The northern regions are made of different tribes. Get that right.
The northern regions are made of different tribes. Get that right.
Dannybee 8 years ago
Ethnocentrism won't go away overnight. Effective management of the economy is what will make people love themselves & appreciate diversity. This is evident in the U.S. Complaining about ethnocentrism won't change anything, at ... read full comment
Ethnocentrism won't go away overnight. Effective management of the economy is what will make people love themselves & appreciate diversity. This is evident in the U.S. Complaining about ethnocentrism won't change anything, at best I think you are preaching to the choir.
Abeeku Mensah 8 years ago
While tribalism like racism does not easily go away because it is in social DNA, these ills have a way of going into remission under strong leadership. America can never lead the world in ending racism because racism is enshr ... read full comment
While tribalism like racism does not easily go away because it is in social DNA, these ills have a way of going into remission under strong leadership. America can never lead the world in ending racism because racism is enshrined in its constitution, its prosecutorial and judicial practices and in the executive branch.
Ending tribalism as we know it happened under Nkrumah's CPP. During the CPP era tribalism went into remission. While some tribes harbored their delusional tribal superiority complex they could never exploit it in public practices and policies. Yes there were those who hated Nkrumah and eventually did him in but there is no one today who can and has ever raised acts of tribal preferences under the CPP. Wiping tribalism takes strong leadership with foresight ideas and ideals; political leaders and political wannabe of latter days are nothing more that hypocrites and chicken shit.
okofo 8 years ago
All these name callings and political cat-calls you are exhibiting here have tribal connotations as well, but you might be oblivious of it. Tribalism starts with you!! And it can be stopped by you!!
All these name callings and political cat-calls you are exhibiting here have tribal connotations as well, but you might be oblivious of it. Tribalism starts with you!! And it can be stopped by you!!
Inusah Buipe 8 years ago
Mr Fynn has hit the nail right where it should be. Every single ethnic group in Ghana finds another tribe to ridicule and despise.
The Akans in general see people of northern extraction as uncivilized and low class. Among t ... read full comment
Mr Fynn has hit the nail right where it should be. Every single ethnic group in Ghana finds another tribe to ridicule and despise.
The Akans in general see people of northern extraction as uncivilized and low class. Among the northerners, the Gonjas, Dagombas Walas and Mamprusis turn to despise other minority tribes like the Lobis, Konkonbas , Vaglas, Frafras as well as other groups as inferior .
This practice is now permeating the civil service, the armed forces, certain financial institutions, immigration and so on and so forth. People are told point blank they would not get recruited into some organizations because they do not belong to a particular tribes. Some institutions are about 60% dominated by a particular tribe. It is time we publicly debated this issue to defuse the ticking time bomb.
This is well embedded in our lifestyles whether one accepts it or not.
Civil society and religious bodies should begin to sensitize society about the inherent dangers that ethnocentrism and tribalism poses before it explodes to proportions that we can not control.
Patrick Fynn 8 years ago
Inusah, I find your comment very wholesome and that makes you an objective person.
Over the days, after publishing this piece I've been dismayed by the amateur comments people have made, showing how they are quick you reac ... read full comment
Inusah, I find your comment very wholesome and that makes you an objective person.
Over the days, after publishing this piece I've been dismayed by the amateur comments people have made, showing how they are quick you react to headlines without reading
MAWULIAN 8 years ago
Why do you conveniently leave out the example of Asantes?
Asante man born 100 yards away from the Asantehene Palace thinks he is better than the one born 1 mile away from the palace. The one born 1 mile away from from the p ... read full comment
Why do you conveniently leave out the example of Asantes?
Asante man born 100 yards away from the Asantehene Palace thinks he is better than the one born 1 mile away from the palace. The one born 1 mile away from from the palace thinks he is better than the one born 2 miles away from the palace and in that order!!! So how much more will this same Asanteman look at someone from North or Volta or from a Ga tribe?.
No other tribe has numerous derogatory names for others than Asantes have; Names like ntafour, pepeni, nuhuafour, tsrifour, zongolese, guinea fowl warriors trokosi- (even though Asantes have more deities than Ewes) just to name a few.
Patrick, you are part of the problem since your write-up conveniently left out this important point.
SCHEMER 8 years ago
What about Anglos and Ayigbes? How do the see themselves? Get it through your thick head that we Asantes don't have differences in our tribe. We speak one language and not dialect as in Volta where you speak Ayigbe and Anglo. ... read full comment
What about Anglos and Ayigbes? How do the see themselves? Get it through your thick head that we Asantes don't have differences in our tribe. We speak one language and not dialect as in Volta where you speak Ayigbe and Anglo. I hear there are others. Asante is the only region that speaks one language ok? However you think we look at other tribes from Volta, Ga North or wherever, I say we have embraced and accepted them into our mist so much so that they even have seats in the Palace of the King. What more do you want Mawuli? Can you say same about your region and tribe? Are you that accommodating? Do you have any place in Ho called Bantama, Ashtown, Asanteman etc as you have Anloga and Awona-Fante New Town? Don't you people call us "EBRUTOR?" Do we take offense at that? Perhaps you need more education on certain words so i will give you the benefit of the doubt. "Ntafuor" in those days was to depict those northern traders as "Ntaafuor"- TWINS, by virtue of how they conducted their business They dis things together in pairs, hence, the name "Ntaafuor." "PEPENI" to wit, A JUST MAN. It was an honor to be so at the time. They earned it by making sure he was not cheated, neither would he cheat. In Asante, we say, "P3p33p3." Modern day people have trampled upon the true meaning and its value. Perhaps next time we shall have time to educate but be open minded and be truthful.
MAWULIAN 8 years ago
Dont take offense. It is a fact that the derogatory names Asantes assigned to others are numerous. Even in UK I heard them saying the equivalent of "These sugar-cane type people" to Jamaicans.
EBLUTOR= is no insult in Ewe ... read full comment
Dont take offense. It is a fact that the derogatory names Asantes assigned to others are numerous. Even in UK I heard them saying the equivalent of "These sugar-cane type people" to Jamaicans.
EBLUTOR= is no insult in Ewe. NO it is not.
We are called all sorts of names -including cat thieves and fowl thieves.
But just go back to how Asantes treat even EACH OTHER. There is Kokoasi, etc. Ewes dont do that to each other-hence another name "INWARD-LOOKING"
In Volta Region, we DO have Akans living there since time immemorial. Jassikan and Nkonya are typical areas.
SCHEMER 8 years ago
Did you understand my education on "PEPENI and NTAFUOR?" It is also not an insult. I've lived in Ho near Asigame, opposite Doris Day Restaurant in a Police rental quarters. Severally i heard them say EBLUTOR MENYOW! To wit, a ... read full comment
Did you understand my education on "PEPENI and NTAFUOR?" It is also not an insult. I've lived in Ho near Asigame, opposite Doris Day Restaurant in a Police rental quarters. Severally i heard them say EBLUTOR MENYOW! To wit, akans are no good, right. Where did you hear one asante referring to the other as Kookoaseni? I made many references but you chose to pick. Has any Jamaican complained to you as being so called? Volta Region is not for Ayigbes and Anlos bro. You didn't give Woraworas and Jasikans permission to live there. Infact, they were there before Nkrumah opened the flood gates to you. Asante Region is for Asantes, period. However, we chose to co-exist with other tribes who chose to our values. Never once has there been a rise against any other tribe in Asanteman. Mawuli- GOD LIVES or THERE IS A GOD, i guess is the meaning of your name, what do the Kwahu, Akyem, Brong, Ga, Ewe, Sefwi, Fante call people from the north in their dialects? Remember the meaning of your name and answer. Whatever your answer, I will love you regardless. It may interest you to know that until i travelled, my closest friend was Ewe. Courage Tay-Agbozo whose contact i've lost. We ate from the same plate and slept on one bed. Have a nice day bro.
MAWULIAN 8 years ago
I read these pages frequently. To you, PEPENI is not an insult, but MOST people who use it here against Mahama are NOT using it to praise him. You also ignore my point that Asantes actually treat each other badly with insults ... read full comment
I read these pages frequently. To you, PEPENI is not an insult, but MOST people who use it here against Mahama are NOT using it to praise him. You also ignore my point that Asantes actually treat each other badly with insults too, based on which area they come from. Right now, Kumawu folks are not happy campers either. You will not see Anlos Ewes insulting Ho Ewes this way.
So do not be surprised that other tribes feel insulted by Asantes.
THERE IS NO LANGUAGE CALLED AYIGBE AND ANLO. There is only EWE. The sound and accent is a little different-depending on district or country (Togo and Benin)
NKRUMAH NEVER OPENED ANY FLOODGATES. That is this arrogance and insolence right there. Please read your History again. Ewes WERE in British Togoland and in that same piece of land before and after the Germans lost the First World War. Nkrumah came onto the scene after 2nd World War and renamed it Ghana in 1957.
To me, my best friend is also an Asante. You also can hear these comments from Racists and KKK people "My best friend is Black"
Just remember too that Kotoka's best friend was Afrifa, and JJ Rawlings married an Asante. JJ and the Asantehene are good friends. Who is more Asante than the Asantehene?
