On My Wall

I cannot readily recall whether it was feeling of joy or one of shock.  On the morning of Wednesday, the 9^th of July 2014 just before I left home for work, I was told an article I wrote and published on my personal blog and subsequently the biggest and most trusted news portal in the West African sub-region, www.myjoyonline.com two days earlier had been reproduced in a newspaper.

Why I Think NDC's Defeat Was Prophetic!

Forget about Prophet Isaac Owusu Bempah for the next 3 minutes. Let me occupy your thoughts.

With most people guessing how I voted in the just ended elections which saw Nana Addo Dankwa Akuffo-Addo elected as President, calls to share my musing on why I think the NDC lost the elections have been 'incessant'. I have been monitoring the [social] media landscape where commentators have pinned the 'Humptey Dumpty'-esque fall of the NDC on some issues, which I share below. 

The Best Man

I have walked behind a groom on five different occasions - the first three as groomsman and the next two as best man. It is really a wonderful experience to be chosen by anyone to serve in either of these capacities (including maid-of-honour and bridesmaids) on their 'big day'. To be chosen, among other things, means you are trustworthy.

The Character of Champions

Writing is not an easy thing to do. Whoever thought it was does not dabble in the literary world. Even on days when I’m inspired from an event during the week, it still isn’t – finding the right words to string together coherently to accurately convey the central theme could be quite daunting.

Reinforcement

I attended a training programme recently where 'Organizational Health & Safety' was part of the topics discussed. It was structured to be participatory where one could be called at random to answer a question posed by the session leader. But inasmuch as we were provided with a notepad and a pen, I somehow 'forgot' to jot down some points. The leader realized but said nothing - or asked no question which could have 'embarrassed' me. I was just listening (or intermittently lost in thought).

The Tema Signpost

It was in 2007 that the late Rev. Tony Mensah said at my church's youth anniversary celebrations that he in his priestly duties one thought he shuddered at was the idea of being like the ‘Tema signpost’. I didn't really grasp its meaning then. It was not until recently that I fully understood what he meant by that.

Moon and Stars.....

For about 2 minutes, the person was on the other side of the phone was asking whether I was still there. I was there, indeed, but lost in thought – NO – wonder. That succinctly captures it. I stared at the full moon that had formed in the skies illuminating the earth with its bright light.

Arise For Change!

We have less than two months to go to the polls to (re)elect a President who will steer the affairs of this country till January 2021. Now history has taught some of us not to place much premium on what is contained in a manifesto because it is largely meant to ‘trick’ us into voting for them. Majority of the promises contained therein do not see the light of day. You can check from those of the two political parties that have taken turns to govern the country.

Regrets

I was an athlete. Heck! God knows I could sprint. I represented my primary school in many events and came returned with laurels. The 3 fastest female athletes were placed 50 metres ahead of the 3 fastest males (I was one) in a 100 metre race, and I'll place 2nd, trailing the lady by only about one metre. That was how we were trained. 

The 'Copied' Manifesto Brouhaha...A Lesson.

A little over week ago, the ruling NDC launched its manifesto in Sunyani leading up to the elections. This document is meant to convince the electorate to vote ‘massively’ for its candidate. And as expected, this generated a lot of frenzy from its sympathizers from far and near. Whiles it was given wide media coverage and discussion, it was also subjected to scrutiny by anyone who cared. Normal, isn't it?

It Waits Not...'Tick..Tock'...

When I was in primary school, my cousin and I had the opportunity of being taught how to play the piano. We lived in the same house with his dad who is a very good keyboardist.

Audacity

I was en route to the Dansoman station at Circle last Saturday around 9 pm. I didn't notice him at first. I did when he drew closer, walking beside me within arm's length reach. He grabbed my left forearm and made a statement in Hausa, methinks. I thought he was an acquaintance and was ready to engage him in a conversation (not in Hausa), until I heard the word 'phone' in the statement and saw a jack knife.

A Lesson From The 'Dancehall King'...

There are just a handful of Ghanaian artistes I hold in high esteem. Some for their lyrical dexterity, others for their humility, and some others for how they do what they do. One person who falls into the 3rd category is Shatta Wale.

I Went Jogging...

The year is barely two months old, but I have broken one of my resolutions – that is posting article fortnightly. I must have underestimated the stress that came with combining work and ‘intensive’ schooling. Please, do forgive me. And notice is also served that that resolution is now hereby declared null and void – at least for the remainder of the year.