THE LIGHTER; A POEM OF CHOICE

This art work was put together one afternoon at my study desk in the Ghana Institute of Journalism campus, when I sat to revise my lecture materials. I pondered over why I seem to do all things lonely. After a long while of perceiving the beauty of creation and as I thought of my past, present and into my future, I however felt the presence of someone within and without through the tin air waves. I thus put together these statements to express the favor and love I found in my creator. The love of God has lighted my feet and taken me out of darkness and my shrouded hopes into his marvelous light.

My profound gratitude goes to the almighty God for giving me the creative knowledge to put together this piece.

I also extend my felicitations to Julius Kofi Satsi for proofreading this poem, and also to Patricia Kodjo for boosting my morale in bringing this poem out.       

THE LIGHTER

When I look through the darkness of this land

Longer with no hope at hand

In grief and in sorrow

I scrolled across the sea marrow

With flowing fruits of the waters

In my soul I felt wonders

Of knowing it's well with my soul

I saw from sparkling eyes

The dawn star in the sky

And with passion and meekness

Her glitters lighted my feet

Go search your future

With hope and patience

My star I have found.

Philip B.Tengzu, 2014.

Ghana Institute of Journalism

The hidden story of Accra pedestrians

Each day millions of people use the roads. As much as hundreds plough in their own vehicles, thousands patronize the public transport popularly known as “trotro”. Equally important group of persons on the road are the motocyclers and the bicyclers. More often than not, factions of road users who are looked down upon are the pedestrians.

This category of persons faces a hell of challenges in their daily routine. Crossing a street becomes a problem if not for the help of the traffic lights. For the zebra crossing, hmm! I’m tempted to say that they are just decorations on the street or perhaps, road users to be specific; drivers are not well enlightened on its usage.  I thought road signs are taught in driving schools and also when one goes to obtain driving license. Yea, as one would say, “Much is taught but little is learnt”.

One morning I found myself at a zebra crossing waiting patiently to cross while the vehicles were passing. Suddenly a private car stopped signaling me to cross. As curious as I was, I wanted to know who the person was, perhaps he might be my daddy, though it was impossible since my daddy owes no car, so I peeped through the window and realized he was a “white man”.

I gestured thank you and attempted to cross, but to my utmost surprise, I was staked in the middle of the road since another driver could not have that patience to wait for me to cross. As usual, I peeped through to see that impatience driver who did not emulate his fellow driver. You can guess who he was; he was a “black man”. It may sound hilarious but very serious to those who experience it.

Immediately I crossed the road, another passer-by drew closer and asked me “W’ahunu y3n bibinii suban?” in the Akan dialect meaning (have you seen the attitude of a black man?). I smiled and responded in the affirmative in support of his question. This goes to attest to the fact that black men don’t care for one another.

That wasn’t the only instance, I have faced several similar situations where “trotro” drivers will stop for pedestrians to cross but some “private” care drivers would not. 

This has left me in a state of mental battle, contemplating day and night but hasn’t got an answer to why some drivers behave in that manner.

Perhaps, all drivers in the country should be taken through a one week lecture to educate them on the importance zebra crossings and other road signs.

This however is not feasible. It’s therefore my contention that neither the police nor any institution can avert this; it’s simply our conscience and attitude. Until drivers realize its part of their God given responsibility to care about other road users, just as it is a privilege for them to sit in a car, this problem will persist.