implement a special policy vehicle that will benefit only NPP grassroot supporters before the 2024 elections, otherwise, they claim, they will just refuse to vote.
“Why must we campaign and vote for our party to win power and allow supporters of our political opponents to enjoy more of the political low hanging fruits than us?”, the group asked, contending that the NDC led governments never offered them such opportunities.
Some former NPP administration appointees and Members of Parliament are also not enthused at all with President Akufo-Addo himself. They said they contributed immensely to the victory of the party.
They claim that the President promised offering them appointments in his administration at different levels but failed woefully to do so.
They contend that while the President has not fulfilled his promise of appointing some of them, they can for example, see one family of; a husband, wife, daughter, son, sister, brother, father, mother and in-law; being appointed at different levels of governance.
Asked whether such a query should not be coming from the opposition instead? They said, “truth is truth, besides, getting access to the President now is a difficult enterprise.”
So, Mr President of the Republic and the leadership of the NPP; over to you now.
Contact email/WhatsApp of the author:
asmahfrankg@gmail.com (0505556179)
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