A 70-year-old cobbler, Richard Homefa, has disclosed why he never sought assistance from Ghana's former head of state, General Kutu Acheampong, despite their acquaintance while struggling to make it in life.
Narrating how their friendship was formed, he said General Kutu Acheampong was once part of the army in Sekondi, and during his leisure time, he and his friends had a favourite tennis ball spot and a football park where they went to spend their free time.
He said he used to also go there, not just to watch them play but also to collect the balls that were thrown farther from the tennis court.
He continued that they appreciated his contribution and sometimes tipped him when they finished the game.
“General Acheampong, the former head of state, was my friend. When I was in Sekondi, he was part of the army. I also knew Stephen Obimpeh; he was a naval commander in Sekondi. Every weekend, they used to play long tennis at a particular spot in Sekondi. I was always around because I used to catch the balls for them. They appreciated what I was doing, so anytime they closed their game, they gave me something,” he said.
“They also had a park at Sekondi where they went to play football. Unless I hear that they will be visiting the park, you’ll see me there. They saw me one day and asked who my informant was. I laughed and told them it was God who had been informing me of their meeting. It continued until Acheampong took over power; I was still in Sekondi,” he added.
Continuing with the narration, the 70-year-old cobbler said that when he arrived in Accra to hustle on October 24, 1975, his friend had been sworn in as the head of state of Ghana.
Homefa said they met again in Circle, a bustling city in Accra, adding that Acheampong recognised him and was astonished to see him there.
Asked why he never asked for help from the man, he said his friends compelled him to, but he never did because he didn’t want to be belittled all in the name of seeking help.
“When I came to Accra, I met him again at Circle and he was surprised to see me here. A lot of people forced me to visit him at the castle, but I’m the type who does not force myself on people. I do not go to places I’m not invited to, and I also didn’t want him to treat me as a child because I need help,” he said.
Richard Homefa said this in an interview with GhanaWeb’s reporter, Eugenia Diabah, on Everyday People.
Watch the interview below:
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