Author: Parameciumcaudatum

I haven’t had too many experiences with the Prince of Darkness. Nevertheless my encounters with him are memorable. Most recently, I was relaxing on the couch in my living room (hall). On a Saturday afternoon, and for some strange reason I looked straight ahead of me, into my dining room, and there he was. Standing erectly and looking directly at me. Although he was approximately twenty three feet away from where I was seated. I recognized him immediately because I had seen him before. He appeared to be tall with a muscular build. He probably took on that appearance to intimidate me. As per usual he had some straight massive horns pointing upward out of his head. I have friends who claim that they have seen Satan but each of them describes him differently. One friend saw him as an extremely beautiful angel, lying on the counter top of a rum bar, and smiling at the patrons as they drank intemperately on their way to liquor intoxication. Another friend of mine saw him as a tall, muscularly built, handsome man, dressed in a black suit. Just as when I saw him the first time, he had a tail, very long fingers and his feet looked like the hooves of a calf. When I saw him the first time approximately twenty years ago he was silent. But this time he had a warning for me. He threatened, “If you don’t stop serving God, then I will kill you.”

Predictably, I was not afraid. For as we read in scripture, “He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust.” Psalm 91:1-2. Furthermore, I was granted a vision many years ago of my own guardian angel. He was patrolling my property and my residence. He was not only armed but appeared to be clad in impenetrable armor. From the crown of his head all the way down to his feet. As he marched along in my house and around my property the whole building shook and trembled, with every step that he took. This being was no push over. So whatever Lucifer was planning to do to me, he couldn’t do it, without first passing through my divinely commissioned protector. As we are promised in scripture, “The angel of the Lord encamps all around those who fear Him, And delivers them.” Psalm 34:7.

Twenty years ago, I was a rebel against divine authority. Accordingly, when I saw Satan on my property, I knew that his presence there was portentous of some extremely serious developments. I didn’t have to wait very long either. Because within one year of his first appearance thereon, I lost my home, business, income, wife, and everything else that I owned in this world. The Lord Almighty was merciful towards me however. Since my life was spared. That’s how Lucifer rewards those who serve him. He compensates them with failure, loss, sickness and death. This time around however, I was no longer on his terrain. Therefore, his mischievous intent towards me were severely limited. Especially since he now hated me because I was serving God. In fact we are warned in scripture, “…Woe to the inhabitants of the earth and the sea! For the devil has come down to you, having great wrath, because he knows that he has a short time.” Revelation 12:12. (NKJV). Approximately one week after his most recent appearance, I was seated in the usual place on the couch in my living room. When flames started spewing out of the extension cord receptacle nearest to where I was seated. Not merely from one outlet but from two. I quickly jumped into action and pulled the plug out of that wall socket. I knew that I was in danger of being seriously burned or electrocuted.

The following day I came over to the desk nearest to my computer and started to use my desktop. After a few minutes had transpired I noticed that smoke was ascending from the back of my CPU and afterwards it just wouldn’t function. Incidentally, this is the same machine that I use periodically to write all of my articles. On Monday morning bright and early I took my desktop into The Town of Berekum. To a computer repair technician that I knew there, and discovered that the power intake motor had burned out. I paid for it’s replacement. Took it home and started using it again, only to discover on Tuesday morning that I was back at square one. Because the same thing had happened all over again. I now realized that a serious electrical problem had developed in my apartment. I called my electrician and after he came early Sunday morning. He had to spend the whole day rectifying all the shorts that had mysteriously developed in my living quarters. I had to replace three switches, three light fixtures and two sockets. I also had to throw away two extension cord receptacles and purchase new ones. Finally, I had to replace the motor at the back of my CPU, once more. I have lived long enough now to know from experience. That these things are certainly not coincidental. After all we are counselled in scripture,  “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” 1Peter 5:8 (NKJV)

During my undergraduate years in college which was also a boarding school. I encountered a demon first hand. I was lying down on my bunk bed. It was early in the morning around 2:00 A.M. The room was enveloped in darkness. I could see nothing. But I do recall someone sitting down at the foot of my bed. I experienced the depression as his weight settled on my mattress. I did nothing because for some strange reason I was neither terror struck nor was I afraid. Immediately afterwards my feet became numb. This loss of sensation rapidly proceeded up my legs, thighs and torso. Within a very short period of time I lost power in my arms and every other part of my body. I attempted to verbalize a prayer but discovered that I was dumb. At that point I begun to cry out telepathically to The Lord Almighty for help. Apparently, my thoughts penetrated His sanctuary. Immediately life gradually returned to my body as my physical paralysis was ameliorated. This instantaneous answer to my prayer was a fulfilment of a divine promise, “Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me.” Psalm 50:15. (NKJV).

My anger was immediately aroused. I lashed out at whoever happened to be there with my clenched left fist. Unfortunately however it only landed against the hard, cold, inanimate concrete wall. I felt my knuckles and they were moist. I got out of bed and switched on the ceiling light. When I looked there was blood all over the back of my left hand. At that point in time I learnt the brutal truth. That I was no match in any conflict with a demon. Since we are counselled in God’s sacred Word, “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” Ephesians 6:12. (NKJV). I know that Satan and demons are real. I have this knowledge as a result of life’s experiences. The only effective and lethal weapon against them is prayer.

