I don’t ever recalling anybody making a heavy prediction in favour of Ghana in the most anticipated match in the play offs for Brazil 2014.
It was the usual attitude of hoping for the best without sticking one’s neck to say the Black Stars could win 6-1 against the Pharaoh in the first leg in Ghana.
Personally, I predicted 4-1 in favour of the Black Stars of Ghana but it went beyond it in the favour my motherland. The pairing of Ghana and Egypt in the World Cup play off for Brazil 2014 was the fiercest amongst all the fixtures for African representatives in next year’s mundial.
Probably, the winner in the Ghana-Egypt fixture will give Africa its true representative in the global showpiece in Brazil. Ghana made it to the quarter finals in South Africa 2010 where Uruguay denied Ghana from making history. Some pundits and writers on 15th October, 2013 decided to revise their notes as the Black Stars of Ghana demolished the Pharaohs 6-1 in Kumasi.
From afar one was tempted to conclude that the dominance of Egypt on the African continent was over. He or she could be right but there is a return in November.
If the Pharaohs are able to overturn the score line, they will pick one of the slots for Africa in next year’s competition. However, the current political tension in Egypt is casting some doubt on the security of the Ghanaian players and spectators for the return fixture.
Though Egyptian officials insist their country is safe, some Ghanaians are calling for a neutral ground for the return match in November.
GO GHANA...GO FOR THE WIN...BRAZIL,HERE WE COME!
…For instance, Egyptians were known to have buried their Kings(Pharaohs) with gold. This situation is not different in Ghana. In fact, some ethnic groups including the Ga trace their origin from Egypt and by that celebrate the ‘Pass over’ each year.
Again, some Akan groups also believe they migrated from Egypt.
It is fascinating to know that the name Pharaoh Tutankhamon is written as Tutu Ankama and used in Ghana. The current Asante King(Otumfuor Osei Tutu II) has Tutu as part of his stool name and this could make this assumption quite true.
Away from their similarities, though the Pharoahs beat the Stars 1-0 during the 2010 finals of the African Cup of Nations in Angola, the two countries were managed by two different coaches then.
Interestingly, the Ghanaians were managed by Milovan Rajevac, a Serbian, but are now being handled by a local coach, Kwesi Appiah. On the contrary, the Egyptians won their seventh African Cup of Nations with Hassan Shehata, a local coach but are now under Bob Bradley, a former coach for United States of America(USA). Both sides have experienced some changes in terms of strength therefore past meetings between the two will have little or nothing to do with the play-offs.
Ghana’s coach, Kwesi Appiah would want to make history as the first local coach to have qualified the Stars to any World Cup therefore he has no room to play.
Bradley, knowing Ghana too well as a former coach of the American team is also not taking this as any ordinary match between the two sides.
Surprisingly, the former coach of Egypt, Hassan Shehata has tipped the Stars to qualify ahead of the Pharaohs. For me, going for gold in Brazil is not the sole aim of either side as both countries can boast of trophies, gold and other precious mineral resources. So, what is it then that is making two countries which have been united through the marriage of Nkrumah and Fathia want to outwit each other?
So where will the heart of Fathia be as Ghana plays Egypt? Since she loved to be buried in Ghana, I think Ghana would qualify ahead of Egypt.
The Black Stars of Ghana have everything to lose if they don’t qualify. Equally, Egypt last qualified for a World Cup in 1990 and would want to have a feel of it once more.
Only time will tell which of two countries will qualify.
I wish THE BLACK STARS OF GHANA, ALL THE BEST.
GHANA IS STILL THE HOPE OF AFRICA.
The pitch is set, the atmosphere is charged but poisoned with all manner of tactics to eliminate each other in order to qualify for Brazil 2014.
After Ghana’s maiden appearance in Germany 2006 World Cup where the team got to the 1/16th stage of the competition, they went further to the quarter finals in South Africa 2010. It therefore implies that the team could even go beyond the semis if the dream of qualification becomes a reality.
6th September, 2013 was quite a happy day for some Ghanaians after the Black Stars of Ghana beat their counterparts from Zambia (Copper Bullet) 2-1 in the final group game of the 2014 World Cup qualifiers which was full of tension and nervy moments. Ghana being one of the 10 countries to qualify from their group had to be paired in order to the get five final teams which will represent Africa in Brazil.
