My Forum Family

Contrary to what some Ewe and Asanate extremists would have us believe; that more enmity divides us than love unites us, we are one big family from one nation with one common destiny.

I liken the experience to having Saturday night debates at the assemble hall with batches of fellow students who participated, watched, or cheered the winning side, whilst others hauled insults at the losing side.

When I first came to the forum, tribalistic comments saddened me, but now I have equated the experience to secondary school days where batch of boys and girls have a go at each other without any tribalistic negativity. Now I am amused and regard it a means by which fellow Ghanaians enjoy each other by interacting through networking.

One of the comments I received after writing “the birthday sage” article suggested I get a life. I pondered over this for a while and came to the following conclusion; personally the forum represents being at home, which affords me the opportunity to interact with other fellow Ghanaians on a daily basis without regard to TRIBE.

I don’t know about you, but I have come to regard fellow forumers as friends and people I share a bond with every day. When I am not at the forum it feels like being out of Ghana, and when I have not read a comment from the regular forumers, it feels as if I have lost contact with friends; and wonder whether they are alright. Here are a few “friends” I have never met but have respect and appreciation for; First

Nana Amma, there is not a single day I come to the forum without thinking of her in a good and honorable way. I so look forward to her captivating stories. Fine example of what Ghanaian women are made of.

I would like to add, Lady Lola of Washington D.C I adore and look forward to debating her whenever I come to the forum. I must say, I am sometimes disappointed when she is not at the forum.

Daniel Pryce; Whom I have great respect for, and look forward to his superior commend of the English language and style of writing.

My dear, honorable Sarpong, for whom I have great respect and admiration, I look forward to his analysis of the political and socio-economic issues in Ghana. Sarpong is Asante I am assuming from his name and I am Ewe and yet we click and are on the verge of becoming “good friends”. How is that for tribal unity? The focus should be on what we have in common and not our differences. We are both from beautiful Ghana.

Onipa Ba; I often wonder what he would write next regarding the Ewes.

Akua Bonsu; I have respect for; and wonder what dirt she is digging up on Rawlings next.

Royal Akanland; I wonder how he would react should Akanland be really ever be established.

Aunty Afua (Cape Coast) I think of; and wonder what exciting controversies she would next come up with regarding the NPP.

Kobena; my name sake, I think of; and wonder how he is faring and wishes him well.

Nana; I always look forward to reading her comments on hot issues.

Trouble Maker; I often wonder what trouble is he going to make today, and look forward to reading his comments on sensitive issues.

Terribly Specific; who sometimes is so unspecific in his comments, and I wonder why did he choose the name “Terribly Specific”

Kola Main London; one of the heavy hitters with his controversial and heated exchanges with Sarpong, my day is not complete without reading his comments.

Togbe Anku-Angloga; I am always intrigued with his comments about Rawlings and the Ewes.

Ekow Koomson; I pray for all the time with the hope that he would have “mercy and forgive” the Ewes for being Ghanaians.

Asante; I respect a great deal and look forward to his wise counsel.

For MP; I look forward to his exchanges with my dear honorable friend Sarpong. I get a kick out of those two having a go at each other.

Jato Julor (J.J) Rawlings; I look forward to his ranting and hope he will find a place in his heart soon to forgive his name sake.

Kojo Tamakloe’s intriguing perspective on hot issues I look forward to.

Navrongo man; I believe is the most matured and humorous person at the forum, and laughter is so healthy for all no matter from which TRIBE.

MANGOAT; I often wonder with fright what is he going to say next?

Togbe Afede; I pray for, to love and accept the Ewes as fellow humans belonging to one great nation.

Original Straight-Talk; I often wonder what type of talk to anticipate on daily basis.

And Queen; who once referred to me as a silent killer, I adore and comes to mind whenever I am writing an article; even as I write, am wondering what her response is going to be.

Eric Amoateng, de drug dealer; if I don’t see, worry whether he has been arrested. LOL

Slugger; I dread reading his controversial comments, but yet have great respect for his straight talk; I so look forward to his exchanges with Sarpong.

I have saved the best for last. Shehu Shagari, whom I have come to respect, love, sometimes hate in a good way and admire for his constructive criticism of my articles, His criticism makes me want to do better. I think of Shehu Shagari as the drill sergeant whose job it is to get the best out of the cadets. He has been on my case forever, and whenever I am writing an article, he is the first person who comes to mind. My day is not complete without interacting with you guys.

Despite our differences, we are one people, one nation and one big forum family. So how can I have a life without my forum family? I admonish everyone to look at the forum from that perspective and work towards unity and harmony. It is our duty to be our brother’s keeper. By all means let’s agree to disagree but let us not result to hatred and tribalism. It is and has never been progressive we are unique and trend setters in Africa. First to become independence and first to win a world cup, so let us be the first to set the pace for tribal and national unity for the rest of Africa, Let us continue to make Ghana proud by our unity. I trust that we can and we will.

God bless Ghana

KOMLA – USA, THE PEACE BROKER