Since Ghanaians know a great deal about North American and Western European cultures. They invariably attempt to exploit the vulnerabilities in those cultures. For example they know that people from those countries are usually sympathetic and generous. Therefore, they concoct a variety of hard luck stories to ensnare them. One such typical hard luck story is, “Sir, I’m hungry. I would like to purchase some food to eat. Can you help me please?” Once you are a foreigner visiting Ghana you will run into a lot of this. Some individuals might actually be in genuine need of help. Nevertheless, most of those who solicit such aid are well off, and able to provide for their own needs. Primarily because the rural areas of Ghana are predominantly agricultural communities, and there is usually an abundance of food. A certain lady whom I knew, approached me, and requested money while I was walking around in Cheribaa. My immediate and unpremeditated response was, “Do you have change for a one hundred Cedi note?” Her immediate reply was, “Yes.” I thought for a moment and asserted, “Well, if you can afford to give me change for that amount of money, then you don’t need a hand out from me.” There is a warning in scripture that might be relevant to such tactics, “The simple believes every word, But the prudent considers well his steps.” Proverbs 14:15. (NKJV).

In the City of Accra they have the uncanny ability to detect foreigners regardless of the color of their skin. Because Ghanaians come in many colors and shades. There are white, brown, yellow and black Ghanaians. But in this metropolis they use a multiplicity of approaches. A very common one is that of weaponizing small children, by using them against foreigners to solicit money. Those children are also extremely determined. They refuse to leave until some financial reward is forthcoming. Another common approach to scamming is call girls. She might be the person who provides services to your room. There is no mistaking them because they are overt. Advising you that they will be at your beck and call for all of your ‘needs. As we read in scripture “Say to wisdom, “you are my sister,” and you shall call insight, “intimate friend.”  In order to guard yourself from an adulteress, from the foreigner who makes her words smooth.” Proverbs 7:4-5. (LEB). Wise men wont fall into this trap. Not only because of the possibility of contracting a serious disease. But also because once you permit this person to enter your room overnight. You will most definitely be robbed.

If you are out in the country you will run into people who claim to have large quantities of gold. They continue by telling you that it is buried on some property, somewhere. Either in a remote village eight or ten hours drive by public transportation, away from where they live. Or in some other remote place. They also inform you that the gold is guarded by a spirit/demon. That the only way all of the gold can be retrieved is to make a ritual sacrifice. The ritual will have to be performed by a juju priest, and several potions will have to be purchased. That the warlock will have to be paid in full, up front. In addition to all of those expenses, you will have to give him enough money to cover the cost of transportation and labor. Since the gold will need to be dug up after all the ceremonies are successfully completed. If you are prone to having itching ears, please don’t be so gullible and naieve to believe this Anancy story. Because that’s all it is. Another grand scam. Once you give him your hard earned cash, he will vanish like a phantom. As long as life lasts you will never see him again. In fact we are warned in scripture, “Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not be partakers with them.” Ephesians 5:6-7. (NKJV).

Romance scams are widespread throughout Ghana. Not only are they perpetrated against other Ghanaians. They are also employed to victimize foreigners. Men are popular targets. A visiting foreign male will meet an attractive young woman who informs him that she is neither married nor emotionally entangled. Like a lamb going ignorantly to the slaughter. He usually buys her clothes, shoes, wigs, underwear and gives her money for her needs. Such girls always profess poverty. A couple of months later his neighbors begin to warn him that she is either a married woman. Or she has a lover. Since some enraged male family member has been searching for her. In fact we are cautioned in scripture, “With her enticing speech she caused him to yield, With her flattering lips she seduced him. Immediately he went after her, as an ox goes to the slaughter, Or as a fool to the correction of the stocks, Till an arrow struck his liver. As a bird hastens to the snare, He did not know it would cost his life.” Proverbs 7:21-23. (NKJV). One of the easiest ways to escape such tricks. Is to invite any young woman who asks for handouts to your house. Inform her in advance that you have some work that you would like her to do. That she will have to clean your house, wash and iron your clothes, and cook your food. Since she wants you to be her friend. Advise her that she will be paid at a competitive rate, then listen for her response. If she declines your offer then bid her farewell. She is a scammer. If she comes and does all of your work satisfactorily. Have nothing to do with her without first consulting the head of her family. To determine her true marital status. Because only then will you hear a full declaration of the truth.

As per usual life in Cheribaa was full of unexpected surprises. I certainly didn’t anticipate mercilessly heavy rain. With almost gale force winds sweeping over the area where I lived. Insomuch that the nearby trees swayed to and fro as their limbs and branches creaked from being twisted in the powerful storm. All of this display of nature’s power were accompanied by dark over hanging clouds, visible visitations of lightening and almost deafening thunder. While all of this drama was progressing outside. A huge black bat leaped from the roofing bed in my room and started flying around the ceiling. I had never encountered such a strange phenomenon before. Predictably I was terror struck. Ms. Edith was there at the time and went next door to summon one of my neighbors, Mr. Samuel. He quickly entered my room with a brambled broom and drove the ghastly and eerie invader from my quarters. That creature like myself, was probably startled by the natural commotion, being enacted beneath the heavens.

My heroic neighbor had just gotten married a couple of weeks before. He had requested me to sing at his wedding. I rehearsed with a female neighbor of mine, in preparation for this upcoming event. The wedding occurred however and we were never invited to sing. Mr. Samuel’s mother met me and while we were conversing she complained that she never saw me at the wedding. It was at that time that I narrated to her exactly what had transpired. Not only was she embarrassed. She also apologised profusely. The following day Mr. Samuel mustered enough courage to proffer an explanation. He stated, “I wanted you to sing. But the members of my church were not supportive of my request. Because they are members of a different faith.” I understood perfectly. Not only did I willingly forgive him but I gave him some money on the spot as my wedding gift. He accepted the cash with demonstrable gratitude.