Fortunately or unfortunately, on 16th September, the Black Stars of Ghana were pitched against the Pharaohs of Egypt for the play-offs to get worthy representatives for Africa in next year’s Mundial. Ghana host the first leg on October 15 before visiting the North Africans on the weekend of November 15-19 for the second leg.
The last competitive meeting between the two saw Egypt beating Ghana 1-0 to lift their seventh trophy on the continent, making them a very fearsome side.
This pairing caused a sudden stir in Ghana with those with faint hearts ready to ‘throw in the towel’ as they believe it was all over for the Stars in their quest for a third consecutive appearance at the World event. On the other hand, it also brought a different ‘can do spirit’ in the thinking among soccer or football-loving fans and pundits alike in Ghana. This dominated sports shows and commentaries.
It was however not surprising that the play-offs between Ghana and Egypt have been tagged as the ‘Final before the Finals’. Someone even proposed fasting and prayers for the Stars as they are going test hell before reaching Brazil.
Be it hell or not, the Black Stars of Ghana have been through the wilderness battling for survival before reaching the land of the Pharaohs. If the Stars were found in a group made up of Lesotho(Crocodiles), Sudan(Crocodiles) and Zambia ( Copper Bullet) and yet survived, I don’t know what else is needed to psych the players up for the final battle with the Egyptians.
It would interest one to know that Ghana and Egypt have a number of things in common and being put together as one family by Ghana’s first couple in 1957 thus the marriage between Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah and a very pretty Egyptian lady, Fatiah Halen Ritzk who was studying Arabic in a university in Cairo at the time, there should be no hard feelings.
None understood why Nkrumah decided not to marry a Ghanaian, some thought it had some political undertone but he knew what awaits the two countries and Africa after the marriage.
After the overthrow of Nkrumah in 1966, Fathia lived in Egypt until her death in 2007. Whiles alive, she always wished to be buried in Ghana if she died. It was done as she wanted and was buried next to her husband, Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah in Accra.
Aside the marriage between Ghana’s first President, Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah and Fathia Halen Riztk of Egypt in 1957, the two countries share a couple things in common....
…Recently appearing before the 9 Supreme Court judges who do not spare the rod in a similar vein were the General Secretary of the NPP, lawyer Kwadwo Owusu Afriyie(Sir John) and a member of the NPP’s Commmunication team, Mr.Hopeson Adorye who narrowly escaped being sentenced to prison, were fined GH¢5,000 and GH¢2,000 respectively, thanks to their classy counsel, lawyer Ayikoi Otoo.
These actions of the Court have indeed set the tone for those who misrepresent facts given before and during and after court proceedings to be cautious, not leaving out those who might be tempted to preempt the final verdict.
With the peace of the country in mind, I don’t think the 9 justices of the Court led by Justice William Atuguba would want to meddle with it, in terms of the final verdict.
In what appears to be a very protracted case, the final verdict would be made public on 29th August, 2013. Therefore Ghanaians who are quite anxious must begin to see a more united and a ‘new’ Ghana after the verdict.
Let’s not forget in all our actions and inactions that, WE ARE ONE PEOPLE…ONE NATION…WITH A COMMON DESTINY. The watch word is PEACE!
I don’t think any of us thought and expected that the 2012 general elections in Ghana could end up in the Supreme Court. As to whether we did or not, it apparently ended up in the Supreme Court with petitioners from the New Patriotic Party(NPP) resorting to the Court for their grievances in the that very elections to be addressed.
Per the provisions of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana, the winner of the election is to be sworn in as the President of the Republic of Ghana regardless of any questions that might have arisen from the polls. However, the Constitution creates room for anyone who seems not satisfied with the results to challenge the President. According to Article 64(1): “ The validity of the election of the President may be challenged only by a citizen of Ghana who may present a petition for the purpose to the Supreme Court within twenty-one days after the declaration of the result of the election in respect of which the petition is presented”.
From the above, it clearly indicates that the flag bearer of the (NPP), Nana Addo Dankwa Akuffo-Addo and others who petitioned the Court were right in that regard to challenge the current president, Mr John Mahama in court as the one who won the elections.
One principle that seems to fascinate some Ghanaians is ‘ Equality before the law’. With this, one’s age, social standing, academic records and personal achievements, creed, political affiliation are made to diminish within a twinkle of an eye.
