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Mr. Big Stuff
In 1971, American singer, Jean Knight, released her hit single, Mr. Big Stuff. The lyrics say in part: “Who do you think you are, Mr. Big Stuff; you’re never gonna get my love. Now, because you wear all those fancy clothes (oh yeah), and have a big fine car, oh yes you do now; do you think I can afford to give you my love (oh yeah)? You think you’re higher than every star above, Mr. Big Stuff! Who do you think you are, Mr. Big Stuff? You’re never gonna get my love ……’cause when I give my love, I want love in return (oh yeah), Now I know this is a lesson Mr. Big Stuff you haven’t learned. Mr. Big Stuff, tell me, who do you think you are?
The song speaks of an amorous relationship gone bad because the man gives himself some airs and graces after his social status improves. But it also describes the irritatingly abominable streak of egotism inherent in most Ghanaian politicians. Just as Mr. Big Stuff feels he is higher than every star, these officials think they are above the supreme law of the land (Constitution). Sometimes, they behave as proudly as Lucifer did. Yes, Lucifer wanted to establish his throne over and above God’s. And if you fail to pay obeisance to these megalomaniacs, their ego is bruised badly and they seek revenge by “changing your situation” using various tools, including transfers as we found out from events in Takoradi.
The aberration dates back to the days of yore. Ghanaian folklore relates the story of Krobo Edusei, one time, Minister of the Interior under Nkrumah’s administration. He paid a working visit to a certain region where a police officer had earned rave reviews for his sense of integrity and professionalism. But he courted the displeasure and disdain of some members of the ruling CPP in the area, peeved that he would not play ball with them when they broke the law, which they did often just as present-day political folk also do. So, they reported his “bad conduct” to Krobo Edusei.
At a durbar, the police officer was pointed out to the minister. While he addressed the people, Krobo Edusei said in the twi language: “Hei, Papa polisi, nea woy3 no nyina, mate. MekՉ sremu aba. M3ba no, naw’ayi mataade3 abobՉagu me hՉ.”This translates to: “Look here, policeman, I have heard all that you are doing here. I am travelling to the North. Put off my uniform and fold it nicely for me to pick it on my return,” suggesting he owned the police uniform. Of course, he was not going to come back anytime soon. It was a display of clout to publicly shame and threaten the policeman to stop “messing” with party people. Sounds familiar?
In 2014, the then DCE of Ahafo Ano South in the Ashanti Region, Mr. Gabriel Barimah, threw a tantrum and stormed out of a programme after he overheard someone in the audience making an interjection while he was addressing a meeting attended by chiefs, government officials, health workers and some town folk, among others.
While the people were all ears for news beneficial to them, the DCE turned attention to himself, bragging, perhaps, in a veiled reference to someone he thought envied his office, that he, as the DCE, rather than somebody else, had been offered the platform to speak and grace the occasion. What did those effusions have to do with the programme? Someone not the least enthused about the speech, could not stomach the nonsense and shouted “Tweaa!” an interjection that can mean, “to hell with your statement.” In a fit of uncontrollable rage, Mr. Barimah demanded: “Who said tweaa?”
He stormed out of the programme, repeating questions like: “Are you my co-equal?” “Am I your friend?” “Why did you say tweaa?” Then, he returned momentarily and declared: “Take your programme. I am not talking again. I have handed my speech,” [sic]. Just because he was challenged, he childishly and impudently snubbed everybody at the meeting as if they did not exist. In his estimation, there was no one as important as himself. He was suspended but reinstated after some intervention by party members. What made him assume that in his jurisdiction, his word was law, or that he had a licence for autocracy? Mr. Big Stuff, who do you think you are?
The latest in the line of arrogant politicians competing for a dishonourable mention in the nation’s hall of shame, is the MCE of Sekondi-Takoradi, Mr Abdul-Mumin Issah. On Wednesday, February 2, he exhibited gross abuse of political power by spewing unprintable (words) against a police officer at a checkpoint, and even threatening to beat him to death if he dared him. The severity and bitterness of temper with which the mayor spoke showed a palpable demonstration of the presumed power and might of some political appointees in Ghana. The officer’s only crime was insisting that for orderliness to prevail at the checkpoint, the MCE’s vehicle should join the queue like any other to be properly cleared to move.
