Hidden Mental Health Status

These days I suffer from a strange malaise. It is making it difficult to decide on the theme for the column. It is the normal dilemma of writers, especially columnists.

The write-athon that I do for a living, this week has become a challenge. I do not know where to start and how it would end. Normally when you are in a confused state you end up deviating like our English teachers used to tell us in primary school.

As I am under obligation to my Editor, I am compelled to write this week not just to fill the space; I must add to the compelling content that DAILY GUIDE is noted for.

I will do my best as my passion for journalism provides the incentive to aim at the best. If I disappoint my readers today, please forgive me because it is not for want of trying.

So indulge me to drift or digress in this piece but focus on holding those who we elect to account to the people, and those who want to provide alternatives to be fit for the task. The question is those seeking to provide alternatives such as the 24-hour economy, and the movements, whether they are fit for purpose.

Sometime ago, someone suggested that the State puts in the mechanism to examine the mental wellbeing of those who elect to stand for public office. I was very dismissive of the suggestion at first-hand, but upon a second thought, I think the suggestion is worth considering.

For it is said that when we talk about mental health, we should not limit it to the mad people on the streets. The mental health of most people is hidden under their flamboyant public appearances. This phenomenon makes me believe that certain people are very healthy in body but the mind is weak.

Some of the politicians give me that impression during their public engagements and hate speeches. We have always emphasised election year as if it will not be one of the days in December this year. Beyond a sizeable number of the people turning out to cast their ballot, would the day not come before the night? And would the world come to an end on that day if the NPP should break the eight or the NDC regains power or a third force breaks the duopoly?

Even if any of the victorious political parties decides to celebrate, it cannot do it ad infinitum. That is why our politicians must desist from playing God and behave as normal human beings who are mere mortals. And if the country is 'broken' as some us want the people to believe, then they should offer realistic alternatives.

The discourse on the political space gives the impression that the opposition NDC is not ready to take power, while the revolutionary third force must be staging a concert party that is not funny enough to make the audience to laugh.

This week, Johnson Asiedu Nketia, the National Chairman of the NDC is reported to have wondered why nobody has been arrested so far in connection with the death of John Kumah, the MP for Ejisu in the Ashanti Region. Maybe Asiedu Nketia should be the first to be invited by the police. Mr. IGP Akuffo Dampare, Asiedu Nketia has some vital information about the death of John Kumah that the family and the rest of Ghanaians are not aware of.

Because of politics, an elderly person like Asiedu Nketia has also fallen for the gossip. This is one politician who has been on the political terrain for many years but whose conversation does not promote inclusion in diversity.

Another person who Ghanaians have forgotten about since 2012, emerged on the political scene last week. Abu Sakara, who on the ticket of CPP garnered only 20,000 votes nationwide in 2012, thinks his new marriage with another spent force, Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen of the Butterfly Movement, would help defeat the NPP and the NDC on December 7, this year.

I have asked before and I repeat the same question today. Where is the constituency of Alan Kyerematen besides a few disgruntled NPP supporters? And does Alan Kyerematen think the few renegade NPP supporters can make him President of the Republic? Maybe Alan Kyerematen has very strong absorbers to absorb the shock of defeat and end to his political career in December.

And did I hear that Abu Sakara says Ghanaians have over-dramatised the assertion by Alan Kyerematen that the electorate should vote for a Christian as President? Abu Sakara, have you learnt this trait from the NDC, who in time past would try to rationalise Jerry Rawlings’ boom speeches? Politics is not good for you. Find something to do in academia or civil society to propound the theories underpinning governance.

A Special Plea to IGP
There is a school in Ashanti Region called the Adanwomase SHS. It is located at Adanwomase near Mamponteng.  I am told the girls in this school are living in fear.

The information is that the girls are frequently raped by some hoodlums from the Adanwomase town who storm the school with machetes and sticks to intimidate the girls to succumb to the negative activities.

Mr. IGP, the female students of ADASS extend a special appeal to you to save their souls.