‘Great’ men who command authority in their various fields of endeavour are made to look like “toddlers” who are helpless without the support of their mum or dad but the positive aspect of this is the kind of circumspection that Ghanaians are being exposed to when dealing with an issue which is quite “volatile” and sensitive in nature.
Since action speaks louder than words, some individuals have fallen foul of the Court already. The likes of Ken Korankye, the Managing Editor of the Searchlight and Mr. Steven Atubiga have gone behind bars for 10 and 3 days respectfully for certain derogatory comments made which were contemptuous of the Court in the on-going landmark case....
...This they did by filing a petition at the Supreme Court. Though the petition was to have their grievances addressed, NPP as they put it, were not necessarily seeking power but would want the truth to be established both for the current and future generations.
This land mark case as sometimes referred to , was broadcast and telecast on radio and television stations respectively across the length and breadth of the country.
Though the Supreme Court has not given its verdict, some politicians are beginning to claim the direction of the judgment. Some interesting developments also took place during the hearing. These included barring of any comment that might preempt actions of the court as well as those which were considered contemptuous of the court. These went to the extent of jailing Ken Korankye, the Managing Editor of the Searchlight for 10 days and Mr. Steven Atubiga for 3 days for certain derogatory comments made. Ghanaians are currently waiting for the final verdict of the Supreme Court on the election petition.
Another thing worth knowing is the case involving Waterville Holdings Ltd, Alfred Woyome and the state. It would surprise President Mills to know that the Supreme Court in a unanimous decision asked Waterville to refund the €25 million it received through false judgment debt to the government of Ghana.
In a same vein, the case involving Ghana and Isofoton SA has taken a different twist. Here, the company has been ordered by the Supreme Court to pay the country $400,000 as a result of a judgment its received in 2011. Thanks to the former Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Mr. Martin Amidu for his relentless effort in ensuring that the truth is put where it belongs.
The above might not be enough to tell our late President in terms of the number of events that have occurred in his absence. Again, fire gutted many places including Kantamanto market, Kumasi central market, among others. These fires have destroyed properties worth millions of Ghana Cedis and have rendered many jobless, taking away their sources of livelihood. This even led to government arranging for some fire experts to fly to Ghana to assist the Ghana National Fire Service investigating into the number of fire cases being recorded in the country.
Moreover, operations of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) suffered a setback with some transformers getting burnt to compound the already existing difficulties of the company in giving quality services to Ghanaians. Power fluctuation continues to be the order of the day, affecting industries and life in general.
Furthermore, in the world of football, the Black Stars of Ghana were fourth in this year’s African Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2013 which was held in South Africa. The team is on the verge of qualifying for Brazil 2014.
Finally, the Black Satellites of Ghana placed third in the just ended Turkey 2013 which saw France lifting the trophy.
Uncountable events have occurred since the demise of Prof. John Evans Atta Mills but the above are a few ones worth mentioning.
Wherever the soul of our late President might be, I want to say;
DUE! DUE NE AMANEHUNU!! W’AKO KO DEN!!!
DA YIE…
ADIEU…
ADEOS…
GOODBYE…
…agree with him ideologically had. The above sometimes described him as meek and weak but following his death, he has been labeled a strong man.
Again, it was only after his death that a lot of politicians became true and principal witnesses, who hailed, lauded and sang appellations to this hero. Some went to the extent of asking their fellow politicians to emulate him( Mills).
Just after his death, messages of condolence, started pouring in from leaders of other countries across the globe. One could not differentiate between the Queen of England and the ordinary man on the streets of Accra as one word was on the lips of both. This word was ‘SHOCK’! For me, this word was over-used as both literates and illiterates used it in describing our President’s demise.
One may ask why I am putting this piece together. It is exactly a year since Ghana lost its President but as a Ghanaian, I am using this medium to tell our late President, some of the events that have occurred in absence. The following are just a few.
First of all, the then Vice President, John Dramani Mahama was sworn-in as the President of the Republic to complete former President Mills’ tenure which had six more months to end. He was to continue from where the late President Mills ended. Aside being the President at the time, Mr. Mahama was elected as the flag bearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) for the 2012 general elections.
The second event was the death of former Vice President in the erstwhile Kufuor administration, Alhaji Aliu Mahama . On a dull Friday morning, 16th November,2012, Ghanaians had to brace themselves up for weeks of mourning and wailing again. The news of the passing away of its former Vice President, Alhaji Aliu Mahama broke and it was unbearable.
