An Open Letter To Sir John

Dear Sir:
Somewhere in 2009, I went to a primary school to promote one of my books. It was the beginning of the academic year and the head teacher was busy attending to parents who were seeking admission for their wards so I had to wait. While taking flesh, oops sorry, fresh air on the corridor of the school, my attention was drawn to some staggering developments. I saw some pupils who I suspected come from affluent homes distributing biscuits and other candies to their friends. My curiosity intensified and I enquired from the children what was going on.

And I was shocked! There was going to be elections for class prefects and those kids were bribing their friends to vote for them! It became apparent to me that the kids have been observing what goes on during national elections. The question I asked myself was that if primary school children can buy votes for class prefect positions, what will they give for leadership positions at the university? And these

questions motivated me to write my book, “The Saga of a Political.”

What I'm trying to drive at is that we adults must watch out and be mindful of whatever we do because our children gobble down what they see us do – negative or positive. Yesterday, my 7-year old granddaughter, Naana Safoa asked me a question and I was embarrassed. She came running to me from school and asked: “Grandpa, is it true that Sir John insulted President Mahama? I was confused. I didn't know whether I should say yes or no?

Too bad if I say yes because it is going to be a bad example and Naana will think she can also insult because after all adults do. Too bad if I say no because she has been taught at Sunday school that it is a sin to lie; she is likely to find out the truth on radio and I don't want to be a bad role model. I pretended to be busy and did not answer, but trust Naana, she will demand an answer when she comes from school today. What do I do?

Mr. John Dramani Mahama, His Excellency the president of the Republic of Ghana and the Commander-in-Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces is the embodiment of the people of our dear nation Ghana. Insulting him is the same as insulting the people of Ghana, and I'm very surprised the NPP as a party has not come out to condemn your obnoxious act, but kindly permit me to digress a little bit.

A story is told about a man who had a brother called Nimo at my father's village Adansi Bogyesango in the Ashanti region. This man one day went to the hospital in Obuasi which is a few kilometers away, and the Doctor told him he has pneumonia (Nimonua). The man, visibly astonished, asked: “Doctor are you a prophet too? How did you know that I have a brother called Nimo?”

The mention of Nimo reminds me of an akan adage which says that if nimo is not able to affect you, it will destroy your clothes. Sir John, I'm by this letter reminding you again that your insult to the President is an insult to me too because I'm a citizen of Ghana. Sir, you see, you forget too easily. The other time you insulted the Late President Mills that because of him it didn't rain on Easter Ascension Day, some people called you John the Bushman and I came to your defense, and now you have the effrontery to insult me? I give it to God, but what I want to tell you is that, if nimo did not jail you for contempt, it'll destroy your cloths. Don't forget NPP national executive elections are coming soon; your behavior is embarrassing the rank and file of your party, and their loud silence must be a source of worry to you. But before I go, what do I tell Naana Safoa when she comes from school? Should I say yes or should I say no?

Your embittered friend,
Anthony Obeng Afrane