It is great to remember the departed. Our culture and the three dominant religions embrace that tradition. Visiting the tombs of the dead evokes fond memories of how and when they lived — the help and support they gave, their counsel, and encouragement.
What is necessary though are the lessons from their exemplary lives. At this stage, I recall how former GFA Chairman, the late Alhaji M. N. D. Jawula treated journalists notably those who were too critical of him, not least our own Sannie Daara who for many is an example of fine a journalist.
On 6th January 2016, Ghanaweb published the story of how Alhaji Jawula handled one of his harshest critics, Sannie. "We were very tolerant. Despite my Nima side, I didn't fight Sannie," Jawula, GFA Chairman between 1997 and 2001, said.
"I only reported his unacceptable conduct to his mom who called a family meeting and took care of his recalcitrant conduct" he added. Alhaji Jawula and his administration, per this story, were tolerant of his critics — mostly journalists. He respected the media. Some journalists attest to this.
Without any equivocation, if there is any better respect, today’s GFA President must pay to Alhaji Jawula’s memory while in the United States and visiting his grave, it is emulating his handling of the media.
In fact, on the back of the attack on Seidu Adamu, a journalist by a Black Stars security detail, GFA President, Kurt Okraku would do Alhaji Jawula’s memory good service when the association the late chief led, and which Kurt leads now condemn the unprovoked attack on United States based, Ghanaian journalist Seidu Adamu.
Alhaji Jawula would have done that without delay. While it is morally, culturally, ethically, and religiously acceptable to honour the memory of the dead, it is only a public show-off if we cannot live by their good example. Alhaji Jawula did not preside over the attack on journalists and stayed silent. He bent over to counsel his marauding critics.
Mr. Kurt Okraku, as you visit the graveyard of Alhaji Jawula, the proper honour to the man we all admired, is publicly condemning the attack on a journalist by a Black Stars official right beneath your eyes. Alhaji Jawula would have done it as it happened. Do the same to save your administration's lack of respect for journalists.