His death was equally mind-blowing for the people of Ghana as it seemed a repeated dose within five months for Ghanaians. Though his death was received in the same manner as President Mills’, it was a bigger blow for the New Patriotic Party(NPP) since campaigns and preparations towards the 2012 elections had to be suspended in order to clear that hurdle.
Another event that occurred after President Mills’ death was the collapse of a 6-storey Achimota Melcom Shopping Centre building on Wednesday November 7, 2012 with lives and property destroyed. It was terrible. This worsened the pains Ghanaians have been bearing since July 24, 2012.
One other event that cannot go unmentioned was the 2012 elections. This was keenly contested. It was simply because, President Mahama had only six months to campaign in order to compete with Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo who has been campaigning since 2010 after he was elected the flag bearer of the NPP. The 2012 elections was eventually won by NDC which was led by John Dramani Mahama but his competitor, Nana Addo, thought otherwise.
Per the provisions of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana, the winner of the election is to be sworn in as the President of the Republic of Ghana regardless of any questions that might have arisen from the polls. However, the Constitution creates room for anyone who seems not satisfied with the results to challenge the President. According to Article 64(1):
“ The validity of the election of the President may be challenged only by a citizen of Ghana who may present a petition for the purpose to the Supreme Court within twenty-one days after the declaration of the result of the election in respect of which the petition is presented”...
24th July will forever remain an unforgettable day in the life of every Ghanaian. Time and events as they say, might change but memories would not. Such is the position in which Ghana finds itself.
On this day in 2012,Ghana turned upside down with an unprecedented demise of a sitting president. When it occurred, one could not differentiate between men and women as both could not hold back their tears. Even in traditional settings where it was a taboo for men to openly shed tears, kings and queens alike defied this rule in order to appease their souls for this gargantuan loss and went on and on and on till they could no more.
Consoling any Ghanaian on this day was just impossible. There is only one word that I might possibly use in describing this day. It was a “ Dreadful Tuesday” in the annals Ghana’s politics.
This man whose death became a symbol of unity for the country aside football was the third ‘John’ to ascend to the highest office of the land after Flt. Lt. Jerry John Rawlings and Mr. John Agyekum Kufour in the 4th of Republic. His name is Professor John Evans Fiifi Atta Mills. Asomdweehene as Ghanaians affectionately called him, changed the face of presidency during his tenure.
On that fateful day, Ghana was standstill. Birds could not fly, movement became somehow stagnated, Radio and TV presenters, DJs among others could not play their favourite hits and numbers but had suddenly become professional mourners, playing and responding dirges of all kind. The African sun was shining no more as if the whole world was experiencing a total eclipse. It was unbearable. Women at labour wards did not want know to anything relating to this sad news as it might worsen their condition. All these pointed to just one thing; the loss of a hero from the land of Gold. Some of us even thought we may possibly negotiate and bargain for his life with the gold and other resources Ghana has but these were not enough to convince “Mr. Death” who had carried our President high on its shoulders.
President Mills’ death changed certain perceptions his political opponents and those who did not...
When the two countries met at the group stages, the French outwitted the Ghanaian side with a 3-1 win sending clear signals to any other team in the competition.
Coincidentally, both teams managed to sail through and are meeting for the second time but this time around at the semi-finals stage of the tourney tomorrow 10th July, 2013.
One question that lingers on the minds of pundits is,are the French going to repeat the dose or is it a revenge for the Ghanaians?.
What makes this match more dicey is the fact that the Satellite have gained a certain momentum after their streak of defeat in their first two matches. This led to beating of United States in their last group game, Portugal and Chile at the round of 16 and quarter finals respectively.
If the tenacity shown by the sole representative of Africa in the tourney is anything to go by, the French could be given a good ran for their money.
There is nothing more motivating for these guys than beating France and playing in the finals which could go Ghana's way.
Whether a repeat or a revenge,time will surely tell.
After a historical feat in 1957, and declaring Ghana’s Independence, it was not enough to have independence and be dependent in terms of laws among others from the British.
By this, Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah , the then Prime Minister and other Ghanaian leaders, pushed for Ghana to become a sovereign state from Britain headed by Queen Elizabeth II and represented in Ghana by Lord Listowel(24 June 1957 - 1 July 1960).
This was granted on 1st July, 1960 after that year’s constitution was ratified. This led to an election which was won by Dr. Kwame Nkrumah and became the first President of Ghana.
