Features
The disgraceful chaos in parliament on January 7
In the village of Fankyeneko, there were rival factions that were bitterly opposed to each other. On one occasion, members of the factions were invited to a banquet. The bitterness existing between the two was such that members of the faction rushed to the “Ahenfie” or palace to occupy particular seats even though this was needless. They started attacking each other and nearly caused serious injuries to each other.
What happened on January 7, 2021, in parliament, comparable to this, was so disgraceful and embarrassing that many people could not believe their eyes as they saw Members of Parliament bringing their names into disrepute on the basis of what took place on that day.
Many students and young people raised question as to whether this is how our MPs behave in parliament since they found that behaviour unacceptable. So unacceptable was this that they condemned them and reduced the level of respect for our MPs who over the years have been performing creditably well for the people of this country and for the nation.
The whole situation arose because it looked as if the level of antagonism was so high that each side was prepared to jump at each others’ throat and crucify them to show which side was stronger and more diabolic when it comes to creating negative acts in this “holy” and “revered” place. Probably, they have all forgotten that as Members of Parliament they have to behave in a way to let the public know why they are referred to as honourable members.
Creation of awful scene
It was not one incident in parliament that created the awful scene that should not have been exposed to the public but a series of incidents and/or actions that culminated in casting a slur on parliamentarians on that day. It is known that parliamentarians everywhere tend to shout and exhibit emotion about issues that are dear to their hearts but what happened on that day was one out of the ordinary, creating an ugly scene in the early hours of that day.
Indeed, parliamentarians are also humans but seeing that they occupy special positions in society and command special respect from the public, it is important that they comport themselves in a manner that would portray them as honourable members of society. What happened on that day was a big shame in the lives of our parliamentarians.
Scoring political points
Each side from the NDC and the NPP tried to score some points by defending and justifying the action of its members in contributing to this shame or disgrace but no matter how they examined the issue or tried hard to justify it, no right-thinking Ghanaian would be prepared to accept it. In other words, it was simply a shameful act that should not be repeated in this country no matter what. It is believed that by now many of the parliamentarians, whether NPP or NDC, now regret what took place on that day and wish it had never taken place.
How did the whole chaotic situation begin?
It began when one group of parliamentarians, the NDC, resolved that they were bound to occupy the majority side in parliament and portray to the world that they were now a majority side when it comes to law making in the Ghanaian parliament. This came as no surprise since the NDC had already claimed that they had won more seats than the NPP.
Press conferences
Press conferences upon press conferences organised by the NDC told Ghanaians that they were far ahead of the NPP as far as winning majority of the seats were concerned and that they had even won the presidential election. This was, however, proved wrong in the light of collation by the Electoral Commission, the body mandated by law to announce election results in the country.
The position of the NDC has now changed in view of the petition they took to the Supreme Court. In the petition, the NDC pointed out that former President John Mahama won 46 per cent of the votes while Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo won a little above 49 per cent and for which reason they are asking the court to order the EC for a re-run of the presidential election this time between only the two presidential candidates of the NDC and the NPP.
Going to parliament early
Having initially believed that they had won majority of the seats though falsely, the NDC MPs were influenced to go to parliament very early on that day to occupy what was known to them as the Majority side of parliament. By the time their NPP counterparts had reported, they were already there and refused to vacate the seats for their brothers and sisters on the other side.
This nearly resulted in attacks from both sides but we are told that the NPP leadership prevailed upon their side to keep their cool but not engage in any physical brawl. This was heeded to and helped to calm down nerves and prevent what would have been a blood-shed for the first time in the history of the Ghanaian parliament. The NPP MPs had to sit on the other side of parliament usually reserved for the Minority. But this brought about peace so we all welcome it.
Second issue
The second issue that nearly marred the beauty of the day was the refusal of the NDC side to acknowledge or accept a court order restraining the then MP-elect for Assin North Constituency Mr. James Gyakye Quayson from holding himself as someone who had been elected a member of parliament since he was holding two citizenship, Canadian and Ghanaian, which was against the laws of this country. Since they were determined to add this MP to their votes, they encouraged him to sit and vote for the Speaker. The MP accepted it and became encouraged to sit in parliament and hold himself as a parliamentarian even though the injunction from the court at Cape Coast showed that he was not to have done so.
