CHAPTER 1

After several months of the sun displaying

its wickedness by burning and discolouring the
skin of the people living in Kumasi, the moment
of relief arrived for them. They saw rain. ‘Chai!!
It was about time God brought down that rain’.
Snapped a lady. “Of course! Even if he did not
want to, just the beatings you women have given
him with your mouths would compel him to do
so” concluded the other. That night, it rained cats
and dogs. Mothers brought out their apanpan to
collect rain. This was going to reduce their
workload of having to go to other people’s house
to carry water the next day. Children ran into the
arms of their mothers and fathers for warmth
against the cold weather. A Mother screamed at
her child. “Hey Yaa! if you do not get out of that
rain eh! I’ll give you slap that will make u deaf!
Do u think I have enough money to take you to
the hospital when you catch a cold? Just then, a
powerful lightning struck. Eno Abena stood on
the balcony of the Nyame b3hw3 compound
house. She cried... “mm! this is a bad omen. Am
sure this lightening has been sent to kill someone.
I smell a curse within it.” In her absent
mindedness her attention drew to her precious
daughter, Ama. Where could that girl be at this
time of the night and in this weather? This is
Kumasi o... doesn't she know people pray for
such bad weathers so they could commit their bad
deeds without been noticed?
Ama stood under one intermittent streetlight
at Asokwa with her friend Adwoa. Ama had a
face that looked like that of thunder upon seeing
Adwoa and she reciprocated by giving her a dirty
look. This was not the time for these two to
engage in an argument! Not when the clouds
were spitting out its glands and the rain was
beating them with its palms! Ama did not care
whatever businesses the rain was up to; she came
to demand Adwoa revealed the truth about the
one who stole the madams purse.
 “You didn’t see me did u?”
“I said I did”
“You have nothing to prove” Ama snarled
“Ok fine! I didn’t see you. I lied about
everything I lied because I hate you and your
annoying personality” Are u satisfied now!
Ah! Adwoa so just because of this your silly jealousy
you've made my father beat me??
They were about to engage in a girl fight. Which was
always full of pulling each other’s hair, when suddenly
they heard a strange collision.
“What is that sound?” Adwoa asked.
They quickly ran toward the distance the sound
came from. But upon arrival, what they witnessed
startled them. Their mouths fell open. Ama did not notice
when a fly nearly made its way into her mouth. He was
tall, dark in complexion and in a black jumpsuit. He
jumped off his truck like that of a parachute leaving an
aircraft. He had a sword in his hand. “What? is he killing
a person?” these thoughts ran through their minds. The
man leaped onto the bonnet of the Toyota car and hit the
windscreen, causing it to shatter into pieces. They
watched in terror as the man stabbed the driver of the
Toyota car in all areas of his being. He was an animal!
No sane human would do such a disgusting act. Dad!!
Dad!! The poor boy screamed as he watched his father
been murdered. The car windows turned bloody, the
mouth of the sword shone bright with the victim’s blood.
They watched in terror as the murderer wiped off the
sweats of blood from his face and walked toward the
front door. He opened it.
“That man!”
“I think he’s going to kill the child too.” Gasped
Adwoa.
Ama took out her phone ready in action to capture
the next atrocity the man was about to commit in case
their suspicion was right. He lifted the sword and was
about to repeat the same incident with the boy, when
Ama’s shutter sound accidentally echoed cheese!!! When
she was taking the pic. The man noticed the sound and
turned wondering what it could be. Low and behold there
stood two little kids with their wide eyes fixed on him.
“Wat u dey watch ??” he vexed. Only the look on his
face would testify these girls were in a huge trouble.
“What are you doing? “Run away, run!!! Adwoa
shouted to Ama. The man ran after the girls like an
animal pursuing its prey.
“I think he’s catching up with us Adwoa.
“If I knew today was the day I will be dying I would
have finished my ice cream before coming.” Adwoa said
panting
“You too ah be serious for once in your life. Ka
asempa ma woho”
Wee wo!!! Wee woo!!! The police siren was heard miles

away. I have to save myself’. The murderer said within.

“Thank your God for saving you!’. He shouted to them.

