Features
What a hardworking President ! (final part)
From all indications, it has been established beyond reasonable doubt, from the practical demonstration of the President’s agenda, that he is a visionary and hardworking President needed at this time in our political and economic history for the rapid transformation of the Ghanaian society.
Indeed, there is no doubt that Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo is a hardworking and visionary President who is committed to transforming the economy of Ghana and raising the standard of living of Ghanaians. Many were those who doubted him when he mentioned that Free Senior High School, Technical and Vocational Training could all be made real in this country. The doubting Thomases counter-argued that he was only using it as a ploy to get votes for himself and his party.
VISION OF INTEGRATED DEVELOPMENT AGENDA
Today, it has been established beyond reasonable doubt that he has a vision of integrated development agenda aimed at linking up the human resource base of this country with its natural resources also available to the country and blending them in a manner that will result in rapid socio-economic development for the country. This effort has also been collaborated with foreign alliances in form of economic co-operation in various sectors of the economy, including health, education, transportation, roads as well as trade and industry.
The President’s achievement today is unique, seeing that every step he is taking is meant to bring about progress and development. He is one President who does not sit at one place in Accra and take personal glory to himself. He comes to the office very early in the morning and continues working till late in the night. All these are done in addition to undertaking his daily programmes of carrying out sod cutting programmes and commissioning projects that have been completed in various parts of the country.
ROAD PROJECTS
The numerous construction of road projects going on in various parts of the country show that if President Akufo-Addo had not come in at this time, things would have been worse as far as road construction is concerned. Many communities are crying for construction of their roads so that they can be like others they have encountered, but all these will be done with time to the glory of God and the noble people of Ghana.
In addition to what takes place in this country, he is seen very often moving out to other countries and telling them about the “good news” of the attractive investment climate currently prevailing in the country. In other words, the President is always moving round the country to be in touch with the people, find out their needs and to explore the various forms of work and investments going on round the country, contrary to being an arm-chair liberator and being confined to the capital city of Accra as some leaders did.
This is the President the country needs currently to ensure that socio-economic development takes us to a higher level of achievement. Not long ago, the late former President, Flt. Lt. Jerry John Rawlings, while he was alive, made it clear that “we are fortunate to have President Akufo-Addo in Ghana at this time”. When he made this point, many people especially those in his party, the National Democratic Congress (NDC), did not like it because as is usually their nature, they would never want the current President to be praised for his good work even though they know what the truth is.
As has been pointed out already, when the late President made this point, his own party members did not like it because they felt that he was praising President Akufo-Addo too much but they had wanted him to cast insults at him in line with their usual “unpalatable” characteristics. The late President insisted that was the case and that it was not because he wanted to shower too much praise on President Akufo-Addo, but to praise him and let the world know what the true position is in the country.
TREMENDOUS STRENGTH
The point has been made that President Akufo-Addo keeps moving to all parts of the country exhibiting tremendous strength inspecting programmes and investments going on in the country, the latest being his visit to the Western and Western North regions, Oti and Volta regions and other parts of the country. He is doing this not because he is in a mood of travel-happy but finding out for himself what the true situation is. This dynamism of performance is part of his character. It cannot be taken away from him, so we need to admire him for what he truly is.
The massive strength of the President can influence and make you think that probably he is only 40 years even though he is far older, being 77 years. For this reason, many people agree that he must be appreciated by all and sundry irrespective of one’s political affiliation and/or association.
President Akufo-Addo is a visionary leader because his programmes are meant to transform the economy and give massive employment to more people in the country. The numerous factories set up in the districts are meant to create opportunities of employment for the youth in the country. In addition,the factories and other business opportunities will make Ghana less independent on other countries for their needs. For example, instead of depending on other countries for food, Ghana today has become a net exporter of these items, a testimony to the fact that it is giving real meaning to its independence of other countries.
TRANSFORMATIONAL PROGRAMMES
Programmes like One District One Factory (1D1F), Free Senior High School, Technical and Vocational Education, transformation of the banking sector, massive investments in the health sector in form of the construction of 111 regional and district hospitals as well as the supply of one ambulance to each constituency, the use of drones for the distribution of medicines etc. are a testimony to the great effort being made by President Akufo-Addo and his administration.
In addition, the setting up of automobile industry in the country together with many other achievements like the courageous fight against COVID-19 shows that President Akufo-Addo means good business for the people of Ghana. We also saw not long ago, the President’s visit to Germany aimed at wooing investors to come and partner Ghana in the investment drive. Wherever he goes, he sells Ghana, rather than destroy it as some people in the country shamelessly and embarrassingly prefer to do.
GREAT HARVEST
In the light of all these, the situation in Ghana is comparable to what the Lord Jesus told his disciples in Luke 10:2 that “the harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few …” In one sense, it means that so great was the harvest of souls that the labourers were few and, therefore, more people were needed to help in the work.
In the Ghanaian context of national reconstruction and development, more people are needed to join the President to help the country to grow to a higher pedestal of development where we all want it to be.For this reason, God should bless the country, stimulate it, and encourage everyone to pay his/her dues in form of contribution to national progress, smooth and uninterrupted forward-movement as well as unparalleled development.
Contact email/whatsApp of author:
pradmat2013@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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