The Gem of Ablekuma Central

The distribution of resources globally has always been unequal, highly influenced by the terrain, climate, and altitude of the location. There is the paradox of heavily endowed continents manifesting chronic poverty with the masses being subjected to underserved hardship. You don't need to look afar; Africa is a glaring example.

Nelson Mandela has said before "massive poverty and obscene inequality are such terrible scourges of our times, times in which the world boasts breathtaking advances in science, technology, industry, and wealth accumulation that they have to rank alongside slavery and apartheid as social evils."

Mahatma Gandhi has also opined
"I do not grudge the millionaire his mansion, but it is my earnest request to them, to do something to bridge the gulf that separates them from the peasants. Let them construct a bridge that would bring them closer to the poor...Let their lives bear some proportion to the lives of the poor around them."

Africa remains under the resource curse even as it rules the roost as the most endowed location on earth, bedeviled by its leaders. Nigeria has the opportunity to change the narrative with its elections again, but it will be better for us to manage our expectations regardless of what the results may be.

Have you heard the African proverb "the fingers are not equal?" Well, I believe it stands to enforce the fact that we are communal people, and we are to complement each other and make a better world for ourselves. No one can make the world better than its people. It takes forever for most of us to realize that the purpose of our existence is to love one another and be each other's keeper. There is a philanthropist in each of us, but it is our choice to be one.

In the warm embrace of Islam, Christianity, the dominant and deep-rooted religions of our setting, it is no secret philanthropy is a virtue.

The Bible encourages giving in Proverbs 19:17

"He who has pity on the poor lends to the LORD. Also, Romans 12:13

“When God's people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality. ”

You may have a look at Matthew 25:40, Proverbs 3 : 27-28 which equally affirm the position.

Giving is also given prominence in Islam as one of its pillars, Zakat.

The Qur'an reminds us that there is a “recognized right, for the needy and deprived” over our wealth (70:24-5)

Prophet Muhammad has said “Do not show lethargy or negligence in giving alms and charity till your last breath.” -Muhammad, upon him be peace.

The Qur'an reminds us that there is a “recognised right, for the needy and deprived” over our wealth (70:24-5) Prophet Muhammad has said.

Sadaqah is mentioned in the Qur’an multiple times in its chapters. In surah two, verse thirty-three Allah says: “And be steadfast in prayer; practice regular charity and bow down your heads with those who bow down (in worship)”. From the Qur’an we learn that giving is simply worth “the reward with their Lord: on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:274).

And He has made me blessed wherever I am and has enjoined upon me Prayer and Zakah as long as I remain alive. (Surah Maryam 19:31).

Who is it that would loan Allah a goodly loan so He may multiply it for him many times over? And it is Allah who withholds and grants abundance, and to Him, you will be returned” (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:245).

You will not attain to piety until you spend of that which you love” (Surah Al’Imran, 92).

And spend [in the way of Allah] from what We have provided you before death approaches one of you and he says, “My Lord if only You would delay me for a brief term so I would give charity and be among the righteous.” (Surah Al-Munāfiqūn, 10).

Charitable men and charitable women, who have loaned Allah a good loan—it will be multiplied for them, and for them is a generous reward. (Surah al-Hadid, 18

And He has made me blessed wherever I am and has enjoined upon me Prayer and Zakah as long as I remain alive. (Surah Maryam 19:31).

Who is it that would loan Allah a goodly loan so He may multiply it for him many times over? And it is Allah who withholds and grants abundance, and to Him, you will be returned” (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:245).

You will not attain to piety until you spend of that which you love” (Surah Al’Imran, 92).

And spend [in the way of Allah] from what We have provided you before death approaches one of you and he says, “My Lord if only You would delay me for a brief term so I would give charity and be among the righteous.” (Surah Al-Munāfiqūn, 10).

Charitable men and charitable women, who have loaned Allah a good loan—it will be multiplied for them, and for them is a generous reward. (Surah al-Hadid, 18).

Service to humanity is service to God and we all have to brighten the corner we belong, and you don't necessarily have to own a fortune to be helpful and kind to others.

Ablekuma Central is blessed to have Alhaji Habib Abubakari. This is a young man with a big heart and a passion to empower others. Aside the many families he feeds, fees he pays for students, he has proven to be helpful to anyone in need regardless of the religion and political divide. This has made him likeable and attractive beyond the bounds of his community and party. Prior to his commitment as a Constituency Secretary of the NPP in Ablekuma Central, which he won convincingly, he has been attached to the grassroots serving and paying his dues. If every community in Ghana is to have an altruistic personality like this, our country may evolve quickly into an El dorado.

Let us all be encouraged to serve and be there for others.

Long live Ghana
Dumenu Charles Selorm