A Grim Wednesday - June 4, 2015

By -

Ghana, a nation renowned for its peacefulness, abundant infrastructure, and unwavering commitment to providing homes for the homeless, now finds itself engulfed in a troubling shadow, as if a spell has been cast upon our beloved land. Once a flourishing country, akin to a land flowing with honey and milk, we now find ourselves reliant on foreign aid. Oh, Ghana! The significance of June 4th during Jerry John Rawlings' tenure remains eternally engraved in our collective memory.

The resounding words, "Arise, Ghana Youth for your country," echo through our National Anthem, sung with fervor by almost every Ghanaian and even refugee students. Yet, our nation continues to implore its youth to rise to the occasion.

Must we wait for our country to beckon before acting? Should we expect our leaders to individually seek out each citizen, beseeching them to embrace patriotism? These lingering questions haunt not only my mind but also the thoughts of many others. The tragedy that befell Ghana on that grim Wednesday was a consequence of our own negligence. Innocent lives were lost because we failed to prioritize our national duties.

While mayors bask in the glory of accolades, our country suffers from inadequate management. Ministers and parliamentarians earn substantial wages but contribute little to our nation's progress. Regardless of their remoteness, citizens hold the President accountable for flooding in their towns and cities. We recite the words, "I pledge myself in all things to uphold and defend the good name of Ghana, so help me God," but fail to truly grasp their profound significance.

Look to Akosombo, a small town nestled in the Eastern Region, as a gleaming example of meticulous planning and efficient management within Ghana. The secret lies in its residents' adherence to the regulations set forth by the authorities. Why do we wait for accidents to befall us before considering safety? Why do we only seek solutions when problems have already arisen?

We are all complicit in this catastrophe. Every citizen, in one way or another, has contributed to the loss of lives on that fateful day. My heart aches, and remorse fills my soul, for I too share the blame. If only we had taken the initiative to clear the few gutters we have and establish proper drainage systems in our communities, numerous lives could have been spared.

Had citizens heeded the advice of the Town Councils, Town Planners, Environment Protection Agency, and Health Services, this disaster could have been averted. Can you imagine being trapped in a burning inferno, with no means of escape? Can you fathom the terror of drowning? Countless questions plague my mind. Unfortunately, the leaders we entrust with power often prioritize the welfare of their own families, leaving the rest of us to suffer. How can we expect our voices to be heard if we fail to exhibit good leadership ourselves? We are all responsible.

Corruption stands as the primary catalyst behind this catastrophe. I yearn for competent individuals to be appointed to positions of authority, individuals who will uplift Ghana's reputation with unwavering pride. Bitterness engulfs my heart as I witness the irresponsibility displayed by the government, citizens, and authorities towards our beloved nation.

Now that I have voiced these concerns, I hope they resonate and reach the ears of all Ghanaians. Instead of solely blaming our leaders, let us reflect on how we can contribute in the best possible way. Let us refrain from loitering and transforming our gutters into dumping grounds. Ghana has arrived at its present state due to construction in waterways and the neglect of establishing proper drainage systems.

We all possess the power to effect change. Let us learn a valuable lesson from this tragedy and prioritize our safety to prevent future accidents.

To those who have lost loved ones, friends, husbands, children, wives, and mothers, may the good Lord grant you strength and fill the void.

Top of Form

Bottom of Form

 

Location: Asuogyaman, Ghana

Comments

Unknown said…
Good piece of advice. Indeed we all sung "Arise Ghana Youth For Youth For Your Country" but what do we see now? Everyone is depending on the government to provide it's need. Should that be the case after singing this song? NO! Arise Ghana youth for the country needs future leaders to uphold the flag of Ghana high but not citizens who would criticize the government of all its action. ARISE! ARISE!! ARISE!! GHANA YOUTH FOR YOUTH COUNTRY. By consend citizen Yaw Dadson Junior
27 June 2015 at 00:19
Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Digital Public Transport System in Ghana: A Leap Forward or a Stumbling Block?

By -
Image
  As a keen observer of societal trends and transformations, the introduction of the digital public bus transport system in Ghana, known as the 'Tap and Go' service, caught my attention. The debate about its origin aside, I believe the focus should be on the impact of this digitalization on our public transport system and the people of Ghana.   The Bright Side The 'Tap and Go' service is a commendable step towards modernizing Ghana's public transport sector. It aims to tackle systemic challenges such as station delays, passenger identification in case of accidents, under-declaration of earnings by drivers, and difficulties in fare payments. The service also includes a system for monitoring the buses using CCTV cameras. This digital platform, which includes a digital card preloaded with cash and a virtual card option on mobile phones, is designed to enhance efficiency and combat corruption. Moreover, the digitalization of public transport aligns with Ghan...
1

Shock in Accra as House Help Reveals Allegiance to Mami Wata

By -
Image
Note: To protect the privacy of the individuals involved, names and specific locations have been altered or omitted. A 15-year-old house help, working in a quiet neighborhood in Accra, has left a home and its community in shock after revealing her unusual religious practices to the employer, Mrs. Bentum, a retired educationist and widow. What began as a normal employment process soon turned into a development of a most confusing and disturbing nature, causing quite an uproar and raising concerns all over the place.  After a long quest for dependable assistance, Mrs. Bentum finally got Hannah, a young girl from the Volta Region, to help her around with the household chores and in running her shop. The relief that came with Hannah, however, turned out to be more than that—it was a twist of challenge. On her very first day, Mrs. Bentum invited Hannah to accompany her to church, where they started discussing faith—a topic close to Mrs. Bentum's heart as an ardent Christian. It was duri...
1

Shattered Promises: A Tale of Resilience and Healing

By -
Coral sat on the beach, enjoying the cool breeze, scrolling through her phone as a way to unwind after work. In the distance, she noticed a man with striking features, which caught her admiration. They ended up sitting together in silence for a while, and Coral couldn't help but feel nervous. When the sunset, she gathered her things and headed home, feeling puzzled by the encounter. To her surprise, the next day the man sat on her beach mat again. Wanting to avoid a repeat of the previous awkwardness, Coral chose a different spot. However, he joined her once more, introducing himself as Daemon. They engaged in a long conversation and exchanged contact information, leaving Coral grinning with happiness. This connection was a significant milestone for Coral, who had felt lonely throughout her life. She had faced the challenges of her parents' divorce and worked hard to build a successful career. At 38 years old, she owned her own apartment and remained focused on her work, never ...
1