SCHEMER 8 years ago
Buddy I will let go because i believe we've both learned something here even though you failed to answer some pertinent questions. I personally don't believe its where one comes from that makes him/her inferior or if you wish ... read full comment
Buddy I will let go because i believe we've both learned something here even though you failed to answer some pertinent questions. I personally don't believe its where one comes from that makes him/her inferior or if you wish "kurasenii" but its one's behavior. You could be born in Korle Wokon in Accra and still behave like on from the cave. My whole beef was why you chose Asantes as your target and not any other tribe. I hope you also realize that in present day Ghana, whoever speaks twi fluently is regarded Asante. Enjoy the rest of your day.
C.Y. ANDY-K 8 years ago
HOW SOME “EWES” BECAME PART OF PRESENT GHANA
To say that one is sick and tired of reading ignorant utterances about how “Ewes” were given the chance to join Ghana by Nkrumah from patently jaundiced and bloody-minde ... read full comment
HOW SOME “EWES” BECAME PART OF PRESENT GHANA
To say that one is sick and tired of reading ignorant utterances about how “Ewes” were given the chance to join Ghana by Nkrumah from patently jaundiced and bloody-minded, ignorant fellow Ghanaians, MOSTLY of Akan origins and a few most stupid and ignorant Gas, is a big understatement. I therefore put together a concise history of how some “Ewes” became part of Ghana for all readers. Its strident nature derives from the fact that it was directed at the virulently bigoted anti-Ewe elements that afflict the Ghanaweb forum. Nothing reasonable sinks into them unless it is hammered in with mighty blows. So dense they are, consumed by their own phenomenal ignorance!
Nonetheless, I am under no illusion whatsoever that this brief piece will stop the bozos who indulge in this kind of display of ignorance from continuing to do so, even after reading this; not only because of the scientifically recognised fact that awareness and knowledge of adverse causes and better practices do not necessarily stop continuation of adverse behavioural practices leading to adoption of best practices, but also because the putrid and rotting worm-wood from which they emerge from, that is, our educational system, continues to churn out similarly ignorant and foolish elements on an annual basis. The problem must therefore be addressed at source: our educational system and curricula.
Steeped in the foregoing knowledge, I have carved for myself a monstrous-looking spikes-studded club to deal with any such miscreants who might be provoked by this article to begin their ethnic cleansing of the much vilified “Ewes” from Ghana to Togo.
I would not bother myself now and again with retelling (I’ve done that elsewhere) of how the groups of linguistically and culturally different peoples who now comprise the ethnic group known to many as “Ewes”, but which linguists now have tagged the “Gbe” people, migrated and settled within the borders of Togo and present Ghana up to seven hundred years ago, as Ghana came into being on 6 March 1957 and that is where my story begins. That has been dealt with elsewhere in an upcoming series, an abridged version of a book which has been on ice for a long while now.
After all, it was Gbedemah, an “Ewe,” and the leader of the Committee for Youth Organisation (CYO), who was asked to replace him (Nkrumah) as General Secretary of the UGCC, who convinced him (Nkrumah) to leave the UGCC and gave him the chance to lead the CPP which was being formed by elements within the CYO; and who again gave him his Accra seat and led the campaign for the CPP and Nkrumah to win while in prison to become Leader of Government Business. Gbedema himself went to stand for the Keta seat. If Gbedema had not done that, he would have become the first Leader of Government Business, not Nkrumah; so Gbedema, an “Ewe,” gave Nkrumah the chance in more ways than what I have referred to in the foregoing to become leader of independent Ghana. Of course, I consider it in poor taste to mention in details the financial support and sustenance Gbedema gave then homeless Nkrumah, as someone did in an article on Ghanaweb a while ago even though it was part of the relationship.
Nkrumah, of course, a chief in his own right in Nzema, got his first ceremonial chieftaincy title in Anloga, when he came on his Thank You visit for the valiant roles Ewes played in the election victory of the CPP. That was before everything turned sore and Anloga led the revolt against the CPP in 1953, for breach of election promises not to enforce the much hated poll tax and not properly dealing with grievances about the cutting of swollen shoot diseased cocoa trees and failing to increase cocoa prices when the world price was hitting the roof, thanks to the Korean War. The decision not to increase cocoa prices paid to farmers was due to the infamous “anchor of safety” and stemming inflation advice (it created the large reserve on attainment of independence, btw.) he, Nkrumah, accepted from the West Indian Nobel Laureate Sir Arthur Lewis. Some Anlo elite were also major cocoa farm owners in the TVT and elsewhere. The riots that started in Anloga and spread to the rest of the country were well documented by Dennis Austin in his seminal book on Ghana, so check it, if you want to be properly informed. Those events had deep impacts on the Anlo elite and eventually led to the coup of 1966 spearheaded by some Anlo officers in the Police and Army.
Those of you who like to criticise Kofi Awoonor for what he wrote in his book “The Ghana Revolution” should also look up his book specially devoted to Asantes and Ewes to read what he said about how they escaped from Anloga across the Volta to Ada Foah when the “Buga Buga War” started. I bet you never heard of that war before, eh?
So, nobody gave Ewes the chance to join Ghana in 1957, as some Ewe stalwarts led in the fight to create modern Ghana. Left to some Ewes though, they'd have seceded from the Gold Coast, to which they were lampooned by the British many decades earlier and had become fed up with because of the nascent demonization and vilification started by the forebears of today's Ghanaweb jaded jingoists. I had already partially dealt with that in an earlier article and the abridged series mentioned above shall follow suit.
Moreso, the coastal areas from Anlo, through Tongu up to Peki and Tsito-Awudome, being part of the Eastern Province of the Gold Coast, were even indeed declared part of the British sphere of influence way back in 1850, 6 yrs after the signing of the Bond of 1844 with the Fantes. The British “bought” in 1850 the area from the Danes who were forced to leave the Gold Coast after they were defeated with Napolean at Waterloo in 1848. Interesting to note that Norway, then under Danish control for over 400 years, was also passed over to the Swedes, allies of Britain at Waterloo. Of course, those “bought” were not consulted and did not accept that their homeland had been sold and thus resisted attempts by the British to assert their authority over the area, leading to conflicts.
The area was declared part of the Gold Coast colony proper in 1876 or so. Before that, the Anlos had sued for peace with the British, bringing to a close the Glover War, fought against the Anlos as a side show to the Sagrenti War. A Peace Treaty was signed at Dzelukope after the Sagrenti War of 1874. I have a sketch of that historical event which appeared in the UK Graphic of Oct, 10 1874, which is an attachment to this article (not attached here, so I can send it privately to anyone interested), as it is a historical relic of interest to many. You’d see sitting “Folu, King of Jella Coffee,” “Adjaba, King of Awoonah,” and “War Captain Cocumay” and “Chief Asantee Ambassador Okobim Paba” addressing them and you’d know where yours truly comes from. War Captain Cocumay happened to be the father of Torgbui Sri II who was in the Legislative Council from 1916-42, and same as my great, great grandfather. Our ancestors therefore played their roles on the battle-fields and on the high table when the Gold Coast and its history were being carved, so before you open your mouth against us, ask yourself who born you, and who and what were your ancestors when the Gold Coast was being carved? The Ga kings Tackie from Accra and Solomon from James Town were also there, among others who fought on the side of the British.
In fact, those wars were fought due to events which also occurred in northern Eweland [besides events on the Fante side], when Asante slave raiders kidnapped and took the missionaries and white traders (the Ramseyers, Bonnat, etc.) from Ho to Kumasi as hostages for ransom. Of course, not only the missionaries were taken, as even some natives who collaborated with the Asantes soon found themselves as captives at Kontsiabu instead of the promised gold dusts but that is another story altogether I had recounted elsewhere and is due for recounting soon. With the decisive defeat of Asante and her steadfast Anlo ally, that Ewe area known in the annals as “Krepi” through Buem, Dagbon in N/R to much of present Upper East, which later on became known as the Trans-Volta Togoland (TVT), became a British Protectorate until after the Berlin Conference when Queen Victoria gave it in 1884 as a birthday present to her German cousin, who famously wanted a "place in the sun," as part of the balkanisation of and Scramble for Africa after the Berlin Conference. The Germans already had a small strip of Togoland. So the TVT was even under British sphere of influence for some years before being given to the Germans.
In 1915, at the start of WWI, the British took back the area and much of German Togoland (the French took the eastern part) with the help of troops raised by Torgbui Sri II, for which he was awarded the KMAC and sword of honour, and inducted into the LegCo in 1916 with Nana Ofori Attah of Akyem Abuakwa. After WWI, despite the campaign by the natives to unite the whole of Togoland to the Gold Coast, the British kept what they gave to the Germans in 1884 (TVT) and gave the rest - what the Germans had before - to the French, thus forming present Republic of Togo. Of course, the records show that it was Torgbui Sri II who was the first to call for the unification of Togo to the Gold Coast way back in 1915. By the end of the war, it was fully embraced by some native leaders of German Togoland, some of whose leaders sent a letter to the colonial government of the Gold Coast which curiously stated inter alia:
“We PEOPLE of Togoland, descended from two principal countries, Elmina
(Ane) and Accra (Ge), both of the Gold Coast Colony, ask to have British government because it is the government of our fathers, whose customs are our customs, and a British Colony is half-an-hour distant from us.
We ask to have British government because it is the government of our kith and kin, our race and our tribe.
