Yaw Nsarkoh, executive vice president of Unilever Ghana/Nigeria, reminisced about a gathering that occurred nearly thirty years ago while raising concerns about the current state of leadership in the nation.
During the days of the "Magnetic Alliance for Change," Mr. Nsarkoh recalled a memorable occasion where he shared kenkey with several influential figures, including Kwaku Baako Jr, Charles Biney, Kwesi Pratt Jr, Akoto Ampaw, Stanley Blankson, and now President Nana Akufo-Addo, who was affectionately known as the "Decadent Lawyer" at the time.
According to him, the gathering took place at the President's residence in Nima, which also served as a base for prominent figures such as Kabral Blay-Amihere, Freddie Blay, and Alhaji Faal.
Yaw Nsarkoh is the Chief Operating Officer of Unilever Ghana/Nigeria.
Mr. Nsarkoh recalled with fondness the camaraderie and sense of unity among these leaders as they pursued a common goal to improve the lives of ordinary Ghanaians.
Mr. Nsarkoh recounted being at Kwesi Pratt's home the night before the Kume Preko demonstration while expressing his utmost admiration for Nana Akufo-Addo's unwavering fortitude during the turbulent demonstration.
According to him, Mr. Pratt was concerned about the possibility of violence, but on the day of the march, the leaders of the demonstration did not hesitate to demonstrate their courage and dedication.
"I was at Kwesi Pratt's home until midnight on the day Kume Preko was scheduled to occur. Kwesi was extremely concerned because they had received irrefutable evidence of an attempt to disrupt the march and place responsibility on the organisers.
"It was evident that firearms could be involved, and he described the situation in great detail. When these men arrived to lead the march, they knew it might be the last thing they ever did. "However, they showed up and led from the front," Mr. Nyarko said in a public forum on Tuesday.
In stark contrast to the present, Mr. Nsarkoh bemoaned the deafening silence of these champions of social change who were once vocal about issues that affected ordinary Ghanaians.
Illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, is wreaking havoc on the country's environment and communities, prompting the Executive Vice President to query the absence of courageous leadership.
"Where are all of these people today, when galamsey is killing us?" He inquired, "Retired?" Or just tired?"
He continued, "I do not know how many times I have asked myself, 'Where is that Akufo-Addo?'"