During that period of time Ms. Edith’s ‘friend,’ that’s how she referred to him. Started visiting the compound more frequently and spent a great deal of time in my room. I was concerned about this change and even mentioned it a few times to Mr. Samuel. His response was, “I wonder how long the two of them will continue this pretense. Why don’t they get married?” I had no idea. Although she vociferously claimed that they were only friends, I suspected that they were really lovers. Apparently, her ‘friend,’ felt threatened by my presence on that compound. Consequently, he was spending far more time than was appropriate in my room. I never uttered one word of complaint to Ms. Edith or to her so called ‘friend.’ Then one morning I heard someone say, “You need to move from here.” I wasn’t sure where that voice was coming from. Nor was I certain that this was not merely my own thoughts or imagination. But the following day the same still small voice spoke to me again in more forceful tones, “You will have to move from here.” My immediate response was, “But where will I go?” The answer was, “You will have to move to wherever you can go.” This was the voice of the Spirit speaking to me audibly. As Jesus promised His disciples, ^“And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever— the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you.” John 14:16-17. (NKJV).  I started searching for alternative accommodations immediately.

I heard about a house that was available for rent and I invited Ms. Edith and her so called ‘friend,’ to accompany me while I went to survey the premises. We walked over to The Kato Taxi Station. I sat at the front next to the driver’s seat. My favorite travelling location. Both of them sat together, behind me, while the car waited for one more passenger. After about ten minutes I looked behind me and saw Ms. Edith’s right thigh raised, her right foot on the seat, and her friend’s hand clutching at her genitals. I didn’t stare. But as the saying goes, “One picture is worth a thousand words.” From that moment on that scene was indelibly emblazoned upon my memory and I will never be able to forget it. “Some friend,” I thought to myself. What I had suspected all along had just been confirmed. They were lovers. From her posture and by his action, they were both signifying that he enjoyed eminent domain over her body. I still continued receiving marriage proposals from Ms. Edith but I earnestly wondered why? Her lover was a well trained and accomplished Electrician. But he had no employment and no steady source of income. Maybe this bright idea belonged to her alone. But by Ghanaian standards it was probably a conspiracy between the two of them. The only rational explanation at which I could arrive. Was that she wanted me to marry her. So that I would support both she and her lover. Polygamy in one form or another is widespread in Ghana and so is informal polyandry.

We finally got to the house and looked at it carefully. The property had many liabilities. Since I had worked as a building contractor, all the negatives hit me squarely in the face. First, the ceiling was far too low. Second the floors were sloping. Third, the kitchen was inadequately furnished, unattractive, and far too small. Fourth, there was only one bathroom and no dining room. I had seen enough. We all left shortly after arriving. While retracing our steps we realized that this house was too far from the main road for comfort. I promptly called the landlord and advised him that I wasn’t interested. I had put out many feelers for appropriate rental property. I had a friend who worked in a small store within the Berekum market. He took me to an acquaintance who accompanied both of us to Brenyekwa, a small village approximately three miles from The Town of Berekum. To show me a charming semi furnished apartment. It had two spacious furnished bedrooms, a large furnished hall, a large dining room and also a large kitchen. There was only one bathroom, but since it was beautiful and had hot and cold running water, I agreed to accept it. The person guiding us on the tour of the apartment was the landlord’s nephew. The cost of renting the property for one year was 3,000.00 GHS. I paid him 1,500.00 GHS and contracted to pay him the balance as soon as the minor but outstanding repairs were effected. Compared to my previous living conditions this apartment was private and luxurious. My friend and I returned to Cheribaa together. He helped me to pack my personal effects. I called a taxi and within 20 minutes I was at my new address.

The country of Ghana is also known as the Gold Coast. There are gold and diamonds here in great abundance. Visitors come to Ghana from all over the world, not only for the fun of an African adventure. But also to possibly acquire some gold or diamonds. Most visitors are unaware of the fact, that the precious minerals industry in Ghana is strictly regulated by the authorities. Purchasing gold from appropriately licensed people is one thing. Being a hapless victim of gold and diamond scammers is another. There are many wonderful realities about Ghana. For example athletic, shapely and beautiful people is an ever present source of visual pleasure. The all around the year luxuriant greenery of the natural world is another. The delicious food and extremely courteous people are welcome nuances of Ghanaian society. All of these unique factors sets Ghana apart in a distinct category.

Scamming and deception however, are extremely serious hazards of Ghanaian life. Of which visitors should beware. Recently I encountered a gentleman on WhatsApp who offered to sell me some gold. I suggested that we meet at a governmental agency in Accra, to have the precious metal assayed. He agreed. This is one of the requirements of Ghanaian law. That gold must first be tested and authenticated as such, before it can be bought or sold. I packed my luggage in preparation for the journey. Purchased my ticket in Berekum on Sunday and went to bed that night thinking about my journey the following morning. As soon as I dozed off I saw myself standing beside a massive pit. I was gazing down into it and it appeared to be bottomless. This was my first warning that I should not be pursuing this transaction. Initially, I wondered what it meant but I should have known. Because I had been warned in this manner by the Spirit many times before.The human mind however, is always processing a multiplicity of messages and influences. Consequently, we are not always as focused as we should be.

Since my VIP Coach was scheduled to leave at 6:30 A.M. Monday morning. I left my apartment at 5:45 A.M. and was picked up by my pre arranged taxi shortly thereafter. I was in the Town by 6:00 A.M. I disembarked at the Berekum Station and made a quick stop at the rest room. While I was there my sports jacket fell into the urinal trench. I grabbed it out as quickly as I could. I carefully examined it and it was only damp in two spots. I was grateful but I recognized this mishap for exactly what it was. A very bad omen. Which constituted my second warning. Call me superstitious if you will. Dreams and omens however, have an important function in human existence. The Lord Almighty is not only transcendent, He is also immanent. As we read in scripture, “And Pharaoh sent and called for Moses and Aaron, and said to them, ‘I have sinned this time. The Lord is righteous, and my people and I are wicked. Entreat the Lord, that there may be no more mighty thundering and hail, for it is enough. I will let you go, and you shall stay no longer.’ So Moses said to him, ‘As soon as I have gone out of the city, I will spread out my hands to the Lord; the thunder will cease, and there will be no more hail, that you may know that the earth is the Lord’s.  But as for you and your servants, I know that you will not yet fear the Lord God.” Exodus 19:29. (NKJV).

