CARELESS TALK, MAKE MONKEY FALL DOWN

For those who have no appreciation for Pidgin English or the colloquial English, this heading, would be difficult to interpret, but indeed, “Careless talk, make monkey fall down”. Literally, “Careless talk made the monkey fall”. Yes, the monkey did not fall from climbing any tree. He fell because, he made a careless remark; the loss of concentration led to the fall perhaps.

Indeed, it is fast becoming my favourite adage, courtesy, Ebenezer Nyamekye, a steel bending foreman at my work place, who never ceases to share this each day; as a constant reminder. We should be mindful of what we say, bottom line.

If there should be an award for the most popular personality currently in Ghana, one person would not escape this award. And if indeed, we would want to categorize this gender wise, again, this personality would be the ultimate winner. Not even our favourite Hon. Alfred Agbesie Wayome, would even contend. All, due to a simple conversation; of self appraisal, and over-cooked hyperboles or over-exaggerations. Careless talk!

Yes, Victoria Hammer has made the headlines, and would remain on top of the chart for a while! All over the country, her name reigns. Should royalties be paid, she would make the controversial $1 million overnight due to a million dollar conversation! Yes, careless talk, make monkey fall down.

The question is; how many of us are innocent of her supposed crime? Indeed, most of us, if not all, are liable. We talk too much. One simple conversation leads to so many issues. One innocent telephone conversation to say hello, leads to issues on our personal life, work, relatives, friends, sports, economy, politics, gossips, to anything we can imagine. The only difference between us and Madam Hammer is that, we have not yet been caught on tape.

If indeed we could eavesdrop on all telephone conversations, I wonder how many of us would bear to look our close friends and relatives in the face. Yes, careless talk, make monkey fall down.

On tape, Hon. Victoria Hammer was caught talking about how much it could perhaps take for her to consider quitting politics. Obviously, the 'business' is quite lucrative considering her target. This country continues to wallow in poverty and deprivation; majority of Ghanaians continue to suffer, simply because as a people, we are only interested in looting this nation dry. All we think of is what we stand to gain, and not what we can do. For a deputy minister to make such a remark, only gives a hint of the kind of canker or disease growing or spreading in our various ministries.

It is no surprise that such are the conducts and misconducts occurring in our institutions. For our ministries, it is disheartening. Our national coffers are being looted, by day. Let us consider the number of abandoned projects in this country. Let us consider the daily loss of revenue. Let us consider the poor nature of our roads, utilities and services, infrastructure, to mention but a few. Consider all the monies that keep disappearing due to supposed judgment debts. Let us consider how monies, meant for projects, are usually distributed in the contracting stages. It is no secret! That million dollar tape was no revelation, but rather, a confirmation. Ghana is in trouble!

The reality in our country is that most of our leaders are only interested in stealing from us. Victoria Hammer is but an alarm of caution! Indeed, we are in trouble! Considering the number of people, parading as government officials, what does this leave this nation, should each have an ambition like Madam Hammer? Poverty and deprivation! Is it then surprising that we keep retrogressing? Can corruption ever be uprooted? Can we even trace the roots?

There are several other Victoria Hammers yet to be uncovered. And until they are caught, our funds would keep disappearing. There are several out there, scheming to rob us off our resources. There are several others stealing from this nation each day. Of course, the thief is always the one who gets caught. Until then, he is a good citizen.

There are several Hammers out there, waiting to be hammered, and I do pray for that day. For now, Victoria Hammer has only fallen victim to her own hammer. Careless talk make monkey fall down. Ghana must wake up, and do so quickly.

Anna Esi Hanson ([email protected]); esociocomm.blogspot.com