Author: wittyadmin

A Dynasty’s Grip on Power “The hyena with a cub does not listen to the cry of a dog.” – An African Proverb. LOMÉ, Togo — In the tiny West African nation of Togo, the Gnassingbé family has held the reins of power for over half a century. Faure Gnassingbé succeeded his father, Eyadéma, in 2005. Recently, he orchestrated a constitutional overhaul that cemented his family’s control over the country’s political landscape. Shedding light on this sophisticated power play, the new constitution, approved by Togo’s parliament in 2024, transitions the country from a presidential to a parliamentary system. Under the…

Attention, world leaders! If you’re looking for a masterclass on how to run a country, book the next flight to West Africa. In an unexpected turn, Ghana and Nigeria have become the new gold standard for governance and economic success. Ghana is known as the gateway to Africa, while Nigeria is the undisputed giant of Africa. These two nations have cracked the code, transforming from challenges to champions faster than you can say “Yesu.” Buckle up because this rollercoaster of progress is about to leave the station! TWO OXY-(MORONS) While Kenya’s youth engage in so-called “successful” protests, West African economic…

Young Africans do not ever forget this: Freedom is NEVER Free! As it stands, Africa is a giant gaping hole filled with shit, and our incompetent leaders have held us hostage at the bottom of it. NB: Pardon my bluntness. This is the reason why I do not speak in public. I am a work in progress. Abstract The government’s proposed Finance Bill triggered the recent protest in Kenya. Think of it this way—the Kenyan government’s wallet is a giant Susu bank running low on coins. Therefore, they proposed a plan to collect more money from everyday purchases like bread,…

Friday mornings are always a delight, thanks to Naa Kai. She supplies me with a variety of fresh, local, high-quality fruits. What fascinates me for a high school dropout is her promptness, professionalism, and impeccable presentation of fruit baskets. But on the Thursday before the first Friday in June, Naa Kai came by the house with good news. She had a job offer as a nanny in Oman. It’s a dream come true for a girl with three younger siblings saddled with financial demands to assist her mother in raising them. The promise of a better life that lured Naa…

In the heart of West Africa, Ghana stands as a paradox: A nation where dreams are born and hopes are shattered. A Siren’s Call to the Diaspora Soul I was on a 50-minute transit at Schiphol two weeks ago. I met two strangers. My first encounter was on my way to get a latte. The lady who grabbed her coffee ahead of me in the queue spun around like a ball and whispered loudly, “You know that song?” Her smile was vast and unending as if she had found her long-lost brother. She must have heard me humming the song.…

An Akan Analogy In the ancient Akan strategy game of Oware, players sow and capture seeds. Each player starts with 24 seeds distributed evenly among their six holes. A player takes turns picking up all the seeds from one of their holes and sowing them counterclockwise. That player captures all of the last seeds and lands in an opponent’s hole with four accrued seeds. The game ends when one player has captured over half the total 48 seeds. Now, picture a version where one seed is replaced with a ticking time bomb. As nations make moves on the global stage,…

Donald J. Trump is at the centre of a criminal hush money trial. A trial that revolves around payments made to two women who claimed to have had affairs with him. The central issue is not the payments themselves but how they were recorded in financial documents and whether they were intended to influence the 2016 election outcome. This significant trial marks the first time a U.S. president has faced such charges. As a typical African, I am as equally gripped as America by the courtroom drama. A performance that continues to unfold like a Hollywood screenplay, a sex scandal,…

Dr. Akinwumi A. Adesina, President of the African Development Bank, emphasises that respect is not given but must be earned through consistent, concrete action over time (Adesina, 2023). As it stands, Africa still needs to earn that respect. It is so evident, at one point, that Donald J Trump had to simplify Africa’s schizophrenia in one word. Then the world went berserk. He still holds the unenviable record as the only global leader bold enough to say it out loud. Turning to the theme of his speech, “For the World to Respect Africa,” Dr. Akinwumi A. Adesina said, “We must…

Dear President Faye and PM Sonko, As you take the helm of Senegal, I know you both understand the magnitude of the challenges ahead. Firstly, your intentions to reduce France’s influence, especially by moving away from the CFA franc, are empowering and liberating. However, you must know that you have willingly entered the den of the most ferocious lions. A den where political elites and former colonial powers would stop at nothing to maintain their grip on power and resources. Secondly, our Narcoqueens and Godfathers, aka African political elites, view your rise as a threat to their long-established dominance. Your…

Faye’s ascent to power is no ordinary political feat. This watershed moment could redefine the very fabric of West African politics. His election is a clarion call for a new kind of leadership. One that prioritises the needs of the people over the interests of the elite and dares to challenge the entrenched power structures that have long held the region back. The Honest Polygamist In a political landscape where the truth is often obscured, Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s open acknowledgment of his two wives is a refreshing symbol of his openness. Polygamy has deep roots in African culture. Many societies…