The Coach arrived at approximately 6:20 A.M., all the passengers boarded the vehicle and sat in their prearranged seats. We all pulled out at 6:35 A.M., and were well on our way to Accra when I dozed off and dreamt that I saw a bright red fox with bared teeth. At first I thought that I was dreaming about a dog. But it gradually dawned upon me that only a fox has a red furry coat and a bushy tail. By now I was experiencing some psychic discomfort. As the stories I had read during my boyhood years came rushing into my mind. Reminding me that a fox was a wily and treacherous predator. I realized that this dream was actually my third warning. That a disaster was looming ahead of me. We arrived at The Kwame Nkrumah Circle in Accra at 5:00 P.M. This development afforded me enough time to find a guest house in which I could spend the night, before the evening darkness descended. I flagged down a taxi and we stopped at several such facilities before I finally found one with which I was comfortable. As soon as I had finished hanging up my clothes in the closet, unpacking my essentials, and taking a well needed cold shower. I called my would be gold salesman to advise him that I was in the City and that we would meet as planned the following morning.

His response was, “O.K., I will talk to my business partners and let you know their decision within the hour.” This was a completely different narrative from the one that I had heard from him before and as Mark Twain stated, “If you tell the truth then you don’t have to remember anything.” Obviously he had forgotten what he had told me previously because he had been lying all along. He called me back two hours later to complain that he had been robbed by unscrupulous people a few times before. Consequently, to establish trust in his own mind towards me he wanted me to send him 200.00 GHS to pay the transportation expense for himself and also for the two boys who would be accompanying him. My response was, “Sir, no money will be paid until after we have met, the metal has been assayed, and has been authenticated to be 100% gold.” There is no perfect crime. It is also impossible for humans to conceal their motives to such an extent that their intentions become invisible. Scam artists first signal what they are about to do in coded and symbolic speech. Based upon his words and also my dreams and omens I declared to him, “Sir, you have no gold. Nor will I be meeting with you and your boys. Because you either intend to waste my time or to attempt to rob me. Please don’t contact me again.” One of the warnings that Jesus gave to his disciples regarding events transpiring at the end of time was, “Take heed that no one deceives you.” Matthew 24:4. (NKJV). Without The Spirit’s guidance through omens and dreams not only would I have been a sitting duck. I would also have been the unwitting victim of yet another Ghanaian scam.

It was a long wait after I purchased my ticket and boarded the minibus that would take me back to Berekum. Nevertheless I arrived in that small dusty town by 1:00 P.M. Tuesday afternoon April 13. I walked over to The Fidelity Bank and collected my blue sachet, from the teller who had called me earlier in the day. I went home and prepared for my journey the following Wednesday morning. I was up by 3:00 A.M., showered in cold water, shaved, dressed and was at the side of the carpenter’s shed by 4:45 A.M. My three wheeled taxi was punctual. We arrived at The Berekum Station by 4:55 A.M. I purchased my ticket, sat in my favorite place at the front and waited patiently. By 5:30 A.M., we were pulling out of the station and to my pleasant surprise it was the very same driver that had transported me to Kumasi the day before. On Tuesday I noticed that he was massaging his lower back with a white cream. On Wednesday morning, since I knew him a little better, I felt that I was at liberty to ask him why. He explained that he was experiencing some severe pain in that part of his anatomy. I asked him how he got it. He didn’t know and had no hypothetical explanations either. I asked him if he had a fan in his bedroom blowing on that part of his body and he replied in the affirmative. I said to him, “That’s how you got that pain in your lower back. You caught a cold from that fan blowing continuously on that part of your body.” I continued, “Sir, you have a very bad case of Arthritis.” Moreover, I stated, “I know exactly what I’m talking about because I experienced the same thing in my right arm. While sitting beneath the ceiling fan in my living room.” I concluded, “The short term remedy is a mixture of Moringa powder and Prekese tea, both of which are powerful anti-inflammatories. However, the permanent long term antidote is the Flekosteel Ointment. Which can be purchased on EBay for approximately US$20.00.” He thanked me for all of this information and suggested that when I visited America again. Maybe I would be kind enough to bring him a few packages of the Flekosteel. Eventually, we arrived at another transportation hub in Kumasi. Not as large as the one I visited the previous day. We both got out of the van and he located the taxi that was going to Ahodwo, told me to get on and instructed the driver to leave me at The Cal Bank in the Ahodwo suburb. I arrived in front of the said bank in about ten minutes, disembarked, and after proceeding through the gate I saw two security guards. I told them why I was there and they assured me that I was at the right place. I was instructed to take a seat at the front and wait. Other applicants gradually arrived and at 9:00 A.M. the doors of the bank were opened. After washing my hands, and having my temperature checked I was permitted to enter. In the first room I was asked a variety of questions after presenting my Passport. In the second room I collected a number, and waited to be called by the teller at the window. When called I paid 706.00 GHS and was given a receipt. Afterwards, I returned to the first room. There, I was finger printed, photographed, and issued with an attractive National Identification Card for Foreigners. I left the premises of Cal Bank and was back in Berekum by 3:00 P.M. I called the gentleman at The Ghana Revenue Authority who was assisting me and told him that I was on my way to his office. When I got there he entered the details from my newly obtained Ghana Card into his computer. Then issued me with a certificate containing my name, address, telephone number, and my new Tax Identification Number. I thanked him and the following morning I immediately went to The Agricultural Development Bank branch, in Berekum. I presented my newly obtained documents to the Operations Manager. She directed me to the assistant with whom I was working previously. He took my Certificate and Ghana Card, entered both numbers into his computer program alternatively. He did this several times. After about five minutes he announced to me that both documents were bogus. I was absolutely speechless for a period of time. My mouth went completely dry, words failed me and I couldn’t even think of what to say or do. I called the gentleman at The Revenue Authority from whom I obtained the Tax Identification Number. I said, “Sir, I need your help. Can you please come down to The ADB branch in Berekum? Because I don’t know what’s going on.” He arrived there in five minutes and was given the same information that I received. He replied, “Why would you use Ghana Card’s Program to verify a T.I.N. issued by The Ghana Revenue Authority?” They couldn’t give him any rational explanation. He continued, “The only way to verify a T.I.N. is to call The Ghana Revenue Authority.” They made the call and the number issued to me along with all of the accompanying details were authenticated. Immediately afterwards he called The Ghana National Identification Card Authority in Accra. To determine why the Ghana Card issued to me the previous day could not be verified. He was advised that the only Ghana Cards that could be verified were those issued to Ghanaian nationals. Those issued to expatriates could not be presently verified. Because the infrastructure was not in place to do so. Nor did they have any timeframe as to when such necessary changes would be effected. The Operations Manager asked the official from the Ghana Revenue Authority, who was assisting me, if he could write a letter stating that the Tax Identification Number issued to me was authentic. He would also need to sign such a letter and stamp it. He said he would ask his immediate supervisor. We left the bank, mounted his motor cycle and returned to his office on Continental Road. I accompanied him upstairs to the office of the head of his department. After he explained the request of the Operations Manager at The Berekum Branch of ADB. His boss replied, “The T.I.N. issued to Mr. James is standard protocol. That’s the document we give to everyone. It also bears the signature of the Tax Commissioner. What more do they want? I’m sorry we certainly wont give them any additional documentation.” I learned an important lesson from this entire experience. Ghanaians don’t trust each other. Nor do they trust Ghanaian institutions. Neither public nor private. Never in my life had I witnessed so much chaos and confusion. If I presented my Social Security Card to any American institution, it would be accepted at face value. No one would even think of asking me to get a signed and stamped letter from The Social Security Administration, verifying the authenticity of my card. Not so in Ghana, where every stranger was a potential fraudster. Behind every door was an invisible criminal. Around every corner was a lurking hostile phantom. As we read in scripture, “The wicked flee when no one pursues, But the righteous are bold as a lion.” Proverbs 28:1. (NKJV).

