THE GOLDEN STAFF: Hello people, it's been a long time. I have been busy writing and ensuring that two of my novels get published; one in 2013 and another last year 2014. The first, The Golden Staff was published by Kwadwoan Publishers based in Accra, Ghana, West Africa. This is a children's adventure cum mystery. It is about a prominent family whose patriach was framed by his rival and his two children Korkor, Tiwaa and their friend Ade go to great lengths to exonerate him. "Maama, Maame, where are you?" Tiwaa cried out. No reply came to her. Looking into the pot sitting on the kitchen table, she quickly pinched a piece of meat from it and wiped her hand on the edge of her school uniform. The last time Tiwaa and her family had a peaceful and shielded serene life was after she happily swallowed the piece of meat she stole from the pot of stew. Her once lovely family now stands on the edge of a precipice that threatens to destroy them and the only way out, was to find the culprit who had disrupted their lives." Through a series of dangerous and mysterious escapades, the three teens are able to solve the mystery behind their father's disgrace. It is a novel that teaches a lesson of strength, determination, boldness and truth regardless of the dangerous consequences. The teens success testifies that right always wins in the end. The Golden Staff like all my novels is based in an African village. The African culture and its exotic mysteries are clearly depicted in this novel, the picture of which is on my Facebook page. I would like to hear your comments about this novel which can be purchased in any reputable bookshop in Ghana, especially, Legon Bookshop. Enjoy!

Review of Serwah-The Saga of an African Princess by Frances Ademola

SERWAH is Rita Akoto Coker’s first published novel. It is a simple love story set in Ashanti in the 18th Century. Serwah, the princess of Antoa and Prince Owusu of Bomah were betrothed when they were children, but fell madly in love when they finally met in their teens. True to the saying that “the path of true love never runs smooth” they had serious problems after their formal engagement, but love and wisdom won through, and they lived happily ever after. Rita Akoto Coker brings to the simple story many resources. Her considerable royal connection gives the novel an authentic voice. Knowing the courtesies, intrigues and traditions of a royal household, she guides her readers through the courts of Antoa and Bomah with confidence, inviting them to eavesdrop on royal meals. Her remarkable gift of character portrayal, combined with her narrative skill makes the story flow on with effortless ease, in good and fluent English. Added to these are her powers of observation and imagination. Owusu and Serwah are both strong-willed and though pining for each other, they do not speak to each other for a whole year, nor do they break their engagement. While Owusu allows himself to be seduced by the scheming Princess Pokuaa, and finds consolation with other women, Serwah resists the persistent overtures of Prince Appiah and finally sends him off with a flea in his ear for peddling rumours about Owusu. Serwah emerges the stronger of the two lovers. Rita Akoto describes her as “docile on the outside but she was as fierce in temperament as a mother tigress when angered….. Those who knew her could testify to this, she had learnt to balance compassion with wisdom, love with judgment and mercy with punishment”. The reconciliation of the lovers is presented with great tenderness and delicacy. Serwah makes the first move, a public and traditional one at the funeral of Owusu’s uncle, then later that evening we see the final and private reconciliation, and all Owusu could say in his mind over and over again is “This is home”. Other characters are also brought to life by Rita’s deft pen. Appiah and his scheming cousin Pokuaa are sufficiently devious and plausible, and other minor characters are creatures of flesh and blood, speaking in character and effectively communicating with the reader. There is cohesion in the communities presented to us of village life in 18th Century Ashanti. SERWAH would make a good film and should be captured on celluloid. There is a simple beauty and power in the writer’s unpretentious style. A touching love story from the past is just what is needed in these brittle days of politics and commerce, and we await a sequel to SERWAH. Rita Akoto Coker is a novelist with a great future and this first historical novel will give delight to many readers for a long time.

