FINALLY, I BREAK THE SILENCE. PART 2.

This Part 2 is meant to be that is why the weapons fashioned against me flew over my head. Armed robbery attack on a penniless student for what? Anyway, let me finish what I started some days back. I wrote with a clean mentality yet some people read with polluted mentality exposing their half literacy. Remember that half literacy is more dangerous that illiteracy. I rest my case and continue. By December 2009, it was clear though my deeds, exposure and conduct that I was up for the parliamentary race. After a successful, well patronized Road Safety campaign on December 5, 2009 that brought together over 800 youth from all over the constituency with high media coverage, every sleeping politician was awaken that it was time to get up and work. It was not surprising that that the late Williams Asamoah called to congratulate me on a good job done. He urged me to keep the good work; in his words, 'young man, congratulation, I wanted to contest in 2008 but I backed out because of my health. As you have started, keep it up till the time comes.If my health is good, we will talk and reach agreements' I did not stop there, I followed up to his Teshie home with my wife, his wife was there too. Our conversation was cordial and as usual, I did a lot of listening, talking less. The message was not quite different from we had on phone. By the third quarter of 2011, I visited the late Asamoah as soon as nominations were about to be opened. Again, I went with my wife but we did not meet his wife this time round. The visit was to inform him that the time was neigh and I was ready to go. He told me to meet him back home at Amanya in two weeks for a final deliberation hinting me that his brothers Yeboah and Daniel had informed him that he was the choice of the people because as he put it; 'uncle is wicked' in reference to my dad and 'you are also said to have caused the arrest of some youth of Amanya' I am not disrespecting all those who have asked me to apologize but I keep asking; "for what" I was not responsible for the arrest of the youth in Amanya though I disagreed with the position they took on the day. I wish to congratulate whoever reported them to the police but I also wish to say that only cowards run away from their actions. BE BOLD and come out to say that, you reported them for the reasons you did and stop hiding behind my name. I have always maintained that, I will not fight on the street but I am a real man at all times ready to stand by my actions and inaction. I got to Amanya on the said date we agreed on and asked King Kobra to go with me. So the three of us met in his house. He told me emphatically that he will also contest because I am a young boy, he was the favourite and that Bandua had come to see his brother Daniel to prepare and contest as independent if I should win the primaries. We left after this discussion and that was all. After the said meeting, all other communications were based on hearsay. No personal contacts but I received several packages of insults from his camp, family and friends. I never on any occasion respond to any of the insults, insinuations nor castigation and accusations. Politics, I have learnt is for the thick skinned, battle ready and focused persons. Having known Irene his daughter for sometime, I confided in her and sought her advice. I know she did what she could until finally she had to give up and advice me to ignore and concentrate. I thanked her and did my campaign. As natives of Amanya, I did my best to involve as many natives as possible but it is possible to get a horse to the riverside but not to force it to drink. Ayisi (Kadeko) was responsible for my posters and that of the late Asamoah but try as Ayisi did, he was unable to print mine until some workers led me to another printer. Did I say someone was responsible? After the late Asamoah was disqualified from the race at the election, I was accused of being responsible. Decisions to contest in a political primaries does not start in a year. Preparations go far beyond the stipulated two years. Even well known NDC communicator like Agbeshi Nutsu was disqualified. I lost the primaries. I, my family, friends and supporters were mocked but I did not make any statement apart from conceding and congratulating the incumbent who has till date not acknowledged that pleasure. I have since not stopped doing my best for the party in anyway. I am a member of the national communications team, Eastern Regional communication team. For any person to sit and think of attributing the death of the late Asamoah to me is madness. It is sad that my motherland, Tapa Amanya that I have always been proud of should be filled today with diaper wearing, mouth drooling half literates parading as gurus and graduates, misleading our youth. People will have to be wise and stay away from these latter day rich men of Amanya else they break the state. I have always expressed this optimism that one day, "WE SHALL OVER COME" I miss Opanyin Kwasi Kumah (May He Rest in Peace)He simply put it; Mmebusem 14:23. I SHALL OVERCOME SOME DAY, DEEP IN MY HEART, I DO BELIEVE THAT, I SHALL OVERCOME, SOME DAY!

FINALLY, I BREAK THE SILENCE PART 1

I bring you greetings my friends, lovers and enemies. It is indeed naive for any human being to think that s/he has no enemies. NO, not one. Even Christ and all the renowned prophets had enemies. The Good Book says woe unto you if you have no enemies; I love my enemies because they show me the way. I stated earlier that 'I am silent because silence is golden'; but a time will come when the blind will see, the deaf will hear and the dump will talk. It is important that when that time ever comes, what they get the opportunity to see will appeal to their eyes, to hear will be palatable to their ears and to speak/say will be sensible. As I have decided to break my silence, it is important that I move away from insinuations and castigation to specifics. I know Mr. Ofori-Dansoh will not be happy about this move but for now, it is the way forward. As suicidal as it might appear to my political career and as murderous as it might seem to my party (NDC), my options are limited. Suicidal and murderous because of the few revelations and specifics that will be touched. It has been said in Ghanaian traditional parlance that ill should not be spoken of the dead even if it is the truth; the Bible also says the truth shall set you free. The truth is the truth no matter how unpalatable it appears, whether it is about the dead or living.It is in this light that I am proceeding with this piece irrespective of the consequences. I however challenge any person living or dead to come out openly to debate me on any issue I talk about anywhere, anytime, anyhow; I will be ready. Before proceeding, let me take this opportunity to wish Irene Asamoah my deepest condolences from the bottom of my heart and apologize in advance to her if in my piece, I reveal any 'secrets' that had existed and may still exist between us. I believe that she will understand why I have had to come out at this time. As an unadulterated native of Tapa and for that matter Tapa-Amanya, a committed member of the NDC and a devoted, development oriented constituent of Biakoye , I am not remote to information at anytime. Constantly, on hourly basis, I receive and send uninterrupted calls to Biakoye; from Asakyiri to Nyinasim; Alavanyo to Anyinase. My entry into the politics of Biakoye NDC brought a new energy and interest into the people. Visiting the one hundred and eleven (111) branches across the length and breadth of the constituency, let one person come out to say that I insulted anybody in any of my campaign speeches and I will bow out in shame. I stated unequivocally at all times that, I possess a better human relation, lobbying power, vision and creativity to serve the people than what they have now. I stand by that statement and have demonstrated by accepting defeat at the polls (primaries); refusing to contest as an independent candidate in spite of the thunderous calls, congratulating the winner and incumbent who has refused to acknowledge the gesture; taking full part in the registration and exhibition exercises viz-a-viz a winner who passed through to register and check his name respectively. All these sacrifices I made and still making for the unity of my party and constituency. It is October 6th 2012 today only about sixty (60) days to a general election and no paraphernalia, no laid down campaign strategy, no solid campaign team and no attempt at fostering unity in Biakoye because some 'evil dwarfs' and 'sharp teethed, hard biting'(courtesy; founder of NDC; J.J. Rawling) want to scheme and maintain power? That feeling that Biakoye is a stronghold and so the people can be disregarded can not continue. The people of Biakoye deserve the respect given to every group as we see in Odododiodio, Ablekuma and even Buem constituencies. Under this circumstance, it is only selfish to try to hide the identity of a member who makes presentations to the party in any form. A bag of water for party volunteers should be well acknowledged. I have heard the accusations been leveled against me since 2010 when it became clear, my intent to contest towards election 2012. It started from names calling, false allegations, half truths, set-ups, twists for conformity to incivility and engagement in voodoo and its use to kill and destroy. I listened, watched and laughed because my strength emanated from Psalm 9:13-14; "13 Have mercy upon me, O Lord; consider my trouble which I suffer of them that hate me, thou that liftest me up from the gates of death: 14 That I may shew forth all thy praise in the gates of the daughter of Zion: I will rejoice in thy salvation." (KJV) In 2004, my political energy was expended in the Eastern Region mostly in constituencies where NDC existed in minority, with volatile reception and violent treatment but I prevailed. My contributions to my constituency was not hidden though. My uncle, senior and friend; Kofi Appiah contested as an independent candidate and lost gallantly. Some few months later, he died in a fatal motor accident in 2005. Who killed him? Were people not accused wrongly? It is becoming a norm that even the visibly sickly person will only die when someone kills him.In 2009 and beyond, Kaizaro and J.J.K. died in very bizarre circumstances, who killed them? In 2008, I was approached by the late J.J.K. Twumasi to contest the election against Hon. Kwasi Bandua because of non-performance. He told me in plain words that they (as in who he meant by they, I didn't ask) looked up to two (2) people; the late Williams Asamoah; who J.J.K. said could not contest due to ill-health. Another person he spoke about was Bismark Ofori who he said could not contest because he was implicated in cable theft case. I declined because I was still in school pursuing a Master's Degree, not ready for the contest though I had intimated to J.J.K. and the late Kwadwo Danso before that I will contest in future. Kwadwo Danso in his response asked me to get married before he could support me. May He Rest in Peace. He didn't live to see my marriage let alone support me. Coming to the end of this part, I will like to remind you that one of the key supporters of all time in Biakoye of Bandua is my own mother; Mad. Theresa Owusuwaa. Knowing my intentions, arrangements and time-lines, my mum openly confronted J.J.K. to stop persuading me to enter the race prematurely. This confrontation was misconstrued and given a lot of meanings. My mum was tagged as abandoning her own son for someone else but no appreciation is shown for it. Every member of my family and friends had his/her own share of the bashing and negotiation to ensure I did not contest. Mr. Adepa took the risk and lost. The name Willie was not part of the open discussions. It was only a back door discourse between J.J.K. and myself. See you next week end as we journey on the second part of this piece.

FORTY YEARS OF WHAT?

I have heard people say over and over again that 'life begins at 40' I have unsuccessfully tried to comprehend this saying but I could not until I met a 'wise man' who tried to give meaning. Did I understand the meaning he gave to the saying 15 years ago? Let us read on.