To my great surprise and pleasure, the second minibus that I boarded filled up with passengers, quickly. Soon, a clergyman also boarded and was heard preaching the customary sermon. Not too long afterward he was also praying, and supplicating the divine Potentate for journeying mercies. The driver got on, did some preliminary checks, and then turned on the ignition. The engine was heard purring a smooth serenade, and the vehicle started to pull us all out of the Berekum Station. It wasn’t too long before we were driving at a comfortable speed on the Berekum Sunyani road. As per usual and typical of Ghana, there was a large police and military representation on the road. All the way into the Regional Capital of Sunyani. They stopped us periodically just to ensure that the Driver’s License, Insurance, and Vehicle Registration documents were all up to date. Apparently, Ghanaian drivers are speeders. I’ve arrived at this conclusion not only because of personal experience. Many friends and acquaintances have narrated harrowing stories. About deceased parents, and other departed relatives, resulting from traffic fatalities. Moreover, it’s impossible not to notice the plethora of sleeping policemen. That forces the vehicle in which you’re traveling to decelerate and accelerate with such uncomfortable frequency. The gentleman sitting beside me and the driver were soon engaged in a spirited conversation. They spoke in Tri. Therefore I sat quietly, listening and hearing without any understanding. I dozed off periodically and awakened only to see the narrow unending road stretching out before me. After about two hours of driving, I showed the gentleman seated beside me. The piece of paper on which the directions to my destination were written. He said he knew where I was going, and promised to tell me exactly where to disembark. He got off long before I reached the point where I needed to make a change. The driver however assured me that there was no need to worry. Since he would commandeer the vehicle to a spot at which I could easily transfer to a taxi that commuted from Kumasi to The Ahodwo suburb. About fifteen minutes later I heard my phone ringing. I proceeded to unzip the pocket in my duffel bag, where my phone, diary, reading glasses, and wallet, were habitually kept. I picked up the squealing device, pressed the required decal, placed the receiver against my ear, said hello and after identifying myself I heard a male voice announcing, “Mr. James, this is Fidelity Bank, Sir. I’m calling to let you know that you left your sachet here yesterday. Containing your Passport and other important documents.” I thanked him profusely and ended the call. It was only then that everything became relatively clear, to me. I understood exactly why I lost my minibus seat, earlier in the day. I was not supposed to be in the City of Kumasi to transact any business, on that specific day. The Holy Spirit doesn’t shout at anyone. That’s not His modus operandi. He speaks to us through events, circumstances, other people, and sometimes with a still small voice. Because The Lord Almighty is a mysterious operator. The challenge that faces us at every important juncture on life’s journey. Is to learn to stay focused and pay attention. As we read in scripture, “Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, ‘This is the way, walk in it,’ Whenever you turn to the right hand Or whenever you turn to the left.” Isaiah 30:21. I informed the driver of my predicament. He wouldn’t need to make any changes regarding the route that he would need to follow. Since my mission had been aborted. It was impossible for me to obtain a National Identification Card for Expatriates in Kumasi. Or anywhere else, without my Passport. He simply followed his regular course and allowed me to disembark at a certain crossroad. That would easily permit me to negotiate my way to a station. from where I would conveniently obtain transportation, back to the Town of Berekum, in The Brong Ahafo Region. I followed the road on which I alighted from the minibus, without making any turns. I made good progress toward my desired destination and soon I was standing at the entrance to one of Kumasi’s largest transportations hubs. But I could go no further because of what was transpiring before my eyes. There was a musical band performing at the gate. The leading artist seemed to be blind. Several instruments were being played and the exquisite music transfixed me. It all sounded like a mixture of Caribbean Calypso and Ghanaian traditional fare. It was the best instrumental rendition that I had heard in years. The young girls nearby were of the same opinion as me. Since they were dancing, bobbing, and weaving to the vibes. I listened and loitered there for many long moments. Permitting the musical extravaganza to bathe my senses in ecstasy. Soon I found myself, like everyone else. Going up to the bucket at the feet of the performers. To deposit my financial contribution, which was a token of my gratitude. I wouldn’t dare to stand there, and experience such profound pleasure, without giving something of value in return.