This was after the mayor allegedly drove dangerously and carelessly while approaching the checkpoint at the Kwesimintsim cemetery in an attempt to drive past the queue. A police officer in charge of the operation, identified as Inspector Sarfo Andrews, detained him, and told him he had called for the patrol team to come and handle the matter. Mr. Issah went ballistic, breathing fire and brimstone, and insisting that as the MCE, he had the right to just drive past without submitting to any check, and that the police could not treat him like any other citizen. I do not know where he found it in the statute books that the police should recognise that a mayor is above the law. Mr. Big Stuff, who do you think you are?
An exchange of words ensued during which the MCE told the officer he was stupid, ugly and many more. “I will change your situation…I will send you to Enchi,” (that is, on transfer), as if that town were inhabited by beasts of prey. Unfazed by the MCE’s threats, Inspector Andrews called his bluff with accurate, intelligent reasoning that exposed the mayor’s scant capacity for scholarship, etiquette, and leadership as well as earn respect and commendation for the police. Those who charge the police officer with insubordination should not forget the Akan proverb: “S3 wone kraman di agoro a, Չtafrew’ano, to wit “If you play with a dog, it will definitely kiss your mouth.”What did you expect from the officer when the mayor displayed such brazen incivility towards him?
Meanwhile, President Akufo-Addo has swiftly suspended the MCE for his misconduct while the police have also processed him for court charged on three counts of assault of a public officer, offensive conduct conducive to breaches of the peace and disturbing the peace in a public place contrary to Sections 205, 207 and 298 respectively, of the Criminal and Other Offences Act of 1960, Act 29.
In another development, the youth of Enchi, aggrieved by the disparaging remark made against their town by Mr. Issah, are reported to have asked him to apologise and retract his statement or face further action. But, rather unashamedly, the embattled mayor has issued a statement promising that the whole truth will come out. What exactly he meant by that is not clear because the whole encounter was captured by the smart policeman and posted on social media for all to judge for themselves. He must be told that truth is absolute and there is nothing like alternative truth. He might have some interesting ideas, but nothing can obscure the essential truth portrayed vividly by the viral video.
Mr. IGP, Dr George Akuffo Dampare, your determination to transform policing in Ghana is already showing results. Your leadership by example such as your reported obedience of traffic laws even when movement is at a snail’s pace, undoubtedly influenced Inspector Andrews to apply the rule without fear or favour. I trust your sense of rectitude will prompt you to “mention” the gallant officer “in dispatches.”
While swearing in his appointees on the first day of his presidency, US President, Joe Biden, gave them a grim and straightforward warning: Show respect to all or I will fire you.“I am not joking when I say this, if you are ever working with me and I hear you treat another colleague with disrespect… talk down to someone, I promise you I will fire you on the spot,” he emphasised. “On the spot. No ifs, ands or buts. Everybody… everybody is entitled to be treated with decency and dignity,” he added.
“The only thing I expect with absolute certitude is honesty and decency — the way you treat one another, the way you treat the people you deal with. And I mean that sincerely,…Remember: The people don’t work for us. We work for the people. I work for the people. They pay my salary. They pay your salary. They put their faith in you. I put my own faith in you. And so, we have an obligation,” Mr. Biden stressed.
This is the plain truth that all the narcissists parading as tin gods should know and apply. Otherwise, Mr. President, take a cue from your US colleague. Fire them!
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BY TONY PREMPEH
When Abigail Fremah steps up to the Armwrestling table, the noise fades, the tension settles, and order takes over.
Despite a calm, but firm and meticulous disposition, she has become one of the quiet forces shaping Ghana’s growing reputation in the sport, not as an athlete, but a referee trusted on the continental stage.
Abigail’s journey into Armwrestling did not begin at the table. Like many Ghanaian sports enthusiasts, she grew up playing several disciplines. Football was her first love, but she also featured in volleyball and basketball during her school years. Sports, she says, was simply a way of life not just for her.
“It runs through the family. All my siblings are into sports,” she stated.
“I was involved in almost every sport in school, football, volleyball, netball, hockey; I did everything,” she recalls.
Her academic background in Health, Physical Education and Recreation laid a solid foundation for her sporting career. While on scholarship at the university (University of Cape Coast), she often used her modest budget to support young athletes, sometimes sharing skills and even T-shirts at programmes she attended. Giving back, she explains, has always been part of her motivation.
