Features
Fare thee well, Queen Elizabeth II
Queen Elizabeth waves goodbye to the world
The announcement by Buckingham Palace concerning the death of Queen Elizabeth II has sent a wave of sadness across the world.
Having been enthroned as Queen of the United Kingdom in 1952, the late leader was able to fulfill many official engagements involving the United Kingdom within and outside UK.
She visited Ghana on two occasions, that is, 1961 and 1999. On one occasion she was the Special Guest of Honour in Ghana in 1961 to participate in the country’s post-Presidential days after Ghana had decided to use Kwame Nkrumah as its own President. So glamorous was she that Ghanaians at the time felt very proud about the diplomatic relations between Ghana and the United Kingdom. The Queen is blessed with many children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
The royal family in UK feels very proud about and will do everything to protect her and the royal family and tradition.
In line with tradition and culture, the British will observe 12 days of mourning during which the state will declare the period as holidays in honour of the late Queen.
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has, on behalf of the government and people of Ghana, expressed his condolences to the royal family and people of Britain. This is a sad moment for our British friends but the sadness is shared by all Ghanaians, the Commonwealth of Nations and the world as a whole.
The world has a lot to learn from the beautiful quality of the late Queen. Her beautiful and infectious smile was the envy of people in the world.
Again, her language of diplomacy and unique advice to the royal family as well as government officials would be missed by those who benefitted from such advice, guidance and counselling. There is no doubt that the world as a whole will miss her dearly.
The presence of the Queen at functions added special grace to all those occasions. Many nationals of different countries felt proud and greatly honoured by her presence.
One of the latest events she attended publicly was the Birmingham Commonwealth Games. On that occasion she encouraged members of the Commonwealth to stay together and promote the interest of the Commonwealth and the world through the Games.
United Kingdom together with the world has lost an important personality who will be missed by the world. It is not only the UK which has lost this gem of a Queen but the entire universe of mankind.
The royal system in the United Kingdom has been preserved over the years till today, in line with British customs and traditions. This has helped to preserve the identity of that country.
This is a big lesson to all countries to emulate and preserve their values and norms in line with their own prospective practices. Again, the way in which the death of the Queen was announced is very admirable.
Members of the royal family first gathered and took a decision on the death of the Queen before allowing Buckingham Palace to make announcement of the death. This was picked by the British Broadcasting Corporation and announced to the world.
Thus everything was done in an orderly manner. What this means is that, when it comes to announcement of the passing of the royal, it cannot be done any how or in a haphazard manner, but in a well-rehearsed, smooth and meaningful manner acceptable to the people in line with customs, norms and belief systems.
This is a great lesson that we cannot ignore.
Furthermore, it is instructive to note that the news of the passing was broadcast by the national broadcaster after receiving it at the Buckingham Palace. Another lesson here is that those who serve on the national network must be fair, committed, diligent and responsible.
Anyone who wants to be respected on the national network should have accommodation for such values and principles.
After passing away at age 96, the Queen kept to certain basic principles of health. First, she doid not eat just any food but balanced diet to keep her body healthy. She took time also to rest whenever she found it necessary to do so.
Again, she took in enough water and exercised her body. She undertook all this on regular basis. No wonder, she stayed long till age 96.
The great leader is without blemish, but she would be remembered for all the good things she stood for. Having been on the throne for 70 years she played a critical role in the transformation and growth of the Commonwealth of Nations.
This seeks to bring all former British colonies together and promote their common interests. Under the Commonwealth, certain achievements were made. First of all, the Commonwealth has helped to promote peace and security not only in Commonwealth but in the world as a whole.
In addition, there has been technical cooperation between the UK, on one hand, and the Commonwealth countries, on the other. Also, various forms of assistance have been made available to the Commonwealth countries.
All these have helped to promote socio-economic development in various parts of the world. The role of the Queen in the world has also helped to bring about pleasant diplomatic relations in all parts of the world. Her personal qualities as a Queen are enviable. Her language of diplomacy and tact as well as prospect for everyone go to show that we need to build healthy relationships with one another irrespective of colour, belief, race and practices, among others.
The visit of the Queen to Ghana on two occasions portrays her as a lover of the country. In 2001, for example, she singled out Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to propose a toast in Canada during a Commonwealth Summit in that country.
The demise of the Queen is a big blow to the world. It is expected that her successor, having followed the role she played on this earth, will also work hard to emulate the attitude and lifestyle of the late Queen who demonstrated that she was a Queen mother not only in the United Kingdom but to the world as a whole.
Countries must keep to their norms and values so that like the people in the UK, their identity as a people will be preserved and kept afresh for the present and future generations. This is how the beauty and tradition can be blended and kept together for the good of mankind on this earth.
Queen Elizabeth II would be remembered at all times because she paid her due as a world leader.
May her soul rest in perfect peace.
BY DR. KOFI AMPONSAH-BEDIAKO
Email address/whatsApp number of author:
Pradmat201@gmail.com (0553318911)
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
Join our WhatsApp Channel now!
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbBElzjInlqHhl1aTU27
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
Join our WhatsApp Channel now!
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbBElzjInlqHhl1aTU27
