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Free SHS “wins” presidential election
Wonders, they say, shall never end. With just two days to the national elections, free-SHS is now the talk of many communities across the country. Interestingly, many of the rural communities seem to be salivating the flavour “oozing” from the national kitchen of free-SHS.
So free-SHS, free-SHS, free-SHS is now on the lips of many parents and beneficiaries of President Akufo-Addo’s poverty alleviating and human resource-incubation national policy. Indeed, for some parents, free-SHS is now the tooth brush with which they seem to be brushing their teeth each morning to remind themselves and their beneficiary children of voting age, the urgency to vote for free-SHS, come Monday, December 7, 2020.
A clear example of the wonder-name, free-SHS? Yes. Just last Monday, 30 November, a “trotro” driver in Elmina in the Central Region asked a passenger to quickly get off from his vehicle just because in a political conversation in the vehicle, the passenger said: “Akufo-Addo has done nothing for Ghana.” Readers, the response in the “trotro” was very quick and surprising!!!
The “trotro” driver parked his vehicle, which was moving from Edina Essaman to the Elmina Fish Market, stood up while holding the steering wheel and asked the passenger: “Have you paid school fees before? Do you know how difficult it is to look for money to pay school fees? Do you even have a child in any SHS? Do you know the value of Akufo-Addo’s free-SHS to some of us who could not continue our education because of poverty in our homes?”
The “trotro” driver says, he has three of his children enjoying the fruits of free-SHS and for him, if President Akufo-Addo is even using all the nation’s money to fund free-SHS, he will vote for him to remain in power. Indeed, the “trotro” driver was not alone in shouting at the passenger.
An elderly woman of about 65-years, who claimed to be an NDC sympathizer, urged the “trotro” driver to exercise patience, contending that some of her own grandchildren are also enjoying free-SHS and that she will also vote for President Akufo-Addo to continue the policy. She, however, said in respect of the parliamentary election, she will vote her NDC parliamentary candidate, stressing that “the free-SHS policy has removed the fee-paying burden on the shoulders of many parents in the country.”
The elderly woman then appealed to the “trotro” driver to tolerate the young man, assuring that free-SHS will win the presidential election for Akufo-Addo. According to the woman, she knows some party supporters of the NDC, PPP, CPP and GUM who have confided in her that because of free-SHS, they will surely vote for Akufo Addo to retain him in power.
“This is because their children, nephews, nieces, sisters and brothers are enjoying Akufo-Addo’s free-SHS, thus, removing the fee-paying burden on them,” the elderly woman said, adding that even though President Mahama has promised to continue the policy, “it is better to be enjoying what we have now under Akufo-Addo.”
The driver then resumed his seat. As he powered off to the Elmina Fish Market, the young man kept mute in the vehicle while some of the fish mongers chatted above their voices, claiming that they now know the value of education because some of their children who are beneficiaries of free-SHS are exhibiting “polished tendencies” to their surprise when they returned home from school.
In the 2012 campaign season, however, many fish mongers along the coastal belt of Elmina gained notoriety for claiming that they preferred ‘hweaseambo’ to free-SHS. ‘Hweaseambo’ is a pan or container usually used by fish mongers to carry fish from canoes to sell in the fish market.
During the 2012 campaign season, while the NPP was preaching it’s free-SHS policy along the coastal belt, the NDC was allegedly distributing thousands and thousands of ‘hweaseambo’ freely to the fish mongers to influence them to vote for the party.
In the process, some of the fisher folks composed a song titled: “Yepe hweaseambo, yennpe free education,” meaning “we prefer hweaseambo to free education.” And this became a common song among many of the fish mongers.
Surprisingly, the tables are turning and the chickens seem to be coming home to roost. The contention is that the ‘hweaseambo’ will be arriving very soon for free distribution but they will be there effectively be competing with the free-SHS policy which now firmly rooted in the minds and souls of many parents and beneficiaries.
Now, in each of the 16 regions of the republic of Ghana, we have what they call, Association of Free-SHS Students. They have their national leaders and regional coordinators. And interestingly, members of the association are canvassing for votes across the country so that free-SHS wins, particularly, the presidential election, come Monday, December 7.
Many parents of beneficiaries of free-SHS are also said to be vigorously campaigning for the retention of President Akufo-Addo in power, so that they will continue to harvest the hanging fruits of the policy.
What some election watchers also say, however, is that for the presidential election, free-SHS will win the race for Akufo-Addo, contending what will be left to be decided is the parliamentary election.
Readers, we have barely two days to go to the polls, so let’s cross our fingers and wait to see whether or not, the free-SHS policy will particularly win the presidential race for President Akufo-Addo.
Meanwhile, readers are encouraged by this column to go out and exercise their constitutional mandate in peace, come Monday, December 7.
By G. Frank Asmah
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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