Obinim saga: Much ado about nothing!

Friends,

I'm not talking about William Shakespeare's drama. I'm talking about the cliché of furor about “Angle” Bishop Obinim. It's about the trouble or excitement, his hidden secrets, controversial arrest and the unfolding ‘drama!’ That’s not the most important thing to do to fix the problems at the moment- “No Bueno!” In order words, we are unnecessarily creating a buzz for something unimportant! Hello?

Why?

First; the so called self-acclaimed men of God have been parading and soliciting for followers in our streets for decades now, probably since we declared self-rule! I can guarantee you, Bishop Obinim is not alone in this “phony healing business!” There are numerous other fake Pastors or Religious Charlatans out there swindling thousands of vulnerable Ghanaians on a daily basis.

You can only uproot this nuisance by darning and enforcing the existing laws, or by enacting new laws to align with our current pickles if necessary.

Second; obviously, Bishop Obinim is not someone who is much loved by Ghanaians apart from his loyal church members. Due to his past controversial remarks and self- acclaimed "spiritual healing powers" coupled with his extreme penchant and love of money, and the “bling-bling” lifestyle, it's highly probable he was plotted, trapped or even scammed as well, and now in big, trouble.

As one of the most popular, but controversial and men of God in Ghana, there is a rumor going round that the ruling NDC government orchestrated his arrest just to divert the state resource and public attention from the controversial amnesty granted to the “Montie trio”.

If this allegation is true, then it goes to support the fact that currently, law and order in Ghana, is parallel to our constitution and rule of law. There is so much indiscipline in the system that; each and every one does what pleases him or her! If that argument holds, then why single out Bishop Obinim? Can we call this hate arrest?

Here’s the deal: Arresting and humiliating Bishop Obinim is a good thing, but that is not going to solve anything - nothing about the current “religious scams spree and get rich or die while trying attitude!” In fact, the reverse is the case. His notoriety and the most cherished ‘bling- bling’

Lifestyle by the youth who mostly love that lifestyle might even encourage those who also want to live that dream.

Of course, Bishop Obinim" is under arrest right now! Regardless of the outcome, that's a good sign and a good start provided it was not orchestrated to shut down the public outcry about the “Montie trio” tale as alleged!

However, in the next few days, we would also want to hear from our lawmakers (MPs) getting their acts together, fixing, patching, and strengthening our existing religious laws of the land, and directing the executive arm of government to enforce those laws. To be honest with you, the "fast and furious" spread of these Religious Charlatans and their nefarious activities is becoming too unbearable on "the good people of Ghana".

Unfortunately, I can go to Ghana right now, get a plot of land by a major road side, put up some "creepy crap palm leaves hut", and call myself Archbishop Apostle Evangelist Nanasei, and that's it! I'll just be ripping-off “the vulnerable religious Ghanaians” as if there's no tomorrow! That's the problem right there! And guess what? Nobody will even question my authority, mandate or certificate of operation.

Fellow Ghanaians, we cannot continue to solve our problems on ad hoc basis. That's not how you solve a major problem! That's one of the biggest challenge we face in Sub Saharan African countries! Lack of long-term planning in almost everything we do is what's leading to our “Dance in circles development fiasco!” Sometimes, its’s very, very disheartening to see our leadership sitting aloof on some of these little things far relatively easier to solve as if they have no clue about what’s going on! It makes you wonder: "What a hell are they thinking?"

Please let's take this opportunity, put pressure on our leadership to do their jobs! First of all, what are the Lawmakers elected for? To make laws, right? Please, folks, let's learn from our past mistakes, learn from those who have done it before, do some little thinking here and there, and believe that; Yes! We can!!!

I know we can do it! We just have to give it a try! As for this one, it’s NOT about technology, so, please, let's get it done and right! The "yen tie obiaa” (we will not heed any advice) attitude or thinking is called arrogance. That's not going to help us now or in the near future! It will not! I can guarantee you that!

Finally, until we make an uptight efforts and consistently work hard to uproot completely the root cause of the proliferation of these crazy religious charlatans from the system, trust me, arresting and humiliating “Angel” Bishop Obinim alone won't even put a ‘stop sign’ on this quick & easy money making business, let alone to fright those who are yearning to rip-off Ghanaians with vulnerable religious faiths. Until then, remember, it’s always going to be: “Much Ado About Nothing!”

Thank you!

Writer’s e-mail: Poseiadjei20@gmail.com