Mischief To Backfire - Inusah Fuseini�s Act Simply Traditional
As a typical Ghanaian, I cherish where I come from and the cultural practices and traditions. These are norms which are passed on from generation to generation. They shape our society, send strong signals about our mood and bind us.
These are simply things they may stay with us for ages to come. I have seen a video in which the Minister of Roads and Highways, Alhaji Inusah Fuseini is spotted throwing money on a musician.
The event was said to have taken place at Tamale in the Northern Region during the launch of a new album by a young Musician of northern origin, Don Sigli. The title is ‘Wontuni’ which literally means God’s gift in Dagbani.
The lyrics mainly talk about trusting Allah which many of those who graced the august occasion and of course others who will get to hear one day will identify with.
Inusah Fuseini who is also the MP for Tamale Central was offered a red carpet at the executive launch of the album. Obviously at such functions as has been with all such events, be it book launch, church harvest or any form of fund raising, the organizers expect some financial support.
Now how it is done differs depending on the traditional or cultural setting. For example across the northern belt of West Africa, from Nigeria through Ghana to the Saharawi Republic, Sub-Saharan African Muslims, during merry-making occasions shower currency notes on star persons, who sing or dance, during such programmes. This is an indigenous practice. In some jurisdictions, the amount is carefully enveloped and announced and in some cases discreetly presented.
Which ever way its done, the objective is to support a good course and in this case, a young talent to pursue a dream.
Critics especially opponents of the NDC government have put a twist on this special traditional event. Some even suggest the amount involved is over 20,000 cedis. That’s ridiculous because the video clearly exposes that lie.
In that video, the Minister elated by the powerful performance and carried away by his tradition makes his presentation and this is normal in the cultural setting, in this case Tamale. The amount according to those who were present and the organizers was not more than five hundred cedis. It was a contribution they expected. I learnt the highest amount paid for one of the CDs was 2,000 cedis.
I find the attempt to destroy the image of the Minister as unfortunate. It is an affront to the entire ethnic group who do not frown on it.
By the way has anyone been at a major event organized by people from northern origin? And in this case where politicians want to skew it, have they seen how ordinary people beat drums and follow the so called big men till they drop something? Is it common at my village in Saboba or yours in Asante Bekwai?
Politics is a serious business and you may want to exploit every situation. But in this case, go back to your archives and you will realize all the big men from former Presidents, politicians to the ordinary waakye seller with that background do it. What matters is what they really want to offer and it is much appreciated. Let’s get the record straight.
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