Ama and Adwoa immediately hid behind some neatly

shaped trees with their hands covering their mouths so as

to not give themselves up. His time was running out, he

had to escape. But before heading off he told them the

reason why he killed the man. “I killed him because he

said things he shouldn’t have said, and if you do not

want to be in the same boat as him, you better keep your

mouth shut”. Don’t get involved! Stay hidden your entire

life else, I’ll kill you! And kill your entire family” Ama

and Adwoa took to their heels and never looked back.

Upon arrival, Eno Abena demanded to know where her

daughter had been.

...There was silence

She got furious. “children of today when elders are
talking to you, you won’t answer and neither will you
shake your body for us to know your listening. You
behave as if we are talking to stones”
“I went Nowhere! snapped Ama.”
“Nowhere? and look at the time you’re coming home!”
“mama you know am not like this. She sobs. Please Am
not feeling well.”
How could she be well after what she had just
witnessed.
Eno could see the worry in her daughter’s eyes. “my
daughter where are you sick. In the head? Stomach,
where? Let me check.” Eno turns her soaked baby
around to see if she’s hurt anywhere like all mothers do.
“hmm mama I’m ….”
“Ok go in and rest well talk later”. I’ve heated water for
you.” That night was a lengthy one.
It was the voice of Angel FM’s Daphne Agyapong;
yesterday at 8pm an accident occurred in which a car and
a 25-ton truck crushed. A 40-year-old man died whilst
his son injured his head greatly “.
“That was yesterday’s incident!”. Ama stuttered
Rushing to turn the volume of the radio high, she hit
her leg on a chair in her way. “the boy is currently
receiving treatment and the police is looking into exactly
what had happened. The received statement from the
truck driver states that the Toyota driver violated the
traffic signal”. The culprit has been caught and is under
police custody. More updates on this issue will be
conveyed to our listeners. She continued. Now to other
stories.
 “I was there! I saw everything! Oh God, I need to
go to the police station” she said to herself. As Ama got
down from the bed, the warning of the murderer flashed
back. Fear griped her, gaggle of goose pimples formed
on her skin. She breathed in and out but air wouldn’t
enter her lungs. She starved for air, her heart racing at
tremendous speed. She suddenly turned pale.” Kra Ama
what should I do? hmm!”.
At age fourteen her maturity level and acts were
marvellous. Her bubbly, genteel and excellent behaviour
won the hearts of many. Brought up in the family of truth
and the fear of God, she was selfless, fearless and rigid.
On occasions, even her parents got scared of her. But
what could they do? those outstanding personalities made
up their “ahuo)f3 dua”.
She quickly got dressed. Her strawberry perfume
filed up her room. The reflection of a tall girl in a black
skinny jean revealing her round buttocks and heavy hips
was seen in the mirror. Her bosom displayed in her red
crop top. She had a shapely figure, a typical Ghanaian
lady. She had a delicate dark skin, slenderer eye brows
and shiny white teeth. When she smiled to herself, the
dimple on her right cheek dazzled in the mirror. Her cute
smile that made boys of her age hover around her. Her
soft pouting lips coated with red lipstick. She set out on
her mission. She needed information on how the case
was going.
1st lady: “Did you hear that? They said this isn’t a simple
accident”.
2nd lady:” I heard it’s a murder and is even going to
court.”
3rd lady: “What’s the point of going to court? There is no
evidence
1st lady: “Why is there no evidence? The son saw his
father die, that’s enough evidence.”
2nd lady: “He’s a child. That has no value in court.” if
there is no witness it will become a simple car accident?”
“It probably will.”
It was the topic of the day. Everyone was talking
about it. Various conclusions were been drawn on it. But
the fact was, not a single witness had showed up.
Without evidence or witnesses the case could probably
be turned into a “foolish case” as most Ghanaians would
call it.” That’s sad. They can’t just give up like that.
They need to search well”. As for Ghana hmmm... Ama
repeated those words as she walked away from the
Asokwa police station. She bumped into someone
without knowing “oh am sorry” she said. Looking up to
find who it was, only to realise it was Adwoa. It’s you?
“What are you doing here? same reason as you. Any
news? Adwoa asked. The update was told and after
hours of contemplating on the issue and likely
repercussions, they reached a decision: WE WILL
TESTIFY. As they laid in bed that night they
contemplated on what they were going to say in court the
next day. They wished morning would never come. But
if wishes were horses, beggars would ride.