The wise man explained that life is in stages of tens; from 1 to 10, he explained that it makes no sense to expect any meaningful actions from the child. Mothers wash their clothes, bath them and provide everything for their upkeep. From 11 to 20, there is gradual development into adulthood with the last third of the ten years being the most difficult. Difficult because, most children seek independence without significant financial capacity. 21-30 most youth leave school into some form of employment, family establishment and financial capacity development. Between 31-40 it is expected that a person is certain as to what direction they are taking in life.

I have watched, prayed, hustled, pumped, pushed and pulled in life. At 40, it is time to pause and assess myself to be sure if I have a certain direction in life. My direction, depending on my upbringing, experiences and expectations may be different from yours but there must be a converging point if we are all moving in the right direction. Your right direction may end in an abyss or up the sky depending on whether it is controlled well or not.

I can not count my 40 years on earth as a failure nor very successful but I can indicate with confidence that it is on the right track. Born in a village of current population of less than 1500 some 40 years ago, (at a national population growth rate of 2.7%, the population 40 years ago should be below 700) life's opportunities were less, no lights, no potable water, no good roads, no televisions, no quality education then. Modern life was centuries away at the time I was born in my village.

I was not unfortunate though because I was born to a trained teacher (he was one of the most educated in Amanya then). He wanted me to be more educated than himself having traveled to Takoradi for his education; he knew what it meant to be educated in a modern environment with all the goodies available to most villages today. I had a good foundation from home, moved on to Most Holy Heart in Accra, back to Tapa Amanya United Primary; now R. C. School where I started, then to Jasikan Demonstration Primary, Jasikan Junior Secondary, Hohoe E, P, Secondary and ended at Jasikan Training College. All these happened before I turned 21 years. It was good but he was dissatisfied. His usual statement was; 'go as high on the educational ladder as you can and my heart will be satisfied and I can die a happy man'

At 28 years, I took a bold decision to pursue higher education to improve my person, bring happiness to the man who wants his son to climb as high as his ability can carry him in education and to contribute to the development of my community and country. I went to the University of Education, Winneba for my first degree then continued to University of Ghana, Legon for my second degree. At exactly 40 years, the new direction on the educational and professional journey is an admission into the University of Ghana School of Law. It appears unending as friends and family keep saying another 4 years of learning is too much.

There are the family, job, employment, affiliation and relation dimensions to my 40 years of existence. In oder not to bore you, it will be in another part. If you ever called me a role model, ask yourself if you still want to be in school at age 40.

THE STINKING BEAUTY;

Sorry folks, this one was 'sete waaaa' I know how consistently inconsistent I have been with this service delivery. Writing to inform, entertain and sometimes educate you. The above heading was put up over a month ago after an experience worth sharing with you. Sharing nice; monopoly baaaaad. Hahaa; this is by kind courtesy my good old friend Asekre.

I attended the graduation of the 2012 Ghana Air Force Recruits at the Takoradi Air Force Recruits Training School a month ago. I got to the event very early having set off very early from Accra with some dear friends. As attached, sold or is it bought, owned or use what you wish; as I am, looking and commenting on others does not hurt much. It may hurt in some circles depending on what you derive from looking or the comments you make.

At about 7.30am, we were called to have our seats under some beautiful canopies at the parade grounds. I walked with my friends to sit on the first two front rows towards the far right corner of the canopies. After some 5 minutes of sitting, we heard a rhythmic sound coming towards us.'kro chia, krochia, krochia' (sound or noise if you will from a lady's shoes). As she approached, most of the people seated especially the men turned in her direction. Do you want my view? In one word, 'stunning'

My friend was not happy at me because she realized my eyes were fixed on the lady. You see how evil minded you think sometimes? I was not watching her for anything as you are thinking. You! I mean you reading. I was only admiring her stunning beauty. Read and stop this unhealthy thoughts you are having about me. I am not what you think I am at all. My friend whispered to me, Kwame; you are here for a programme and not to watch a beautiful girl. I turned to my friend to find out if she also thought the girl was beautiful. My good friend said 'oh yes she is'

Let me give you a Biblical (in fact Songs of Solomon) description of the lady; Please be sure you are reading this piece for scholarly purposes ONLY. NO MISCHIEF. Give me space to state it like I saw it. She carried a natural, short and neatly kept dreadlocks; dark in complexion, not too tall, not short, enough butts to make it visible, not fat, not slim, hairy skin, African neck, well shaped bust and a good face to match without make ups at all. What caught the eyes of most people I think was her African wear; properly selected to go with her colour and perfectly sewn to fit her great shape. I am not what you are saying I am ooo, Mr. Awunyo Akaba took his time to teach me how to write descriptive essays, Sir; May God Richly Bless You.

Not too soon, she got to where we were sitting. Sadly and suddenly, those whistling, whispering or murmuring about her stunning beauty including myself all shut up; looking for the next available space to run to. Without sounding ungentlemanly, let me say that she could break any record in 'the GUINNESS book of records' on body odour. The Oxygen content under the shed reduced so drastically over 80% of the people got up.

My friend then took her hankie off her mouth and nose briefly and whispered; do you still love her? I looked at my friend and said, yes; don't you see I have not cupped my mouth as you people are doing? I sat helplessly trying to talk to her to find out what the problem was but I couldn't. After some 15 minutes, she got up and never came back to her seat though she was behind the fence all alone by herself.

I have met a lot of people; men and women alike and the experience was bad. Occasionally, each one of us may experience such odour though mild as a result of our engagements, dress usage and habits. It gets so bad when the situation escalates to the point of my queen at Takoradi; The Stinking Beauty; I christened her immediately. No one is perfect in anything but where we have control, let's do our best. See you today on some other topic.

LETTER TO TAPA AMANYA AND TAPA

AMANYA MUST GROW POSITIVELY WHO OWNS TAPA AMANYA? Permit me to stir a little controversy by seeking or questioning the ownership of this town. To the best of my knowledge, Tapa Amanya is not owned by any single individual, neither is it owned by any supposed superior family nor a super clan. Amanya does not even belong to the so called “citizens” or “natives” Amanya is owned by all its inhabitants, associates and natives residing elsewhere. WHO IS A NATIVE OF TAPA AMANYA? A native of Amanya is anyone; born to both or one of the parent(s) from Amanya, born at Amanya, adopted by a native of Amanya or adult suffrage who wishes to be a native and has gone through the necessary traditional rights. WHOSE DECISIONS GOVERN AMANYA? Amanya can only be governed by the people of Amanya or their representatives. Depending on the level of governance, the mode of selection may vary. Their decisions as ‘government’ MUST however be in the interest of the people. WHO ARE THE LEADERS OF TAPA AMANYA? In the past, the ‘Opinion Leaders’, a group based in Accra was in control. They have claimed responsibility of all the “good” things that happened to Amanya from water supply to electricity. It is surprising that all the errors are put at the doorsteps of Assemblymen. MY OBSERVATIONS AND EXPERIENCES With the admission that my assertions above are subject to some debate, I wish to make some statements, ask questions and try to provide answers which are still open to critique and further literal or verbal engagements. The people of Tapa Amanya, just like all other Ghanaian are always dissatisfied with their leaders. Events in the past resulted in a chief and two sub chiefs abdicating their stools. Since the introduction of the District Assembly concept, succeeding Assemblymen have been subjected to names calling and open confrontations in some cases. Whose fault is it? This is for the youth to find out for themselves. The biggest controversy to hit Tapa Amanya was on the 29th of December, 2010. I was personally caught up in a crossfire I knew nothing about. Unfortunately, the Opinion Leaders abandoned me; this has not derailed my desire and ambition. It has also not changed my feelings for my people. Amanya…. I love and will forever love with all my heart and strength. Plato, the greatest philosopher of all time said; “I know not how I may seem to others but to myself, I am but a small child wandering upon the vast shores of knowledge every now and then finding a small pebble to content myself with” Plato could not be wrong for amongst the Opinion Leaders membership, I was the youngest and poorest physically but not mentally and emotionally. Interestingly, the group that was supposed to seek the good of members was a great source of discouragement and frustration. Individuals tried to undermine me and transfer family conflicts unto me. I hold nothing against any person or the group. ‘It is a lesson’. The worst thing to happen to a man on this earth is to be afraid. I leader must be ready for fall outs of his actions and inactions. Anytime we take decisions and actions, we should be ready as individuals and groups to assess our decisions and actions from time to time and redirect our followers. We cannot follow our emotions and desires without knowledge because these are the three sources of human behaviour. In the crossfire that caught me in 2010, that also contributed immensely to my electoral defeat, I believe the ‘leaders’ committed a political blunder that they could have corrected later on but till date, these leaders are still misleading the vulnerable youth. Now, the people of Amanya will be punished for refusing to take part fully in a nationwide election. Plato again said “Those who are too smart to engage in politics are punished by being governed by those who are dumper” Today, it does not matter whether the elected Assemblyman is a ‘native’, educated or ‘disabled’. He is the elected and sworn in Assemblyman of Tapa Amanya till 2014. The earlier we wake up from our slumber and cooperated with him, the better it will be for the whole Amanya. There are people claiming to love Amanya whose children, grand and great grand children will never in their life time live or visit Amanya. The youth must wake up to the realities of our time. Analyse what you are told and make bold decisions. Tomorrow is yours. You may fall in the hole you dig ahead of yourself. Take wise and very bold decisions. REVISITING THE STONE AGE It is sad to see or hear people follow some ill-informed, half educated persons in their unthought-of acts that are likely to draw Amanya into an abyss. In the 1980s, there was a trend I witnessed as a young boy growing up in the Jasikan District, there was some form of discrimination and derogatory commentary against people from Amanya. Even ‘family’ members from Tapa Abotoase and Amanfrom were discriminating against people of Tapa Amanya. Looking back, their actions were justified. Town folks invading Ghana Education Service sanctioned sporting events, disrupting it and beating up school children because in their view an official was bias to ‘their’ team; beating up policemen for attempting to arrest wrong doers, burning down churches, cutting down protected trees, assaulting teachers, defaming posted government workers’ character, were some of the acts that gave Amanya that bad image. Today, the trend shows a return to those dark days. A sharp move from civility towards vandalism and barbarism. If one’s education cannot benefit his/her people for fear of hatred and name calling, then his/her education is useless. I am by this piece calling on all well informed, ‘educated’ and meaning Tapa citizens to add their voice to stop these nation wreckers and war mongers parading themselves as patriots of Tapa from taking back to dark days. I urge the Noble Paramount Chief; Okofrobour Nana Kwame Asante II to be strong as the soldier that he was without fear or favour to stand against any move that is likely to destroy his state. The Good Book says; “There is a season for everything…..” We do NOT need to be violent or uncivil to catch the eye of any government. The national cake is shared proportionately and if it gets to you, ‘seteris per ibus’; you will get your share. If today, Okum Akura has a modern six-unit classroom block; Amanya ‘can’ get a High school some day. THE MOCKERY OF OUR INTELLEGENCE Imagine Ghana goes to war against Nigeria with Ghana partially supported by Togo, Benin and Cote D’Ivoire. Besides the some violence meted out to some Nigerian citizens in Ghana and her partial supporting states, Nigeria remains calm and ensured that this war is warn in The Hague. Ghana then sends a delegation to meet some citizens of Lome to encourage them to start a fresh war with the support of Ghana. This is at a time when northern Togo, Cote D’Ivoire and Benin have all reconciled with Nigeria. Gnassingbe now has a problem. Should he give audience to these contacted citizens of Lome? How are they going to advice northern Togo to join? How are they going to start the war? As3m s3b3. Some of you have options. Some of us do NOT. The farthest I can go will be Tapa Amanfrom. Let us apply our wisdom together starting from this page by saying NO to violence against our long standing neighbours. Our time for prosperity, development, promotion, and success will come at the appropriate time if we prepare for them. Bishop Asare said once that; when opportunity meets preparation, there is break through. All need to do is to put up the right structure to be able to access opportunities. We need to empower ourselves with quality education, skill and values. Resources of high financial value abound in Tapa but we are so engrossed in pettiness to the extent that we fail to see them. No wonder when people come from outside, they identify, explore and exploit them to make money and we sit and call them names. I rest my case.

