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.