Just after assuming office, the President started with so many developmental programmes which included the Akosombo dam which continues to supply Ghana with hydro-electricity. The country set off on the path of development and soon became the name on lips of many around the globe with several countries coming to learn from Ghana on how to develop including Malaysia.
Since the ousting of Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah in 1966, the development of the country has suffered many setbacks due to different military interference in democratic processes allowing countries such as Malaysia to overtake Ghana in terms of development.
Though Ghana returned to democracy in 1993 under Flt. Lt. Jerry John Rawlings, the years spent in overthrowing one regime to the other can never be recovered but should continue to remind every Ghanaian of how the past can influence the future.
Ghana is often is referred to the “beacon of hope” of Africa but politics of today tend to divide peace-loving Ghanaians than unite us making development move at a very slower pace than it should.
Though there seems to be lot of doubt in the minds of people as to whether Ghana can ever recover from the political “shocks” it experienced between 1966 and 1992, I am very hopeful that, dedicated and patriotic Ghanaians can keep the dream of the country’s fore-fathers on course regardless of it broken past.
An attempt to make a name
Not ready, because I was not ready
For the past, I had the fear
That my heart may apart tear
By the special one so dear
But for nothing could my heart care
Bearing past pains, I wish not to go insane
And my life remains the same
At last, the love I wish to share
She is ready, far to sight but to heart so near.
Beating next to each other
My heart now knows no fear.
I am bothered anytime this issue surfaces. This is because, almost every religion preaches peace, love and kindness or generosity at every point in time. For instance, imagine a situation where a person with a good religious background coming across a beggar who needs help badly but finds himself at a place where the laws of the land forbid the beggar from being there.
If it were you, will you give alms to this beggar for the sake of faith and your religious background or by-pass the helpless beggar who finds himself at a place forbidden by law?
I am sure most people would love to help the beggar but helping him by giving alms would encourage him to remain at this prohibited area.In doing so, different thoughts will be running through your head as far as taking any of the above actions is concerned.
So should faith override law?
Successful men across the globe have propounded different and several theories as to how one can succeed in every field of endeavour.
Through such theories, many have made it in life regardless the insurmountable challenges that faced and may be facing them. Whilst this is true and it mostly depends on the inner part of the individual. Having doubts about a set goal and other things in life could make one labour in vain.
It is therefore very important that we keep hopes alive and work towards our set goals and objectives. It is only by this that success can be part of our lives.
No one in the world can talk about tomorrow without involving children. In fact, children are often referred to as “the future” of every society and this cannot be denied.
However, these innocent ones can experience “bitterness” from the initial stages of their lives when sold into different forms of what is considered as “Child labour” which is experienced by some children across the globe.
Factors such as extreme poverty, greed, hatred, over-exploitation among others, lead family members, friends and even strangers into selling and sending every society’s tender sprouts into labour.
This can lead such children into perpetual destruction and will not augur well for any society which believes in continuity. As the world celebrates “Child labour”, let’s help make the world a better place for all children.
…The push for this unity seemed dead after the overthrow and deaths of some African leaders from the 1960s.
Until, 2001, OAU looked dormant in the eyes of some Africans but the emergence of charismatic leaders such as Colonel Muammar Al Gaddafi (of blessed memory) brought fresh blood into the organization. Through the hard work and efforts of African leaders in the new millennium, the organization regained potency with the principal dream of coming together as a united continent, was almost achieved in 2002 when the name was changed to African Union .
Though it couldn’t happen, 10 years on, Africa still remains divided but some scholars believe the strategy of building a united Africa has changed with the concentration being shifted from a sudden one to a more gradual approach. This is being done through regional blocs such as Economic Community of West Africa States (ECOWAS), Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) and so on.
Several factors could have accounted for the delay in the unity of the continent, 50 years should have been enough to have a dream which was started half a century ago materializing now.
The unity of the continent has not only remained the headache of Africans in Africa but those outside the continent. The likes of Bob Marley of Jamaica among others have openly expressed the need for such a thing through songs, movies and other media. By now, such founding fathers may be turning in their graves and wish current presidents could hear them scream. Since there is a gap between the dead and the living, a lot of instructions have gone unheard. These leaders who have passed away “wish” they could be alive today to make this long standing dream a reality.
There is no time to waste, the time to unite is NOW!