We ask for British government because of our relationship with our people on the west, which must assert itself...” (“December 6, 1919 edition of the West Africa magazine, culled from West Africa 12-16 Dec. 1994)
I have always wondered why no mention of being “Ewes” was made by the supplicants. Of course, conspicuously absent too were names of many others such as Dagombas, Konkombas, Dagbons, Akans, Mamprusis, Grunshies, Nkonyas, Kabres, etc., etc., who also have the TVT and Togo as their homeland at the time too. That was not an auspicious beginning for their objective, being what they were: descendants of fugitives who have settled amongst the original Ewe speakers in southern Togo!
Anyway, how those claiming to be Gas and Anes (Anyis) in Togo got there is quite another story I had re-told a number of times but I’d like the Akwamus and Asantes, former allies of we Anlos, to tell us their versions respectively. And to those ignorant and jaded MPs of the NPP who went to Lome to look for the roots of Fiifi Kwetey, who of course, claimed to be from Nogokpo in the Klikor area, and thereby rubbing a sore spot in my memory, next time they should begin the search in Ayawaso so that I am not reminded of Dzenunyegbodzi and the treacheries of Klikor!
How that desire for a union with the Gold Coast turned into the drive for secession is quite another story I had already touched upon in a previous article and better covered by the likes of Prof. Amenumey in his book on the subject, a copy of which I have behind me. In any case, the plebiscite of 1956 was to determine whether TVT, a UN Mandated Territory, should be added to the Gold Coast, be on its own, or rejoin present Togo, or something like that, whatever. It was a messy affair, as it did not take into account the wishes of the Ewe Unification Movement which had reached fever pitch in southern Eweland from Anlo to Peki, already part of the Gold Coast, and which was prevented from taking part in the plebiscite. Had those areas taken part, enough votes would have been garnered to secede from the Gold Coast, as a majority voted in the Ewe areas of the TVT to secede. Unfortunately, their votes were outweighed by votes from the non-Ewe areas of the TVT stretching from northern VR through eastern section of Northern Region to much of present Upper East. Indeed, parts of the TVT were also later added to the Greater Accra and Eastern Regions too by Nkrumah and Busia. So, only a portion of the TVT was added to the Eweland within the Gold Coast to form the present VR. Those of us who come from the south were thus part of the Gold Coast decades earlier before 1900 when the Protectorate of Asante was declared after their defeat in the Yaa Asantewa War, and before 1946, when the Burns Constitution made Asante and the Northern Territories part of the Gold Coast Colony proper too.
That, in brief, is how parts of Eweland and some Ewes became a part of present Ghana. It is a pity that this basic history is not taught in our basic schools so that all know this somehow. Rather, we get all kinds of ignoramuses spewing rubbish about how Nkrumah allowed Ewes to join Ghana and they would deport Ewes to Togo! I am waiting for them bozos with my spikes-studded club. Let no one say I didn’t warn them!
[This article can be freely quoted or reproduced without my permission.]
Andy C.Y. Kwawukume
cyandyk@ymail.com
C.Y. ANDY-k 8 years ago
I am afraid the writer has mixed two different manifestations and write about them as if they were same. Fact is, ethnocentrism and tribalism describe two different phenomena.
Whereas he is apt in describing the manifesta ... read full comment
I am afraid the writer has mixed two different manifestations and write about them as if they were same. Fact is, ethnocentrism and tribalism describe two different phenomena.
Whereas he is apt in describing the manifestations of ethnocentrism as expressions of prejudice towards ethnically Others. It is therefore an expression of ethnic prejudice whioh can give raise to all kinds of actions: racial abuse and attacks, discrimination in giving jobs, etc.
Tribalism, on the other hand, is a special coinage used specifically in Africa to refer to a govt sharing public resources or goods discriminately in favour of the members and/or areas of the leaders of that govt. It is not about one disliking the food eaten by the other ethnic group, how they dress, whether they smell, etc. That's ethnic prejudice, not tribalism, as we learned in Political Science lectures. A pity the use of the term has been vulgarised so much. I was compelled in the '90s to scan and send to the Okyeame Forum Colin Leys superb write up on the subject in Kenya.
Tribalism is NOT a major problem in Ghana. What is the major problem is ethnic prejudice, which Busia managed to harness into Ghana's politics, from the time that he was the leader of the NLM and then the Progress Party, when the damaged was finally done.
Andy-K
K. ADUTWUM 8 years ago
If you think, erroneously, that Akans are the bad ones ask yourself why the top ranking officers of the army, police, immigration, customs, government,civil service etc are dominated by Ewes and Northners. Since Rawlings' era ... read full comment
If you think, erroneously, that Akans are the bad ones ask yourself why the top ranking officers of the army, police, immigration, customs, government,civil service etc are dominated by Ewes and Northners. Since Rawlings' era, have Akans especially not been reduced to being less than aliens in Ghana? Aliens like the Fulani and Togolese have more rights than Akans. Before P/NDC there was very little tribalism. Now it is what will eventually destroy Ghana.
MAWULIAN 8 years ago
Yes, you are right but only to a point. Ewes and Northerners are over-represented in the military but it has BEEN so from the British colonial days. Remember Brigadier Michel and Brigadeir Bawa?
Asantes just dont like to jo ... read full comment
Yes, you are right but only to a point. Ewes and Northerners are over-represented in the military but it has BEEN so from the British colonial days. Remember Brigadier Michel and Brigadeir Bawa?
Asantes just dont like to join the army -thanks to the rich cocoa farmlands they have. Most Ewes in the military are actually from the poor coastal areas.
Tribalism started as far back as Busia era. Ewes were sidelined at the time.
C.Y. ANDY-K 8 years ago
I see a lot of ignorance and hypocrisy being here. In view of that, I am once again re-posting two of my articles on the subject. This one is in response to what Prof George Ayittey wrote. I have an examination of the pre-co ... read full comment
I see a lot of ignorance and hypocrisy being here. In view of that, I am once again re-posting two of my articles on the subject. This one is in response to what Prof George Ayittey wrote. I have an examination of the pre-colonial era ready for many years now but hasn't published them yet.
Folks,
Here is another post from the archives. It should be an eye opener to all those who are claiming that tribal politics started under Rawlings and the PNDC. For others, it should reveal to them the origins of the ethnic foment and ethnic politics in Ghana under the NLC and then the PP regime.
I wrote the piece in response to Prof. George Ayittey, a major exponent of tribalistic analysis of politics in Africa. He failed to write a response though, since he has none. What I wrote then is still very relevant today and on this forum.
Date: Wed Aug 05 20:03:14 1998
To: ayittey@american.edu, VILLAGE@MAELSTROM.STJOHNS.EDU
From: Andy Kwawukume
Subject: Re: [VILLAGE] Ghana Leader Seeks Unity of Black Race
Cc:
Bcc:
Villagers,
This is something I can't pass over. As usual, it is designed to inform you all, not to enter into any discussion with Prof. Ayittey. He may however issue rebuttals to what I have written if false, or not entirely correct. After all, I never make claims to holding the monopoly to the elusive truth. I am just a lonely Seeker after the Truth.
>>Cinque "Sengbe" Brown wrote:
>George may not like this post (BELOW)
Andy concurs:
He certainly DIDN'T!
At 19:07 03.08.1998 -0400, George B.N.Ayittey wrote:
>*************
>
>AYITTEY: Cinque, and look who's calling for unity of the black race? A
>"Clarence Thomas" :) Ooops, a Freudian slip :)
>
>Seriously, Cinque, in my view, Rawlings is NOT the person for this job
>because:
>
>1. His 17 years in power in Ghana have been the MOST DIVISIVE. Ethnic
>tension is very high in Ghana today. Ask any Ghanaian. There is a >public perception that key positions in Rawlings' government are >occupied by his ethnic group, the Ewe. Note: I said public PERCEPTION. >Ask any Ghanaian. If he cannot unify his own citizens, how much more >those outside the country?
Andy-K writes in reply:
That ethnic tensions in Ghana are very high, first of all, is an overstatement. Rather, it is high among Ghanaians in the diaspora. Secondly, whatever ethnic tensions are there are not due to Rawlings' doing. Rather, it is the doing of some bankrupt and jaded politicians who have been arousing ethnic hatred against Rawlings' mother's ethnic group members, the Ewes, as a political tool to gain power. So far, it has failed resoundingly. In fact, it has backfired so badly the culprits, found mainly in the NPP which George also belong to, are now openly writing and saying that they had to reassess their strategy.
The issue is not a "public perception", shared by a majority of Ghanaians. The "perception" is insidiously and virulently promoted by a narrow group of Ghanaians, of whom George indeed is one of them. He clearly and ambiguously promoted this in a mail he posted on Okyeame sometime ago. As to be expected, I took him on and referred him to the English Sociologist, Charles Elliott's book (1975). A great comparative study of poverty and its causes in some "Third World" countries, it presented statistics on the ethnic distribution in different occupations, including the public services in Ghana too. As I told George, the figures show that by 1975, his own ethnic group, the Gas, proportionately have more of their people in higher govt. positions than any other ethnic group in Ghana! I wanted to know whether that has changed since Rawlings assumed office again on 31 Dec., 1981, less than a day to 1982. As to be expected no answer came from him.