I visited my local branch of The Agricultural Development Bank in the Town of Berekum. On the last Thursday morning in April 2021. After waiting for approximately 45 minutes consequent upon the bank being crowded. I was finally invited to come to the counter window by one of the available male tellers. I presented my check to him, only to have it returned to me because the color of the ink in which I had written the check was red. I took the instrument from him, returned to my apartment and executed a new check, using a blue ink pen. Upon my return to the bank, I didn’t have to wait for too long on my second attempt to cash my check. The bank official invited me to his window and after I presented my check to him he attempted to bring up my account details by manipulating the keys on his computer keyboard. Then he went over to the desk of The Operations Manager and spoke with her. After returning to where I was standing he directed me to go over to her desk. The operations manager was someone with whom I was well acquainted. She informed me, “I’m afraid that you wont be able to cash your check until all of your records are updated. Please bring in your passport so that we can photocopy it. We will also need your Tax Identification Number.” I did as I was told. Fetched my Passport, turned it over to one of her assistants to be photocopied; and then continued to The Ghana Revenue Authority to obtain a Tax Identification Number. When I got there I met a very nice gentleman. Whom advised me that he could only issue me with such a number after I first obtained a National Identification Card for Expatriates. He took me upstairs to speak with the head of his department who advised me to go to Sunyani, The Regional Capital. There was a government agency there that was working on the issuance of such identification cards. I proceeded to the City of Sunyani the very same day. A forty five minute ride by taxi from the Town of Berekum. Eventually, I arrived at the location to which I was directed. A multistoried building behind the regional post office. After waiting in a line for approximately one hour I eventually got into the office and was able to speak with one of the executives. He counselled me that such Identification Cards were no longer available at his office. Accordingly, I would need to travel to Kumasi, The Capital of the Ashanti Region. To The Cal Bank Branch, located in the district of Ahodwo. He further informed me that there was a registration fee of 706.00 GHS for this service. Finally, he gave me a telephone number and a name to call before attempting the journey. I called the number to authenticate the information I had received, and also to confirm the location. All of this running around took two full days. I had two fifty US$ dollar bills in my wallet, that had been sitting there for almost two years. and I cashed them at the local currency exchange just to obtain some spending money. I knew that since I was unable to make any withdrawals from my local bank account, I would need some financial assistance to tide me over for the duration of my crisis. I called my daughter, explained my predicament to her, and she cheerfully loaned me US$200.00. That amount converted to approximately 1144.00 GHS. One of the benefits of living in rural Ghana is that the cost of living is extremely low in this agricultural setting. Considering that some young ladies who work in the local stores in Berekum. Are only paid 200.00 GHS monthly, the amount that I received went a long way. I was able to pay for my return trip to Kumasi twice, and also take care of my regular monthly expenses. I visited The Ghana Commercial Bank to obtain some information about Western Union transmissions. The security guard to whom I spoke assured me that the bank in question was an agent of Western Union. I accepted his word as gospel and went there Monday morning of the following week, to claim the money that my daughter had sent to me. I waited patiently in line for at least one solid hour. Finally, the appropriate teller called me and when I explained my mission, to him. He calmly and quietly told me that Ghana Commercial Bank was no longer an agent of Western Union. I felt that this was simply outrageous. ‘The right hand didn’t even know what the left hand was doing.’ Apparently, they had been a representative of Western Union, previously. But for some reason their services had been terminated. I decided to proceed immediately to my own Bank. At least they had several large and clearly visible signs on display there. Advertising their Western Union Services. I waited patiently. Until I was finally summoned by the teller at The Window bearing The Western Union placard. When I presented my case he told me in distinctly subdued tones, that Western Union Services were no longer available at The Agricultural Development Bank. Whether this seemingly catastrophic development. Was applicable only to the two Berekum branches. Of two of Ghana’s largest commercial banks, I really don’t know. But one thing was abundantly clear. They definitely weren’t proud of their new, but demoted status. In fact they were profoundly ashamed, and for that very reason they kept their humiliation a secret. To their backward way of thinking, it was better to hide the truth, allow their patrons to suffer the inconvenience of initially believing a lie. Instead of erecting a desperately needed sign, declaring to the public, the simple, but nevertheless unpalatable truth. If nothing else, I was able to obtain from him a piece of reliable information. He told me to go to The Fidelity Bank. He was absolutely certain that they were bona fide agents of Western Union.

