World Cup fever grips the legislature

A GNA colour by Samuel Osei-Frempong

Accra, June 27, GNA - A scanty view from the abandoned State House Tower, reveals a sea of flags and other items made in the national colours of Ghana of red, gold, green and black around Parliament House. The day, which would be long remembered, was designed for a World Cup match between Brazil, the greatest soccer nation in the world and Ghana, a debutant at the global soccer fiesta.

The old, wise men and women speak of such high nationalistic fever gripping the land in the pre-independence era. Those, who have lived to this day, are likely to make comparison as the whole nation is awash with national colours, unity and hope.

The Chamber of Parliament had its share of this fever as members ignored the dress code to put on anything in red, gold and green. Some had whistles held by strips hanging around their necks and occasional blew them to remind the Speaker that the day was made for Soccer and not jaw-jawing.

Most of the Lawmakers had dreamt of victory for Ghana, a firm belief that runs through the hearts of a people called Ghanaians, who have for a long time felt divided along political lines and saddened by the slow economic growth.

The day had begun with question time for the Minister of Tourism and Diasporean Relations.

Mr Jake Obetsebi Lamptey's questioners had asked about how he intended to develop tourist sites but many watched their wristwatches and wished the hour hand could run faster than ever.

Deep in their eyes and perhaps in their souls, possession of the spirit of nationalism could be seen as it strengthened its hold. Nationalism had taken over the minds and souls of Ghanaians. They had prayed all night, sang all day and hoped all day.

It is said that the expectations of a people can always be turned into a miracle but when they are let down, no amount of rhetoric can revive them.

The nation stands at the threshold of history, a lone Black Star twinkles silently among the great nations of soccer hoping to tell a story that when given the chance the Black Man can excel. Before the sun could stroll to its midway, the Legislators had silently conspired to adjourn proceedings for the day. History beckons, would anyone, who calls himself or herself Ghanaian afford to miss those moments when samba soccer meets agoro soccer.