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Construction crew or demolition squad? Part 2
In part one of this article, I recalled the days of yore when Ghanaian pupils in the elementary school studied civics. For the benefit of those who had no idea about the subject, I explained that the course was all about responsibilities and obligations of the citizens of a country, usually categorised into the good and the bad, depending on their behaviour. Then, I inferred that the whole concept boiled down to the idea of the Construction Crew and the Demolition Squad. Beginning with the government, the article dealt with the various instances of injustice that most Ghanaians, especially the rural folk, are made to endure perennially by government after government. I paraphrased George Orwell’s satirical novel – Animal Farm – juxtaposed it with the situation in Ghana and submitted that after independence our motto, Freedom and Justice seems like a mirage. It is still my contention that justice has taken a back seat and the motto has remained, at best, a mere rhetoric. I continue from where I left off.
In the previous article, I asked three questions and I repeat them. Does Animal Farm ring a bell in Africa? Does it sound familiar in Ghana? Do you see those who have now put on airs?
Just a casual glance around the corridors of the Ghanaian society is enough to reveal that themes of Animal Farm continue to reverberate in every aspect of our body politic. Where is the justice when scholarships meant for poor and brilliant students somehow find their way to children of the rich who can afford everything without sweat? I am not talking about free senior high school.
It is on record that the Scholarship Secretariat has now decentralised its operations, initially, to the regional level in the 2018/2019 academic year, and then all the way down to the Metropolitan, Municipal and District levels in the 2019/2020 academic year. Good enough, at least, on paper!
According to the Secretariat, this has led to “significant strides or achievement in the increase of scholarships awarded to Ghanaian students pursuing higher education in the local tertiary institutions, both public and private. More than thirty thousand (30,000) Ghanaian students in the locally accredited tertiary institutions benefitted from the scheme in the 2019/2020 academic year.”
Now, the question is: How many of those 30,000 scholarships were given to applicants under the categories of Merit Awards, Hardship Awards (that is, for needy but brilliant students), and the Presidential Independence Day Awards? And how many qualified from the districts? Are they not the children of rich politicians and other affluent people in the cities – those with connections – who still benefitted despite the noise about decentralisation?
If the process were transparent, the records would be readily available and easily accessible at the District, Municipal, and Metropolitan Assemblies for all to find. By the way, how many farmers in the villages have even been notified by their respective assemblies that they can access scholarships for their needy but brilliant children who qualify for such grants? Transparency, indeed!
Where is the justice when the rich get richer, and the poor get poorer? Is it not criminal that the poverty-stricken masses are saddled with loads of care in the form of high transportation cost, utility bills and other encumbrances while those who can virtually afford everything get them free of charge? Do not tell me they are the perks that accompany certain positions. The truth is these benefits are just an icing on the cake, yet majority of the citizens do not have any cake to eat at all. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said, and rightly so, that “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”
After cajoling the longsuffering masses to vote you into office, whether as Assembly Members, Union Leaders, Members of Parliament, or having been appointed Ministers, do you now behave like Napoleon the pig, (Animal Farm) and think only of your welfare and that of your family?
Are you accessible to your constituents? Can they reach you on your phone? No! And they can neither come to your house because the preventive duty of your trained, wild dog is well defined and noticeably advertised. Under the guise of deterring criminals from attempting any mischief against your property, you have conspicuously hung the sign: “Beware of wild dogs.” In reality, however, it is a coded message directed at perceived intruders from your constituency. The sign echoes an implicit message loudly: “Do not dare to approach this house; you are not welcome here.” How will anyone venture a visit under such circumstance?
These patient citizens live in resource-filled parts of the country yet do not have potable water in this day and age. Their school buildings are dilapidated and at the mercy of the elements. While their gas, oil, gold, bauxite, and other resources are extracted for the collective good of the country, they, as the custodians of these assets, have little or nothing to show for their potential prosperity all these years.
Maybe, the right person is nominated for the position of M.C.E. or D.C.E. to help administer and, hopefully, transform the various constituencies.But as an assembly man or woman, you see the confirmation process as an opportunity to dig gold. You, therefore, insist on a token, a euphemism for bribe, else you would not vote to approve the nominee. Meanwhile, your constituents put you up there to help them get their fair share of the national cake. Where do you belong, the “Construction Crew” or the “Demolition Squad?” What happened to your civics lessons?
Dear Civil Servant, thank you for all the hard work you put in despite the paltry salary. But I have a problem with those who pretend that somebody’s file is missing only for them to dramatically recover it from the “sinkhole” into which it dropped.
“Eureka! I have found it,” he would exclaim, just after his palms are not only greased, but lubricated well. Otherwise, not even the most powerful laser – Light Amplification by Simulated Emission of Radiation – can track and retrieve the missing document needed urgently to transact legitimate business for the mutual benefit of the client and the nation. This is the modus operandi of the “Demolition Squad.” No nation can develop with this attitude.
Sadly, this brazen exploitation has become so systemic that it has degenerated into a contagion of epidemic proportions permeating every fibre of the Ghanaian society. Just apply for a passport or try to register a company at the Registrar-General’s Department. You may also attempt to obtain a driver’s licence. You would not only understand what I am saying but you would also be amazed at the scope of rottenness prevailing in the system.
Issuance of passports was decentralised decades ago to enable Ghanaians to access travel documents easily, affordably, and speedily. But what was meant to be a division of labour to boost productivity, has evolved into the decentralisation of corruption. In the past only those in Accra had the chance to indulge in the practice. Now, it is “EGLE” – Every Ghanaian Living Everywhere. Did you know that once upon a time there was a political party by that name? Ei! Ghana! Trailblazers in everything!
Anyway, at the various passport offices spread over the country, they have rates of bribe that applicants must pay before they secure their passports, depending on how badly they need them. The faster you want it, the more you pay. Now that new regions have been created, I would not be surprised if people have started lobbying to be sent there. And why not? After all, the fastest and easiest means to make it in Ghana is ready for grabs.
Mr. Immigration Officer and Matthew, (a customs officer who became Jesus’s disciple), why did you enter these service institutions, to join the Construction Crew or the Demolition Squad? Why do you insist that your pot must be sweetened before you do what you are paid to do? It is no longer a gift if you demand it. It becomes a bribe. Plain and simple! Matthew repented and became, not just a disciple but one of the twelve apostles. Over to you!
A stitch in time saves nine!
Contact: teepeejubilee@yahoo.co.uk
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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