Major Mahama's Death; One Year On

Exactly a year ago, the heart of Ghana slept in pain, anguish and torment when the sad news echoed in the corners of the country about the gruesome murder of a great and promising soldier. He was allegedly mistaken for an armed robber on the 29th day of May, 2017 and cruelly sent to his ancestors by some callous residents of Denkyira Obuasi. He was said to be on an early morning jogging through the town from a military base. Major Mahama and his colleagues were charged by the State to help end illegal mining in the area. His death shocked the nation to the core. Many institutions and individuals such as the present and former Presidents, Chiefs, prominent members of society, Parliament, Civil Society Organizations and the Christian Council of Ghana had condemned the act, describing it as gruesome, barbaric, inhumane, cruel and evil.

But what lessons have we learnt a year after, as individuals and as a nation. Have we been able to adequately handle the menace of instant injustice? Many have diverse opinions about instant justice based on their experiences but what is being done to educate the citizenry about the need to follow due process in all circumstance? Institutions like the Ghana Police Service, the National Commission for Civic Education should take up the challenge and continue to educate the populace to avoid the practice.

Within the last 12 months one cannot say Ghana has witnessed any significant efforts towards curtailing this canker. Government needs to as a matter of priority, strengthen our internal security structures to make the security agencies proactive and responsive to help control the menace. Local authorities most especially the assembly members need to be very circumspect in their utterances, dealings and sentiments on matters arising in their communities. They must serve as good leaders who will guide people against such acts and not to encourage them to engage in instant Injustice.

Cultural festivities must be blended with public sensitisation on the causes, effects and the impacts of instant injustice on social development. Monuments must be put up even if not in all regional capitals, at least on major roads leading to major towns in the country to remind people of Major Mahama and the effect of instant injustice. We must commend the state for the good work so far in bringing the perpetrators of the crime to book. It is equally worth praising the government for taking steps to take care of the immediate family of Major Mahama with the establishment of the Major Mahama Trust Fund.

It is important to remind Ghanaians of that dark Monday when the heart of Ghana suffered and bled in the hands of instant injustice and continue to press on the delete button of instant injustice in our society.

Never again should any history of such caliber repeat itself in the life of mother Ghana. Rest in peace, Major Maxwell Adams Mahama. LONG LIVE THE LEGACIES OF MAJOR MAXWELL MAHAMA.

BY OSCAR KOBLA BEDZRAH A STUDENT, UNIVERSITY OF EDUCATION WINNEBA, COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE EDUCATION AT ASANTE-MAMPONG.

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