Chapter 17 Concerns

The chiefs and elders met with the government officials responsible for resettling them. Although they were grateful, they had other concerns.

"We were chiefs in the village because we knew our people very well and they put their trust in us to rule over them," they said. "Now that they are free to do whatever they want because they are not directly under our authority, it poses much of a threat to us."

"We understand your concerns," said the government official. "We will see to it that we address those very soon."

Time went by and nothing had been done about their concerns. The chiefs called on Mr Agyei to help them.

"We put our concerns before the government official who came to see us, yet they haven't been addressed," they said.

"May I know exactly what you told him?" he asked.

"We find ourselves misplaced because we do not have much of a role to play in the lives of the people anymore."

"I'm sorry to inform you that the system is different in the city," he said. "And you may have a clash of authority."

"What do you advise that we do?"

"Reorganize yourselves and win the trust of the people once again," he said.

"Thanks. I hope you'll help us?"

"Surely, I will."

The chiefs of the two displaced villages put their heads together.

"As Mr Agyei rightly said," said the chief of Liati Wote. "These people loved us just as we loved them. Despite the circumstances we find ourselves in, we must establish rapport with each other lest we lose popularity and authority soon."

"I understand," said the chief of Gbiedi Gbogame. "Remember that we cannot coerce the people to like us."

"I have taken that fact into consideration," he replied.

"And that by doing so, we come into direct conflict with men who have already been vying for positions of power."

"Yes. Now that we have no money as a weapon anymore, we have to find a decent way of playing the game fairly."

"Rightly so."

Together with Mr Agyei and Baafour, the chiefs formed a concerned citizens committee to hear the voice of the people often. Baafour, together with an entourage, visited every member of the estate regularly, giving them food, stipends and his ear. Some just wanted to let out their frustration due to the sudden loss of property and resources. Some families were no longer staying together because of differing opinions about where to settle after the tragedy. Some were lonely and needed company. Adobea also volunteered her support.

"When are we going back to school?" asked one of the children Baafour and his entourage went to visit. This question set them thinking. They hadn't thought of that yet. When Baafour stepped out of the house, he still remembered the look of concern on the child's face. How were they going to begin this mission?

"This will be the best time for the chiefs to become fully involved to win the hearts of their people," said Adobea to her brother, seeing the look of concern all over his face. Being in a position of leadership was a Herculean task that could frighten anyone. This was not a good time to be alone in the boat.

"We need more sponsors," said Baafour.

"The Government representatives made a lot of promises when he came to visit. Can't he be of any help?" asked Adobea.

"He can, but if he does offer his help, it would mean the chiefs would be losing face,"

"I don't think so," said Adobea. "It's just a matter of assigning roles and responsibilities."

"Politics is a different ballgame altogether, my lady."

"Give me the chance to help to have in mind the motives of the various stakeholders."

"It may not be possible to determine from face value, Adobea."

"So what do you suggest we do?"

"This is a dicey issue. Let the men put their heads together."

"I didn't know I had a chauvinistic brother like you," she said, sneering.

"Careful Adobea," said Baafour, warning her. "You're a woman. I'm aware you have great potential but I don't want people to be taking undue advantage of you."

"I can handle every situation," she replied.

"I'm a man and I'm telling you the facts on the ground."

"Don't worry big brother. I can take care of myself." Baafour was concerned about his sister. She was one reason why they left Accra to stay in the mountains. Could this be a chance to start all over again? Would she be meeting with the man she so loved after they had been unduly separated? Baafour gawked at his sister. What a lovely woman she had grown into. He was well acquainted with the man she fell in love with. Adobea loved him so much. These activities helped her take her mind off the pain from the separation.