It was a sunny day; the sky was clear. And the air?
It was refreshing like a drink of cool water after hours of
walking on a scorchy sun. One could hear the beautiful
humming of the birds and feel as if the night had swept
away all the bad things and the new day would bring
something positive. It was indeed a positive day for Ama
and Adwoa. Why? Because they were about to change
the life of someone. Their testimony was going to help
let justice be executed.

The clock struck 9, court was in session. As

Ama stood in front of the Kumasi Circuit Court building,
she remembered her mother’s words “I do not take your
side because you are my daughter; I take your side
because you always tell the truth. You are always right
just like your dad.” Those were the warm words she
needed this Wednesday morning. She had to remain
tough since it isn’t easy for a fourteen-year-old to stand
as a witness in court.

Palms folded, the thump! Thump! of her heart

was beating so fast she could die. Crazy thoughts ran
through her mind. Her feet suddenly turned cold as if
refusing to adhere to her steps, her legs shook as she
walked slowly into the court house. A quick glance at her
and one could see the tension drawn all over her face
‘Oh! heavenly father, please help and guide me. Give me
the strength to go through this ‘she prayed.
 “I thought you wouldn’t come but you came”.

“The same goes for you” Are u nervous? replied Ama.

“NO! Adwoa said …you?

On the count of three let’s enter together. Okay!! they

both agreed. The door into the court room was two. Ama
stood at one end whist Adwoa stood at the other. The
court had almost ruled the defendant not guilty. They
took it as a mere accident and violation of road sign.
Also, the victim’s son was just six years old and his
testimony was not trustworthy enough to find the
accused guilty. No evidence was shown by the
prosecution and with all these taken into consideration,
the court hereby finds the accused...

One! Two! Three!! There was an interruption in

the court room. They all turned towards the door. Ama
looked astounded as all eyes were fixed on her. “Why are
they all looking at me. Why aren’t they looking at
Adwoa too? “she wondered. She turned to the other side
of the gate, her facial expression changed. Adwoa was
nowhere to be seen.
 “did she ditch me? No way! She can’t! We’re in this
together...Eii Adwoa obi b3y3 saa na wo. She looked
disappointed. ‘Gather yourself Ama you can do this’.

What’s this?? The judged shouted.

“I am here to testify. I saw everything on the day of the

incident. “That man, she pointed to the suspect, stabbed
the driver with a sword several times “He even chased
me. The lawyer of the defendant laughed and told the
judge her testimony is not accurate and concrete enough
for the case. Why? Because anyone can enter the court
room and say those words. The judge bought his words
and asked they proceed with the case. Just then Ama said
“I have evidence; I took a picture of him in the act with
my mobile phone”. This turned the court room into
chaos, everyone wondering what it could be. The judge
requested the mobile phone be brought forth.

The suspect knowing the evidence was true and

could be convicted got furious. Waiting to devour his
prey, he stormed on Ama. Held her by the neck and
dragged her onto the floor choking her almost to death. “I
told you I’ll kill you!! I told you to keep your mouth
shut!!”. He repeated those words as he choked her. The
officers helped set her free. Due to the suspects ruthless
behaviour and him unconsciously admitting to his
crimes, Judge Adu Boahen found him guilty. The court
charged him with murder and sentenced him to ten years
in prison. “I will take revenge! I will do that I promise
you!!” the murderer repeated as he was sent out.

It’s all over now. Justice has been served. Ama

said. She waited at the lobby of the court house to
retrieve her cell phone. The judge came out and
commended her for her brave act. He told her they did
not find any picture on her cell phone but due to wat she
did they were able to take the right decision. Don’t worry
everything is going to be fine. He assured her. He’s
behind bars now.
 CHAPTER 2

The topic of the day had now died out. People

went about their normal duties. The atmosphere was
serene like nothing had occurred. It was just like any
other. The compound of Light International school was
loud. It was play time. Children ate and enjoyed
themselves. A discussion was ongoing between Ama and
Adwoa. ’what did you think? I will stoop so low and get
myself into trouble? Adwoa said ‘but, how could you?
we both agreed! retorted Ama. ‘I have a reputation and
honour to protect. Am a banker’s daughter you should
have known better. Learn to stay within your limit’.

