Former Prez Kufuor with Aliu Mahama One of the proverbs I learnt when I visited Anagoland some moons ago reads, “When a king reigns and his community prospers and lives in peace, he is remembered for all the good reasons.
When a king reigns and his community lives in pieces, he is also remembered, but for the bad reasons. A good king would forever be revered, while disgrace and shameful death awaits the bad king.” How profoundly true!
The late Field Marshall Iddi Dada Amin is well remembered in Uganda and Abibiman at large, but for the bad reasons. His rule which was characterized by killings, torture and confiscation of properties of his political opponents is still clear in our minds. It was even rumoured he regularly feasted on human flesh. Yes, it was alleged he was a cannibal.
His animalistic rule gained so much notoriety that a film entitled, “The rise and fall of Iddi Amin” was released after his overthrow. The Goliath-like leader sought refuge in the Saudi Kingdom where he lived miserably before joining his 'adikanfo' in the land of 'samanfo'.
Another former 'omanpanin' who is also well remembered by Abibimanians for his iron-fisted rule, which caused his kith and kin lots of 'wahala', is the late Gen. Saani Abacha of Anagoland. He was reported to have siphoned over 1 billion American green leaves and stashed in Swiss banks.
Reports also have it that he joined his 'adikanfo' while having a 'jigi-jigi' bout with three women. A very shameful end to a soul that denied millions of Anagolandians basic necessities of life.
Our own Dr. Gyato Boom is also well-remembered by Asomdwekromanians, but mostly for bad reasons. The 'kangaroo' trial and subsequent execution of three former heads of Asomdwekrom - Gen. Afrifa, Gen. Akuffo and Gen. Acheampong - easily comes to mind. Not forgetting the confiscation of properties of innocent and hardworking citizens; the sale of national assets to his wife and cronies at very low prices; and the seizure of several millions of cowries lodged in Account 48, which vanished into thin air.
The incarceration of 'konkonsafo' who dared to speak against oppression and suppression; the 'shit-bombing' of offices of 'konkonsafo' with divergent views; and the whipping of women stripped naked on their bare buttocks are also some negativities of his 19-year rule.
The late Gnassingbe Eyadema of Togo, the late Mobutu Sese Sekou of Zaire and the late Kamuzu Banda of Malawi are still remembered for their wicked leadership styles, while Mwai Kibaki of Kenya, Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe and George Bush Jnr of USA continue to be a curse to their kinsmen.
Unlike these leaders, there are hosts of others whose reign has been a blessing for their subjects. Notable amongst them is former 'omanpanin' of USA, Bill Clinton, under whose reign Yankee witnessed tremendous economic transformation.
Did I hear you ask about the 'clintonisation' of Monica Lewinsky? Of course, that is a blot on his very impressive record as 'omanpanin' for 8 years. But it also points to the fact that he is human and was bound to make mistakes. That not withstanding, records show his reign was one of the best in America's history. He is now living happily in his homeland with his family.
Other good leaders that come to mind are good old Nelson Mandela, former 'omanpanin' of South Abibiman; Victor Soglo of Benin, and Thabo Mbeki of South Abibiman. The latest 'abrantie' to join the league of good former leaders is our own Don Barima JAK. He descended the 'omanpanin' throne with his head raised high because he achieved many successes during his 8-year reign.
He ascended the high office of 'omanpanin' at a time many were wondering how his government was going to pay its employees because everything was in a shambolic state.
But he was able to turn the economy round with sound economic policies such as the HIPC initiative, which became a catalyst for Asomdwekrom's massive infrastructural development. Expanding the frontiers of freedom of speech by expunging the criminal libel law is another plus for Don Barima JAK.
By this singular act, he has proved beyond reasonable doubt that he is a true democrat. The 'black gold' discovery in Asomdwekrom is yet another success chalked by the Gentle Giant.
But for his foresight to redirect the Asomdwekrom National Petroleum Company (ANPC), which was hitherto engaged in salt mining and selling of 'kobi', to focus on its core business of searching for 'black gold', the discovery wouldn't have been made.
The human-centred policies like the Capitation Grant and the Free-Feeding programme, which have led to a tremendous increase in enrolment, can also not pass without mention. Indeed, Don Barima's achievements are so many one cannot mention all in one piece. However, the greatest of all is his contribution to the health sector.
The introduction of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) that replaced the death trap called 'cash and carry', and the Free Maternal Health Care Programme, which has no doubt saved the Asomdwekromanian woman the humiliation of being detained in the hospital for not paying her medical bills, are policies that have endeared him to many hearts in Asomdwekrom and beyond. The universality of the NHIS in providing medical care is unrivalled in Asomdwekrom's history.
It is, in my view, JAK's greatest legacy. After all, health is wealth. That is not to say he is a saint. Dabida! There is no denying the fact that he committed some blunders, but his positives far outweigh his negatives. Indeed, even his political opponents have attested he has written his name in Asomdwekom's historical books with letters of gold. Ask Agya Atta if you doubt me.
Abusuapanin, in spite of his party's loss in the recent poll, I have no doubt in my mind JAK has left the high office of the land with his head raised because he has brought respect and dignity to the throne. His patience, humility and tolerance are indeed worthy of emulation.
Asomdwekromanians would surely miss him. We would however take solace in the fact that he wouldn't worry our tympana with 'boom' speeches like his predecessor. He is indeed Don Barima 'Yengyawosonbo'. 'Omanpanin' JAK, AYEKOO!
See you next week, if Onyakopon wills.
By Agya Kwaku Ogboro
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