The problem with having the power to make appointments and decisions which affect society is when you decide, as a leader, not to play it safe, do not think like the rest of society or are insensitive to their concerns and the appointments prove to be inappropriate! It naturally leaves one open to serious criticism!
Herbert Mensah recently accompanied the former President of Ghana, Flt. Lt. Jerry John Rawlings (Ret.), on a visit to South Africa where Rawlings received the highest accolade for 2013 of the Mkiva Humanitarian Award entitled “Global Champion for People’s Freedom .”
They also visited the Steve Biko Memorial in Ginsberg, outside King Williams’ Town. The Memorial is dedicated to the political activist, murdered in 1977 by security police. who became the face of Black Consciousness in South Africa. His legacy is maintained by the Steve Biko Foundation.
As part of the trip a courtesy visit was also made to Mr. Thabo Mbeki, former President of the Republic of South Africa.
Despite leaving the scene, Herbert Mensah love for Asante Kotoko has not dwindled and his instrumentality has resulted in a lucrative sponsorship deal for the club he led for a number of years.
In a rare appearance i attended the funeral of the late and respected Nana Apagyahene in Ashtown in Kumasi.
Nana was a gentleman who made a big impression on me when i first joined Kotoko. He gave me early warnings on the challenges that lay ahead and asked whether i had “thick skin”! He was always strong and yet gracious and quick to lend a smile, tease a bit and give needed support and advise!
Napo his Son became a good friend years later and supported me in my May 9th stadium anniversary celebrations.
I am deeply saddened and pray for his soul and that the Lord strengthens
A series of activities and events have taken place in Kumasi, the Ashanti Regional capital in remembrance of the Accra stadium disaster that claimed the lives of an estimated 126 fans during a football match between Accra Hearts Oak and Kumasi Asante Kotoko in 2001. This year will mark the 11th remembrance of a dark and bloody tragedy in Ghana.
The problem most elderly public figures have lies in their lack of appreciation and understanding of the changes and implications of the various communication tools.
There was a time when many could do as they wished, when they wished but in many ways since World War 1 the world saw the conflict in real-time and judged accordingly.
Since that time technology has moved the world on many times faster and dare I say too fast for the many geriatric who run international associations and Third World Presidencies.
The need to think ahead and plan appropriately transparent communication ahead of incidents rather than resorting to back up propaganda is the key which many seem not to understand let alone try to implement.
Catch up, in realms of public opinion and the lives of many, rarely works.
The changed world has also ensured that the people who matter the most, the silent majority, are no longer scared of mirrors, do not sell out for beads and are certainly not impressed by paid propagandists!
Interesting but so predictable times ahead …
We can see that things are going wrong and yet we either vilify those strong enough to speak out or silently watch others paid to attack those bold enough to take a stance and yet we know deep down as we sit in our quiet moments often in Churches, Mosques or Temples that we may face imminent greater societal dangers.
I am sure the Big Man wonders, even as he created us different from more basic creatures of habit, why we individually and collectively take paths which are almost guaranteed to bring about violence, misery and suffering.
Sadly we too often simply look at each other, wondering what the other is thinking, but we never say a thing as life gets more difficult and tense and ultimately these crimes between us grow deeper.
The time is coming for us to take a deep breath and stand up for what is right irrespective of the consequences!
When one reads articles in the media one must always leave room for doubt. In recent times I have seen the reportage on events involving the spring uprising to Ivory Coast and events in Ghana.
.
THE SITUATION IN LIBYA MAKES ME DECIDEDLY UNCOMFORTABLE AND IT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH MY FEELINGS ABOUT GADDAFI.
Believing in and standing for something you believe in
This period of fasting has been particularly poignant for me on a personal level as I have witnessed the departure of two significant mentors in my life. Firstly the recently departed the Regional Chief Imam of Ashanti and my Dearest Brother and friend Gbegi Ojora. They were pillars who provided me with guidance and inspiration at my most difficult of times. Their sudden departure has been a won the same day. May God bless their soul.
Herbert Mensah accompanied former President Jerry John Rawlings on an extensive tour in Somalia and surrounds.
Here are his views. (Player may take a few seconds to launch.)
.
Herbert Mensah 