DO I HAVE TO BE SCARED?

I have always seen myself as a big boy not bothering my head on a lot of issues. Frankly speaking, that is what has kept me up to this point; close to four decades of existence in Ghana. Some oldman like that, don't you see? Today, the story is not the same as it has always been. Suddenly, I am scared of what lies ahead of me. It is something I have done over and over again. Examination! I thought I will never encounter this after a Master's Degree but education is like alcohol, those who take it claim, you need to take more to enjoy it to the fullest. Some where towards the end of my 'O' Level, I said it was enough, then 1st Degree, 2nd Degree and the system is asking for more. When the 'turkey' for more education came, I bought some forms with fears but having gone through the initial selection tests to the final test, I see light but not without some fears still. "Man for war never fear bullet" they say. I am preparing feverishly to get there so, say a prayer for me anytime you say one for yourself. Do you now see why I am no longer frequent on my blog? It also tells why this piece will be very short. Worry not. Let me go through that exercise and we will have some time together to interact, share, give away and collaborate. Do you seriously feel I should be scared? Do I have to be scared? Encourage or urge me on to be firm for this exercise. I have done it before and can do it again. Great time, enjoy it while I wander in the wilderness in search of information.

GOOD BYE NANA AKUFO ADDO; SEGE CONSTITUENCY

Travelling on the Accra - Aflao road, I came across so many bill boards and the abundance of my new found fruit; water melon. My God! Accra business women will kill people. You should see water melon selling as low as 50Gp. This same size may go for GHc 2.00 or even GHc 3.00 in certain areas. Sometimes I get confused trying to know what is bill board and sign board; are they the same? I am still learning so someone take me to school. Is it a crime to admit you do not know something and express readiness to learn? I nearly forgot to talk about another item of abundance before talking about this man Nana Addo and the resolution of Sege NPP; or is it NDC? One thing that is also very common and confusing is speed ramp of varying sizes. Some can simply be sped over and do not reduce speed in anyway; what forces you to reduce your speed is the ramp sign. If you take the easily driven over ramps as a yardstick, you are likely to drive into a mountain like speed ramp. DANGEROUS!! Drive with caution on this road and save lives. Life is precious. While driving, I made sure I read a few words on each bill/sign board to avoid running into 'something' Defensive driving is what Senior Kwame Atuahene and Gbetemete are calling for. This gargantuan bill board with the bright blue-white-red colours caught my attention. It had the writing; "GOOD BYE NANA AKUFO ADDO SEGE CONSTITUENCY" wow!!!!! Who put this here? I asked without malice. My good friend then drew my attention to a small spot at the left middle end of the same board with a thumb up with the inscription, "VOTE" The new twist made the writing more interesting than I even thought; "VOTE GOOD BYE NANA AKUFO ADDO SEGE CONSTITUENCY" This Sege candidate may be from the Alan camp or an NDC mole. How come he did not add his name and picture to the "GOOD BYE"? Is he bidding Nana Addo farewell before the election? I do not think any candidate should be this mischieveous against his own flagbearer. At a time when Seniors Atuahene, Ekuoba Gyasi and Apiagyei are using their offices, public and private respectively to work against H. E. Atta Mills, it is refreshing that there is a candidate in the NPP who is intensionally or unintensionally seeing why Nana Addo should go on retirement. One key may open two doors so let me use this opportunity to ask Senior Ekuoba why he has blocked me from his friends on facebook? Or senior, you have left facebook completely? If you are still on facebook, let's link up. You shape people's lifestyle in public so allow same. I am always at you service. I may fall on your radial for one reason, good or bad some day. A little deviation but let's get back to the import of this bill board where the voice of the people of Sege is amply re-echoed on the bill board of the party they wish to punish for the unnecessary manner they open their mouths. NPP do not see anything good in any group in Ghana. I watched their Greater Accra communications Director on TV last night and told myself Ghana is in trouble. If this is his posturing in opposition, what will it be when he is given power? After beating their usual war drum, he turns round to talk about laws of Ghana. We are all watching. Ghana can not be left in the hands of Nana Akufo Addo for one day. In fact Kumasi is not helping Ghana at all. The good people of Ashanti have allowed some few greedy people to use Kumasi for all the bad things simply because Ashanti is the stronghold of the opposition NPP. Prison officers' illegal demonstration was held in Kumasi, KNUST Administrative staff strike, Komfo Anokye junior doctors, Doctors, NAGRAT Ashanti, GNAT Ashanti, Concerned Teachers etc; what at all is wrong? Is it true that there was uncontrollable jubilation in Kumasi when it was falsely announced that the President was dead? Thank God nobody is celebrating the death of Hon. Owusu Ansah of Kwabre West. I don't know why he is the unfortunate sacrifice while those going round talking about the President's health are walking about. Same way, in 2008, some of the fine men in NPP were sacrificed when they 'touched' the annointed man of GOD. Ladies and Gentlemen, let us learn from the past and avoid avoidable mistakes. Nana Addo, I wish to join the people of Sege to wish you good bye and to pledge two such bill boards for your people in Biakoye. May you enjoy your retirement and your consultancy in higher and violent electoral activities be successful.

Life in Accra

Life in Accra may be sweet, bitter, interesting or boring depending on what you do for a living, where you live and how organized or disorganized you are. People I know will not travel out of Accra for anything in this world but others too will not sleep in Accra for anything in this world. Ask me, I love Accra for several reasons and hate Accra for several other reasons. I love Accra because I can meet all the people I wish to meet in life and also because everything happens in Accra (Dzigbodi). Get all the schools I want my children to attend, watch all the TV channels I wish if I ever get the time to. Oh! I missed this point, food! Food is so cheap I can not imagine Accra has no farmlands. It is abnormally abundant, well price and interestingly segregated. I hate Accra because food; though cheaply priced, is mostly not fresh. Adawso in the Eastern Region, Tapa Abotoase in the Volta Region provide more natural states of food. Even cooked food in Accra is bromate filled. Abnormal traffic jam is what makes Accra more boring and stressful. I live somewhere uphill on the Akuapem ridge; you can imagine the difference in the environment. Pollution verses no pollution; natural food verses artificial food, more space for few people verses small space for more people. In fact Accra is not my favourite city in this world. By 4am, my friends who live somewhere within Accra and work in Accra are up, running helter skelter to avoid traffic and stress. Though work starts at 8am, they have to sacrifice some rest to avoid stress. That is even more stressful to start with. My good friend and brother Quansah has no car of his own and lives about 45 minutes drive from his office. My friend sometimes joins winding queues and stays in these queues for only God knows how long. My home to work is below 15 minutes and I leave just that time in between home and office. Enough rest, hard work, marvellous out put. I still want to leave all the goodies in Accra for a better life in the villages. Having lived in and around Accra for a long time, my set up in the village is disorganized. I have been using the past three or so years fixing it. Soon, I will move out of Accra to settle beside my cages for a more environmentally friendly life, devoid of pollution, traffic jam, noise, mosquito bites and stench.

WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN?