Of course, I am aware of newer researches as that of Jeffrey, which clearly demonstrate that Rawlings has not packed higher offices with Ewes since his second coming to power. (BTW, same accusations were made during his brief first coming of 3 months too). What anyone having the pretensions to being a scholar or an intellectual should do is to read those studies and stop spreading such venomous and virulent lies which are in fact reminiscent of 1920 and '30s nazi campaigns against Jews. Or what we Africans get from anti-aliens groups and parties in Europe presently. But that is not the way of George. His is abstract empiricism! Just repeat the nonsense without bothering to cross-check!
Anyway, I can recollect that when he posted the same offending post to the Village, he had amended the offending portion about one ethnic group in Ghana dominating to a multiplicity of ethnic groups, thanks to my biting criticism of him. He left intact that simplistic level of analysis for Nigeria and Kenya, which I also objected to too. Some of you may recollect that post.
What actually is the problem? Is that "perception," (actually it's nothing more than sheer, deep-seated expression of "native prejudice," - my coinage - against Ewes, which stock I belong to). Is what they now dubbed "Ewenisation" a new thing, arising after Rawlings became head of the PNDC, which PNDC and later NDC Party comprise a cross-section of Ghanaians, indeed all the political parties in Ghana for the PNDC in its early era? Far from it!
Villagers, it is the confrontation of the source of that native prejudice that recently spilt over into the Village under the title of Yaa Asantewaa.... We aren't finished yet! So let me take you back just to the late 1960s, not 1900.:-)
From Denis Austin's book, Ghana Observed (1976: 125), Manchester University Press and Africana Publishing Company, we read about the anti-Ewe hysteria prior to the election that brought Dr K.A. Busia's Progress party to power in 1969. Please bear with my long quote.
"A surprising and disagreeable novelty of the election was the extraordinary anti-Ewe sentiment that was expressed in conversation with many of those who were against Gbedemah and his party. One can explain this very strong animus not simply by a dislike of Gbedema's reappearance in political life but in relation to events after 1966 coup. Suddenly there were the soldiers and the police, and everyone bust out singing, but when the music died away it was noticed that the NLC was commanded (it seemed) by minorities: Ewe and Ga. When Ankra (a Ga) was moved out, and charges were brought over-hastily by Harlley against the Chief of the Defence Staff, Michael Otu, the evidence to many was overwhelming. It was all an Ewe plot. Soon Ghana would be run for the benefit of an energetic minority, operating first within the armed forces, and now behind Gbedemah. "Appoint an Ewe to a public corporation or to a government department and within a year the entire hierarchy down to the messenger will be Ewe. So the argument ran."
[MY COMMENTS: AS IT IS STILL RUNNING TODAY, AS SHOWN BY A PIECE ON THE WEB SITE OF THE GHANAIAN CHRONICLE I HAVE POSTED BELOW - ONE REASON FOR THE ONGOING YAA ASANTEWAA FRACAS).
"And there was always some evidence for it, since the Ewe, deprived of any natural wealth in their barren region, have for many years been energetic in seizing the opportunities of public employment, including positions in the army and police, which wealthier communities (like the Akan) did not wish to occupy. In practice, looking through the list of senior officers in government departments and the public corporations, the evidence is certainly not clear of any Ewe domination: it could hardly be so in view of their number. (MY COMMENT: JUST ABOUT 13 % OF GHANA'S POP.). But a belief does not, of course have to be true for people to hold it fervently.
Now there is an Akan-dominated government of an Akan-dominated society. Were I to become, by some improbable change of fate, leader of the governing party I would be much less apprehensive of my Ewe opponents in front than of the large and expectant following behind. I would be fearful too of the ambitions of those now excluded from power, remembering the Songs of Innocence that:
The strongest poison ever known
Came from Caesar's laurel crown".
Here we end the extended quote!
Wise words indeed! But were the reactionary PP members told then, they would not have paid any heed. After assuming power, after a coup in which some Ewe officers played dominant roles, they set out to dismiss mostly Ewes, some few Gas and others known to be sympathetic to the banned CPP from their posts. They did not last even 2 years in office! I can comment deeper on the above quote, since my own father was one key person who gave evidence. And there was plenty to tell, since the charges were true. Hope the official documents of the hearing in camera should now be declassified to stop future speculation. I was big enough to know what was happening then, right from the 1966 coup. My own father, being the most qualified around, was persuaded to forego confirmation for a post he had been acting in for years under the CPP regime (the CPP big-wigs thought only whites could hold the post!), just to allow a Ga to assume it. It was indeed a case of jobs for the boys all over again! So there was some sort of Affirmative Action going on to allow newly qualified Akans and others to also assume posts they did not formerly want. I suffered same fate with another Ewe friend too before, in our seeking a simple vacation job! And to think an Ewe, a father to a dormitory mate in school was in charge of the recruitment! But he explained, and we accepted, that even though far better qualified, they must take some others too, or they'd be hearing complaints again!
Unfortunately, they (PP, now NPP cohorts) have not learned anything from their past folly and are condemned to the political wilderness, raining insults on all and sundry. Most Ghanaians don't trust them any longer.
Anyway, some of us said enough is enough with this ethnic demonisation, while we are not even enjoying the fruits of office. Our region ranks among the lowest on the development ladder, a permanent position of "Number 9" among 10!:-) We gonna respond and do you in proper, exposing you down to your fathers and mentally warped ancestors who passed on to you those kinds of native prejudice; not better than those held by white supremacists we have come to know in our sojourn among white people.
After all, some of us know that white supremacist ideas had origins from ideas held by the incestuous ancient Egyptians about other peoples! The demon in our midst is our own creation! Let us deal with it right from our homes! To UNIFY any people in a meaningful way, some would have to be made to drop their feelings of superiority and prejudices they hold about others within the same group. Period!
I think Rawlings has done enough to remove that image from the eyes of the mass of Ghanaians. In 1966, Kotoka would have been quite unacceptable to most non-Ewe Ghanaians as Head of State. That's why Ankrah was brought out of retirement to be head of the NLC. After all, by 1966, Ewes were just "Ayigbe dzorlor," i.e., "Ayigbe thieves," the pejorative term you Gas had coined for us Ewes, George. And I did not hear crying "you've changed meter band to Number 9," at the sound of Ewe when last in Ghana. We'd get to the bottom of all this, just wait long enough!
Please find below a "modern" version of the Ewes are dominating us hysteria. Make up you own mind about the import of the purported letter to the "Chronicle."
>Date: Wed, 17 Jun 1998 21:17:28 +0200
>To: Okyeame@africaonline.com
>From: Andy Kwawukume
>Subject: Tribal Conspiracy at Wesley College?
>Cc: africa_think_tank@databack.com,
>Sender:owner-Okyeame@africaonline.com
Folks,
As you can see, they are still at it, the T-mongers! By their words, we shall know them!
As an Ewe, as you all know of course, I have said no to this kind of
demonisation. I have renounced the "si kpi kpowo" (don't mind them)
mentality which our elders brought us up with, and is out to confront bare hands, if need be, all who think they have grievances against Ewes.
That this should be happening within a church organisation is even more pathetic.
Andy Kwawukume
Norway
> Tribal Conspiracy At Wesley College
>
> In the November 11, 1997 issue of the "Free Press", Mr. A. Bosompem Boaboduro wrote inter alia:
> "That is the reason why a place becomes Ewenized in no time, the moment you put one Ewe there."
>
> In this write-up we intend to prove why and how there has been a
>conspiracy to subject Ashantis to humiliation, in Wesley College and as a>result Ewenize the college. We know that at the end of it all we will be accused of fanning tribalism, but we are sure that whoever reads this article carefully and objectively will sympathise with us, the students of Wesley College and particularly the Ashantis among us.
>
> When a little over two years ago it became necessary for the then
>Principal of Wesley College, Rev. Kofi Amponsah to retire from the Ghana Education Service, it became necessary for the Methodist Church to recommend somebody to replace him.
>
> Also in 1984 when Rev. Brew-Riverson left the college as principal, two people, Rev. Kofi Amponsah and Rev. M. O. Antwi vied for the post of principal of the college. Rev. Kofi Amponsah eventually got the post and Rev. M. O. Antwi was appointed General Manager of Methodist Schools. Now as General Manager, Rev. M. O. Antwi became the Appointing Officer when Rev. Amponsah was to be replaced as the principal of the college in 1996.
>
> It was at this stage that the conspiracy began. Apparently Rev. M. O. Antwi was peeved because in 1984 an Ashanti was appointed to the post of principal of the college, now that he was the Appointing Officer, he decided to "show" Ashantis, who he had thought, manouvred to side-step him in favour of Rev. Amponsah.
>
> It is pertinent to note that even though in June 1996, a date was fixed for an interview to select a principal for the college, long before the interview many people in GES circles knew that Rev. Ametefe would be the principle of the college. This, the General Manager was capable of doing, because as the Appointing Officer, he was in a position to advise whatever panel conducted the interview on whom to appoint. So eventually Rev. Ametefe got the post after a farce of an interview had been conducted.
>
> Now after Rev. Ametefe had got the post of principal, the scene was set to "show" the Ashantis. In less than two years as Principal of Wesley College, Rev. Ametefe's administration has been so fraught with tribalism and mal-administration that if nothing is done about the situation, Wesley College will lose its glory as one of the best training colleges in Ghana.