BAFUOR OSEI AKOTO, THE MOVER AND THE SHAKER

MY FATHER, THE MOVER AND THE SHAKER! This year 2012 and September 3rd to be precise, marks the 10th anniversary of my father's passing. He was an enigma! Everywhere he went; every comment he made; every comment made about him; even whenever he sneezed, he created ripples, good or bad. He was phenomenal and profound in his statements. He was wise beyond compare. He did not earn the title of “Asante cultural walking encyclopedia” for nothing. His memory and his mind was sharp till he died at the ripe old age of 98. You could not but be awed in his presence. He had a commanding presence that begged to be respected. He was one of the most handsome men among the Princes in the land. Above all, he hated injustice and was no hypocrite. This was my father Bafuor Osei-Akoto. His compassion and his sense of advocating for the poor, the deprived and the vulnerable led him to be chosen as the leader of the National Liberation Movement (NLM). Oh, this movement has been so misunderstood and ridiculed by his detractors and a war machine propaganda, second to only the one put in place by Hitler in his feeble attempts to annihilate the Jews, was put forth by the opposition in order to re-write the historical contributions he made to the independence of Ghana. But the truth can never be covered. In this world, every person or people who have ever refused to live under slavery and injustice have fought to regain their rightful place to live as free men under the sun. Look at all the countries of the world, the Mau Mau of Kenya, the African National Congress of South Africa. These two were at one point or the other, referred to as renegades and blood thirsty just as the NLM was referred to. The NLM and these two had some things in common: 1. They were known to have originated on tribal lines and this is no surprise since the meaning of nationalism is “... a concept that arose in the 19th c. among peoples who became aware of their national identity without having a national state; in these cases nationalism had first to be affirmed linguistically and culturally, then be given political embodiment.” Wikipedia. So those who referred to NLM as tribalistic should have seen that that is how many revolutions and independence anywhere started so if these 2 countries and others including Cuba have now accepted the fact that the movements helped to bring about liberation, then why can't Ghanaians accept NLM as same but continue to vilify the movement? 2. The three movements had to defend themselves against their opposers, be it the colonialists or otherwise. They did fight back only to defend themselves against those who thought they were rebels and in their effort to crush them, sent armed guards, soldiers and thugs against them. The authorities used every form of intimidation against these groups and whenever these people fought back, they were referred to in many derogatory terms and having the power over the media, the authority at the time would use negative propaganda to discredit the groups. 3. In South Africa and Ghana, many resistant groups were formed against the authorities. In Ghana the minority groups that opposed the CPP government were the Northern People's Party (NPP), Togoland Congress Party (GCP), the Aborigines Rights Protection Society and the Anlo Youth Organization. All these groups came together from the different regions of Ghana proving that people with the same aspirations, be it tribal, religion or otherwise always come together, so why was the NLM singled out and vilified? In South Africa this is how it was described, “During the eight years of negotiations, it became apparent that delegates of the four provinces were determined to forge a settlement that excluded Africans from meaningful political participation in the envisaged unified South Africa. This galvanized different African political formations, hitherto fragmented and each with a ‘provincial’ appeal, to forge a unified political movement that would challenge the exclusion of Black people. The African People’s Organisation, largely a Cape political formation, the Orange River Colony Vigilance Association and the Transvaal Vigilance Association were all formed during this period.” Wikipedia. In Kenya, it was the Kikuyu tribe that led the opposition. 4. In Ghana when the then government wanted to use the 'divide and rule' tactics in order to shatter the groups, they all came together to form the United Party (UP) under the National Chairmanship of Mr. Alex Hutton-Mills. I could go on and on to make comparisons but time will not permit me. The point is, it was not only the NLM that formed a resistance group against dictatorship. It has happened in many countries and recently in Libya, Tunisia, Egypt and now in Syria. The government of the day always feel the desire to crush any opposition to their authority and this always result in bloodshed. The NLM was vindicated when Nkrumah became a dictator after turning Ghana into a one party State, something my father had been warning Ghanaians about. He declared himself the sole president after my father Bafuor and 7 others were detained without trial under the Preventive Detention Act of 1959. Mandela suffered the same fate and so was Jomo Kenyatta. All these people paid their dues and were honoured but my father has been left out even in speeches that celebrate our independence. Their names have been etched on monuments in their respective countries. The question is why, why, why? Where were the Big Six when my father with the then Asantehene and other Chiefs debated the independence issue in October of 1943? Where was Busia and Nkrumah when my father, J B.Danquah and others were delegated to present the Joint Gold Coast Independence proposal to the Colonial Secretary, Mr. Oliver Littleton at the Castle, Osu in 1953? I have the pictures to prove it. Point is, the history books are there to verify these statements even though we are aware that some things have been changed to re-write history in order to vilify my father. But Pa has been vindicated by current events here in Ghana and abroad so why won't history in Ghana give honour to whom honour is due but continue to perpetuate the lies and the slander put in place by Nkrumah's propaganda machine? In this the 10th anniversary of his death, I just want the records to be set straight about this great man's selflessness and to honour his achievements. I would wish I had the space to continue with this but I believe that anyone who has the truth ingrained into their natures and hate injustice would seek to accept my father's contribution to this nation. Pa, you were an enigma, a philosopher, a wise counselor, a great linguist, a great husband and above all a great and gentle father. You will forever remain in our hearts because to live in the hearts of those you love is to live forever. Come what may, let it rain, let is shine, let others continue to hide their heads in the sand in order to hide your glory and achievements, but we, your children, will never ever forget you. Be rest assured that your grandchildren and great, great great...........grandchildren will learn of your greatness. You served your country well during World War II when you retired as a Captain, when you participated with delegation after delegation about our independence, when you lost all after being unlawfully detained by the then government to assuage their pride. You were even banned from entering Ashanti Region after your release in 1965 so you went to stay at Tamale till the 1966 coup. But through it all, you stood tall like a Colossus. You would have loved the RE:Akoto Memorial Lectures instituted by the Ghana Law School in your memory and the 7 others as well. Rest In Perfect Peace till we meet again to part no more. “Onipa beyee bi na wammeye ne nyinaa. Your achievements will be written in the sands of time. Peace!!! Rita Akoto Coker