For sometime now, I have been consistently inconsistent with my blog. Nana yaw called two weeks ago to inform me that he was an ardent reader of my write-ups. I told him I didn't know about that because he never posted any comments. He said; 'but I still read them' The message simply was, 'you have not been consistent of late' I wanted to know more so I asked if he liked the pieces. "Why would I ask for more if I didn't enjoy them?" He questioned. 'Oh! so I have not been "a very good" writer too? Not good writer in the sense you are thinking now but, one to depend on for constant pieces. My best column in The Mirror was 'LETTER TO DORA' until it became inconsistent. That writer was satiric. I couldn't complete my Saturdays without that newspaper because of that column. My inconsistency reminded me of one message of motivation on radio some morning that read; 'you know yourself better than any other person'. When I heard this, I first took it on the face value and screamed "that's it". Upon second thought, I realised it can not be absolutely true. I tried to examine myself, some friends and family and even some opposers. I sought their views, analysed their actions and concluded that, your contribution to life, positive or negative may dissatisfy or satisfy people depending on where they stand and their mindset. In a space of three and half years, a president has built 1, 756 6-unit classroom blocks, many hospitals, many roads, lots of electrification projects, lots of dormitories and SHS 2 & 3 storey classromm blocks, buffer stock company, Single Spine Salary structure, 57,000 laptops, 3,000,000 school uniforms and over 20,000,000 free exercise books yet some call him "DO LITTLE" It could be you. ON the other hand you may do little and the loud mouthed will exaggerate. Posterity is the best judge. Ask Dr. Kwame Nkrumah. He was once outlawed yet he is a hero today. Examine yourself, ask questions, seek answers and leave the conclusions to posterity. Was I a good child? Ask your uncles, aunties, siblings, father, mother, etc and the answers will vary as mine was. Millie thought I wasn't because I didn't share my food as a child. OJ thought I was because anybody could send me anywhere without any leakage of secrets. How do I conclude then? I leave it to posterity. was I a good student? Those who took advantage of you in one way or the other will definitely say you were while those who could not will have a different story. Your performance or non-performance in your examinations can also serve as a yardstick. Your network at school and its impact after school is another measure. Are all your mates shunning you? Are they all or most of them asking of you? Posterity will determine. Am I a good spouse? Your partner/partners (exclusive to other religions that permit polygamy) will tell their versions depending on their extent of benefits. Benefits are not always material. Some may only judge based on attention, love, money, torture, adventure, exposure, luxury, etc. You can say you are or you are not but posterity is the final judge. Are you a good parent? Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm! Some pay GHc 2,000.00 as terminal school fees yet are seen as bad parents. Some are suppose to pay paltry GHc 25.00 which they owe sometimes till the end of the term yet they are very great parents. Where do you fall? Some see their children once a year, cursed daily by the custodian parent, yet they are good parents whilst the custodian parents are the very bad parents. watch your back. Funny Face says; 'watch your self' Are you a good sibling? Do all your siblings giggle any time you get close? Ask them one after the other. They have their own stories but you can only do your best. If you were good at childhood, you ought to be good still else re=organise yourself. We have a journey to make with our siblings. Ask Junior if he calls me. He never does because he claims I insult him too much. When in need, he forgets it, when I call to say hi, he forgets I insult. He is my only brother too. Are you a good worker? A good citizen? This is where everybody will answer in the affirmative but their co-workers will answer in the negative. Misuse of government property, improper/immoral acquisition of government property, over invoicing, under invoicing, auctioning of parked/unused cars, lateness, absenteeism, insertion of ghost names, misapplication of policies etc. shame on all of us. We have now become more partisan than patriotic. Selfish and 'greedy bastards' Whatever you have done or are still doing, ask questions, try to correct yourself. Be sure the after effect will be positive if you can. In your work, relationship, networking, education and establishment, think about tomorrow and do it right.

DOING THE RIGHT THINGS IN GHANA.....

It has now become obvious that doing things the right way in Ghana is far more frustrating than using short cuts. It is even easier to employ fraudulent means to succeed than use orthodox means of doing things. My local Roman Catholic Chapel took close to 33 years to get to its current beautiful state. Some new funky, almost unchristian church however took about 2 years to put up a chapel same size and beauty due to the unorthodox, crook and money extorting methods in the name of miracles. The Driver Vehicle and Licensing Authority (DVLA) in its attempt to ease pressure at the Accra office has seeded the examination and renewal of road worthiness certificate to some private companies. Brilliant idea!!! But the implementation is frustrating and opens doors for 'goro boys' to operate more efficiently. My personal experience exposed me to mockery by a police man who later told me his laughter was not at me but at Ghana as a nation. "Masa, I cannot laugh at you. I am laughing at our country. People who do the right things, suffer whilst those who do the wrong things enjoy. I went through what you went through just last week so I understand your frustration" The policeman told me. At the BIVAC examination centre where I visited, the DVLA had posted a payment/rate notice where it was spelt out clearly that my BMW could be examined and certified at GHC 23.00 but I paid GHC 42.00. The car was taken for some so-called examination and brought with a long sheet of paper that read 'FAILED' with the explanation that my hand brakes does not function well. I was asked to go and repair and come back for the certificate. What is the meaning of this? I asked myself. Leaving home that same morning, Tawiah my cousin who was also going to renew the certificate of his old taxi cab, asked me to give him GHC 40.00 and the expired certificate and relax at home but I refused saying it was criminal to do so. He came back that evening with his rickety car well certificated. His brake lights were not working, he didn't have a spare tyre, didn't have a hand brake at all, no side mirrors and a shattered windscreen. I looked at his car, looked again at mine and I said to myself, the policeman was right. People who do the right things are the wrong people. My hand brakes are working perfectly if you ask me. I am still in my frustration thinking how to get this certificate before some police start extorting money from me. I screamed at this policeman who laughed to get me cooled down, I may not be lucky the next time. I am considering corruption and promotion of 'goroism' if this frustration continues. I reflected over recent happenings and I can now understand why people are lambasting H. E. John Evans Atta Mills so much. He is doing what a lot of people are not used to. He did not practice the absolute winner takes all principle where even civil servants who have shown some leaning to some political parties are dismissed when those parties are no longer in power. He professed 'father for all' and practised it. His crime here is that, he has submitted his government, party and state to the opposition to sabotage and leak vital secret information to the opposition for propaganda. That on paper may be the right thing but in practice, it is wrong because the electorate are getting frustrated. His policies are misinterpreted by those who are suppose to interpret them because of their commitment to other political parties. The onus lies on all of us as citizens of Ghana, connected to the opposition or ruling party to show gratitude and patriotism by doing, trying to do and rewarding right. Discourage wrong doing by facilitating right attitude. DVLA should also supervise activities of the private examination companies to ensure that the right things are done to build confidence in customers. This is the only way 'goro boys' can be removed else the current line of operation will only promote 'goroism' and increase accidents on our roads.

'ENEMY' AND/OR 'TRAITOR'; WHO THE CAP FITS.

As a registered, committed and recognized member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), I am tempted to worry about some happenings in the party in recent times. The media in diverse ways have contributed in making or unmaking the ruling party in Ghana. The role of the media though sometimes disturbing is also sometimes soothing depending on which newspaper, radio or television station you are glued to. For instance, if you belong to the NDC and you are faint hearted, you are better of in a Better Ghana not listening to Oman fm, Choice fm or Top Radio. Some have tried to be neutral whilst others have seriously aligned. This is the reason for the name 'RENTED PRESS' In any case, Ecclesiastes 3 tells us that; 'To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to....' This was my strength and it remained so until three days ago when the ever popular, out spoken, charismatic founder of my party; the NDC, Flt Lt Jerry John Rawlings came out with his speech; 'perceived enemies and traitors' As usual, it was time for people to make capital out of it. The opposition NPP now speaks for the former first family in their desperate attempt to wrestle power from the NDC? I wonder where the Rawlingses would be by now if Nana Akuffo Addo was the president of Ghana. Interesting times indeed as I listened to Gabby Asare Otchere Darko defending prez Rawlings as if he was not the same person who did not want prez Mills to win because as he put, he will prez Rawlings' poodle. Double standard at its peak. Who is the enemy? Who is the traitor? Who is an enemy? who is a traitor? Let me take it from the bottom, A traitor is a person who betrays another, a cause, or any trust or a person who commits treason by betraying his or her country. Who is the traitor? Is the traitor in NDC or NPP? This question may forever remain unanswered. An enemy is a person who feels hatred for, fosters harmful designs against, or engages in antagonistic activities against another; an adversary or opponent. Who is the enemy? Who is the enemy of the Rawlings? I guess in this case, I can suggest some two groups; FONKAR and NPP. Why would I say so? It's because, no committed NDC member or sympathiser hates 'a Rawlings' because most of us joined the party per his charisma. The enemies are those pushing him against the whole party. Interestingly, Professor John Evans Atta Mills can not be any of the above. This is truly a time for free speech, free movement and free exhibition of the real status of the Rawlingses as former first family of this country for nineteen years. This is real good and interesting times for our founder and his family and in fact all his supporters like myself. We were free to either join FONKAR or GAME. This was indeed unprecedented. This freedom could not exist under an imaginary Nana Addo presidency in the NPP. Not too long ago, Nana Akuffo Addo who was not even president; a minister, stripped the former president of his privileges for speaking on an issue; the same thing he is doing freely today. What will Nana Addo do as president to the Rawlingses. Who is Nana Addo? A traitor or an enemy? Mrs. Rawlings was stopped from using a government car to the hospital in the United States in the NPP era. Enemies or traitor? Who gave that order? The enemy or the traitor? Mrs Rawlins never had the opportunity to start operations at the Nsawam cannery until NDC took over. She is no longer in court. Enemy or traitor? Who is the enemy? In the face of all the struggle and insult, prez Mills has never hit back. A calm and focused leader indeed. Do not insult to get me power; he says. This is in the era of all die be die and pestlemania. Who is the enemy? who is the traitor? Ladies and Gentlemen, there has not been one occasion when the sitting president has given any cause for anyone to call him a traitor or an enemy. Neither did the former president refer to anyone as traitor or enemy. From our lay man's definition of an enemy and traitor, we can only say that, who the cap fits, let him wear it. Enjoy your stay under the umbrella in a Better Ghana.

SWEET MOTHER...