>
> Now let me enumerate a few examples of tribalism and poor
>administration under Rev Ametepe. A few months after taking over the
>administration of the college, he declared that he could not work any more with the domestic bursar, her assistant, the college store-keeper, all Ashantis. Although, he could not assign any tangible reason for this action, he put so much pressure on the regional office that the two women were transferred from the college. Our information is that he wanted to replace those transferred with Ewes but he apparently met resistance somewhere.
>
> In furtherance of his plan to Ewenize the administrative set-up of the college, Rev. Ametefe has made the college librarian (an Ewe), Gershon Tsadidey, virtually a vice-principal of the college. All construction works are under his care.
> Obviously all these are creating tension in the college, and certainly if nothing is done about this, there will soon be an explosion on campus.
>
> We plead with the GES Directorate in Ashanti and opinion leaders in the region to do something about it. We warn that this should not be
>interpreted as merely crying wolf or making false allegations. Whoever
>doubts what we have said can conduct his own investigations to find out the truth.
Now, how can appointing a principal to a school in Ghana be the concern of some students? BTW, the Rev. Antwi is most likely an Akan too, as Antwi is a common Akan name, though there are some Ewes of Akan origins with Akan names. And there is a whole bunch of an Ewes sub-group with Ga-Fanti origins marrying with Ewes, the so-called Mina-Ewes centred around southern Togo Republic. Ewes are thus people of mixed linguistic origins, not any single tribal group from the past. Our eventual homeland became the so-called Slave Coast, as some of you surely know already. But that is quite another story, even though it is much a part of the reason for the formation of what I've dubbed "native prejudice" against us by non-Ewe Ghanaians.
GORGORDUTOR 8 years ago
Owura Fynn and Owura Buipe I couldn't say it better. KUDOS
Owura Fynn and Owura Buipe I couldn't say it better. KUDOS
Siiba Anamzooya 8 years ago
foolish write up, u av nt change anything with dis but only trying to stire up da racism. why didnt u discribe da Ashanti`s nd da Akyim`s who are also known for being thieves and arm robbers. as far as I noe northners are r w ... read full comment
foolish write up, u av nt change anything with dis but only trying to stire up da racism. why didnt u discribe da Ashanti`s nd da Akyim`s who are also known for being thieves and arm robbers. as far as I noe northners are r way betta Dan dis Ashanti`s who doesnt noe anything apart frm envying other tribes here by insults. Dwarfs wid low dignity.
EWE PRIEST 8 years ago
an opportunity for u to bring ur point-ok.NO-INSULTs at this stage.
an opportunity for u to bring ur point-ok.NO-INSULTs at this stage.
Kwshigah Selorm 8 years ago
Great thought! Tribalism and ethnocentrism are two sides of the same coin. This has become the order of the day. If you are not from a particular family or tribe, you are automatically disqualified to work or serve at some wo ... read full comment
Great thought! Tribalism and ethnocentrism are two sides of the same coin. This has become the order of the day. If you are not from a particular family or tribe, you are automatically disqualified to work or serve at some work places, even at public places sometimes! Sensitive positions which should have been occupied by professionals are being sacrificed for money! How can this nation develop when a chunk of those who lead are greedy, selfish and what have you? We refuse to think in line with the current century. We are educated, yet illiterates! Let us learn to create our generational wealth genuinely. Only then can this country touch the light of development.
Kobby 8 years ago
Siiba i think you should rather say Asantes are embodiment of every negative thing in ghanaian society. We thank you because in that shows how jealous you are towards them.
Siiba i think you should rather say Asantes are embodiment of every negative thing in ghanaian society. We thank you because in that shows how jealous you are towards them.
irrepressible fireman 8 years ago
Northern is not a tribe,we have over twenty tribes in the north,however I agreed perfectly with you,thank u ,tribalism does not put food on the table ,doesn't pay children school fees,I am telling those who are doing that to ... read full comment
Northern is not a tribe,we have over twenty tribes in the north,however I agreed perfectly with you,thank u ,tribalism does not put food on the table ,doesn't pay children school fees,I am telling those who are doing that to get a life n stop that vagrancy
True Ghanaman 8 years ago
"For the average Ghanaian, a person hailing from the Volta region is evil and mischievous, the Fante man is lazy, while anyone from the North has issues with cleanliness." So who then is the average Ghanaian Mr Fynn if it is ... read full comment
"For the average Ghanaian, a person hailing from the Volta region is evil and mischievous, the Fante man is lazy, while anyone from the North has issues with cleanliness." So who then is the average Ghanaian Mr Fynn if it is not all of these people you've already enumerated? Or are you insinuating that the average Ghanaian is Asante whom you've conveniently left out? I am proudly Ghanaian, more so because I see Ghanaians of all our different ethnicities jell very well in work places, schools, markets, parties to name but a few. What is Fynn talking about? We must celebrate our achievements and stop the unnecessary negative hypes.
SCHEMER 8 years ago
Did Mr Fynn tell you which tribe he belongs? Out of the over fifty tribes in Ghana he willfully mentioned three. Why are you so irritated by his not mentioning Asantes? Why not Brongs, Wassas, Lartehs, Gas, Sefwis etc? If you ... read full comment
Did Mr Fynn tell you which tribe he belongs? Out of the over fifty tribes in Ghana he willfully mentioned three. Why are you so irritated by his not mentioning Asantes? Why not Brongs, Wassas, Lartehs, Gas, Sefwis etc? If you doubt or have reservation about Mr Fynn's masterpiece, well I hate to tell you that your comment clearly confirms his observations. Albeit, you are yourself suffering from inferiority complex.
If you do not know, I am telling you today that Kumasi is the hub of inter-tribal co-existent city in Ghana. Go make your own investigations if you really stand for the truth. Leave Mr Fynn alone for he has said it all.
Joojo Jnr. FNT 8 years ago
Tell him Schemer, could he have mentioned all the tribes in Ghana? Everything Mr Fynn said is true to the core. That is the perception out there about those mentioned tribes and more. It is the unquestionable duty of every we ... read full comment
Tell him Schemer, could he have mentioned all the tribes in Ghana? Everything Mr Fynn said is true to the core. That is the perception out there about those mentioned tribes and more. It is the unquestionable duty of every well meaning Ghanaian to take it upon him/her self to educate the masses that such, will take us no where. He didn't mention Krobos, Damgbes, Guans, Kwahus, Akyims, Nzemas and the list goes on. By singling out Asantes as his bone of contention confirms what you told him. He is clearly suffering from the complex where asantes are concerned. Am Fanti living in Kumasi and have no problem with my hosts or other tribes. Lets learn to respect one another tribe and culture in order to build a prosperous peaceful Ghana.
yaa dua 8 years ago
Joojo, is it really true the fante nan is lazy. The writer knows not what he is talking about.
Joojo, is it really true the fante nan is lazy. The writer knows not what he is talking about.
Divine 8 years ago
Yaa Dua, I guess that is exactly what Joojo was talking about, PERCEPTION. Until we decide to change our attitude towards one another, we cannot develop as a nation with one people with a common destiny. There's no need insul ... read full comment
Yaa Dua, I guess that is exactly what Joojo was talking about, PERCEPTION. Until we decide to change our attitude towards one another, we cannot develop as a nation with one people with a common destiny. There's no need insulting Joojo as foolish.
Empty bottle makes the most noice 8 years ago
I strongly agree with ur observations of which every well meaning Ghanaian wouldn't deny what ur saying,n it has also been my observation for quite some time now, it has eaten so deep inside that we even fail to appreciate n ... read full comment
I strongly agree with ur observations of which every well meaning Ghanaian wouldn't deny what ur saying,n it has also been my observation for quite some time now, it has eaten so deep inside that we even fail to appreciate n recognise whatever our opponents do simply because they don't belong to our tribe j therefore they must not be encouraged or direct because if we do that credit will be given to our opponents,ghana is not poor but our attitude towards each other is ripping the country apart,thats is the biggest disease in Ghana
Comment 250 8 years ago
Ignorant people use tribe to their advantage and to the disadvantage of others. Is it time to copy the Nigerian Federal system?
Ignorant people use tribe to their advantage and to the disadvantage of others. Is it time to copy the Nigerian Federal system?
Kofi 8 years ago
No,it is rather the educated ones who bask in tribalism. Nigeria is a very bad example,from their bogus federal structure to tribal and religious affiliations. May be, you have heard of Nigeria but you have never actually liv ... read full comment
No,it is rather the educated ones who bask in tribalism. Nigeria is a very bad example,from their bogus federal structure to tribal and religious affiliations. May be, you have heard of Nigeria but you have never actually lived there or been there.
JB Mann 8 years ago
You really don't know what you are talking about because Nigeria with over 200 languages has MORE tribal problems than Ghana has.
Meanwhile let me correct you that there is nothing like Nigerian federal system, which we mu ... read full comment
You really don't know what you are talking about because Nigeria with over 200 languages has MORE tribal problems than Ghana has.
Meanwhile let me correct you that there is nothing like Nigerian federal system, which we must copy. You could have put it "It is time to go federal"
Zoo 8 years ago
I agree the Nigeria Federal system,but only war can bring peace in Ghana
I agree the Nigeria Federal system,but only war can bring peace in Ghana
Albert Viala 8 years ago
there's no need to assess every word of his statement. it is the good message it carries that must concern us. Good piece there @Patrick
there's no need to assess every word of his statement. it is the good message it carries that must concern us. Good piece there @Patrick
Kwame 8 years ago
Tribalism and ethnocentrism is the weapon that is being used by the imperialist to destroy nations from India, Afghanistan, Yugoslavia, Sudan, Libya, Mali, Syria and Ukraine.