Will Africa Implode -Part 3

As I write today, many events happening in Africa have overtaken what I wanted to write.
Today, August 22, 2011, rebels in Libya have almost taken over Tripoli, the last stronghold of Gadhafi and three of his sons have been captured, while a fourth is alleged to have been killed according to CNN.

What I don't understand is why any many, any man would die rather than relinquish their power over a country, ruling with an iron fist, including murder in order to stay in power. Can't Gadhafi see the proverbial writing on the wall? Does he want to lose all his sons, eight in number like Saddam Hussein did before he gives up his control over Libya?

No matter his bravado, he must be terribly afraid of perhaps what happened to Mubarak. Yes, Mubarak was seen in a cage when he was brought before an Egyptian court for trial against corruption and many things. So why didn't Gadhafi flee Libya when he had the opportunity? He thinks dying a martyr will enhance his status in death, should he fall when the rebels take over.

This is the tragedy of many African leaders and the dilemma of the African people. May God help us.

Now back to Zimbabwe:

Currently in Zimbabwe,(that is in 2009) the rate of inflation stood at 76,000,000,000% per month making it only the second country in the world to have had this kind of galloping rate. The first had been Hungary during World War II between 1945-1946 reports Alex Tabarrok in October 2009.
What will the rate be in a year’s time? Only God knows.
Mugabe has refused to go! Period! He has refused to relinquish power because just like many other African leaders, he thinks God gave him the intelligence to be the only one to rule his country! Since 1980 when he assumed power, the country’s economy and everything else has detoriated. The wealth of Zimbabwe has dissipated and their currency is only paper. It has turned to ashes as the report says. And the people of Zimbabwe? Helpless in the face of such monumental abuse of their rights and privileges that the United Nations Charter gives them. They have no right to life; no right to proper education; no right to exercise their authority to elect their own preferred leaders; no right to food as millions are starving in that country and the United Nations is impotent to do anything so has the African Union which has become a toothless bulldog digging its head in the sand while the greatest portion of its body hangs outside like the proverbial ostrich.

You know why, because I believe that no African head of State who does not have the best interests of their peoples at heart wants to expose their own corruption and their constant perpetuation of their reckless, brutal and selfish power. They are just emulating and following the proverbial case of “those who live in glass houses?” Now you get the picture. Many of them are afraid of what has happened to many dictators after they leave office so they decide to 'die' there.

So in 2009. after the government of Zimbabwe hit the historic mark of printing the one hundred trillion dollar bill, it gave up and is currently using the South African Rand and the United States dollar. When will this end?
I rest my case.

Next in line will be Rwanda.

Cheers!

Will Africa Implode?

Part II

Then we come down to the West of Africa. Ghana was the first black African nation to gain independence from British Colonial rule in March 6, 1957. The country has gone through several coup d’états like her powerful neighbor Nigeria. We have all heard of the civil war in Liberia which led to horrific consequences of genocide. Sierra Leone has also had its share of woes and a beautiful city like Freetown is a shadow of its past glory. How about Cote d’ Ivoire? Under the dictatorship of Boigny, the once Paris of Africa has also been reduced to its former shell.

I am just naming the bigger States and their current conditions. Out of all the countries I have named in West Africa, I can say that only Ghana has succeeded in handing over power peacefully a couple of times and is operating in a peaceful democratic atmosphere.
Togo would have dissolved into chaos had not the Africa Union and the United Nations stepped in to correct the perpetration of the late Eyadema’s dictatorship. At his death, he had the negative honor of being one of the longest dictatorships in Africa. His son was ‘selected’ to rule in his stead but thanks to the powers that be, this was resisted. Yes, Eyadema junior is in power today through a ‘rigged’ election as they say.

