Our Tamale; The Uneasy Neighbor

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It is no more a joke! Our Tamale is infested with a chronic cancer. This, if not checked and cured, shall strip us of our high level morality. The incessant flow of misbehavior, indiscipline and immorality that has found way into the genes of youngsters in the Tamale area is not only mind boggling, but also, heart breaking.

What is even worrisome is the fact that, some elderly men of our time, comfortably without shame, condones these behavior without a thought of its effect on the future of the young lads who're into these mishaps. The general decline in discipline and morality in Tamale has taken a very frightened position.

These attitudinal deficits are not far-fetched, thereby, can be found in every home. The seed of indiscipline is sown in every corner of Tamale. Our society has now become a home for all sorts of mishaps.

In the past, Tamale was a comfort zone for morality and discipline: It was a Tamale where young ladies dressed decently and could learn with pride, what their mothers cooked in the house. This was a Tamale, where young ladies would not be seen roaming outside at dusk until dinner was over and bowls cleaned. It was a Tamale where skinny, crazy or tight-up dresses were not patronized by young ladies. It was a Tamale where young ladies held in themselves a high sense of respect for parents, elderly sisters, brothers and all men.

I was a Tamale where men could easily be differentiated from ladies. Our Tamale was a place where there were no sakawa boys. It was a Tamale where there were no gays or lesbians. It was a Tamale where young people respect elderly ones. It was a Tamale where an inhabitant can feel so proud of; a Tamale where strangers referred to as a neighboring place: It a Tamale where tolerance for one another was on a high pedigree. Yes, our Tamale was a place of pride and hope; a place where knowledge, and search for same were held in high esteem.

Tamale was a great neighbor to all people in Ghana. A place where strangers felt even safer than their original places of birth: And would do their all to secure permanent stay for themselves. This, was, when Tamale was Tamale.

Today, Tamale has become the uneasy neighbor. The intricacies of the youth in Tamale have become so scary and gory. I was condemned to a shock when I saw a young boy between the ages of 15 and 20 dressed with ladies’ make-up all over his face. His lips were painted red as though he was sponsored by leylac paints. His face was painted with “pumps.” And his hair was indifferent from that of a Bridget lady I had met a day earlier. Some of his finger nails, I guess, might have visited KpuKpula saloon in Lamashegu. For me, until I saw this boy, my thought of some Tamale boys with the resolve to alter God’s wisdom in creating them, was embedded on those who bleach their skins. But, is this the only issue? Of course, no! There are, in Tamale, gays and lesbians.

Some, very well known young people. “We” even point fingers them, yet still, bow to them. The Kamil’s and Boster’s sex tape leak was just a tip of the eyes berg, the things that happen in the open. Some young ladies in Tamale now shamefully sleep with young guys in the open. Growing up in Tamale, the only popularly known home for prostitutes was a building opposite Victory cinema called; “caliber.” Today in Tamale, prostitutes do not only occupy the “caliber”, but have also set up branches. I guess market is booming. The Nagasaki branch and the Bank of Ghana branch are now popular places for the indespicable profession of young ladies in Tamale.

In the full glare of elderly people, youngsters in Tamale have made the smoking of marijuana, also known in Dagbani as; “vari” a normal activity. Yes, I know what I am talking about. I’ve seen, not only heard. During events such as, album launch, young people are seen smoking everywhere. As for the activities of the GAME boys, the least said about it, the better. Theirs is not only influencing our society with negativity, but also, causing so many nuisances in Tamale. One is always in a wonder, whether or not, there are laws in Tamale. Whilst demonstrators will always seek cover under the Public Order Act, these GAME boys murder the act, and in many instances, have rather caused public disorder.

Ten years ago, a stranger who visited Tamale would feel uneasy, if he or she visits Tamale today. The sickness in our Tamale would reach a crescendo, if there’s no timely intervention from us all. Our Tamale has become the uneasy neighbor. We need divine intervention. Let’s pray for Tamale.

Abdul-Mumin Sofo Yumzaa.
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