Relationship
Awakening of Umofia: Justice waits for no one
Greetings ! Greetings! Greetings my fellow Umofians! Eii! Eii! Eii! The silence has been long but not without purpose. Tell me, have you ever seen the leopard stalk its prey?
It does not pounce in haste. It watches. It listens. It lets the wind carry secrets before the final strike . And now? Ah ! I return not as a prodigal, but as the hawk that circled the land, patient, sharp-eyed, ready to tell what the land has shown me.
Eii! Eii! Eii! What a time to be alive in Umofia! The winds of change have not just whispered; they have howled, uprooting the complacent and shaking the mighty from their slumber. Ah, but what tales they carry! Tales of laughter, yes but also of lessons long overdue.
Tell me, my fellow Umofians, have you heard? Beneath the sacred baobab, where gossip dances like fireflies, there is now a chorus of sighs. The Akonta hunter who stalked the land as though he was invisible caught in his own snare! The great tree that stretched its branches wide, casting shadows over all. Ehe! Its roots now tremble, laid bare by the very earth it once claimed.
Ah! And what of the whispers that drift through the trees? The ones that speak of hands stretched across the seas, beckoning foreign plunderers to feast upon our forests and drink from our rivers as if it was theirs to take? Ehe! The people remember, and the land does not forgive.
Indeed, our elders say ‘when the tortoise parades in broad daylight, it forgets the hawk circles above’. And so, the one who dug his hands deep into the soil, pocketing gold as if it were pebbles, has been summoned to answer. EOCO’s halls do not echo with mercy only the weight of questions heavier than a sack of stolen wealth.
Ah, but the drama! They say ‘when the drummers grow too bold, even the chief forgets his dance.’ And what a spectacle it has been! The mighty, who once strutted through courtrooms as though they were palaces, now lie flat on their backs staring at hospital ceilings, wondering if the sickness in his chest came before or after the law’s tightening grip.
Let this be a warning, Umofia! The days of silent suffering are over. The sun rises for all, and no shadow no matter how deep can hide forever. Those who have woven webs of deceit will soon dangle from their own threads. The river remembers every disturbance in its current, and the people? Oh, the people remember even more.
Until next time,
Eyram, the tale bearer.
Building and maintaining healthy relationships is an important part of looking after our mental health. Here are six top tips to support you:
1. Get to know yourself
Take time to appreciate yourself and connect with your emotions. Being aware of your feelings allows you to express yourself clearly and effectively. Poor emotional regulation can negatively affect your mental wellbeing.
2. Put in the work
Healthy relationships are built, not found. They require commitment and a willingness to accommodate each other’s needs.
3. Set and respect boundaries
Boundaries communicate what you appreciate and what you don’t like in a relationship. For example, respecting your need for alone time helps prevent unrealistic expectations and reduces pressure on the relationship.
4. Talk and listen
Disagreements are normal. Focus on listening to understand, not just to respond. Be open about your emotions and vulnerabilities with people you trust.
5. Let go of control
You can only control your actions, not those of others. Accepting this reduces stress and saves time while fostering healthier interactions.
6. Reflect and learn
Healthy expression of feelings helps you respond appropriately to others. Often, anger stems from hurt; recognizing this allows for better communication and relationship building. Reflect on the relationships that work well in your life, identify their positive qualities, and apply these lessons elsewhere.
As parents on a mission, raise children who are not just successful, but cultured, morally upright, and ready to lead. The secret? Blend biblical principles and traditional values with practical parenting strategies that work in today’s world.
Ghana’s culture is built on respect, community, and integrity, and when combined with Christian values like love and forgiveness, it is a powerful combo for parenting. Teaching children about traditions, biblical truths, or the importance of greeting elders is not just about preserving culture—it is about building character.
5 Practical steps to raise disciplined, cultured kids
1. Set clear expectations
Explain rules and values clearly. For example, “We respect elders because God says ‘Honour your father and mother’” (Ephesians 6:2). Also, “We respect elders because they have lived longer and know more.” Align household rules with cultural values like obedience and responsibility.
2. Lead by example
Children mimic what they see. Show respect to elders, speak kindly, and demonstrate honesty in daily life. Proverb: “If you show a child how to behave, they’ll behave.” Moreover, Proverbs 22:6 says, “Train up a child in the way they should go …” You can also introduce them to traditional games like “Oware” or “Ampe,” which teach strategic thinking.
3. Teach emotional intelligence
Help children label emotions (“You’re feeling angry”). Encourage resolving conflicts peacefully—like using “sorry” to mend relationships. Ghanaian proverb: “A smooth sea doesn’t make a skilled sailor.”
4. Assign responsibilities
Give age-appropriate chores (e.g., fetching water, helping with cooking). It builds accountability and pride in contributing. Link chores to cultural values like communal living (“We all help in the community”) and biblical stewardship.
5. Embed culture and faith in daily life
Cook traditional foods like Banku, Jollof rice, or Fufu, tell folktales, or celebrate local festivals with prayer and gratitude. Discuss values like ubuntu (I am because we are) to teach teamwork and empathy; alongside God’s love for unity (John 13:34-35). Make culture fun and relatable.
Some other awesome ways to make Ghanaian culture relatable for children include:
- Sharing popular Ghanaian artists like Joe Mettle, Uncle Ato, or Obaapa Christie, and teaching traditional dances like Kpanlogo or Adowa.
- Exploring Ghanaian crafts like kente weaving or bead-making through online workshops.
- Talking about festivals like Homowo (celebrated by the Ga people) or Aboakyer (a deer-hunting festival) using cool videos and pictures online.
Why this matters for Ghana’s future leaders
- Respect and integrity: Cultured children grow into leaders who respect others and uphold ethical standards.
- Community mindset: Values like cooperation and serving others (Galatians 5:13) prepare them to contribute positively to society.
- Resilience: Cultural roots give children a strong identity, helping them navigate life’s challenges.
Parenting in the digital age
- Balance screen time with cultural activities. Use Anansi stories or Bible stories on YouTube or play Oware to teach strategy and patience.
- Discuss social media etiquette through the lens of respect, responsibility, and biblical wisdom (Proverbs 15:4).
Final thought for Ghanaian parents
February 2026 is a fresh start. Blend Ghana’s timeless values with modern tools to raise leaders who are grounded, respectful, and ready to thrive.
To be continued …
Source: REV. COUNSELOR PRINCE OFFEI and Counselor Blessing Offei’s insights on relationships, marriage, and parenting in Ghana. He is an author, mental health professional, lecturer, and marriage counsellor at COUNSELOR PRINCE & ASSOCIATES CONSULT (CPAC COUNSELLOR TRAINING INSTITUTE). He is the author of several books, including “Preparing for a Happy and Fulfilling Marriage” and “A Counsellor’s Guide to Using ‘Preparing for a Happy and Fulfilling Marriage’ Effectively.”
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