A mother or mum/mom is a woman who has 1/ raised a child, 2/ given birth to a child, and/or 3/ supplied the ovum that united with a sperm which grew into a child. In the context of this write-up, a mama cannot be simplified as in 2 and 3. 1 is the most relevant in this case. A mum/mother/mama/mummy/maa, whichever way you put it is a woman who has raised or is raising a child. How sweet or special is/was your mum? Damirifa due to all late sweet mums. I tried asking some friends why they claim their mums are so special. Interestingly, it is not about elephant or umbrella assistance. It is about being there when it matters most. Where as Ebo sees his mother as special for buying him a flashy car, Duncan says so because his mum sold her cloth to raise cash for him to pay for his Nov/Dec examination. My mum is special because she constantly shed tears any time I went wrong. After Form 5, it was her tears that urged me to go to the Teacher Training College. I said that was enough but she needed more. When it was not coming, she cried constantly till I left a menial job for my first degree; now I have a second Degree. Thank you Mama. That was positive but Saviour has a great reason to love his mum. For about 15 years, he was hooked onto alcohol of all kinds. He had so many reasons why he could not substitute alcohol for any other thing. According to him, his mum cried and prayed. For the past 12 years, Saviour has never tasted alcohol. He meets friends and tells them if you want to stay clear off liquor, consult my mum. thank you mum. Some 'mums' are so terrible you cannot believe they are also women. It is sad that some throw their babies into gutters, onto their boy friends, their in-laws and so many other places. These can best be considered as incubators and not mums. Where as some have seen step mums as 'terrorists', there are some special step mums in our society who have played vital roles in raising some mighty men and women in Ghana. They are sweet mothers and we can only wish them happy mothers' day. On this special occasion of celebrating mothers, I dedicate 'sweet mother..' to all mums who have raised children through every means, difficult or easy.I wish them a gargantuan HAPPY SWEET MOTHERS' DAy.

IT APPEARS OVER

Finally, the hullabaloo about the biometric voter registration appears to be over. Today, May 5, 2012 is the official closing date for the exercise that was bedevilled with scattered problems in certain places in the country. Assaults, insults, denials, arrests, imprisonments, hooting, suspicions, dismissals and accidents all in 43days. Some have said that it's all over but from where I stand, it only appears to be over. Why? I say so because of the piles of challenge forms to be defended in all districts across the length and breadth of Ghana. It will not be in the interest of anybody with cotton stuffed at his butt to think that it's over because the District Review Committees are waiting. If you have challenged, get your documents ready to substantiate your claims. If you have been challenged, get your documents ready to defend yourself. It will be interesting between now and the day of exhibition. I witnessed the challenge of a tiny looking 21year old mother of two at a village near my home town and all I did was, laughed. Then I asked myself, how is this man going to proof beyond every reasonable doubt that this 'tiny' mother of two is under age? Personally,I hold the view that it is difficult to tell the age of any person with or without documentary evidence. Hear this; my elder brother is 2 years older than me yet, he is 4 years younger than me on paper. Assuming you used his documented age to give me a lesser age and my dad and mum are able to proof otherwise, what will the results be? We may all live to witness another show down in 'little' Ghana. In 1995, Mr Nyarko challenged the nationality of Ablavidze knowing very well that Isa had gone to Togo to farm a year earlier when he met, befriended and brought Ablavidze his sweet heart to a market centre in Ghana where they lived. This woman could not speak any Ghanaian language except Ewe which also had the Togolese accent. After the registration exercise, they were invited to meet the review committee where Ablavidze submitted a birth certificate and baptismal certificate both of which indicated she was born in Ghana to a Ghanaian father. What stopped Mr Nyarko was the number of times he had to move to and from the EC office. The documents the EC required, he didn't have any. He backed out finally. Ladies and Gentlemen, I can assume that the exercise has just started though it appears over. Election 2012 is getting hotter and better. I can't wait to be part of this free, fair and peaceful election. Surely, Ghana will not die in an all die be die atmosphere of peace.

LYNCH THE POLICE

When Kennedy Ohene Agyepong aka Ak)m Pr3ko declared at Mantse Agbona that the All-Die-Be-Die thugs should lynch the Police, I felt the Ghana Police had reached its useless end. What made me more disappointed was the spicing of his speech on the day; calling His Excellency a thief. Then I said to myself; Oh so now in Ghana, all one needs to do is to get 'enough' money, doll some out and get power, then he can start talking anyhow. Today, the story is different. The Ghana Police has redeemed its image by arresting this raw and rough talking MP.

I have been out of town for a while now and even if I were, I wouldn't listen to 'Boiling Point' on Oman fm so it is not likely I will hear his speech. What happened? I am told this time, 'Hon.' Agyepong committed treason by declaring war on his radio station. My surprise and worry is that, no man in NPP could correct him. Nobody had the same number... as him to tell him in the face that he was wrong. A laughable political party like the NPP can not be allowed to say the things they say and do the things they do because they are not in power. Oman fm comparing itself to Radio Gold would not help. Chat your own path and do things right. All the 2008 programmes are still running on Gold but people do not misconduct themselves as is the case on Oman.

Typical of the NPP, they throw themselves about as democrats yet, when some member misconducts himself, they fear to point it out. On that faithful day at Koforidua where their flag bearer made the infamous all-die-be-die speech, I happened to be in front of the hotel. I went there to meet an NPP friend who was part of the meeting. Sir JOHN their General Secretary came out of the meeting right after the statement furious. Do you know what he said to the drivers? "Wei ara y3 as3m a woka, afei na y3 b3 kyer3 mu w) radio so" (Is this a statement to make? We now have to spend time explaining on radio). The man himself knew his flag bearer was wrong but listen to him in just some few minutes after the complain on radio supporting the flag bearer and adducing some positive intent to the ill statement.

Today NPP is misconducting itself because Kennedy has been arrested for what he himself knows was in bad taste. What are they thinking? That Kennedy is above the laws of Ghana? When Woyome was arrested, NDC supporters went to the police HQ but nobody threw a stone at the police; yesterday, what we heard was that the NPP supporters were throwing stones at the police for transferring Kennedy Agyepong to an unknown destination. Today, they are blocking roads and taking the laws of Ghana into their own hands and there is no elder in NPP to call them to order. How can these people lead a nation?

Again, by their deeds, ye shall know them indeed. Awuni in his usual 'NPP POLICE' run NDC officials down, molested and disgraced former Greater Accra Minister, Nii Armah Ashitey, a siiting member of Parliament but no NDC member marched through the streets of Koley-Klottey or even in front of the Central MTTU to dare Awuni but when Ursula and Jinapor were given a biblical requisition for their action, the NPP, led by a whole minority leader marched through the streets of Odododiodio daring innocent Nii Lantey Vanderpuye and beating innocent citizens of Odododiodio.

All-die-be-die finally launched? Ghanaians should wake up to resist these power hungry NPP. Nobody will allow these few disgruntled people to plunge our beloved country into chaos. Kennedy deserves to be arrested and he has been arrested. PERIOD!

If the NPP intends to lynch the police, then they should be prepared to be lynched by the police.

BIOMETRIC REGISTRATION

The few drops of tears I shed for mother Ghana on Easter Saturday was worth it after all. The drops of tears shedding was a voluntarily involuntary action. Any time I listen to news on Ghana, watch TV and listen to local gossip on happenings in Ghana, I get sad. This sadness accumulated over time and any time I remember, I still feel like sobbing. One of these remembrance instances led to the involuntary shedding of tears.

On the second day of the biometric registration, I drove from Accra to Tapa-Amanya R. C. Primary registration centre. I joined a long queue but was unanimously given a priority treatment by the agents, registration officials and people around to register. My contribution and deep involvement in multi party democracy in my constituency, ward and branch gained recognition. I did not ask for it; I soberly joined the queue as always but the people took a different decision. A decision I respected and accepted in good faith.

There were instances of misunderstanding in my constituency stemming from refusal to register people on tribal grounds, inability to state house numbers, etc. Some people tried solving these problems by using their positions but they were resisted, others tried by using their high pitch voices but were also resisted. Some of us, went in with soft voices, smooth delivery and well thought of messages and there was mutual agreement that has become precedence that is used in solving subsequent problems.

Why should a whole former Regional Minister for Greater Accra Region be arrested for 'misconduct' in biometric registration? It is absurd! What actually happened? I pray it is not the beginning of a calculated plan to disrupt our growing democracy. In any case, I am hitting my chest in pride that today, a former Minister of a government in power, a sitting Member of Parliament (MP)can be arrested by the police for a so-called misconduct at a registration centre. I do not know when that happened in the past. No body was stabbed nor beaten but he was arrested.

In TAIN, somebody was stabbed and beaten and when arrests were made, people are talking as if the world is coming down tomorrow. The continuous silence of the NDC is suspicious from where I sit. I am surrounded in my family, home town, office, locality and party by two sets of persons; quiet and loud. People, the loud are loud and in fact, empty. The quiet are simply dangerous. They say little and act when they have to act. Former President Kufuor simplified it in an Akan adage that means; when you frighten a coward, you meet the man in him.

Listening to NPP commentators, one wonders if they are objective. To them, the Greater Accra Regional Commander is the best policeman for arresting Hon. Ashitey whilst the Brong Ahafo Regional Commander and his assistant are the worst policemen for superintending the arrest of the NPP Tain Parliamentary candidate and his men. What double standard? Biometric registration is a simple process and one should just go, register and leave. If there are doubts about someone's nationality or residency, let the person register and fill a form in protest. PERIOD! Why fight? Why physically restrain people? Why make noise?

In society, there will always be people who will allow themselves to be used by others to achieve their selfish objectives. It is surprising that in the face of all the campaign and education, people still registered more than once. One man, one registration; one man, one vote. Get as many supporters as possible to register and psyche them up to vote on December 7 and stop the multiple registration campaign. It will disenfranchise people. I have registered and so have my family and friends. Go register and let's vote on December 7 in a peaceful election as always.

I will vote at Tapa-Amanya in the Biakoye Constituency of the Volta Region where I registered. Where will you vote? Where did you register? I registered once and have my card to vote. How many times did you register? If you registered more than once, think again; you may not have a vote.

Ladies and Gentlemen, the process is almost half way through and very soon, all will be. I am beginning to understand and agree that the Register used for election 2008 was bloated. Why? We will talk about it later. THANK YOU.

Long Time Ago

It's been a while now. Over two months since a made my last statement on this platform. The nation and its surroundings were forced completely to talk about a subject I could say little about. Thank God today, that subject is meaningless to the ordinary Ghanaian. It is better late than never so I am back again to share with brothers and sisters, candid, honest and 'non-pretentious' thoughts that will contribute to building a Better Ghana.

