Every true and responsible parent gives to his or her child a gift that nobody can take away, one that would propel the child to greater heights and also serve as a platform for the child´s survival in the event of any unforeseen circumstances. This could be in the form of formal or informal education, insurance, treasury bills, etc.

President J.E.A. Mills has shown his parenting nature by doing the greatest thing ever in appreciating, on behalf of the people of Ghana, our gallant Black Satellites for conquering the world in the 2009 FIFA Under-20 World Cup in Egypt. Not for the brand new cars or cash rewards, but the GH¢ 170,000.00 government life insurance policy and bonds with a maturity period of 10 years made for the young men.

Investing in the youth is a guarantee to a brighter future for mother Ghana. In the year 2004, the Member of Parliament for the Effutu Constituency, Mr. Mike Allen Hammah remarked at an HIV/AIDS awareness programme organized by a youth club in Winneba that "...what is the essence in building structures when the people to occupy those structures are not well educated, equipped and resourced enough to use them?" and that is why he sponsored from his MP´s common fund every youth activity that has to do with education and capacity building in his constituency. He also acknowledged the fact that literacy was the key to solving most of the problems such as poverty, diseases, etc that our dear nation faced hence his agenda of investing in the future of the youth. No wonder he has now establish an education fund to take care of the needy students in his constituency. God richly bless him and many others like the Asantehene Otumfuor Osei Tutu II, Michael Essien, etc. who have similar positive visions.

This human centered leadership quality exhibited by our president and the above mentioned people is what this nation needs. We have seen many brilliant footballers who can hardly feed from hand to mouth due to their careers cut short by injury, out of form, etc. Responsible incentives such as this one by the president would go a long way to motivate every living Ghanaian that it is not worthless dying for mother Ghana.

With more of these life protective incentives, Ghana is destined for more greatness and we can build the better Ghana we all desire. Remember, Ghana is the first nation to win the African Cup of Nations trophy for the fourth time in 1982, first African nation to win an Olympic soccer medal in 1992, Ghana´s Abedi Pele is the first to win the Africa Best Player award for three consecutive times, Ghana´s Anthony Yeboah is the first Black African to captain a German Bundesliga team and win the goal king award twice in that league, and also Ghana being the first African nation to win the under-20 World Cup trophy. We are known for records and destined for more. Let us build upon this latest one in Egypt. South Africa 2010 must be it.

God bless H.E. Prof. John Atta Mills, his government and our victorious players and management of the Ghana Black Satellites. To all of you, we say `Ayekoo.´


Credit: Philip K.K. Adu-Mensah [gyasikay@gmail.com]