Living in Cheribaa, provided me with the opportunity of meeting a lot of people. Not only were there several houses on the immediate compound on which I lived, which exposed me to teachers, nurses, preachers, masons, farmers, traders and students. There were also nearby compounds and also individual private homes inhabited by residents from all walks of life. Giving me occasion not only to visit with them every now and then, but also to learn about Ghana’s culture and mores. I discovered that there were many Ghanaians living in foreign countries. They sent money back to their districts to build well appointed, beautiful and ostentatious homes. These same people returned to their homeland frequently. Not only to spend time in the mansions on which they had lavished their wealth. But also to fellowship with their families. The two young men who accompanied Ms. Edith to come and meet me, on the night of my arrival in Berekum, were well informed. She initially referred to them as her brothers. But as time progressed I discovered that claiming that certain unrelated people were your brothers or sisters, if they were close friends, was a well established Ghanaian custom. They gave me a lot of help whenever I needed to program my phone. They knew all of the necessary codes to be utilized when adding Air Time, Data, or accessing Vodafone special promotions. One of them visited with me one weekday morning, and we chatted casually. I took down my suitcase and showed him two brand new Samsung Galaxy Tablets that I had taken with me to Ghana; along with a brand new smartphone. Just displaying these electronic luxuries to his view was an error on my part. As we read in scripture, “…Do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing.” Matthew 6:3. (NKJV). Also, “Whoever guards his mouth and tongue
keeps his soul from troubles.” Proverbs 21:23. (NKJV). The eternal veracity of these words of wisdom, were about to be deeply engraved upon my mind. For about five minutes, I made the subsequent mistake of leaving him in my room unattended, with my open suitcase on my bed. While I strolled out onto the porch to talk with someone who needed some information from me. This was a serious miscalculation of judgment, that I lived to regret. We are repeatedly warned in scripture, “It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man.  It is better to trust in the Lord Than to put confidence in princes.” Psalm 118:8-9. (NKJV). The grave implication of these words is that under no circumstances should any sensible person confide absolutely in another human being, regardless of his status. The only personage deserving of our complete trust and confidence is Jehovah. Primarily since, “The heart is deceitful above all things, And desperately wicked; Who can know it? Jeremiah 17:9. (NKJV). Immediately after I returned to my room, he proceeded to leave with his duffel bag over his shoulder. I didn’t search him before he left, nor did I make any attempt to check on my property. I foolishly trusted him. I just don’t know why. Especially since he was just another man. Similar to Sir Francis Drake and Sir Walter Raleigh. Both of those seafaring Captains, routinely pirated the seas during the reign of Elizabeth 1 of England. Plundering and robbing Spanish Galleons, laden with gold and other treasures. As they were returning to Spain from the New World. I zipped up my suitcase and returned it to where it was normally kept. On top of the large wardrobe in the bedroom. Two days later I decided that I needed to do a search on Google. I took down my suitcase from it’s usual place. Opened it, and tried to retrieve my Samsung Galaxy Tablet. But it was nowhere to be found. I searched everywhere, beneath my mattress, inside of the wardrobe, in my larger pockets, under the bed and even beneath the television table. I was soon forced to conclude that it was gone. I reported the matter to Ms. Edith and her immediate reaction was, “Jesus Christ.” For her, this was a catastrophe because I had solemnly promised to give her one of the smartphones. I told her that her younger brother had taken it. He was given the opportunity (since he was left in my room, alone, for five minutes); and he certainly had a motive (he earnestly yearned for one of those devices). She immediately went to the other end of the property and summoned her two so called brothers. I explained to them that I liked them both; that I had no desire for this matter to proceed any further; since I knew that my tablet was in their possession. I warned them to return my Tablet promptly because if they didn’t then I would have to report the matter to the police. That development would be extremely bad for both of them. presumably, they had conspired together to perpetrate this crime. Such a complaint would cost me four hundred cedis (US$200.00 at the time). Thereafter, they would both be arrested, beaten mercilessly and locked up. My entreaties fell upon deaf ears. They both denied vehemently that they knew anything about the subject, and left my room. Ms. Edith withdrew immediately and went into the Town of Berekum, where she consulted with a Juju doctor. He informed her that my Samsung Galaxy tablet was in their custody, within their room. Since they had not sold it. Ms. Edith immediately returned to where they were living and informed them of exactly what the Juju doctor had told her. Then she delivered an ultimatum to both of them. If they refused to surrender the tablet immediately. She would obtain the requisite amount of money from me, and fix both of them for seven years! They understood her perfectly. They were prepared to risk falling into the hands of the Ghana police. But they were certainly not prepared to risk being placed beneath the curse of a warlock. They disappeared into their room, brought out the tablet, returned it to her, protesting that they had never stolen it but had only borrowed it. At that time I clearly understood that Black Magic was deeply entrenched in Africa; it was widely practiced throughout Ghana; and was feared by the citizens, who regarded the practitioners thereof with terror.

