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How some people have underdeveloped Ghana
• Illegal mining activities have degraded our rich lands and polluted some of our water bodies, among others
When Nana Nkosuohene, the Odikro of Nkatiekrom swore before his people that he was determined to stamp out corruption from society, many were those who doubted him because previous leaders in that village could not measure up to that expectation.
However, when this Odikro assumed power and was installed as such, he began to come out with changes that in no time the entire community benefitted from. Until the time of this progressive and dynamic Odikro, many were those who felt that he could not implement his plans to make life better.
He kept telling his subjects that Rome was not built in a day, so if he was given the needed support, he would be able to come out with the desired results. With time, he proved his critics wrong and after some time, everyone turned round to praise the Odikro of Nkatiekrom, Nana Nkosuohene. Many were those who were involved in corrupt practices and laziness, a negative development that turned back the clock of progress. But determined as he was, Nana Nkosuohene was able to make progress and develop his community for the common good. This situation is comparable to what is happening in Ghana today.
HIGH HOPES
The high hopes of Ghanaians for quality life in the years after independence, having taken their political destiny into their own hands by virtue of their independence on March 6, 1957, were comparable to rains from the sky surely bound to fall to the ground.
So high were the hopes that, it was thought that within a few years after independence the country would be able to produce enough food and industrial goods to satisfy its needs and even have surplus for export, build up dependable or reliable infrastructure in the form of transportation systems – air, land and sea – as well as reliable energy and water supplies, among others, not forgetting quality social services in the form of good health, education and comfortable welfare systems. However, this was not to be because the pace of development at all fronts has been abysmally slow and below expectation.
SECTORS
The educational sector, for example, has been moving forward and backward, failing to equip the youth with the requisite knowledge and skills needed to address the challenges the nation is facing. It is interesting to note that at a time when the country needed a consolidation of direction towards the achievement of goals in the educational sector, a result-oriented Senior High School (SHS) system, for example, was reversed in 2013 from its original four-year duration to three years to create two streams of SHS graduates at the time to fight over limited places in tertiary/professional institutions.
Again, one crucial problem was accessibility to SHS as well as technical and vocational institutions at the second-cycle level. Fortunately, President Akufo-Addo’s free education policy at this level took effect in September 2017 to reduce the burden on parents and open up accessibility to many students.
Many people, including government officials, tend to focus on only expansion in accessibility to SHS under President Akufo-Addo. What many of them fail to point out is increase accessibility to vocational and technical schools. Indeed, government is rightly encouraging many people not only to focus on grammar education, i.e. SHS, but technical as well as vocational education which have all been made free, alongside the SHS, under President Akufo-Addo.
Besides, the energy sector has been poorly managed over the years, resulting in serious consequences. With good maintenance culture, the Akosombo and Kpong dams together with the Bui dam, Atoabo Gas plant and the Aboadze thermal plant could ensure steady supply of energy. In addition, independent power producers as well as exploitation of new sources of energy, if well executed, could have a more positive impact on the country’s economy.
Unfortunately, what did we see recently or a few years ago under the previous government? We saw unreliable, erratic power supply that came to be known as “dumsor”. Until recently when the situation improved, power generation proved to be inadequate while its distribution was so poorly done that it led to frequent power outages, sometimes leading to destruction of gadgets, burning of homes and offices and even loss of precious lives.
GOODS AND SERVICES
In addition, Ghanaians appear not prepared to produce their own goods and services for the nation, preferring massive importation of goods which has led to the growth of foreign economies rather than that of Ghana. The current government’s Planting For Food and Jobs programme will help to address this problem. Similarly, our value-added exports have dwindled over the years, bringing in far less revenue than expected.
It is the hope of Ghanaians that the One-District, One-Factory programme will be successfully implemented to result in value-added exports. This is important because massive imports have not helped the country.
No outsider will come to Ghana to build this nation for Ghanaians. Yet, many people care less about the future of this country while corruption has become the order of the day. It is a common thing to find political leaders linking up with certain individuals and organisations to dupe the nation in various ways. This behaviour, unwarranted as it is, is what, for example, has led to what may be called the “woyomisation” of the economy of Ghana.
SELF DESTRUCTION
As a young person studying at the University of Ghana for a Bachelor’s Degree some years back, I was introduced to a book titled “How Europe Under-developed Africa” by Walter Rodney. The author sought to put the woes of Africa on the Europeans who cheated Africans through what was perceived to be exploitative trade. While this was true to some extent, it makes Africans not responsible for their own misdeeds. In the same way when we come to Ghana, Ghanaians also cannot escape blame for the sorry state of affairs in the country today, especially after 64 years of political independence.
Our problems relate to poor attitude to work, illegal mining, embezzlement of public funds, humongous corruption, lack of patriotism, poor sanitation, lack of proper planning, etc. In light of all this, is it not right to raise questions on the need for critical self-auditing?
If it is, then the urgent desire and determination to re-think our positions towards a selfless, positive, realistic, and result-oriented transformation, in line with President Akufo-Addo’s vision, is what we need now!!!
All Ghanaians need to agree to this and realise that we need to put our heads and efforts together to rebuild our country now that we have a leader who is genuinely prepared to lead the way to achieve our avowed national aspiration, progress and development.
Contact email/whatsApp address of author:
Pradmat201@gmail.com (0553318911)
BY DR KOFI AMPONSAH-BEDIAKO
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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