Tribalism and ethnocentrism is the weapon that is being used by the imperialist to destroy nations from India, Afghanistan, Yugoslavia, Sudan, Libya, Mali, Syria and Ukraine.
Jon Jay USA 8 years ago
This is the first time in a long time that I have read anything sensible on Ghanaweb. I wonder why Ghanaweb does not have more articles like this. Please disregard the idiotic comments by those illiterates. Kudos!
This is the first time in a long time that I have read anything sensible on Ghanaweb. I wonder why Ghanaweb does not have more articles like this. Please disregard the idiotic comments by those illiterates. Kudos!
K. B. 8 years ago
Good piece worth reading: we are Ghanaians and I think that is enough to keep us united. Tribalism won't send us any where.
Good piece worth reading: we are Ghanaians and I think that is enough to keep us united. Tribalism won't send us any where.
Efua 8 years ago
I agree with you JB Mann, time to go federal
I agree with you JB Mann, time to go federal
John,Tema 8 years ago
I agree with you 100%,going federal will force those regions who are not resourceful work hard instead of always voting for one particular party just to rely on the state.
I agree with you 100%,going federal will force those regions who are not resourceful work hard instead of always voting for one particular party just to rely on the state.
Kwapps 8 years ago
Mr Fynn, I'll even go one step further in advocating it's inclusion into the school curriculum. The only way to reduce the effect of this cancerous tumour in the fabric of society is to be open about it until everyone is awar ... read full comment
Mr Fynn, I'll even go one step further in advocating it's inclusion into the school curriculum. The only way to reduce the effect of this cancerous tumour in the fabric of society is to be open about it until everyone is aware by rote it's destructive nature. Then and only then can we limit it's effect on society. Without identifying and admitting it as a problem, finding effective solutions to it will become very difficult indeed. (By the way, I'm a fan of Christopher Hitchens:)
ZED 8 years ago
They have built NDC around illiteracy and massive anti akanism so even though ewes and northerners are soooooooooooo poor they still approve of NDC thievery throughgGYEEDA SUBAH FAKE JUDGEMENT DEBTS etc are........ Buffoons
They have built NDC around illiteracy and massive anti akanism so even though ewes and northerners are soooooooooooo poor they still approve of NDC thievery throughgGYEEDA SUBAH FAKE JUDGEMENT DEBTS etc are........ Buffoons
David 8 years ago
THE VOLTA REGION IS NOT ONE OF THE POOR 4 REGIONS. WHAT MAKES EWES POOR.? AM AN EWE AND AM NOT POOR. IGUESS I CAN EMPLOY YOU
THE VOLTA REGION IS NOT ONE OF THE POOR 4 REGIONS. WHAT MAKES EWES POOR.? AM AN EWE AND AM NOT POOR. IGUESS I CAN EMPLOY YOU
Sethoo 8 years ago
Shut up your English grammar even exposes you to be very poor,you're probably the son of an unemployed Ewe mason with a Yoke Gari seller.
Shut up your English grammar even exposes you to be very poor,you're probably the son of an unemployed Ewe mason with a Yoke Gari seller.
Kwapps 8 years ago
Sethoo, your attitude is exactly what this writer is referring to. You look down your nose at other tribes yet you kick up fuss and call the white man a racist!
Sethoo, your attitude is exactly what this writer is referring to. You look down your nose at other tribes yet you kick up fuss and call the white man a racist!
Face 8 years ago
What can we expect from a Kumasi man? Tribalim is deep in his genes
What can we expect from a Kumasi man? Tribalim is deep in his genes
ZED 8 years ago
35 million dollars stolen for woyome, NDC FINANCIER and friend of attamills, 94 million euros stolen for CP,..... ETC..... imagine total of over one billion dollars paid in fake judgment debts........ Only for Ghana to go aro ... read full comment
35 million dollars stolen for woyome, NDC FINANCIER and friend of attamills, 94 million euros stolen for CP,..... ETC..... imagine total of over one billion dollars paid in fake judgment debts........ Only for Ghana to go around begging for 600 million dollars to fix Accra drains....... Now lack of drains cost us EXCRUCIATING DEATHS THRO Floods, fuel and fire......... Punishment from God, for NDC massive thievery?....... ide biiiii keke thieves ide biiiii keke thieves ide biiiii keke thieves
Bolga STRONGMAN.... 8 years ago
you call your ugly and smallish structure as rich but you still look smallish and malnourished compare to the healthy looking EWES and NORTHERN you bloody fool call poor people;
you call your ugly and smallish structure as rich but you still look smallish and malnourished compare to the healthy looking EWES and NORTHERN you bloody fool call poor people;
Leo Sam 8 years ago
Congratulations to Patrick for this article.
As a secondary school teacher, I have had the opportunity to deal with students from all the major ethnic groups in Ghana - Gas, Dagombas Ewes, Asantes, Fantses, Nzemas, etc. I ... read full comment
Congratulations to Patrick for this article.
As a secondary school teacher, I have had the opportunity to deal with students from all the major ethnic groups in Ghana - Gas, Dagombas Ewes, Asantes, Fantses, Nzemas, etc. I have also taken the time to follow the progress of these students through their tertiary educational progress. Many of them have become very successful professionals.
To me this shows that Ethnicity does NOT determine INTELLIGENCE.
Ghanaians of any ethnic group that look down on other ethnic groups should examine themselves critically.
Wisdom is not confined to any special ethnic group in Ghana. I am Fantse by birth, I was brought up by an Ewe man. who married my aunt. Ispent most of my life in Obuasi, Ashanti.
TRIBALISM IS A DISEASE, which Ghanaians must try to get rid of if progress and development will occur in our beloved country.
lsam@interbaun.com
Edmonton, Canada
Yaw Yeboah 8 years ago
Incompetence, Corruption & wasteful use of natural resources is holding back Ghana's development. Since 1957, nearly all of the 10 Regions have occupied either the position of Prime Minister, President or Vice President. Mini ... read full comment
Incompetence, Corruption & wasteful use of natural resources is holding back Ghana's development. Since 1957, nearly all of the 10 Regions have occupied either the position of Prime Minister, President or Vice President. Ministers of State have hailed from all of the 10 Regions since 1957 (including the Northern & Volta Regions)therefore, how can anyone seriously use tribalism as a reason for Ghana's lack of development? Greed, corruption, incompetence, laziness & selfishness are the main causes of Ghana's lack of development and not tribalism.
Yaw Yeboah 8 years ago
The Asante people are often accused of being arrogant & tribalistic. However, if this is the case why are large numbers of other Akans & other ethnic groups (e.g. Ewe, Ga's & Northerners), happy to settle in the Ashanti Regio ... read full comment
The Asante people are often accused of being arrogant & tribalistic. However, if this is the case why are large numbers of other Akans & other ethnic groups (e.g. Ewe, Ga's & Northerners), happy to settle in the Ashanti Region? Could it be that the Asante people are in fact more tolerant & welcoming than other ethnic groups?
A Richard 8 years ago
Tribalism is not the problem our is lack of development if each and every part of the Country have been developed nobody will disregard other people or Tribe as inferior. Even among we Ashantis we regard ... read full comment
Tribalism is not the problem our is lack of development if each and every part of the Country have been developed nobody will disregard other people or Tribe as inferior. Even among we Ashantis we regard other Ashantis from the same region as inferior for example some one who is a Kwabre overlook other Ashantis as he is more Superior because he or she comes from Kumasi area.So please let develop every part of Ghana so that we can bring a smile to everyone in the Country and I have the that Tribalism will come down a bit.
MAWULIAN 8 years ago
Thanks
You said it all.
Thanks
You said it all.
Yiadom 8 years ago
You are lying. This is pure mischief and I bet my last pesewa that you are not an Asante. The word "Villager" is largely used by Asantes to describe a person who is uncivilized. An Asante will call you a villager only when yo ... read full comment
You are lying. This is pure mischief and I bet my last pesewa that you are not an Asante. The word "Villager" is largely used by Asantes to describe a person who is uncivilized. An Asante will call you a villager only when you behave as such and not because of where you come from. You can spew your own lies and believe them but that won't change the fact that Asantes are the most hospitable people you can ever find.
We do not discriminate. But unlike some of you who hide their feelings but have so much hatred, the average Asante does not care about his own,let alone waste his time hating other tribes. But I will be frank to say that we do not suffer fools gladly hence our sharp tongue.
If you want to be objective just reflect on the common arguments most of you make when your decision to vote for NDC is called into question. It is always about "Asantes look down on us", "Asantes insult us", "Asantes are arrogant" and what have you. Even some of you were told by the evil NDC that Northerners and Ewes will be chased back to their origins should NPP ever come to power. We Asantes on the other hand don't vote because of flimsy tribal sentiments. We rather make sustainable arguments on competence! I challenge you all to go and check the facts. Why, Gen. Achaempong was rejected by Asantes even though he was an Asante! What about you? You endorsed and sacrificed your conscience for Rawlings even when you knew of his many crimes against your fellow Ghanaians all because he came from your tribe! If that is not the highest form of tribalism, then I don't know what is.