It became clear that the clerk in parliament at the time who acted for the Speaker was coerced into submission and so could not come out boldly to prevent the Assin North MP from voting. Some people say this was a good strategy by the NDC but to others it was a needless shameful act that could have resulted in an open brawl had the NPP side also resolved to prevent the Assin North MP from voting.
Third incident
The third incident that sparked off the chaotic situation in parliament revolved around some of the NDC MPs such as Muntaka Mubarak and Sam George who went around kicking the election booths and ballot boxes within parliament. This was unbelievable but it continued unabated since, here again, the NPP side tried as much as possible to restrain themselves. We thank God that the worse did not happen to put an indelible shame on the name of Ghana as a democratic country.
Final incident
The fourth and final incident was when Carlos Ahenkorah swiftly snatched some ballot papers and started running away. So swift was he that at a point in time some of us did not believe that it was ,indeed, Carlos Ahenkorah who was running away at that unbelievable speed. In fact, on that day, he was so fast that some people believed that he ran faster than the rabbit. It was on that day that many of us realised that he had enough energy to run a 100-metre race.
These incidents brought shame to parliament. Some people, from the NDC and the NPP side, have tried to justify each of the incidents that brought about this shameful act in parliament but it must be noted that none of them is justifiable. If this is the case then party supporters and communicators should refrain from any attempt to justify each of the actions in parliament, whether from the NDC or NPP side. They are all shameful and should not be supported by anyone.
Fair reporting
Similarly, the media must also be fair when reporting on such incidents so that only the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth will be reported for consumption by the people of this country. On Radio Ghana (GBC), for example, one Bobo Klinoko wrote a radio news commentary condemning the NPP side while at the same time trying to exonerate the NDC from any blame. This was unacceptable and the leadership of that network must sit up and do what is acceptable next time round.
Again, one Emmanuel Akorli of UTV also reported that they say Carlos Ahenkorah contacted somebody before embarking on his famous run ,therefore, he must have been encouraged by that person to do what he did. He kept saying that “Yese, yese” meaning “they say, they say,” Carlos contacted someone even though he could not ascertain for sure whether it was true or not. Such reportage should not be encouraged because they tell you straight away where the reporter is coming from.
Blunder
A few other journalists also followed suit and committed the same blunder even though this blunder was avoidable. Journalism, whether broadcast or print, is a noble profession and should ,therefore, be held as such and no attempt should be made by anyone to bring it into disrepute.
So far, the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin has exhibited fairness to both sides, the NPP and the NDC. It is hoped that this fairness will continuously be exhibited to all sides so that parliamentarians will work together in the interest of the nation but not to be too partisan since there are still numerous socio-economic challenges ahead of us.
By Dr. Kofi Amponsah-Bediako
Today, I focus on the Global Methodist Church in Finland, as I continue with my description of institutions and personalities and their accomplishments as members of the Ghanaian Diaspora in Finland. I give special attention to the Ghanaian Methodist Fellowship, which is under the Global Methodist Church in Finland.
The Global Methodist Church in Finland is quite new, having split from the United Methodist Church Finland.
The Church in Finland has seen significant strides and accomplishments within the short time that it has been established in Finland, which must be highlighted.
Some history
The Methodist Church in Finland has existed for over 100 years since 1800s. It was conducted mainly in the Finnish language, according to Pastor Freeman Awuah. In 2012, a Finnish member of the Helsinki church and the then Mr Freeman Awuah, a Ghanaian immigrant who had joined the church, started bible studies which was turned into the English version of the church.
Many Ghanaians joined and they formed the Ghana Fellowship church within the Finnish Methodist church with services conducted in Twi.
In 2025, the Ghana Methodist Fellowship joined the Global Methodist Church and became quite well grounded. The Methodist Church generally does not have much influence in Finland as compared to the Lutheran and Orthodox churches. Even so, the Global Methodist Church currently has two branches, in Espoo and Lahti.
The Church has three ordained pastors, with the Finnish pastor as the leader of the church, assisted by Pastor Freeman Awuah (who was ordained a pastor a few years ago) and another Ghanaian pastor (Pastor Paul Brewu, who was recently ordained).
