KB Asante: Voice From Afar column
We have not done badly
The tidings might not have been as glad as we expected. But we have reason to rejoice. In spite of the harrowing events which followed the so-called ‘Arab Spring’, we maintained our social and political sanity. We, therefore, have reason to celebrate. But let our merry-making lead to sober reflections to make life more meaningful and less stressful.
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I was lucky to end my last Sunday of the year on pleasant notes. I had a lovely lunch of excellent Ghanaian cuisine to celebrate the 40th wedding anniversary of my good young friends, the Kumahors, at Dzorwulu. Esi Sutherland-Addy started the ball rolling with something to think about and followed it with a short, meaningful prayer. She naturally referred to the Children’s Park, opposite the National Theatre next door and made us think about its sorry state though it was named after her mother.
We have nowhere to roam and think and our children have nowhere to play football, even if barefooted, as we did. It is a shame. Where are our planners and civic authorities? Accra cannot be all concrete pillars. It must have its parks. Positive action towards this end by all of us will make future New Years more enjoyable.
Without warning, I was asked to say a few words at the luncheon. And in the circumstances I might have dropped a clanger. I thought divorces were getting too many and on a light note I said the women were all the same and it was no use changing them in midstream! That of course appeared to belittle the achievement of Mrs Kumahor, let alone, the singular devotion of Mr Kumahor. Of course, it takes great character and commitment for a couple to stick together for so long. And women may be the same but “difference dey inside”.
One thing I do not understand is why Ghanaians revere their mothers and yet many do not generally treat other women, including their wives, very well. The indifferent attitude is extended to young girls who are constantly reported to be molested by men who should know better. We have a ministry to deal with the issues and we should support the various public institutions which deal with violence against women. We should assist and see to it that laws against molestation are enforced. But perhaps what is more important is that such men should be shunned by society.
We should nevertheless be more ruthless with those who defile young women. Men who force carnal knowledge on girls under age should be put in cold storage during their years of manhood. The police should not countenance “family settlements” of such cases. They are crimes against the State and society and offenders should be firmly dealt with and treated as pariahs in society.
I hope such thoughts do not upset readers at this time of joy. But if 2014 is to be a happier and joyful year we should do our utmost to ensure that laws are enforced. That is the only way of protecting society and upholding the rights and well-being of all.
The other good note with which I ended the last Sunday of the year was the concert and launching of the book “Unquenchable Fire” by Flora Trebi-Ollennu. It was a pity that the Conference Centre was not full. Incidentally, the centre does not seem to be well-maintained. The air-conditioners were not working and gadgets appeared to be in disrepair!
However, it was salutary to remind Ghanaians that we had great men who strove to build great communities and a great nation. And we still have them. The book launched was about Trebi Ollennu, who served his people of La with distinction and exhibited admirable leadership, resulting in the formation of La Mansaamo Kpee. The community organisation has led to improved sanitation, building of schools and a clinic at La. It also spearheaded the formation of La Community Bank Ltd.
So the recent past has not been that bad. And individual Ghanaians continue to set good examples. The nation has not done that badly but there is a great deal to do. And if we look around hard enough we shall find evidence even in today’s Ghana that real enjoyment comes when we assist OTHERS to live better and enjoy themselves. That is why ordinary, normal men and women go to great extent to see to it that their children are happy at Christmas and the New Year. Let us pity the corrupt and kleptomaniacs and pray that they will forswear their foolish ways at this time of joy. Let us help them by example to realise that life is more fulfilling when one gives and not when one stealthily grabs.