Interestingly, a lot has gone under the carpet in Ghana within the last few months that I have been away. However, the interest of most people is in political issues aside religion. On the religious front, the mix reaction from Ghanaians following the release of Jesus One Touch is one issue I can not allow to pass without a comment. The lower court sentenced him to 10 years imprisonment and the higher court acquitted and discharged him. Is it a miracle? Imperfection of the human institution? Corruption in the judiciary? The heart of man is visible only by God. Whether he committed or not is a matter no longer for NGOs and people any longer. The Lord will deal with the rest. If he did not, woe unto the little girl and whoever coached her to do what she did.

I listened to Nana Kwaku Bonsam and Pastor Kumchacha on Adom 106.3fm. I called the two day interaction with Adakabre as the day of shame to Christendom. People like Kumchacha will always discourage lazy Christians and expose Christians to mockery. When the devil tested Christ, he asked the devil to go away and not dared him. Kumchacha dared Kwaku Bonsam and rather ran away.

In politics, a major event is on going.... Registration of voters. Second phase is ongoing. First phase of 10 days ended but not without some scattered violence. The second phase appears smoother.

Nana Addo Dankwa Akuffo-Addo of the NPP finally also named Dr. Bawumia as his running mate. My wonder is why he had to wait this long; ask for more time if it is the same old running mate he was going for. Let's wait till Dec 7, to see how things go. Interesting times ahead.

Finally, Yaw Afari Kobra of Take Cool Two fame is getting married tomorrow at Tapa Amanya. Indeed, we have come a long way.

POLITICS; DIRTY FOR SOME

Sorry! This was all I said when I watched the "Nana Addo fondles" tape on youtube. This was not planned by Nana Addo from what I saw. Its content is such that it will benefit the NDC campaign so everybody is using or misusing it. I pity the man. SORRY! He should now be saying; I didn't have to do this.

Having gone into a parliamentary primaries, I know to what extent people can go to win power for themselves and their people. Total falsehood, untruths, lies, fabrications and whatever one feels will inure to his benefit. Good or bad. Just as Jesus Christ carried his cross, everybody should be able to carry his own cross. At no point will God allow a person to carry a cross that will crush him. If Alfred Agbesi Woyome has survived such a gargantuan, intimidating and undefined public opinion trial and sentencing, then Nana Addo may live to see his crush.

It is surprising how people try to settle scores where they don't have to. On Asempa 94.7fm, today, my friend Michael Ampong in an attempt to equate Nana Akufo-Addo's misconduct to anyone, accused Alhaji Bature of 'fingering' and raping small girls in Nima where they both live and know each other. When Alhaji denied living in Nima, Ampong smartly switch to add Mamobi to Nima and said everyone knows Alhaji as an area rapist.

It is important to understand that the more people we try to incriminate in this issue, the more we stretch the discussion. If Nana Addo has touched someone's wife's boobs, let's deal with it and drop it. Do not bring more people on board. What is wrong is wrong.

I pity the husband of this woman. His wife has suddenly become popular for the wrong reason. Does she have to tell lies? She could have saved her image and that of her hubby by stating it like it happened. Living with a lying wife is more dangerous than with a promiscuous wife. For a promiscuous wife, she may be managed but for a liar, you are doomed. She is not a politician but if she wants to be, she is joining through the dirty end of politics and smearing the husband with dirt. This dirt was preventable but it is too late.

Some of us want to do politics without smearing people. Even where people are obviously stained, we will not take undue advantage of such stains. There are so many ways to kill a cat. The learned professor; JEA Mills never insulted yet won, my mentor; Anthony Gyampo never insults yet he is doing great in politics.

The youth must learn and get to know that, politics is not a dirty game. It is dirty for those who wish to make it so. I do not ascribe to this dirtying of politics. Let's do clean insult free politics.

6 YEARS OF MARRIAGE; A VITAL EXPERIENCE

My style of writing is derived from my varied reading experience and way of thinking. My style may interest some readers and equally bore others. What I know for a fact is that I tell it like it is and straight to the point. Personal involvement in my write-ups give you my varied experience in life. I value every interaction with people no matter how irrelevant it may be considered; after all, 'It Is A Lesson'

Six (6)years of marriage in any man's life can not be considered as a joke. It is an experience worth sharing. For the first time on this platform, I am going to write under sub-headings. Youth Parade is a platform for growing a strong youth through quality education; this education includes sharing experiences such as mine. I will be writing on my experiences; summarized though under the following sub-headings: FOOD, FRIENDS,IN-LAWS, COMMUNICATION, QUARRELS/FIGHTS, SEX AND SECRETS.

SECRETS: For a young man and woman to agree to go into a life long relationship and to seal it with holy matrimony, means that both have seen some things with each other that others do not see. These things are suppose to bind them together and revelation of these secrets may cause separation. These secrets cut across lifestyles from crime, health, sex, money to religion. If you do not have a reason to keep maintaining your man or woman, think again. Why was Ataa Ayi's girlfriend/wife still with him at a time he was declared an outlaw? There was a secret! When you think you know everything why two people should not be together, they know one thing why they should be. That is the secret I am talking about.

SEX: The purposes for sex are many. Sex serves as a source of pleasure, procreation, punishment (this may sound controversial) and relief from stress. Abuse, disuse or misuse of sex for any or all of the above purposes may result in marital conflicts. It is proper to combine the various uses taking into account the various needs, moods and health status of both spouses. One thing that can easily result in conflict is the use of sex as a punishment: this may come in the form of denial or over provision. Optimum utilization settles it all. Achieving this level of optimality is a huge task and a recipe for promiscuity or adultery. Adultery is unacceptable in the eyes of God and the committed and the catalyst to commitment are both guilty. Be careful that your actions and/or inaction do not lead your spouse into temptation and sin.

QUARRELS/FIGHT: Which ever form they come, depending on the orientation and foundation of the couples are inevitable in every marriage. The management of such situations will tell whether the marriage will collapse or continue to exist. In some cases, marital secrets are revealed during quarrels, hence having no reason for the continuous maintenance of the marriage. Fights/quarrels are best handled when handled by the couples without third parties. I speak on authority on this matter.

COMMUNICATION: One other thing that brings misunderstanding into marriages is communication; lack of it or too much of it. 'I am going to school at Legon' should be enough for a spouse to understand that the spouse is gone to learn and interact with friends. 'I am coming' is too little for any spouse to understand. Add a little more. 'I am going to school, may meet Bertha my girl friend who doesn't mind forcing a kiss on my lips...' will also be too much. Information management is important to keep the home together. Great relationships have collapsed because information was not well managed and very bad ones continue to exist because spouses wishing to keep their marriages have cleverly managed information.

IN-LAWS: Another set of 'items' that require tact in their management are in-laws. From either side, in-laws can be irritating and/or great to be with. Do not lump all in-laws together and maltreat them. Study each and tactfully give each the needed treatment.

FRIENDS: Friends can make or unmake your marriage. Separate friends from your marriage. Group and regroup your friends. For each task, have those who fit as friends. Some friends talk too much. Some are also mere imposters. For me who has a lot of female friends, I always have a lot of explaining to do. Why? Because each day, a new friend is made. It should not be hidden.

FOOD: No matter the situation, do not forget to provide food for the family is rule 1. Rule 2; no matter the situation, do not refuse to eat from home.

With all the above, I have managed to pass through six years and still counting. I had some few 'bruises' and also issued some but the key is 'MANAGEMENT'

Due to some few technical problems, this piece was not edited so pardon the mistakes which are strictly mine.

WRONG SPELLING; MISTAKE OR DESIGN?

There are so many sign posts in town with 'wrong spelling' but I hardly critique any of those spelling mistakes because I was told sometime back by Mr Awunyo Akaba; my English Language tutor that some of those mistakes are by design. I loved that teacher. He was gentle, eloquent, fluent and sociable. My word! That man was a role model. I hate to compare him to any one else but let me try to cite this example. There was a short and loud mouthed tutor who was so full of himself he could insult anybody including his coleagues. I did not hate him even though he punished me to dig a pit then. While he was order in transit, Mr Awunyo was discipline in motion.

In an English Language class, my role model made students aware that it is not everything we read in the newspapers or on sign posts that can go for good English. Some are intentionally written wrongly whilst others are mistakes. He adviced students to read through their pieces and refer to dictionaries for correct spelling and use of words. I took this serious but the tedious part is the use of the dictionary. This probably explains why a lot of people spell words wrongly. 'Master' is now 'masa'; 'Alright' is now 'alryt'

There are lots more of such words that are mindfully or otherwise used wrongly. The use of shortcuts in acquiring life's goodies has become the order of the day in every sphere of life. The increase in the youth joining the drug trade and most recently the 'sakawa' trade testifies the impatient crop of youth in our society.

People have made one mistake or another and tried very hard to defend it or apologize for it. Once you spell a word wrongly, you have to correct the word. Imposing a wrong word and insisting it is the right word is in itself wrong. A wrong word is wrong. period! I am Dennis Oforri-Asiedu; how can anybody call me Ofosu-Asiedu and insist that is what he is comfortable with so it is my name? Please come again.

Nartey took his team to the Assembly for support but he was turned away for not voting in the assembly elections; a decision neither he nor his team/players influenced. Someone wrote that announcement that has now come out as a political blunder. A move that has led to a winner takes all situation. The wording of the announcement was wrong, the spelling of the words was also wrong. It should have read let's vote and fight on and NOT, let us not vote and fight on.

We have to revisit the statements and do the necessary corrections. We need to write without a lot of wrong spelling, 10% spelling mistakes at most. 1% wrong spelling by design. We want a clean sheet in 2012.

Any intentional spelling error that is not development bound should instantly be erazed and replaced with the right word. In this election year, words like boycott, should be avoided. Anytime a section of voters boycott an election, another section will go ahead to vote and their decision will bind on those who refused to vote. In the same light, if you make spelling mistakes and don't correct them, people will stop reading your articles after several correction efforts. A correction is a switch from negative to positive but the opposite may also be true so becareful what and how you correct.