ONE AFRICA!
ONE PEOPLE!!
ONE DESTINY!!!
Half a century (50 years) in the life of anyone or an organization is no joke. At such age, one might have accomplished a lot of his or childhood dreams including profession. Failing to achieve his or her principal goal might be considered by others as a “disappointment”
The above could be the very words of the founding fathers of the Organization of African Unity(OAU) now African Union(AU) who laid what was supposed to be the very foundation of what would unite the African continent on 25th May,1963. The dream of having a united continent which would use and control its resources, started with the independence of Ghana (Gold Coast) in 1957.
On the eve of the independence, Ghana’s first Prime Minister, Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah told the whole world that “ Our independence is meaningless unless it is linked up with the total liberation of the African.” This he did by helping other African countries which were still under colonial rule to gain independence. By 1963, about 34 African countries had gained independence.
The likes of Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah(Ghana), Emperor Haile Selassie I(Ethiopia) among others, at the time, saw the need to have a united continent which would use its resources to ameliorate the lives of its people as well as making Africa a “paradise” on earth.
In Dr. Nkrumah’s speech at the first session of the Organization, he said “ I am happy to be here in Addis Ababa on this most historic occasion. I bring with me the hopes and fraternal greetings of the government and people of Ghana.” “Our objective is African union now. There is no to waste. We must unite now or perish.”… and determination, we shall lay here the foundations for a continental Union of African States.”
With the urge and fire burning in them, these leaders started what is known as African Union (AU) today.
Though some heads of states at the time were caught between accepting such ideas and remaining outside the union as sovereign states, they were very optimistic that the unity being sought after could be established one day but which day this was going to be, no one knew.
Since then, every 25th May has become a very important day on the calendar of African leaders....
…A member of the Wailers band, Neville ‘Bunny’ Livingston confirmed this in a video documentary on Bob Marley produced by Steve Bing and Charles Steel, that the first time he saw him, Bob was carrying firewood from the farm. This training from his early life influenced him throughout his life, putting in a lot of efforts into composing and getting his albums out.
Secondly, Bob Marley could be described as a visionary. Many people came to know him at the peak of his musical carrier but those who knew him from the scratch could testify that he had gone through “storms” before his fame. This is something, some musicians today are lacking and would not be ready to through the heat but may want it rosy from the word go.
Seeing his bright future from childhood, he opted for music despite knowing the importance of formal education. This only goes to prove that formal education is not the answer at the end of the day for everyone.
Third of the qualities of this reggae idol was that, he was peaceful. He once decided to perform at a concert for peace and unity ahead of one of the elections in Jamaica which was preceded with rivalry and tension. This kind of example is emulated around the world ahead of elections. For instance, in Ghana, musicians perform and call for peace and unity before, during and after elections.
Also, he could be said to be forgiving. He demonstrated this when he and his band were attacked a few days ahead of the “Peace Concert” in Jamaica. He and his band sustained injuries due to gunshots but after being released from hospital, they performed to unite Jamaica. He decided to forgive the perpetrators behind of this callous act.
Another quality was, he was a freedom fighter. He wrote and sang sons which contained lyrics of inspiration urging people who were and are being oppressed to “fight” on. One of such songs is “ Get up, Stand up” which urged people around the world to fight for their rights.
Moreover, he generous. Bob Marley did not limit he “riches” to his family. He extended helping hand to others who needed help. People queued in front of his house to be given money each and almost every day.
Furthermore, he was spiritual. At every moment of his life, be it good or bad, he gave thanks to the most high God (Jah). Finally, Bob could be seen as loving. He showed love to both young and old, men and women and this was throughout his life, no matter where he found himself.
Although the above were some of the qualities of Bob Marley, certain aspects and experiences helped in writing songs which touched a lot of people.
Whiles growing, he was “rejected” by his father but this experience led to the writing of “Cornerstone” in 1970. Aside this, rumors and his personal relationship with Cindy Breakspeare(Miss Jamaica) who represented Jamaica on the world stage, won the Miss World 1976. From this relationship, his wife was thought to be worried about this. From his wife’s reactions, this reggae idol, came up with “Three Little Birds”.
Through struggle, oppression, racial issues among others, Bob once said that he had no personal goal in life but would want to see the whole world coming together regardless of race, creed, gender just to mention a few. It is not surprising that Bob released “One Love” which shook the foundation of the world.