As at now in West Africa, Cameroon’s leader is fighting to become one of Africa’s dinosaurs as I call them; rulers who are refusing to allow others probably better than themselves to also use their intellect to help propel their countries out of poverty!
Omar Bongo of Gabon recently died and he had the singular honor of being the longest dictator in Africa if not the world! “Africa’s longest-entrenched autocrat” the CNN labeled him at his death in June 2009, this year. He ruled for 41 long years!
Listen to what it was reported of him and his leadership.

“Mr. Bongo, a disciple of the first generation of African leaders, came to power in 1967, when Lyndon B. Johnson was still president. He presided over an oil boom that fuelled an extravagant lifestyle for him and his family — dozens of luxurious properties in and around Paris, a $500 million presidential palace, fancy cars. But the tide of money did little to lift his country of 1.5 million people out of chronic poverty.” CNN

This my friend is the order of the day for many many African rulers. Sanni Abacha the late vicious dictator of Nigeria under whom thousands were assassinated or imprisoned was crowned “the Dictator of the month in July 2002” People database reported. He stole and amassed a record 3 billion dollars even surpassing the notorious master of the thieving leaders in Africa, Mobutu Sese Seko of Zaire.
Almost all these leaders ruled with the proverbial “iron hand’ crushing any opposition that stood in the way of their bloody rampage! Stealing the hard earned wealth that could have catapulted Africa into a might and great continent.

When we come to the East, Kenya suffered a tainted democratically elected leadership when riots and mayhem broke out after the election into power of Mwai Kibaki, the current leader. Before him had been Arap Moi and Jomo Kenyatta the first president. The latter’s death revealed that he and his family owned almost every good thing in Kenya at the time of his death. What else is new? Kenya had been under one party rule under Kenyatta and Moi until 1992 when riots forced Moi to allow multi-party activities.

Let’s not forget Uganda. Who can forget the likes of Iddi Amin and Milton Obote? In their wake is Yoveri Musevini who took over power in 1986. He is currently ruling with some semblance of democracy termed ‘stolen’ since all his activities have been termed “sly” by others in order to perpetuate his solid hold on the country. The northern part has been brutalized by rebels known as the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) and the Karamajong and sent millions into exile while internally displaced citizens in Uganda number more than any other country in the world.

Now we come to Zimbabwe on the West Southern coast of Africa. We all know it as the former Rhodesia where the late Ian Smith ruled with impunity against the rightful owners of the land. We all supported Mugabe and his freedom fighters to lead the fight against apartheid in Rhodesia. Mugabe even lived in my country Ghana and married a Ghanaian wife Sally, may God rest her gentle soul. I was in primary school during the violence that clouded the skies of Rhodesia and I never ever imagined that that country would come out from under apartheid rule but God is a righteous judge and allowed it to happen. You can imagine the joy and euphoria that spread not only through out the whole of Africa but around the world as well. Little did anyone ever imagine that that joy and hope would turn into dust and ashes in our mouths.

I will end here and continue with the current status of Zimbabwe next time.
Cheers!

Tripletee: Will Africa Implode?

Tripletee: Will Africa Implode?

Prayer is the key!

Jesus started His life with prayer and ended it with prayer. This is the will of God for His children. Prayer is the soul's urgent cry to Abba Father to intervene or intercede in any of our lives when we need help.
God's promises in Jeremiah 33.3 and Isaiah 65.24 all encourage us to know that God will answer us when we call Him in time of trouble and "while they are yet speaking, I will hear." says the Lord.

We need to pray today, May 2, 2011 more than ever for the United States of America, the world and all its peoples because of the spirit of retaliation that may be unleashed against us and our people all over the world due to Osama bin Laden's death. Let us stand on God's promise in Joel 3.4 where He says that He will return every retaliation back to the sender.

Pray for the following:

Obama and his family
Missionaries around the world
Chruches and church leaders, especially in hostile environments
Our family members around the world, especially in the United States
Our children - especially in their schools because whenever the devil cannot attack parents, he lashes out againt vulnerable members of our families like our children and grandchildren

Let us be sober and vigilant from this moment forward as I Peter 5.8-9 encourages us to do.

Above all, let us take the shield of faith to make our declarations according to Revelation 12.11 that we overcome the devil and his satanic agents "by the Blood of the Lamb and by the word of our testimony."

We are more than conquerors! Halleluia.

Stay safe and be blessed.

Peace!!!