Features
The military “invasion” of parliament unwarranted
Call that an “attempted coup d’état” and you might not be too far from right. That was because at the time of the “invasion” of the chamber of Parliament by armed military and police personnel at dawn on January 7, 2021, there was no government in place. God forbid! that would have been a serious constitutional crisis for our dear nation.
The “invasion” of Parliament by armed military and police personnel prior to the election of a new Speaker is a matter which needs serious interrogation and must not be allowed to die prematurely.
Even though there was an intense commotion on the floor of Parliament by the two major political parties, (the NPP and the NDC Parliamentary Members-Elect), the “invasion” by the military and police personnel in the Chamber worsened matters and created a lot of confusion in the House.
We are told that the Chief Justice, Kwasi Anim-Yeboah, who was expected to fill the vacuum created as a result of the dissolution of Parliament and government, as the constitution demands and the Clerk of Parliament were escorted out of the Chamber for fear of their dear lives.
Whoever instructed or directed the military to “invade” the Chamber, is yet to be known by the public, but that is of essence to the majority of the people who gave their mandates to the elected members of Parliament to represent them in the House.
The shameful event that unfolded prior to the election of the Honourable Speaker was despicable, outrageous, criminal and must be condemned outright. It, indeed, put a dent on Ghana’s democratic credentials which are acclaimed worldwide. That nasty incident tended to soil our name as one of the most peaceful countries in the sub-region if not the whole of the African continent.
This article will not be complete if it does not spell out the roles and functions of our military vis-à-vis the Ghana Police Service as enshrined in the 1992 Constitution of Ghana.
Article 210 of the 1992 Constitution clearly states that “there shall be the armed forces of Ghana which shall consist of the Army, the Navy, the Air Force and such otherwise services for which provision is made by Parliament.”
It further states that “no person shall raise an armed force except by or under the authority of an act of Parliament.
Furthermore, the armed forces shall be equipped and maintained to perform the role of defence of Ghana as well as such other function for the development of Ghana as the President may determine.
Therefore, the primary function of the military is to protect and defend the country and its interest with ground troops, armour, artillery, helicopters, tactical nuclear and other weapons.
Since independence, the armed forces’ mission has been to protect the country’s territorial integrity from foreign aggression and to maintain internal security.
In the case of Ghana Police Service, its function is to uphold and enforce the law impartially and to protect life, property, liberty, human rights and dignity of the members of the public.
It is an administrative machinery of government which is charged with the preservation of the public order and tranquility, the promotion of the public health, safety, morals, the prevention, detection and punishment of crimes in the country.
Indeed, if we are to follow the functions of these two basic administrative institutions to the letter, it appears that the military has a distinct function of protecting our territorial integrity unless the government and for that matter the President directs otherwise in case of emergency situations.
The police on the other hand has the power to maintain law and order as well as ensuring absolute discipline among the citizenry. I.e internal security.
For the past few years, the nation has witnessed few instances in which the military, fully armed, had been used by government to usurp the powers of the police in the enforcement of law and order. We have also witnessed few clashes between military and police personnel in situations that could be described as a show of power. This does not auger well for our fledgling democracy.
It is a fact that we are allowing politics to erode the gains the country had chalked so far by creating unnecessary chaos and tension in our dear nation through the use of brute force by our security agencies.
A case in point was the recent elections in the country which recorded cases of armed security personnel allegedly shooting and killing innocent civilians and maiming others for no apparent reasons. May the souls of these departed ones rest in perfect peace.
Another contributing factor is the vigilantism by the two major political parties, NPP and NDC, using their members to attack each other thereby raising tension in the country. These are matters that were regrettable and must be avoided in the future.
We have chosen the path of democracy which entails a lot; we are governed by constitution with stipulated profound articles which must be followed rigidly if we are to ensure smooth administrative processes of our dear nation, Ghana. Flouting our constitution by doing otherwise will not help the course of our democracy which we cherished so much. Let us guard and uphold the tenets of our democracy which has been the envy of other nations.
The new Parliament headed by the new Honourable Speaker, Alban Kingsford Sumana Bagbin and his able lieutenants and other leaders must gird their loins and investigate the circumstances surrounding the recent disturbances in the Chamber of the House, sanction wherever necessary so that we can avoid that negative and nasty incidents that transpired to enable the country to move forward.
By Charles Neequaye
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