From this REGGAE IDOL (BOB MARLEY), the world can learn how to live in harmony and peace.
NO MORE WAR! PEACE!! ONE LOVE!!!
At age 12, Bob and his mother left for Kingston for a better life. At Trench Town, Kingston, Bob Marley was exposed to so many things including music. Though his mother was trying very hard to give Bob a formal education, he did not find it interesting and opted for music, joining friends who were in the same field. In his teens, he met the likes of Desmond Decker whom he worked with as a welder but both later got into music.
Several friends tried convincing Bob including Neville Livingston of the Wailers band about the need to have at least a college education, he insisted on getting into music and his first song “Judge Not” was recorded by Beverley Records in 1962 when he about 17 years.
From here, Bobs musical career began. After several storms in the world of music, he made it to the top. Bob Marley touched the world with his style of music and content which gave him a lot of recognition.
It was through music that he met his wife, Rita Marley. He was blessed with 11 children though from different relationships including Rita’s.
The dream of bringing the world together through his life was short lived as he passed away at age 36, on 11th May,1981. Bob Marley’s death came as one of the shocking moments in the lives of many people who were alive at the time and even the unborn generation. This was simply due to how he was able to touch the hearts of many regardless of one’s religion, ethnicity or race, gender among others....
From Bob Marley’s 36 years of fulfilling life, many have been and could be learnt from him. The following are a few of the qualities he possessed.
First of all, Bob was enduring and hardworking. At a very young age, certain chores such as feeding horse, donkey, milking cow among others which were reserved for his uncles were equally performed by him....
...From here, another journey of the unknown begins as mothers are supposed to take care of the baby or babies to a stage this one or these ones can fend for himself or themselves sometimes with the help their husbands. Other times, irresponsible husbands shirk their responsibilities leaving their wives and babies to the mercy of society.
Whether men play their roles or not, mothers do all they can to ensure that these tender souls survive the harsh conditions of society nurturing them into future heroes. Sadly, some mothers do not live to see what their issues have grown into but whatever the case may be, one can never take away the roles of mothers in the lives of children.
Unfortunately, some women who wish to become biological mothers do not see their dreams coming into fruition after trying different means both in the bedroom, artificial insemination amongst others. The only option sometimes left for them may be to adopt and love such ones as their own from their wombs though not easy in doing so.
Aside the above, some end up even taking care of younger relatives as their as their own children, helping these ones to realize their dreams.
In whichever category of mother a woman might find herself, there are moments of tears, joy, pains and “torture” in bringing up children to become responsible adults in society to help mankind.
The above and several other reasons I always reflect on make me think having a specific day to celebrate mothers is wrong. Instead of just one day to do so, it should be made a daily thing, making mothers feel good all year round. Without mothers, there is no society.
BIG UPS TO ALL SWEET MOTHERS!
One would be thinking why it has taken me almost a week to write on “Mothers’ Day” which is celebrated annually. The delay is simply due to the internal conflict I was experiencing on why we should have a specific day in celebrating mothers.
This conflict stems from the fact that becoming a mother, both biologically or otherwise is no joke. On the side of biological ones, a lot of people tend to look at it from the pains and other forms of discomfort they go through in the 9 months but I think it should be more than that.
I rather think it should be looked at from the act which even leads to pregnancy in the first place, be it in the bedroom or anywhere the couple may deem it appropriate to have it. Due to the complex nature of pregnancy, sometimes this act does not occur once but a number of times just for a woman to be confirmed pregnant.
If all biological mothers share their experience of the act which leads to pregnancy, some would classify theirs as not just an act but an “ordeal” as a result of the “excess” pains they bear in the course of it.
Finally when confirmed pregnant, the 3 trimesters (9 months) journey begins. This is where a number of women “go blank” with some behaving as if they have never been taught how to dress and to which occasion, with all due respect to ladies. By this, some lose their sense of dressing, taste and even how to relate to others completely.
Nobody can blame them for this as the 9 months could be full of uncertainties but with the help of doctors, family members and personal efforts by these women, the journey could be a smooth one.
When the 3 trimesters are finally over, a baby or set of babies are expected to “arrive” safely though, some mothers are not able to finish the final lap with either losing their lives, that of the baby or babies or both of the mother and baby or babies. This is stage is what I refer to as the “true judgment” thus giving account of the 9 months aside all the difficulties that come with pregnancy....