I suggest you get closer to a few Asantes so you can get your facts right instead of listening to some trash from people who are bent on mischief just because they suffer from low self esteem.
okofo 8 years ago
What this writer failed to mention was that, all the tribes he used in his analysis as being looked down upon, also have their OWN WAY of putting down other tribes he did not even bother to mention.
When writing on human ... read full comment
What this writer failed to mention was that, all the tribes he used in his analysis as being looked down upon, also have their OWN WAY of putting down other tribes he did not even bother to mention.
When writing on human issue of this kind, it's imperative that one employs OBJECTIVITY for readers to make sense and fair judgement of the issue at stake.
EWE PRIEST 8 years ago
Right after the INDEPENDENCE,GHANA was then ONE NATION,WITH ONE PEOPLE and ONE DESTINY.Work and Happiness,FORWARD EVER IN STRONG ECONOMY-right. After NKRUMAH, it was ONLY THE EWE PLOT,OH YES THE EWE PLOT and HATRED that has N ... read full comment
Right after the INDEPENDENCE,GHANA was then ONE NATION,WITH ONE PEOPLE and ONE DESTINY.Work and Happiness,FORWARD EVER IN STRONG ECONOMY-right. After NKRUMAH, it was ONLY THE EWE PLOT,OH YES THE EWE PLOT and HATRED that has NOW Divided this country.NO COUP PLOT without an EWE,KOTOKA-RAWLINGS.See MAHAMA,surrounded himself with only tribesmen just like J.J.RAWLINGS DID ONLY Voltarains in any high office. what do expect again? TRIBALISM shld die overnight? Look,High Tech are the Americans with strong ECO,and like all NATIONS of strong ECO,TENSTIONS and Tribalism ARE ALWAYS OVER LOOKED. MAHAMAs ECO-MESS HAS SURELY BROUGHT MORE DIVISIONS AND IT WOULD EVEN GET WORSE AS THERE ARE NO JOBS + DUMSOR.NOW straight to the POINT that AHSANTIS ARE VERY VERY TRIBALISTIC of all the AKANS right,THE Truth is EWES are WORSE.North is NOT BETTER either. dont u see that? Dont u see there is something wrong somewhere? See THE Fantis, bcos of COLLEGES & EDUCATION, EMBRASSES ALL TRIBES and is probably the ONLY Swing State in the country.As of now,TELL ur POLITICIANS to TONE Down and DO MORE WORK TO BRIDGE the GAPS.
AKRANTIE-BINI-EATER 8 years ago
Stop talking Shit. Was Achaempong the coup maker an Ewe? Osei Poku, Yeboah Arthur and Afrifa are all Ewes?-Rat Shit Eater like you.
Stop talking Shit. Was Achaempong the coup maker an Ewe? Osei Poku, Yeboah Arthur and Afrifa are all Ewes?-Rat Shit Eater like you.
Yaw Yeboah 8 years ago
Since 1957, the following persons have ruled Ghana:
Dr Kwame Nkrumah (Western Region), Major General Kotaka (Volta Region), Lieutenant-General Joseph Ankrah (Greater Accra), Brigadier Akwasi Afrifa (Ashanti), Dr Kofi Busi ... read full comment
Since 1957, the following persons have ruled Ghana:
Dr Kwame Nkrumah (Western Region), Major General Kotaka (Volta Region), Lieutenant-General Joseph Ankrah (Greater Accra), Brigadier Akwasi Afrifa (Ashanti), Dr Kofi Busia (Brong-Ahafo), Edward Akufo-Addo (Eastern Region),General Acheampong (Asante), Lieutenant General Akuffo (Eastern Region), Flight Lieutenant Jerry Rawlings (Volta Region), Hilla Limann (Upper West Region), John Kufuor (Ashanti Region), John Evans Atta Mills (Central Region) & John Mahama (Northern Region). The following persons have served as Vice President: Joseph de Graft Johnson (Central Region), Ekow Arkaah (Central Region), John Atta Mills (Central Region), Alhaji Aliu Mahama (Northern Region) & Kwesi Amissah Arthur (Central Region).
The Upper East Region is the only area (out of the 10 Regions of Ghana), that has not provided a Head of State or a Vice- President. Therefore, it is completely misleading to claim that tribalism is the reason for the lack of development in Ghana.
We have never been one 8 years ago
We are not one. Cut thre Crap! This is what you get when Europeans put imaginary lines around nations that had nothing in common and called them African countries.
What is common between a Fanti and Dagomba with respec ... read full comment
We are not one. Cut thre Crap! This is what you get when Europeans put imaginary lines around nations that had nothing in common and called them African countries.
What is common between a Fanti and Dagomba with respect to tradition and way of life???
Nothing at all!
We do not have to be one to develop. We don't have to be friends in a team before we can achieve a goal.
Cut the crap.
Yaw Yeboah 8 years ago
The Akan people form the majority ethnic group in the following Regions of Ghana: Ashanti, Brong, Eastern, Western & Central. Which is half of the number of Regions in the country. Close cultural & religious links also exist ... read full comment
The Akan people form the majority ethnic group in the following Regions of Ghana: Ashanti, Brong, Eastern, Western & Central. Which is half of the number of Regions in the country. Close cultural & religious links also exist in the Northern, Upper East & Upper West Regions. Therefore, please cut your crap. Ghana is and will remain one nation.
C.Y. ANDY-K 8 years ago
I am sick and tired of either reading or hearing the [amorphous[ Akan ethnic group being referred to as the majority ethnic group in Ghana. Simple or absolute majority? From that, all kinds of suppositions are deduced, e.g., ... read full comment
I am sick and tired of either reading or hearing the [amorphous[ Akan ethnic group being referred to as the majority ethnic group in Ghana. Simple or absolute majority? From that, all kinds of suppositions are deduced, e.g., they the Akan majority must be ruling Ghana, etc., etc. How deluded can they get?
The fact that the Akan ethnic group all together is the largest ethnic group doesn't make them an absolute majority group, since their population, even though growing faster than others, is not yet over 50% of the pop. of Ghana. It is about 47% at the moment, from 44% some years back. The other ethnic groups put together therefore constitute the majority of Ghana's population!
Anyway, until the Bonduku Conference of 1974, so decided, all of them were not officially referred to as Akan. Distinct linguistic groups such as Nzema and Chokosi were not even grouped as Akan.
Andy-K
Benneygoodman 8 years ago
The writer got a point but not the main cause of the division to which Ghana as a country going through at the moment. A vital point missing from the article and that is trust. Reason Nkrumah United Ghana and almost united Af ... read full comment
The writer got a point but not the main cause of the division to which Ghana as a country going through at the moment. A vital point missing from the article and that is trust. Reason Nkrumah United Ghana and almost united Africa was that Nkrumah was an Honest man and a man who had the Country Ghana and Africa,s interest at heart despite political difference. No man is indispensable and Nkrumah was no difference to making mistakes just like any other person, leader etc etc. We as Ghanaians are lacking trust in every length and breath of our nation which has developed into hatred and onself for fear of being hurt one way or the other. Racism and tribalism has been there for years as an empire among other empires such as the Mali and Songhai and what happened finally conquered by Sundiata keita of the Mali Empire.Lack of appreciation is another factor in that instead of appreciating someones effort of great achievement we turn into jealousy seeking destruction by all means necessary and this has made people to distrust one another and this is where division comes into the equation. Today in order to guarantee safety one has to belong to a group of faction or society and there are certain individuals who have no interest in any of the above mentioned and chooses to abstain with less involvement which could be seen as racism or refusing to accept others or looking down on them as so called which has got nothing to do with disunity, tribalism or racism but its just a matter of trust which i think vast majority of people will agree with me. What we need is change of heart and the need to love and trust which without could never bring to an end this problem of divisions that has engulfed our nation time after time.
Philomena ADI 8 years ago
while npp is soak in tribal acidic politics
while npp is soak in tribal acidic politics
obeng 8 years ago
am in the north now. Com n c how dagombas look down upon the konkombas. It v sad
am in the north now. Com n c how dagombas look down upon the konkombas. It v sad
The northern regions are made of different tribes. Get that right.
Ethnocentrism won't go away overnight. Effective management of the economy is what will make people love themselves & appreciate diversity. This is evident in the U.S. Complaining about ethnocentrism won't change anything, at ...
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While tribalism like racism does not easily go away because it is in social DNA, these ills have a way of going into remission under strong leadership. America can never lead the world in ending racism because racism is enshr ...
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All these name callings and political cat-calls you are exhibiting here have tribal connotations as well, but you might be oblivious of it. Tribalism starts with you!! And it can be stopped by you!!
Mr Fynn has hit the nail right where it should be. Every single ethnic group in Ghana finds another tribe to ridicule and despise.
The Akans in general see people of northern extraction as uncivilized and low class. Among t ...
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Inusah, I find your comment very wholesome and that makes you an objective person.
Over the days, after publishing this piece I've been dismayed by the amateur comments people have made, showing how they are quick you reac ...
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Why do you conveniently leave out the example of Asantes?
Asante man born 100 yards away from the Asantehene Palace thinks he is better than the one born 1 mile away from the palace. The one born 1 mile away from from the p ...
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What about Anglos and Ayigbes? How do the see themselves? Get it through your thick head that we Asantes don't have differences in our tribe. We speak one language and not dialect as in Volta where you speak Ayigbe and Anglo. ...