Activities and achievements of the Church
The Global Methodist Church in Finland conducts church service on Sundays. The service starts at 11 in the morning and closes by 1 p.m. When the service is done in Finnish there is English translation, and there is the service by the Ghana Methodist Fellowship, which meets once a month.
There are other meetings on other days when the church has what is termed Community Fellowship (Bible Studies) on Tuesdays in English, Thursdays in Finnish and Fridays in Twi at 6 pm.
The Global Methodist Church in Finland continues to shepherd people in their religious lives for God’s glory. The church opens its doors to people of every nationality, including Finns, other Europeans, and other African migrants, aside those of Ghanaian origins.
“We are a family church because we are a family to other migrants and we care for the needs of each other or others in all situations that we can be of help.
For example, in the women’s group, we have an organisation in Finland which works to fight against human trafficking. The women’s group has also adopted an orphanage in Ghana where we help the less privileged ones”, Pastor Awuah revealed.
But there are also challenges, according to Pastor Freeman, as with any new group or institution that faces initial obstacles. Also, the COVID-19 situation brought a huge challenge such as physical resources and logistics. The lockdowns resulted in church services not conducted regularly, and done online. People are still interested in online worships than physical meetings, he said, adding: “We are trusting God to help”.
Impact of the Ghanaian migrant community
The Global Methodist Church in Finland plays a prominent role as a religious group that serves Ghanaian migrants and others in the Finnish society.
The Ghanaian community has great impact since majority of the church membership are of Ghanaian origin (about 60 per cent). There are other nationalities and it is thus a very multicultural body.
Integration
By its activities, the Global Methodist Church is thus helping to ensure integration of its members well into the Finish society.
This is important since social interaction and citizens’ well-being are an important part of the integration process in Finland.
As I mentioned some time ago, the role of migrant associations and groups such as the Global Methodist Church acting as bridge-builders for the integration and inclusion of migrants through participation in the decision making process and by acting as a representative voice is highly appreciated in Finland. Thank you!
GHANA MATTERS column appears fortnightly. Written in simple, layman’s terms, it concentrates on matters about Ghana and beyond. It focuses on everyday life issues relating to the social, cultural, economic, religious, political, health, sports, youth, gender, etc. It strives to remind us all that Ghana comes first. The column also takes a candid look at the meanings and repercussions of our actions, especially those things we take for granted or even ignore. There are key Ghanaian values we should uphold rather than disregard with impunity. We should not overlook the obvious. We need to search for the hidden or deeply embedded values and try to project them.
With Dr Perpetual Crentsil
Email: perpetual.crentsil@yahoo.com
I picked Kwakyewa up, and we drove to the site on the Aburi road. We drove for some five minutes, and a security man opened the gate, and we entered the 40 acre plot secured with a fence wall.
‘Here we are. I have just started buying materials. I am planning on building one hundred apartments, and fifty top class houses’. ‘
David, are you telling me that this is all yours?’
‘Yes. All mine. I carefully engaged with the chief of the town, and his elders. I paid him all the arranged monies, in the presence of his people. And I have started work on a school building for the town, and I’m renovating his palace. When the block of houses is sold, I will invest the bulk of the funds here.
I will start with twenty houses, without taking any loan. When I sell them, then I will build many more’.
We went round the site, and spoke with the workers who were clearing the land. After an hour we went back in the car and drove off. ‘You are not saying anything, Kwakyewaa’. ‘
What can I say? It’s just incredible. I will stay for as long as you need me’.
Many thanks, Kwakyewaa.
I will count on your support. I will continue working with the EU for another couple of years, so I will be up north a lot of the time. So you will be in charge’. After spending another couple of hours at the city centre site, we decided on lunch’.
We got down at Sankofa, and I took her hand as we walked to take our seats. After taking a sip of my drink I looked across the big room and saw Abena staring at us, a look of utter shock on her face. She continued to stare as Kwakyewaa spoke about the changes she had to make due to her extended stay in Ghana. After a while I ignored her and focused on the discussion.
‘Now listen, Kwakyewaa, this is a most important part of what we have started to do, as a couple, and as business partners.
