I published an article on Modern Ghana on the 20th October 2011 with the caption, “Are we etymologically moral at all? Re: All-die-be-die movement launched.” The article was a reaction to an article which was published by the Daily Guide on modernghana.com. The article can be found here: http://www.modernghana.com/news/356819/1/all-die-be-die-movement-launched.html Now it’s registration time and some people are being beaten and driven from registration polls. But all that I hear is NPP shouting on the radio about what NDC macho men are doing. Have they forgotten their slogan? NOTE: I do not mean a retaliation of brutality but how their words have triggered violence in Ghana. I do hereby reproduce the article once more to you and see how its reflective consequences are taking effect. Thank you for reading.
I am really shocked at the incessant pursuit of the "All-die-be-die" agenda which is swirling in the NPP. Against all arguments this agenda has no etymological morality neither it is even professional let alone reflecting the objectives of the "All die be die Movement" which has currently been launched in the Ashanti Region. Where is Ghana moving towards?
Nana Addo Danquah who first used the phrase in his campaign tours in Koforidua least taught about the influence of words and its consequences.
Etymology of All-die-be-die
I recently read an article by K. Awusabo-Asare et al. captioned, "'All die be die': obstacles to change in the face of HIV infection in Ghana." In the article, the authors outlined the origin of the word which in its broader sense saw it as an obstacle to the fight against HIV/AIDS.
The philosophical transliteration of the word will mean, "In whichever way you die, death is death." To the person who lives by this statement, death is not a matter of question. The actual sense or etymology of the phrase is not positive to a conscientious person who thinks that life has a fulfillment and therefore must be lived with care and caution.
As part of the aims of the All die be die movement as outlined in the article shall include "... to protect the country's young democracy and to project the opposition flag-bearer Nana Akufo-Addo who is credited with popularizing the 'all-die-be-die' phrase... the movement will play a crucial role in educating many Ghanaians on their civic responsibility."
In such academia world today, one could see that the target of the movement is not incongruent with the name as supposed. Something that seeks to protect the nation and to promote peace will not bear such a name. It's unethical to Ghanaian norms and values and further unprofessional in it's nature.
In the article, it was stated that, "...every Ghanaian has a responsibility to protect himself or herself in the face of intimidation and repression by political opponents, especially when the security forces, whose duty it is to protect lives of all Ghanaians look on helplessly."
I can say with all confidence that, this movement is an angry mob and seek to take vengeance by themselves "by hook or crook" because all-die-be-die. It is a conspiracy movement. They think the rules have not been fair and those responsible for settling justice have failed so it's time to promote courage in their own way.
Because of the ongoing opposition between the NPP and NDC, one needs to be very careful with words and whatever one does.
So could we trust NPP at all? Will the nobles and scholars within the NPP sit down for such a deviant movement be going on in the party? If nothing is done about this movement, am afraid to say that, the agenda to protect our young democracy is at risk. I am really disappointed in Nana Addo Danquah and his NPP.
The time has come for Ghana to move forward in the right direction. After 55 years of independence, our minds are not still fashioned professionally and artistically. Where are we going?
I will also even condemn the propaganda office within the NDC which has been caricaturing persons in unhealthy portraits. All these things are institutions which are sending the country back to its dark ages. I pray we do things professionally in its whole beauty to change the face of Africa.
The role of the judiciary
The judiciary of Ghana has actually failed Ghana. These are some of the issues that the law must deal with to prevent future catastrophes. It's about time the judiciary of Ghana begins to question some matters arising in Ghana especially those that sensitize conflict.
Ghana must live. Yes she must live!
Clifford Owusu-Gyamfi, University of Lausanne, Switzerland.