APPRECIATION: ‘Pretending to be President’

Pretending to be President

I've never shaken so many hands and signed my signature so often in just one day. That was the day my maiden book 'Pretending to be President' was officially launched. It was a launch like no other.

I didn't want an official ceremony where the first copy of the book would be sold to the highest bidder. So I opted to do something different – launch it on radio. I got a lot of support from the managers of Joy FM who generously gave me the airtime to make history.

For that I am grateful to programmes manager, Kofi Owusu and Chief Operating Officer, Ekyi Quarm and Chief Executive, Kwasi Twum.

I am also grateful to news editor, Matilda Asante who unexpectedly showed up in the studio to say a few nice words of encouragement.

“He brings humour and a lot of wit to what is a very difficult and challenging job,” she said. “There is so much stress and tension in this work that if we didn't have him jumping on tables and going out through the window and bringing some excitement to the job, we'd be bored to death.”

The bit about tables and windows is true. But that's not all I do. That's why she added: “You did yourself proud and you did all of us extremely proud.”

Then there was KSM who graciously put his rehearsals on hold to put in an appearance in support of his “nephew”.

“For me when we are talking about any person in Ghana now who has this gift of satire and wit, it is Ato Kwamena Dadzie,” he said.

My head swells when I hear words like that and when they come from a man like KSM, my head begins to feel like a weapon of mass destruction that could go off anytime and blow up some few buildings.

Before KSM came on, BK Oduro 'officially' launched the book, he made the 'Kokomlemle Declaration', making me presidential candidate of the Noko Fio Party.

I am grateful to both KSM and BK Oduro.
Outside the studios of Joy FM dozens had gathered – waiting for me to come out and autograph the books they had bought. And autographing was the highlight of my day. I signed. And signed and signed and signed – at the forecourt of Joy FM and at the El Wak Stadium where the Joy FM Invitational Football Tournament was staged. It was a humbling experience and I was overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support.

I want to say a big 'thank you' to all those who have spent Ten Ghana Cedis or more to buy copies of the book so far. I am even more grateful to those who bought a 'pack of ten'. They included deputy information minister, Samuel Okudzeto-Ablakwa, presidential advisor, Christine Amoako-Nuamah, and legal practitioner, Ace Ankomah.

Words are not enough to express my gratitude to Albert and Comfort Ocran for the enormous work they have done to kick start my career as an author on such a good note. It's been a life-changing experience and it wouldn't have been such fun without them.

I am also very much encouraged by the many people who keep telling me that “this is just the beginning” – urging me to write even more books.

Indeed, I can't wait for the next one.
For now, I want to focus on selling 'Pretending to be President'.

I am working with the team from Legacy and Legacy to make it available in as many outlets as possible. By the end of this week, much of this would have been sorted out.

In the mean time, you can get copies of the book from the Joy FM frontdesk, Silverbird Bookstore, Altar Bookstore and Airport Shell. On Legon Campus please call Prince on 0249532561. And for all other enquiries please call 0249999555.

Once again, thanks to everyone who has contributed to making this project the success it has been so far. It would be an even bigger success if you buy a copy for yourself and one for a friend. It's just Ten Ghana Cedis. No matter what the president says, the 'ecomini' is still very hard. But if you are reading this, I'm sure you can afford to buy this book. Please, don't pretend to be a pauper.

Credit: Ato Kwamina Dadzie (atokd.com)