For starters, I would like you to prepare a budget of the expenses you need to make as a result of postponing your return and staying here for three months, and I will pay you the money.
In the coming days we will decide on how much money you need to be comfortable. Then, later on, we will take the bigger decisions resulting from continuing with the relationship.
Suddenly she got off from her seat, sat on my lap and hugged me, as the other guests watched in appreciation. Unfortunately I could not look in Abena’s direction.
We parted at the office at the close of day. Kwakyewa joined Eva and Robert for the drive home, as I drove home. Although I was playing my favourite jazz tunes, my head was spinning with thoughts of Kwakyewaa. Abena was beautiful, but Kwakyewaa was in a completely different league altogether.
And she combined queenly beauty with incredible sharpness of mind. She calculated business issues with ease, and she planned and recorded everything. And to top it all, it was obvious from the first day that she cared about me.
This time, business was going well, but the relationship side was also cool. This time, I could forget about Abena and her big ego and sharp tongue.
I sat to watch TV, but started feeling sleepy, so I rose to go and lie down when my phone rang. It was Kwakyewaa. ‘Bernard, Abena just came in. She’s furious. She’s throwing verbal bombs at Esaaba, saying things like “if you think you will insult me by fixing David Kwakyewaa, you are joking.
If I wanted Bernard I wouldn’t have thrown him out. David is junk. She can have him. I’ve gotten someone far better than him. You are all stupid”. ‘
And what did Esaaba say?’ asked.
‘We didn’t say anything. Which made her angrier, so she rained insults for quite some time, and went to her room’.
‘Nice one. It’s good you ignored her. Hey look! She has just sent me a message. Let me check and get back to you’.
I opened the message and read. ‘Bernard, so you are now Kwakyewaa’s boyfriend. Congrats. I thought you would spend sometime to improve yourself before trying to get a girlfriend, but obviously you think otherwise. Pray that she also doesn’t throw you out soon’. I sent her a reply.
‘Madam, I’m tired of your insults and lies. I will come and show this to Mom first thing tomorrow, and tell her about the things you have been saying about me. I may also do you a favour by telling her about a certain transaction by which Jennifer sold an arrogant girl for peanuts.
Goodnight’. She called me numerous times, but I did not pick her call. At six following morning, my doorbell rang, and I went to find Abena and Esaaba, and let them in. ‘David’, Esaaba said after I had offered them seats, I hear you have threatened to come and see Mom this morning to tell her about the message Abena sent to you. Well, we have come to apologize to you, not only for the message but also for anything she has said about you.
She says it will not happen again, so please forgive her, and cancel your plan of coming to see Mom’.
‘Yes, David’, Abena said. ‘I am very sorry. I promise it will never happen again’.
‘Okay. I accept your apology, even though the things you’ve been saying were not true, and they really hurt me, because I did not get the chance to defend myself to the people who heard it’.
‘And David’, Abena said, please do me a favour. ‘You said Jennifer sold me for peanuts. Is it true, or you were just rebutting what I said’.
‘Let’s do it this way’, I said. ‘Call Jennifer, and ask her if it is true that she was paid by your boyfriend for fixing you with him. I’ve heard he has not given her the full amount, so she has been calling him to demand the balance’. ‘I don’t believe it, but let me call her and see’.
She called Jennifer. After a few moments she started shedding tears. ‘Esaaba let’s go’, she said quietly. I walked them to the roadside and hired a taxi to take them home.
At the office a couple of hours later, Kwakyewaa came to sit by my desk and looked straight at my face.
‘So what happens now? Esaaba told me what transpired at your house. ‘What she does is none of my business. Maybe she will go and sort things out with her rich boyfriend’.
‘I was afraid she would decide to fight to have you back. I have been really worried’.
‘Are you joking? We have already agreed on what Esaaba calls a smooth transfer. We have a relationship, and I’m very pleased with it. Let’s make plans for the future as we agreed’.
‘Okay. I have already started implementing my plan. I have told my parents about you, and my plan. They have accepted it. From this evening, I will spend a lot of time with you, at your house. Now, let’s talk about activities for today’.
By Ekow de Heer