However, as she matured as an athlete, Abigail made a critical self-assessment.
“Armwrestling involves a lot of strength,” she admits. “Looking at my body type, I realised I couldn’t fit properly as a competitive athlete.”
That moment of honesty pushed her to a different trajectory but equally important path in sports; which is officiating.
During her National Service, she was encouraged by Mr Charles Osei Asibey, the President of the Ghana Armwrestling Federation (GAF), to consider officiating. He introduced her to a technical official, Mr Hussein Akuerteh Addy, who formally took her through the basics of Armwrestling officiating in 2021.
“I started as a case official,” she says. “We moved from region to region every week, officiating competitions. That’s where it all began.”
By 2022, Abigail was actively involved in national assignments, though she missed the African Championship that year. Her breakthrough came in 2023, when Ghana hosted the African Armwrestling Championship.
It was her first experience officiating at a major international competition and it changed everything.
“That was my first national and international exposure at the same time,” she says. “It really opened my eyes.”
Today, Abigail is a World Junior Armwrestling Referee, a status earned through performance, consistency and discipline. She explains that progression in officiating was not automatic.
“It’s all about performance, your appearance at African Championships, your conduct, how you handle pressure; that’s what takes you to the world level,” she stressed.
As a referee, Abigail’s priority is safety and fairness. Armwrestling, she notes, comes with risks, particularly injuries to the wrists, elbows, shoulders and arms.
“If athletes don’t follow the rules or refuse to listen to officials, injuries can happen,” she explains, adding that focus was everything.
Before every match, she ensures that all equipment which includes elbow pads, hand pegs and table alignment were properly set. Athletes are not allowed to cover their elbows, must grip correctly, and must follow the referee’s commands precisely.
“We make sure everything is fixed before the grip,” she says. “Once we say ‘Ready… Go’, there should be no confusion.”
She is also firm on discipline. Warnings are issued for infractions, and repeated misconduct attracts penalties.
“The referee must be respected, if you don’t listen, the rules will deal with you,” she says.
Abigail credits her confidence partly to her sporting family background. Her mother was a volleyball player, while other family members also participated in sports. Though they were initially concerned about her safety, her rise to the top reassured them.
“They were afraid at first,” she admits. “But they were also very proud, especially because some of them never got the opportunity to reach this level.”
Looking ahead, Abigail is optimistic about the future of Armwrestling in Ghana. In less than a decade, the country has produced African and world-level medalists, a sign, she believes, of great things to come for Ghana.
“Whenever we go out, we come back with medals such as gold and silver,” she says, and to her that was a sign of growth.
In the next five to ten years, Abigail sees herself rising to become a World Master Referee, the highest officiating level in the sport. Until then, her routine remains intense, training four times a week, working closely with athletes, standing on her feet for hours, and constantly refining her understanding of the rules.
“I love this sport,” she says simply. “That love is what keeps me going.”
Abigail encouraged women to be bold and intentional about their place in sports saying “don’t limit yourself because of fear or stereotypes.”
She also urged women to invest in learning, discipline and consistency, stressing that respect was earned through performance.
For Abigail, as Ghana’s armwrestlers continue to make their mark, she will remain where she is most effective at the table, ensuring the game is played right.
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
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As he had promised Aperkeh, the elderly man and his wife and three daughters stopped by Aperkeh’s parents’ house. Mr Amando and his family were preparing to settle in for the night.
“Brother Ben and family”, Mr Joshua Amando said warmly, “although I know you are here on a matter that can hardly be described as joyous, it is still good to see you. You are welcome. Please sit down while I bring you water”.
“Yes, we will take water, even though we are hardly thirsty, because this is our home”.
“Okay, Ben”, he started after they had drank, “Let me go straight to the point. My daughter Priscilla has told me about the goings on between her brother Aperkeh and our daughter Stella.
Before informing me, Priscilla had expressed concern to Aperkeh about some habits he is adopting, especially the late nights and the drinking. She tells me that one Saturday morning, she was there when Stella complained about his drinking and some girls who had come to the house to look for him, and he assaulted her.
I called him and complained, but all he could say was that I don’t know what caused him to react that way, so I could not judge him. Now he does not answer my calls.
