Elliot Borketey writes a ‘Fictional Piece’ on Ghana’s Elections

Aja Afari walked down the streets of Bantama, with his normal state of calm composure; then he heard voices screaming behind him, “senior man nie, Osiadiayor nana, Okatakyie, eja pa, yafiwu dodo.”
Aja Afari turned and realized these were students from Accra Technical University, who was actually on a visit to the Manhyia Palace to pay homage to the Asante Hene.
“Hello my people, how are you doing please?”
Aja Afari asked in response to the pleasantries and accolades.
“We’re blessed, sir, the students responded, but this time, one of the lecturers got off the bus, to have an on one chat with Aja Afari.

Aja, please, it’s really been a while, can we consume an hour of your time tomorrow please, forgive us for the short notice, but we’re embarking on field research work in Kumasi to ascertain some happenings before and after elections, and how we can avert it.

We’re actually on our way to the palace to meet the Asante Hene first, then we shall be having a meeting together with political science students from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology.
We intended the program will be students affairs sort of, but the rationale is to imbibe into our students, some sense of patriotism and to help them get abreast with the electioneering processes in Ghana, the lecturer Mr. Kpakpo tried to explain, in order to seek the indulgence of Aja Afari.
“I will pardon you for the short notice and the fact that you didn’t have me in mind earlier when planning this all important activity.

Meanwhile, I will be there as a surprise guest, so don’t mention it to anyone OK”, the former EC reiterated.
Fast forward, the day came and it was a beautiful Tuesday morning, with some little showers, giving in to a serene atmosphere, without the heat from the sun rays.

The Political Science students were hosted on the campus of Knust, Katanga hall, since it was a vacation.
The assembly hall was full with students in an executive outfit sort of, with patriotic music blurring in the background.
Meanwhile, some were also doing the usual Jama songs, amidst socializing here and there, you know.
All protocols were observed and the main agenda was set into motion.

The agenda highlighted “The role of the Tertiary students in ensuring peaceful, transparent, and safe elections.”
Students were made to recite the National anthem and the pledge, but one could observe that in all of these, not the name of a single political party could be heard, yes not even the Incumbent or opposition.

In the middle of the rendition, Aja Afari walked in and the atmosphere was charged with much anticipation.
My people, look at how beautifully you recited the National anthem, “God bless our homeland Ghana, and make our Nation great and a strong, bold to defend forever the cause of freedom and of right, feel our hearts with true humility………..” In fact, I developed goosebumps listening to you all right here in Kumasi.

I’m not here to give you a long speech and all the rhetoric that goes in seminars, but I will like you to make a conscious effort to reflect on these beautiful words, carefully chosen by the late Gbedemah to transcend a message to the entire Nation, the former EC emphasized.
“You’re up and coming future leaders”, he continued to say, “you must, therefore, make efforts to brighten up the corner you find yourselves, generating your quota to national development, yet with the absence of fear and intimidation from any of our leaders, said the former EC.

“I overheard you arguing among yourselves on social media, using terms like ‘you’re bleeding’ to frustrate your colleagues with different views; sometimes, it gives me worry, yes, I really get worried with your actions and ways of understanding National issues.
You’re the future leaders, break the genes of complacency and mediocrity, if you really want to shine as future politicians with a patriotic mindset, Aja Afari cautioned the students.
The atmosphere was very calm, with thunderous applause coming from the students.
He further cautioned them against tribal sentiments in politics, and that it should be the last they should ever resort to.

“stop insulting GaDangmes, Fantes, Akans, Guans, Voltarians, Northerners and any other tribes in the name of politics, for we’re one group of people with a common heritage.” Aja Afari advised the students.
Most of the students bowed their heads in shame and promised to broadcast this great message to all Ghanaians.
The Ashanti Hene organized a buffet in his palace for the students which were graced with the presence of Ga Mantse Abeasuma, the Yana of Dagbon state, Okye Hene and Togbe Afedzi, the Paramount chief of the Anlo State, coupled with other great traditional rulers from the sixteen Regions of Ghana.

Be a proud Ghanaian, not a stubborn one, for history, is being made.
God bless you fellow Ghanaian.

(Written by: Elliot Borketey)