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Dont take offense. It is a fact that the derogatory names Asantes assigned to others are numerous. Even in UK I heard them saying the equivalent of "These sugar-cane type people" to Jamaicans.
EBLUTOR= is no insult in Ewe ...
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Did you understand my education on "PEPENI and NTAFUOR?" It is also not an insult. I've lived in Ho near Asigame, opposite Doris Day Restaurant in a Police rental quarters. Severally i heard them say EBLUTOR MENYOW! To wit, a ...
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I read these pages frequently. To you, PEPENI is not an insult, but MOST people who use it here against Mahama are NOT using it to praise him. You also ignore my point that Asantes actually treat each other badly with insults ...
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Buddy I will let go because i believe we've both learned something here even though you failed to answer some pertinent questions. I personally don't believe its where one comes from that makes him/her inferior or if you wish ...
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HOW SOME “EWES” BECAME PART OF PRESENT GHANA
To say that one is sick and tired of reading ignorant utterances about how “Ewes” were given the chance to join Ghana by Nkrumah from patently jaundiced and bloody-minde ...
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I am afraid the writer has mixed two different manifestations and write about them as if they were same. Fact is, ethnocentrism and tribalism describe two different phenomena.
Whereas he is apt in describing the manifesta ...
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If you think, erroneously, that Akans are the bad ones ask yourself why the top ranking officers of the army, police, immigration, customs, government,civil service etc are dominated by Ewes and Northners. Since Rawlings' era ...
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Yes, you are right but only to a point. Ewes and Northerners are over-represented in the military but it has BEEN so from the British colonial days. Remember Brigadier Michel and Brigadeir Bawa?
Asantes just dont like to jo ...
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I see a lot of ignorance and hypocrisy being here. In view of that, I am once again re-posting two of my articles on the subject. This one is in response to what Prof George Ayittey wrote. I have an examination of the pre-co ...
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Owura Fynn and Owura Buipe I couldn't say it better. KUDOS
foolish write up, u av nt change anything with dis but only trying to stire up da racism. why didnt u discribe da Ashanti`s nd da Akyim`s who are also known for being thieves and arm robbers. as far as I noe northners are r w ...
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an opportunity for u to bring ur point-ok.NO-INSULTs at this stage.
Great thought! Tribalism and ethnocentrism are two sides of the same coin. This has become the order of the day. If you are not from a particular family or tribe, you are automatically disqualified to work or serve at some wo ...
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Siiba i think you should rather say Asantes are embodiment of every negative thing in ghanaian society. We thank you because in that shows how jealous you are towards them.
Northern is not a tribe,we have over twenty tribes in the north,however I agreed perfectly with you,thank u ,tribalism does not put food on the table ,doesn't pay children school fees,I am telling those who are doing that to ...
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"For the average Ghanaian, a person hailing from the Volta region is evil and mischievous, the Fante man is lazy, while anyone from the North has issues with cleanliness." So who then is the average Ghanaian Mr Fynn if it is ...
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Did Mr Fynn tell you which tribe he belongs? Out of the over fifty tribes in Ghana he willfully mentioned three. Why are you so irritated by his not mentioning Asantes? Why not Brongs, Wassas, Lartehs, Gas, Sefwis etc? If you ...
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Tell him Schemer, could he have mentioned all the tribes in Ghana? Everything Mr Fynn said is true to the core. That is the perception out there about those mentioned tribes and more. It is the unquestionable duty of every we ...
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Joojo, is it really true the fante nan is lazy. The writer knows not what he is talking about.
Yaa Dua, I guess that is exactly what Joojo was talking about, PERCEPTION. Until we decide to change our attitude towards one another, we cannot develop as a nation with one people with a common destiny. There's no need insul ...
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I strongly agree with ur observations of which every well meaning Ghanaian wouldn't deny what ur saying,n it has also been my observation for quite some time now, it has eaten so deep inside that we even fail to appreciate n ...
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Ignorant people use tribe to their advantage and to the disadvantage of others. Is it time to copy the Nigerian Federal system?
No,it is rather the educated ones who bask in tribalism. Nigeria is a very bad example,from their bogus federal structure to tribal and religious affiliations. May be, you have heard of Nigeria but you have never actually liv ...
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You really don't know what you are talking about because Nigeria with over 200 languages has MORE tribal problems than Ghana has.
Meanwhile let me correct you that there is nothing like Nigerian federal system, which we mu ...
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I agree the Nigeria Federal system,but only war can bring peace in Ghana
there's no need to assess every word of his statement. it is the good message it carries that must concern us. Good piece there @Patrick
Tribalism and ethnocentrism is the weapon that is being used by the imperialist to destroy nations from India, Afghanistan, Yugoslavia, Sudan, Libya, Mali, Syria and Ukraine.
This is the first time in a long time that I have read anything sensible on Ghanaweb. I wonder why Ghanaweb does not have more articles like this. Please disregard the idiotic comments by those illiterates. Kudos!
Good piece worth reading: we are Ghanaians and I think that is enough to keep us united. Tribalism won't send us any where.
I agree with you JB Mann, time to go federal
I agree with you 100%,going federal will force those regions who are not resourceful work hard instead of always voting for one particular party just to rely on the state.
Mr Fynn, I'll even go one step further in advocating it's inclusion into the school curriculum. The only way to reduce the effect of this cancerous tumour in the fabric of society is to be open about it until everyone is awar ...
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They have built NDC around illiteracy and massive anti akanism so even though ewes and northerners are soooooooooooo poor they still approve of NDC thievery throughgGYEEDA SUBAH FAKE JUDGEMENT DEBTS etc are........ Buffoons
THE VOLTA REGION IS NOT ONE OF THE POOR 4 REGIONS. WHAT MAKES EWES POOR.? AM AN EWE AND AM NOT POOR. IGUESS I CAN EMPLOY YOU
Shut up your English grammar even exposes you to be very poor,you're probably the son of an unemployed Ewe mason with a Yoke Gari seller.
Sethoo, your attitude is exactly what this writer is referring to. You look down your nose at other tribes yet you kick up fuss and call the white man a racist!
What can we expect from a Kumasi man? Tribalim is deep in his genes
35 million dollars stolen for woyome, NDC FINANCIER and friend of attamills, 94 million euros stolen for CP,..... ETC..... imagine total of over one billion dollars paid in fake judgment debts........ Only for Ghana to go aro ...
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you call your ugly and smallish structure as rich but you still look smallish and malnourished compare to the healthy looking EWES and NORTHERN you bloody fool call poor people;
Congratulations to Patrick for this article.
As a secondary school teacher, I have had the opportunity to deal with students from all the major ethnic groups in Ghana - Gas, Dagombas Ewes, Asantes, Fantses, Nzemas, etc. I ...
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Incompetence, Corruption & wasteful use of natural resources is holding back Ghana's development. Since 1957, nearly all of the 10 Regions have occupied either the position of Prime Minister, President or Vice President. Mini ...
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The Asante people are often accused of being arrogant & tribalistic. However, if this is the case why are large numbers of other Akans & other ethnic groups (e.g. Ewe, Ga's & Northerners), happy to settle in the Ashanti Regio ...
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Tribalism is not the problem our is lack of development if each and every part of the Country have been developed nobody will disregard other people or Tribe as inferior. Even among we Ashantis we regard ...
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Thanks
You said it all.
You are lying. This is pure mischief and I bet my last pesewa that you are not an Asante. The word "Villager" is largely used by Asantes to describe a person who is uncivilized. An Asante will call you a villager only when yo ...
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What this writer failed to mention was that, all the tribes he used in his analysis as being looked down upon, also have their OWN WAY of putting down other tribes he did not even bother to mention.
When writing on human ...
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Right after the INDEPENDENCE,GHANA was then ONE NATION,WITH ONE PEOPLE and ONE DESTINY.Work and Happiness,FORWARD EVER IN STRONG ECONOMY-right. After NKRUMAH, it was ONLY THE EWE PLOT,OH YES THE EWE PLOT and HATRED that has N ...
read full comment
Stop talking Shit. Was Achaempong the coup maker an Ewe? Osei Poku, Yeboah Arthur and Afrifa are all Ewes?-Rat Shit Eater like you.
Since 1957, the following persons have ruled Ghana:
Dr Kwame Nkrumah (Western Region), Major General Kotaka (Volta Region), Lieutenant-General Joseph Ankrah (Greater Accra), Brigadier Akwasi Afrifa (Ashanti), Dr Kofi Busi ...
read full comment
We are not one. Cut thre Crap! This is what you get when Europeans put imaginary lines around nations that had nothing in common and called them African countries.
What is common between a Fanti and Dagomba with respec ...
read full comment
The Akan people form the majority ethnic group in the following Regions of Ghana: Ashanti, Brong, Eastern, Western & Central. Which is half of the number of Regions in the country. Close cultural & religious links also exist ...
read full comment
I am sick and tired of either reading or hearing the [amorphous[ Akan ethnic group being referred to as the majority ethnic group in Ghana. Simple or absolute majority? From that, all kinds of suppositions are deduced, e.g., ...
read full comment
The writer got a point but not the main cause of the division to which Ghana as a country going through at the moment. A vital point missing from the article and that is trust. Reason Nkrumah United Ghana and almost united Af ...
read full comment
while npp is soak in tribal acidic politics
am in the north now. Com n c how dagombas look down upon the konkombas. It v sad
the same everywhere