I eventually discovered that Ms. Edith had a son who was about ten years old, and since she was twenty eight at the time when I first met her, he must have been conceived when she was only eighteen. Although life in Ghana is economically challenging, the people are very communal. They share food, water, money, and if a pregnancy occurs. The family in its entirety coalesce to support the mother and the child. He lived with his grandparents; was in attendance at an elementary school; and was sent home by his teachers. Because he didn’t have the money to pay his school fees. I gave her the money that was needed, so that he could continue his education. I noticed that he wore a uniform, a distinctly British custom, that was well established in Ghana during the colonial era. My laundry, apartment cleaning, cooking, and shopping were all done by Ms. Edith, and I paid her a weekly salary of 50.00 GHS for her work. The average remuneration within that area at the time was approximately 100.00 GHS monthly. When one of her neighbors discovered how much she was being paid, he accused me of paying her too much. I later discovered that he was being paid the same amount for considerably more difficult work, at a lumber yard. During the months from November to April there was a dry spell. Ghanaians refer to it as a drought (Harmatan). Really and truly there was rainfall, but not in the copious quantities, as occur between the months of May to November. During the dry spell women would travel to other wells that were less frequently used to obtain water. Which they would carry in large volumes in a huge aluminum basin on their head. This pilgrimage was a daily routine for as long as the drought lasted. I purchased all the food, paid the electricity bill, bought all the drinking water, and provided money to purchase the cooking gas. I also paid the rent, punctually. From all appearances Ms. Edith was unaccustomed to seeing things run so smoothly, financially. I also presented her with a brand new, up to date, Samsung Galaxy phone. Since she desperately needed a calling device. Although she had a lover who visited her frequently; to whom I spoke every time that he came to the property; and in fact I regarded him as a friend. In spite of all of the foregoing, Ms. Edith started proposing marriage to me. Although she was an excellent housekeeper, good cook, with other outstanding domestic skills. I gave her absolutely no encouragement. For many reasons. First she was not a member of my own religious faith. We are warned in scripture against participating in such unions, “Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever? And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will dwell in them
And walk among them. I will be their God, And they shall be My people.” 2 Corinthians 6:14-16. (NKJV), Second, she wore ornaments, a practice forbidden among women in my church. As we are instructed in scripture, “‘Go up to a land flowing with milk and honey; for I will not go up in your midst, lest I consume you on the way, for you are a stiff-necked people. And when the people heard this bad news, they mourned, and no one put on his ornaments. For the Lord had said to Moses, Say to the children of Israel, ‘You are a stiff-necked people. I could come up into your midst in one moment and consume you. Now therefore, take off your ornaments, that I may know what to do to you.’ So the children of Israel stripped themselves of their ornaments by Mount Horeb.” Exodus 33:3-6. (NKJV). Third, from all appearances she had a lover. Although she remonstrated to me repeatedly, in the presence of witnesses, that they were only friends. A contention that I took with a very large grain of salt. Marriages in Ghana could be very private and simple, or large and ostentatious. A simple wedding was usually conducted in a house. With a few friends and close family members in attendance. Accompanied by food and drinks or a formal dinner. No minister or marriage officer would be present and no formal marriage documents were signed. Nor was there any exchange of vows. But to both families represented and the community at large a valid marriage had occurred. Thereafter, the couple was regarded as authentically one. Moreover, the relationship was respected as such by all. A Ghanaian church wedding was typical of most other weddings performed in a Christian church, in other countries. A minister presided, vows were exchanged and legal documents were signed. There can be no casual divorce from such a wedding without accompanying penalties. For that very reason most people in Ghana prefer a house wedding. I had a friend in Brenyekwa, that was married to a very attractive woman. They had both participated in a traditional wedding and were both Moslems. He worked as an Iron Monger and she worked as a seamstress. They seemed to be a happy couple, when I first met them in 2014. But when I visited them in 2019, I discovered that they were divorced. They had two beautiful children which were in the custody of the mother. Their father still supported them but he had also acquired a new and very plump wife. His brother was a Christian and also a friend of mine. I asked him the reason for the divorce? He explained that his brother’s X wife was extremely controlling and his brother just couldn’t live peaceably with her any longer. I understood. As a Mohammedan all he did was look his wife in the face and announce, “I divorce you; I divorce you; I divorce you.” Thereafter, according to Moslem custom, the marriage was permanently dissolved.

(TO BE CONTINUED)

Most sensible people who know the difference between right and wrong. Would have foreseen such lawsuits and taken careful steps to avoid being the targets of such serious litigation. But not Trump’s lawyers. Nor did Fox News and some of their many political commentators. Anticipate that they would be placed under the microscope. Being asked in a Court of Law, to give some sensible and rational reason for their outrageous lies. The nation waited with bated breath to hear their lofty and ingenious arguments. That would somehow justify the national carnage of distrust, disbelief, apathy, and frustration. Which they, through their calculated, premeditated and mischievous antics, had wrought. Their conduct was downright criminal to say the least. Sacred history informs us that liars under certain circumstances deserve the penalty of death. The eight hundred prophets of Baal. After three and a half years of drought and famine, decreed by The Lord Almighty. Failed miserably to call down fire from heaven. To authenticate their false God, and their pagan worship. The prophet Elijah did so however, after a very short prayer. The resulting fire was so ferocious that it consumed the sacrifice, the stones of the altar, and licked up the water in the trench. The accompanying thunder was so loud that it was deafening. It filled the people’s hearts with overwhelming awe and wrung from their lips the declaration: “The Lord He is God. The Lord He is God.” 1 Kings 18:39 (NKJV). The former president’s purveyors of falsehood. Probably wont pay for their folly with their lives. But they should be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law. We certainly did not expect to hear the defence that they have mounted, “A key member of the legal team that sought to steal the 2020 election for Donald Trump is defending herself against a billion-dollar defamation lawsuit by arguing that “no reasonable person” could have mistaken her wild claims about election fraud last November as statements of fact. In a motion to dismiss a complaint by the large US and Canadian voting machine company Dominion, lawyers for Sidney Powell argued that elaborate conspiracies she laid out on television and radio last November while simultaneously suing to overturn election results in four states constituted legally protected first amendment speech.” (International Edition of The Guardian by Tom McCarthy, 23 March 2021). How is it that Jezebel’s deceiving prophets were unable to pull that little rabbit out of their hat of dirty tricks? When faced with the brutal reality of en masse summary execution for their outrageous lies. What Trump’s lawyers did was not only inexcusable it was also unforgiveable. Especially since their lies facilitated sedition, the fomenting of a riot, the loss of five lives and multiple injuries. And the only defence that they can think of is yet another lie? As we read in scripture, “Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; Who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; Who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes, And prudent in their own sight!” Isaiah 5:20-21. (NKJV). This nation in its entirety needs to remember that truth is one of the foundation stones of our great democracy. In fact we profess to serve a God of truth who also happens to be Omnipotent. We are counselled in scripture: “He is the Rock, His work is perfect; For all His ways are justice, A God of truth and without injustice; Righteous and upright is He. Deuteronomy 32:4. (NKJV). Therefore, all the people involved in their futile attempts to steal the 2020 General Election, will have to face the music for their folly. Many who were involved in the violence on January 6, will have to go away to prison for many years. Those who incited them will also be prosecuted and punished as the law determines. Events will occur not only to expose the full malice and treachery of all the bad actors. But they will be reduced to a status of infamy for many years to come. As we are warned in scripture, The wise shall inherit glory, But shame shall be the legacy of fools. Proverbs 3:35. (NKJV).