Short story: The test
Arku Jasmine
Junior News
For almost three years, the people of Agasa searched for an indegin who was competent enough to lead them.
The problem was not that they did not have anyone in mind; in fact they had three persons who were eligible for the position. However, they wanted somebody who would respect the human rights of the inhabitants and treat them with respect.
The previous chief was a tyrant — he terrorised the people and made it impossible for them to live in peace. This time, the kingmakers wanted to make the right choice and ensure that they enstoolled somebody who would have the welfare of the people at heart.
After an intensive search, three names came up and among them was Nii Lartey. He was the people’s favourite. Well known for his humility and generosity, Nii Lartey mingled with all, regardless of their background.
His generosity was not limited to individuals. Most of the development projects that took place in the town, he supported either with cash or various kinds of material. He was interested in education and so most of his benevolent acts went into assisting the young to attend school.
Unfortunately, as soon as his name came up as one of the possible contenders to the stool, his detractors took it upon themselves to destroy his reputation. They claimed he had been generous to the people because he wanted to lobby for their support.
They made up all manner of stories about Nii Lartey who was obviously the choice of the kingmakers. The kingmakers, therefore, decided to verify the stories they had heard by putting him to a test.
One morning, while in his room, Nii Lartey heard raised voices on his compound. He went out to find out what was amiss and saw that some members of his household were preventing a man who appeared to be mentally challenged from seeing him.
He immediately stopped them from mishandling the man. After the commotion had died down, he offered the man a seat. Before Nii Lartey could ask about the stranger’s mission, the man asked for food and water which he offered. Nii Lartey sat by the man until he finished eating
After talking for some time, the man thanked Nii Lartey and left. Unknown to everyone, the man Nii Lartey entertained was one of the kingmakers who had disguised himself just to test him. He reported to the rest of the kingmakers that Nii Lartey was the right person to ascend the throne.
The kingmaker argued that even though he was dirty and wretched coupled with the fact that Nii Lartey did not know him, he treated him with dignity. For him, the respect that Nii Lartey accorded him was an indication that he respected all and would not discriminate among his subjects if offered the stool.
Subsequently, Nii Lartey was installed as the chief of Agasa and became a successful one during his tenure.
Eugene Kofie,
The Nest School Complex,
Anaji, Takoradi.
The problem was not that they did not have anyone in mind; in fact they had three persons who were eligible for the position. However, they wanted somebody who would respect the human rights of the inhabitants and treat them with respect.
The previous chief was a tyrant — he terrorised the people and made it impossible for them to live in peace. This time, the kingmakers wanted to make the right choice and ensure that they enstoolled somebody who would have the welfare of the people at heart.
After an intensive search, three names came up and among them was Nii Lartey. He was the people’s favourite. Well known for his humility and generosity, Nii Lartey mingled with all, regardless of their background.
His generosity was not limited to individuals. Most of the development projects that took place in the town, he supported either with cash or various kinds of material. He was interested in education and so most of his benevolent acts went into assisting the young to attend school.
Unfortunately, as soon as his name came up as one of the possible contenders to the stool, his detractors took it upon themselves to destroy his reputation. They claimed he had been generous to the people because he wanted to lobby for their support.
They made up all manner of stories about Nii Lartey who was obviously the choice of the kingmakers. The kingmakers, therefore, decided to verify the stories they had heard by putting him to a test.
One morning, while in his room, Nii Lartey heard raised voices on his compound. He went out to find out what was amiss and saw that some members of his household were preventing a man who appeared to be mentally challenged from seeing him.
He immediately stopped them from mishandling the man. After the commotion had died down, he offered the man a seat. Before Nii Lartey could ask about the stranger’s mission, the man asked for food and water which he offered. Nii Lartey sat by the man until he finished eating
After talking for some time, the man thanked Nii Lartey and left. Unknown to everyone, the man Nii Lartey entertained was one of the kingmakers who had disguised himself just to test him. He reported to the rest of the kingmakers that Nii Lartey was the right person to ascend the throne.
The kingmaker argued that even though he was dirty and wretched coupled with the fact that Nii Lartey did not know him, he treated him with dignity. For him, the respect that Nii Lartey accorded him was an indication that he respected all and would not discriminate among his subjects if offered the stool.
Subsequently, Nii Lartey was installed as the chief of Agasa and became a successful one during his tenure.
Eugene Kofie,
The Nest School Complex,
Anaji, Takoradi.