Time is in Labour

In the drenched corner of 2008, we heard a loud voice of hope. Be as it seemed, interpretation was subjective, anchored by perspective. A message for the ordinary citizens, to rescue the vulnerable, a sound of social equality and justice. Yet, this message was truncated due to the projections of the naysayers. The message of salvation went to rest as a new democratic regime began.

The dawn of 2012 heard a cock crow, and the message of salvation resurfaced. The precision was as it was before coherently consistent in delivery. The Ghanaians went to the polls again, and as empathetic as they are, casted their votes in honor of the legendary king of peace who was snatched from us by the cold hands of death.

Litigation was of essence as a number of pink sheets flew into thin air. Although you and I were not there, we could still explore our democratic mandate for the better. Projections were made, evil was preempted. Fingers were pointed at a law-abiding leader who went through due process to address issues.

After a year of justice’s fantasy, the verdict was accepted, peace reigned, and Ghana won. Again, the message of salvation went resting for a new tenure of government to operate.

2015 amplified the sound of the clock in a magnifying glass, where the message of salvation came to our doorstep undiluted – consistently coherent in delivery. I’m in for the ordinary Ghanaian. The signature policy, the ever-enviable Free Senior High School education, aimed at bridging the gap between the rich and poor in society.

Ghanaians heeded the call, went to the polls, and cast a vote of acceptance. The first year of this administration saw the signature policy being implemented – as it was labelled by the contender at the time, “a whimsical promise of a desperate politician.” It turned out to be a reality. The economy began to flourish.

Fearlessly, this leader stood amidst the oppressors to launch the Africa Beyond Aid agenda for the first time. This proclamation caused a quiver in the oppressors. But little did we all know, the deadly COVID-19 was going to shatter this bold initiative.

In his quest to curtail the deadly virus’s attacks on his beloved fellow Ghanaians, he resorted to being Father Christmas and began to let people stay home while paying them. The free water and electricity were a magical intervention.

His second run was a bit awkward, but his fellow Ghanaians decided to appreciate his efforts and ushered him into his second tenure. He, as every human being, was not sacrosanct – had his own flaws as a leader, yet focused on building a legacy that will last a lifetime.

He was vilified by his opponent, mocked and denigrated as if he’s a stepchild to an evil woman. His fellow Ghanaians conveniently rejected his successor. Why not? We are in a democratic dispensation, so that’s understandable.

As transient as power is, he successfully handed over the mantle to the elected president amidst the hooting and booing. He walked with his head held high, as if to say, “I shall be vindicated in no time,” just as he said in his last speech, “Posterity will be kind to me.”

In less than 60 days, atrocities committed are unheard of. Thousands lost their livelihoods. Widows are to inherit the burden you snatched from them in bravery. My legend, they’re saying you pretended to incur debts by leaving the lights on for small businesses to thrive.

Your once-enviable legacy is in shambles due to heartlessness and selfishness. Your statement was more like a prophecy. I have a word for you, Father – your destiny delayed for a reason. But for your calculated intervention, COVID would have probably swept out your citizens. I’m convinced you were kept for that purpose.

You stood tall amongst the giant economies when you made a statement of hope: “We know how to bring back the economy, what we do not know is to bring the dead back to life.” You were celebrated worldwide for your bravery in the face of adversity, but your citizens vilified you.

What they didn’t understand was that to satisfy a diverse group of people is a mission impossible. Mr. President, I have good news for you, Time is in labor, and guess what? I’m reliably informed Time gave birth to a bouncy baby boy, and they shall call him Addo D’s Vindication!

I’m super proud of you, my Iconic Hero, for your legacy unequivocally outshines the intended venom to darken your soul.

BY: Khadijah Ama Williams