I have sent Priscilla to his house to call him, but he has refused to come. Unfortunately, Ben, my son is a much different person than the young boy who completed university and started work at the bank. I am really embarrassed about his treatment of Stella”.
“Joshua, let me assure you that even though what is happening is very unfortunate, it will not affect our relationship.
We have been friends since childhood, and I thought that with their parents’ blessing, the relationship between Aperkeh and Stella would grow to become a blessing to all of us. But there appears to be a real challenge now.
Stella thinks that Aperkeh wants her out of his house, and indeed Aperkeh himself told me that, about an hour ago.
So I’m taking my daughter home. I suggest that you do what you can to straighten him out, but if it does not work out, let’s accept the situation and continue to be one family.
I am sure that being the well behaved girl that she is, Stella will meet a young man who will cherish her. Fortunately, this problem is happening early in the day, so they can sort things out if possible, or move on with their lives if they are unable to stay together”.
“I’m really grateful for that, Ben. I will do my best in the next few days to reason with him, because apart from the relationship with Stella, Aperkeh is risking his job and career with this lifestyle.
A good job and salary offers an opportunity to gather momentum in life, not to destroy yourself”.
“Okay Brother Joshua. We will say goodnight. I hope to hear positive news from you”.
As he descended in the lift from the fourth to the ground floor, Aperkeh wondered who would be waiting at the reception to see him at nine on Monday morning. He had spent good time with both of his new girls during the weekend, so it had to be someone else. He got out of the lift and pulled a face when he saw Priscilla.
“Priscilla”, he said as he sat down by her, “what do you want here? You know Monday morning is a busy time at the bank. I am a very busy person, so say what you want, I have work to do”.
“You are very funny, Aperkeh. You are telling me, your sister, that you have work to do, so I should hurry up? Okay, Dad says I should advise you to come home tonight, because he wants to discuss the issue of Stella with you. He sent me to you twice, and you did not come.
He has tried to call you quite a number of times, but you have refused to answer his calls. He says that if you do not come tonight, you will be very surprised at what he will do. He says you will not like it at all, so better come.
“What is all this? Why won’t you people leave me alone? Stella is very disrespectful. I told her that if she wanted to continue to live in my house, she must obey me. It is that simple.
She chose to continue ordering me about, controlling me in my own house, so I told her that if she could not live under my conditions she should leave. And she left. In fact, her own father came and took her away. So what again?’’
“How did she disobey or control you? Was she complaining about your continuous drinking and late nights? And did you slap her on several occasions because of that? Did you tell her that if she could not live under your conditions she should leave? You actually said that to her father? You have forgotten that before she came to live with you, our two parents met and agreed, and gave it their blessing?’
“Why don’t you leave, Priscilla? I don’t have to listen to all that”. “Okay, I will go. Your father who gave birth to you and educated you to university level sends me to you, and you ask me to leave? I wish you would defy him, and refuse to come home as he’s telling you, because he is planning to give you the discipline you badly need. Let me tell you. Stella is such a beautiful and decent girl, and I assure you that someone will grab her before you say Jack. You are only 30 years old, and you have already become a drunkard”.
As he walked towards the lift, Aperkeh decided on what to do. He would go home, and calmly listen to what his father had to say. The old man was very unpredictable, and he wouldn’t dare ignore him. So he would take all the insults and threats, but as for Stella she was history. According to Priscilla, Stella was beautiful and all that, but she had not seen the two curvaceous princesses who were all over him, ready to do anything he asked. And these were not barely literate waakye girls, but university graduates from wealthy homes, really classy girls. With stuff like that, who needs a waakye girl? He smiled as he took his seat.
A few minutes to five, Aperkeh was packing up to leave for home to meet his dad when his phone rang. It was Priscilla.
“Aperkeh, Dad says you don’t need to bother to come. Stella’s dad says she came to him early this morning to plead that she would rather stay at home than return to your house. She thinks you are already decided to be rid of her, and she does not want to risk being assaulted again. So it’s done. You can go ahead and enjoy the nice life you have started”.
Before he could tell her to go to hell, Priscilla hanged up the line. He was partially stung that his dad had virtually cut him off. The last thing anyone would want was to fall out of relationship with his own family, which had always supported him.
But the truth was he was no longer interested in Stella. What was wrong with going by one’s feelings? He could only hope that one day, his parents and sister would try to reason with him.
By Ekow de Heer
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