Rumours of unpleasant news on the lives and activities of dignitaries date back many years. Some Historical accounts of kings, queens and modern day leaders have been concocted and watered down to the extent that, personalities like Dr. Kwame Nkrumah and K. A. Busia, Generals Afrifa and Kutu Acheampong were said to be of different nationalities other than Ghana. Later, these stories that sought to link them to Liberia, Nigeria, and Burkina Faso were found to be untrue.

Strangely, there are people who still hold on to the rumours bandied around, about people largely because of the supposedly credible sources of those lies. Some of the stories are cooked up by political opponents in an attempt to tarnish the image of people in high positions in society. Invariably, some of the dignitaries who are attacked know too well that that is what goes with prestigious positions hence have come to live with it. Many presidents, kings and ministers have decided not to react to such rumours once they know the stories are not true. With the advent of social media, the radio and print media, rumours seem to be widespread these days inflicting pain to many people across the world.

The Rumor about the death of the Asante King Otumfuor Osei Tutu which turned out to be untrue was serious because it caused panic and disorder for a while. When the rumour broke out in the media, it went viral and some people high and low believed it especially coming on the heels of similar deaths of some dignitaries in the sub region such as Sani Abacha and Yar Adua former presidents of Nigeria whose deaths were shelved for a while before being announced.

But the story of the death of Asantehene Otumfuor Osei Tutu was found to be cooked up by persons who should know better. Those who peddled the rumours were put to shame when he resurfaced in South Africa, where he went on a visit and also took time off to watch the football matches involving the black stars in the just ended Africa Nations Football Championship (CHAN) final matches. From now on, all well meaning people must learn to be wary of stories about our dignitaries. Never believe in them till the truth is established. Not even the empty predictions of death of dignitaries by men of God like Prophet T. B. Joshua and Rev. Owusu Bempah should be taken serious.

The pronouncements of Rev. Owusu Bempa who said he prayed to save the Asantehene from death has incurred the wrath of the Asanteman, who are demanding apology from the man of God for his pronouncement but he has refused to do so. Some men of God who predict deaths of dignitaries, calamities and coups seem to be doing wrong things in the name of Jesus. Jesus according to the scriptures did not predict deaths and calamities. Instead he prayed to save lives and resurrected dead people.

Another rumour that seems to be making the rounds is the alleged divorce proceeding going on with regards to President Obama and spouse, Michelle. Reasonable people around the world seem to dismiss the story but those pushing it are linking it to trouble brewing as a result of an alleged secret affair of president Obama.

According to the latest Obama divorce rumours captured by Ruth Houston an American author and journalist, Michelle Obama has already secretly met with an attorney at the White House to work out the details of her alleged upcoming divorce, including a divorce settlement in which she will go after half of Barack Obama’s assets.

In order to keep up outward appearances, Michelle Obama will reportedly continue living at the White House until President Obama’s current term of office ends, but will live separate lives. Anonymous White House sources claim that the First Lady has moved out of the presidential bedroom and has taken up residence in another bedroom in the family’s private living quarters. Sources say that she has already made arrangements to move Barack Obama’s belongings out of their Chicago home.

Other sources say that when Barack Obama’s presidency is over, he will move back to Hawaii where he grew up and Michelle Obama will remain in Washington with the couple’s two daughters, Sasha and Malia. However, to a serious observer of international events especially regarding the American presidency, the above account may not be true. We ought to dismiss them for the moment till we get to the bottom of it.

At the moment, all we need to do is learn to discard rumours about dignitaries. They are living beings who deserve honour and sympathy from us. If we fail to honour them, the practice might persist to affect all those who find themselves at the top position of our nations.

By: Alhaji Alhasan Abdulai

Executive Director

EANFOWORLD FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

P.O.BOX 17070AN

abdulai.alhasan@gmail.com / eanfoworld@yahoo.com