Folks, Youth Parade is grateful for your immense contribution to the progress of this platform. Your comments after reading every piece is our motivation for the next piece. We are set up to 'build a strong youth through education' We will light up every dark corner of our society. Do you know any dark corner of our society that requires light? Let us know and we will light it up. Be part of the Youth Parade expansion. Write your comments on our pieces/articles and suggest topics you want us to tackle. Religious, social, environmental, transport, education, health, road or marriage/concunbinage. We at Youth Parade are well positioned to educate you on anything.

ALUTA CONTINUA; What next?

It's high time we the youths of Tapaman stand firm in helping develop the township.The so called leaders of the town has nothing good to do for the town.....Let Arise. Yaw Mekoe

Hmmmmmmmmmmmn!!!! Yaw i hope things are now getting better because the road to Abotoase market and the station is under construction.so we should pray for more developmental projects. Dankwa Collins

Technology, facebook, mobile text messaging or call it what you will. The impact is huge and mostly instant. Just a click of a button and you are there. Truly, I am there too. On facebook and on 'Tapa Nkosuo' wall. Curiosity took me there. The same curiosity which killed the cat; all apologies to Dr. Adjei. My curiosity did not kill me but led me to the last book of the Holy Bible; REVELATION. Revelation that one day, the blind shall see, the deaf will hear and all their 'ills' shall pass away.

The two statements above were posted by the two Tapa brothers on the Tapa Nkosuo wall. The call from Mekoe was, is and will always be in place. We need to arise to save Tapa from myopic vision, indoor rulership and personal vendetta. The continuous emulation of negativity from uncivilized and 'miseducated' elders by our vulnerable youth is a threat to the future of Tapa. Good education and exposure have become crimes in our society. Hypocricy has taken over the society to the extent that the truth can only be told secretly for fear of intimidation. We must truly ARISE to save TAPA and Biakoye from weak and wicked leaders NOW.


Dankwa's response to Mekoe though unrelated is another statement worth some emphasis. Yes, I have also seen the Abotoase town road project. It is a very good project. A very welcome project from the District Assembly. The same Assembly they so much hate. The Assembly they ganged up to stand against. The reason for the thousands of enemies I have made in my own backyard. The so-called unworthy heroes will rather enjoy what they hated. May God forgive them. Having said this, it is important to say that Tapa youth still need to Arise to save Tapa. The Abotoase town road project is NOT a Tapa initiative. If what we need is a GREAT TAPA WALL, then we have it. Good leadership based on age will always give the people accurate results from bad judgement.

Aluta continua! They shouted, and the youth followed carelessly without asking what next. I asked, Aluta continua! yes, Aluta we need but what next? This was all I asked and Tapa and the rest swallowed me. Like the Biblical Jonah, I failed to preach the 'word' of the 'gods' of Tapa. I am in the belly of the whale. I will wait till truth prevails. It has started and wouldn't take long. Even today, development is coming. Tomorrow more development will come and all will see wisdom in asking appropriate questions. Tapa is not a violent land. We are not 'fools' as is being painted out there. A time will come when we; the once foolish youth will be wise and will demand our fair share of the goodies of nature. We will not take to the streets but will adopt appropriate methods to press our demands home and make sure we get what we demand.

Let me end with this song I learnt as a class 3 pupil in Tapa Amanya United Primary School now R. C. School. Thanks to Mr. Sylvester Appiah my teacher then.

"We shall overcome 2x,
We shall overcome some day,
Oh deep in my heart, I do believe, We shall overcome someday 2x".

That day, the Aluta will halt and truth shall prevail and hypocrites will go into hiding. Victory for Tapa and Biakoye that day will be.

SKIRT AND BLOUSE IN BIAKOYE?

The Skirt and Blouse threat in the Biakoye constituency started as a mere threat by a group of NDC youth but it's now catching up with everybody including those who took part in the selection of our incumbent as candidate for obvious reasons.

As a true party person, I have refrained from making statements that will aggravate the situation. There is a fertile ground for the already rejected NPP to take advantage of; all things being equal. The prophet who seeks the destruction of HIS city will be part when destruction finally comes. This is why I can not engineer the Skirt and Blouse desire let alone fuel it.

Biakoye constituency cannot be considered as one of the swing constituencies because NDC has maintained the seat since 1992. The only fear here is that from 2004, the NPP has made great gains. In a predominant NDC constituency, it is frightening that NPP can boast now of close to 7,000 votes from under 500 with the NDC dropping from above 20,000 votes to below 17,000 votes.

The above not withstanding, the Skirt and Blouse mantra can only materialize if the people concerned wake up from their slumber. The divisions within the executives and the sharper division between the aspirants are recipes for disaster and fertility for NPP germination and flourishing. There are tribal threats, partisan threats and personality threats. All these must be remedied. I am not in the position to dilate on the threats for, any true NDC member and son or daughter of Biakoye should understand what I am talking about.

My loss to the incumbent is not a reason to reject my dear party for another party. Unorthodox means was adopted to skew the verdict but I have put this behind me waiting for the actual campaign to begin. As a party, we are better of with a 'dump' and voting MP than an opposition MP. We need these MPs to push our party's agenda through than vote an MP that will consistently oppose our government's agenda.

One thing that I find difficult to comment on is the so-called blouse or skirt. Assuming that the President is the Skirt in this case, who is the Blouse? The NPP candidate or an independent candidate? If it is an independent candidate I am not yet aware of, fine; may be he is from our party the NDC. If this is not the case and it is the NPP candidate, then we are better of without an MP. Sorry to say this because he is my personal friend and was my 'financier'

I will not encourage a Skirt and Blouse that will spell doom for the NDC for any reason including one that will benefit me personally. Someone should advice the NPP to stop their advances because NDC as a party needs Biakoye seat to consolidate the win and continue with development projects started.

Skirt and Blouse was, is and will remain a dream in Biakoye constituency so long us some of us continue to live and love our party the NDC. Long Live Biakoye. Those who have also threatened to boycott the general election should rescind that decision and join all to cast a decisive vote to elect our MP in election 2012.

The Skirt and Blouse mantra is not peculiar to Biakoye nor the NDC but it cut across constituency and parties. We might end up with an opposition party having more MPs than government. History is about to be written if hard work is overlooked. Wake up NDC! Wake UP!

HEROIC LOSS

I have lost! Simple! Finito! PERIOD! That was how I put it on Sunday but a lot of party faithfuls and supporters would not buy into this. If not for any reason at all, I have restrained myself from responding to irresponsible comments and insinuations. These party men are amazed at such display of maturity and leadership quality.

Nartey strongly believes that joining the contest did not only advertize me but unearthed a hidden quality that Biakoye would have overlooked. He is older yet quick tempered. He can not come to terms with my indepth understanding of human psychology and behaviour. Amazingly, I am able to predict one's action tomorrow based on his last action today. Surprised? Don't be surprised because it is a gift and not magic. Growing up, I was quick tempered myself but now, well trained with emotion management skills and ability. Great achievement this is.

Language is dynamic and requires critical thinking to decode an encoded or discorded information. Proverbs especially in Africa require wisdom to interprete. Fools have made war out of harmless proverbs. Wisemen do not respond to insinuations especially when they come in proverbs. No wonder there is one in Akan that goes like: 'wo bub3 na mennso mete b3, wo ka a m'3bua wo, 3no ne y3n daa ntokwa' literally means; (you speak in proverbs and I understand proverbs, if I respond to your proverbs, we quarrel). People who run around as if they understand everything must be told in the face that there are still things they need to learn.

Intoxication from Akpeteshie and guinness may all be the same but there are great differences. Akpeteshie stinks. I do not understand why anybody born of a woman will be so insensitive to happenings around not to be able to see good from evil. May be it is intentional. People are born with Judaic traits. May they live long to see the glory of the Lord.

I planned not to say a word about the parliamentary primaries at all but platforms keep presenting themselves for comments. Scenerios I had used positively in the past are being refered to negatively today as justification for ill-actions. I still reserve my comments. Heroic 42% with all the vile messages flying around? Thank God for bringing me this far.

Ladies and Gentlemen, I do not want to write, speak or make gestures that will not augur well for my party, the NDC in Biakoye constituency. I will abide at all times by the rules and regulations of the party and government without fear or favour from any individual or group of persons so assembled by creed, tribe, religion, politics or tradition. Once my actions are justifiable positively, will not lead to death or ailment and will inure to the benefit of the larger Biakoye constituency interset, I will go ahead and act. My person and benefit do not matter anymore.

On this note, may I state categorically that, I do not support the 'skirt and blouse' mantra against the NDC in Biakoye and will NOT stand as an independent candidate. I am a true party person ready to work for my party to maintain power. I will not take actions that will divide my party at anytime.

May we live long to see a Better Biakoye in a Better Ghana.

TAPA AMANYA

I remember vividly Akosua Ketewa of blessed memory at Okadjakrom E. P. Primary in 1983. Akosua had come from her hometown; Tapa Amanya to live with her auntie Grace also of blessed memory, to acquire some level of formal education and bakery as a trade.

Her first day at her new school was very interesting; her teacher wanted to know more about her so she asked her to present the usual 'myself' orally. Akosua started like this: My name is Akos Asantewa, I come from Tapa Amanya, P.O.Box Tapa Amanya, L.A.Primary Tapa Amanya, Telephone number Tapa Amanya. This obviously became her new name all through her basic education in Okadjakrom. That was how far she went on the ladder of education as well: middle form 2.

I lost in the National Democratic Congress (NDC) parliamentary primaries held at Nkonya Bumbula on the 21st January 2012 for a lot of reasons including vile propaganda from my own backyard; Tapa Amanya. Why? 'That I am disrespectful; false' 'That I hate the people of Worawora, false' 'That I am Akan and will support Akans against non-Akans; ridiculously false' 'That I caused the arrest of some miscreants from Tapa Amanya; another blatant lie' 'That I superintended the mobilization of voters in a so-called boycotted District Assembly election to vote; TRUE' Why? Because I need development for my people, no matter how small it is. Today, the Tapa Abotoase lorry park and town roads are under construction though by not too established contractor.

The town in question is located between Worawora and Tapa Amanfrom. It's population is close to 2000 persons now. Tapa Amanya is mostly occupied by indigens with some few teachers and health workers. In times past, some farmers had come to work and have remained with their families. There isn't much commercial activity in Tapa Amanya. Politically, the NDC always wins. Politics in Tapa Amanya is characterized by verbal attacks usually on family lines.

Somebody may be asking why I am saying all these about my hometown. The blant truth is, that is the situation. I am 'full blooded' Tapa Amanya born bread and buttered with both parents from there. The other truth is, I love Tapa Amanya irrespective of the gross display of irresponsibility by some few untouchable persons who are parading as 'patriots'. As a young politician, I always fear for the future of my town.

In one town; Tapa Amanya, some noise makers do not recognize the chief, beaten the linguist, do not recognize their elected Assemblyman and will not vote for a native as a parliamentary candidate. I am struggling to avoid the temptation to aportion an adjective to suit the Tapa Amanya situation.

I am not saying there are not good people in Tapa Amanya but unfortunately, they form the voiceless majority. They are in voiceless to the extent that in a District Assembly elections, some few members of the town led by some supposed highly educated persons intimidated people and prevented them from exercising a legitimate right, allowing less than 25% of registered voters to cast their votes. In a parliamentary primaries, 9 out of 25 voted for their native. These are people who know what they are doing at all times but are unable to tell its repercussions on future generations.

To some extent, some of these actions are in consonance with the principle of intergenerational equity. Growing up, I witnessed the burning down of the KRISTO ASAFO SHED in its early stages by elders whose children are suffering today for the sins of their fathers against God's work. I witnessed the beating and seizure of police personnel, the stopping of well organized football matches because it was not going in their favour and a lot more.

A. K Donkor of Nkonya Ahenkro kept warning me during my campaign that, look here my son; I am an oldman. The people of your hometown will not vote for you because they have never voted for their own people. I argued but when it happened finally, I called and told him; don't say you told me so because you told me so.

Two young boys on facebook from my family including one I had employed and encouraged kept speaking their minds to me and even told me after I lost that; 'I TOLD YOU' Jerusalem women, weep not for me but for your children; saidth the LORD. If the people who killed Christ knew his crucifixion will make him this MIGHTY, they would have left him to grow older than METUSSALAH but it's too late now. JESUS is LORD.

I am looking forward to a day when Tapa Amanya will be Tapa Amanya. When the silent positive minded and development oriented persons will take over the reigns of the town. Nobody will go fight for development and bring it to Tapa Amanya if he is not from the place. We need to chat a good path and fight a positive, result oriented and development seeking fight.

I have painted Tapa Amanya from where I stand and it is a vulnerable community left in the hands of some people. Remember; half cooked food is dangerous for consumption. I am not disturbed at all. I will push till I see success. If you also wish Tapa Amanya well, join me. This 'let them continue' attitude on the part of some learned individuals must also stop. Someone must speak the truth and let the chips fall where they may. Tapa Amanya is bigger than any individual at all times. If we as the current generation can not develop Tapa Amanya by setting good examples, then we should go without any action at all. The current actions and inactions will not augur well for future generations.

There is an abandoned library project, dilapidated D/A JHS, almost collapsing public latrine, uncompleted pavilion, half jacked R. C. Primary school yet the so-called leaders prefer to spend on waste. Talk ill about development seekers. Hmmmmmmmmmm, As3m s3b3!

Tapa Amanya is my own hometown and I wish it is part of the BETTER GHANA AGENDA.

IF IT DOES NOT RAIN, NIGHT WILL FALL.

I met a man this morning 13th January, 2012, who asked me to get closer to him for a discussion. I calmly obliged. This man, well dressed in a green African wear asked if I could speak Ewe. My reply was; small, small so he decided to speak English. 'When your in-law sends you to the farm and asks you to clear every grass without rest, remember that if it doesn't RAIN, NIGHT will fall'. After saying this, he smiled, tapped my shoulder and left.

Mr Surprise as I will call him in this story just left without any explanation, not even self introduction to establish further rapport. I followed him for explanation but he wouldn't explain. What kind of man is this that will talk to a stranger like me and just walk away? I asked myself but had no answers at all.

My campaign manager speculated that this man must know me somewhere and is preview to some vital information not available to me. I chose to ignore him (my campaign manager) because he likes speculating. Another member of the campaign team tried to make some sense but was no where near the mark to the best of my understanding of adages and proverbs.

He was surely preview to some information not available to me. Coming events cast their shadows they say. The bomb shell released later in the day, that resulted in the reduction of the Biakoye parliamentary aspirants from three to two might be the reason for his statement. An event's shadow he saw sitting as an elder we could not see standing. What a world!

Mr Surprises is an ardent follower of events in Biakoye District/Constituency as I got to know later in the day. He knows those who are part of the problem and those who are part of a possible solution. Artificial insermination is not an African practice; Dr John may disagree though but it is the truth. 'Politricking' is not the style of Biakoye. Clean, non-smear politics is the normal practice in this constituency of hard workers. When Mr Surprise started seeing the new developments, he felt the attempts, fruitlessly though to barstrdize an innocent, exuberant and positive minded youth ready to contribute to the development of his constituency and party was unjust and unacceptable. Sympathy was his expression and it was well executed through a wise saying.

This is a very difficult moment for me contrary to others believe that I should be happy. Why? Happy for the fall of another man? No! This is not my wish. It will surely be given a new meaning in some quarters but GOD will always be in control. I wished for a RAIN to stop this inhouse bantam but did NOT get it. Now the NIGHT has fallen too soon. I want to go to bed to consult my pillow for it is too dark and quiet in my neighbourhood. We will meet tomorrow friends.

BUSAY'S FEAR IS BIAKOYE'S FEAR

Political parties are like schools that admit students every academic year. The more attractive the school, the higher the quality of students it recruits. In the school situation, students graduate to make way for others to be admitted. Some schools start with just six (6) students and in four years, boast of five hundred (500)students. The higher intake is mostly dependent upon the calibre of teachers, performance of students in sports, academics and social interactions. The increase in student population can not be done without a commensurate expansion of facilities. In political parties too, party offices and membership should expand simultaneously.

There is however a difference between politics and a school. Where as senior students readily exit after a period of study, the politician rather wants to be knocked out of the institution as though he/she is in a boxing ring. In their desire to stay (in fact over stay), they adopt words like 'experience or inexperience'; whichever suits their statement, 'poor or rich', 'small boy or big man' but all these are irrelevant in a political discourse. The electorate want to see development, gain recognition for their toil, innovations for future life improvement and assurance of a brighter life for generations yet unborn. Senior polititians creat hedges around the corridors of power to prevent the youth from entering. Some of them sometimes say if you get the youth better employment, they come back to challenge you. Is that the case? Training the youth increases the skilled labour pool to ensure rapid development. Any leader who sabbotages youth empowerment must not be permitted to continue to lead.

Busay is a very hard working National Democratic Congress (NDC)delegate and member from Kwamekrom in the Biakoye constituency. He is fearless and honest. He loves the NDC and Biakoye. He longs for change in leadership but he has a fear. The fear that most of our delegates are outside the youth bracket and may not believe in the youth for a BETTER GHANA. They may believe in the saying that 'wisdom lies in grey hair'. This has been his fear and the fear of most youth in the Biakoye constituency towards the NDC primaries. He and others like him do not want the NPP to win any more seat in the Volta region so they are scared by the threat of the electorate especially women and youth to vote for the NPP candidate if the status quo is maintained. In election 2000, the people of Akan, issued a similar threat but the situation was saved by the NDC primaries losing candidate going independent. Unfortunately, he (Rashid Bawa) crossed carpet and was punished in 2004. Biakoye youth will not want to lose their seat nor will they want any youth action from delegates' inaction.

Already, there have been some untruths about my candidature with regard to my age and education. This is the more reason why I consider Dr Paa Kwasi Nduom's (Probably, the first time I am taking his statement serious because it favours me) call for about 50% of Members of Parliament (MPs) to be elected in election 2012 to be below 35 years as long overdue. My only worry is that I am outside that bracket. This is why I consider any statement to the effect that I am a 'small boy' as outrageous and should be treated with the contempt it deserves. I am well educated and duly certified but these are not what the electorate need. They need ACTION and action NOW. The disrespected and disregarded youth will always be in the majority and what they desire should be granted.

I implore every youth of Biakoye who has this same fear to walk to a delegate to ask for a vote for the youth. A trusted representation of their views based on broad consultation with constituents. This is a vote that will give voice to the voiceless and engage the relegated. Campaign for votes for DENNIS OFORI-ASIEDU; your surest bet to a united and peaceful BIAKOYE.

With this kind of massive action from the youth, imploring our fathers, mothers, uncles, aunties and grand parents to hand over the baton to us, the fear of disrespect for youth ability will be deleted.

JOIN THE CAMPAIGN TO ELECT DENNIS OFORI-ASIEDU ON 21 JANUARY 2012 to ensure massive support for NDC and Prof. John Evans Atta Mills in election 2012.

HAPPY NEW YEAR

Happy 2012. May you live to enjoy the year in which everything will come DOUBLE DOUBLE including success for HIS EXCELLENCY JEA MILLS and his National Democratic Congress (NDC). Of course this is the same year in which I stand to be elected as the parliamentary candidate for Biakoye constituency on the ticket of the NDC.

We have progressed slowly to this stage where we are ready to gallop. Flying at the speed of light is our wish. We shall get there. We are almost there. I have never written this short but permit me to end here and brief you after January 21.

Pray with me and for me as I prepare to claim and save Biakoye on the 21st of january 2012. The wind of internal change is blowing. Join this winning team.