Adwoa was of the same age as Ama, born into a

rich family and brought up with good values. But her
adamant behaviour always got the best of her. She was
mostly admired for her looks. She was not someone who
would do a good deed for free. The “dada ba” of her
class. She was a beauty. Her silky dark skin and short
stature. And oh! her shape and figure? People always
said she was too little to have such an immense figure.
Her dark brown eyes, thin nose and Fleshy red lips. She
always carried herself in a pompous manner.

Ama truly enjoyed the benefits of their friendship

but now she was fed up with the labour it came with. At
that moment, the friendship of over 10years was about to
be put to a halt. “I do not want to be friends with a
coward like you! Ama said, as she walked away from
Adwoa and her group.

Months later, Adwoa’s family moved to Accra. Mr

Opoku and his family had to also migrate from Asokwa
to Amakom due to financial issues. Mr Opoku, Ama’s
father was a stern looking man. He ran his family in an
autocratic manner. Everything had to be done according
to his whims and caprices. People said his dark
personality was due to the hard life he had in the past
which is still ongoing. Despite all these he loved his
family. Mr Opoku was a mechanic and a hardworking
one as such. Devoted to his job and ready to find any
means of livelihood for his family. He had to change
Ama’s school from a private one to a public one. There,
the Government catered for certain expenses of the
students and this helped cut down the expenses of Mr
Opoku.

The movement of Mr Opoku’s workshop to Labour

was a good one. His business boomed. The location was
also perfect. Cars noticed him as they went back and
forth. People trooped in day and night for their cars to be
maintained. To Mr Opoku and his family, it was the
work of God but to others it was strange. How could
someone who just moved in be so successful at his work?
They said he had gone for ‘juju’. They backlashed him
and his family for using selfish means just to upgrade
their status.

Sweet Chop bar was operated by Eno Abena,

meters away from her husband’s workplace. While her
husband maintained the customer’s car, she also
maintained their stomachs with her sumptuous Local
dishes. At age 43, Eno still looked young. She was full of
smiles and made it a point to enjoy the pleasures life
gave her. She was hardworking and courteous. Her polite
behaviour made her customers commend her for her
services and even referred others to her chop bar. Eno’s
work was a bit risky due to the fact that it was located
along the road. They prayed each day that any atrocity
would not occur.

It was a hot afternoon when the disaster occurred,

what they feared had happened. A truck ran through her
chop bar and destroyed half of it. Fortunately, the saw
the accident beforehand and escaped. No injuries were
sustained but the consequences inflicted was a great one.
Eno Abena cried her heart out as she saw her hard work
turned into stones. What was she and her family going to
do? Hope was not lost. It was going to take a while for
she and her family to get back on their feet. For now,
they had to live on the petty savings of Mr Opoku.

Whilst life was unbearable for the Opoku family, it

was soothing for the Peprah’s. As years passed, Ama
completed senior high school with a scholarship to study
Law at The Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and
Technology. Adwoa was also at The University of Ghana
Legon, pursuing Law.

Ama met Ethan Yeboah an aspiring doctor on campus

one cold day. He lent a helping hand to the girl who was
caught in between a group of highway robbers on
campus. They automatically become friends from that
day. As time went on, their friendship turned into
something else. Ethan began showing interest in her and
made his intention of getting married known to her. Ama
was old enough now and wasn't going to base on her
mother’s advice of her focusing on her studies and not
falling in love. She accepted Ethan. They did not just
make their stay on campus about themselves. They made
it a point to focus on their studies. All that while, Ethan
kept on a charade as a boy from a poor family so as to
not get cheated like all the previous girls, who were after
his money.

Every hidden truth surely comes out in the light and

so did Mr Ethan’s secret. One evening Ama found out
her beloved was no other than the son of Moon
Company. The number one technological company that
develops software’s and sells consumer electronics in
Ghana. It came as a shocking news to her at the same
time a pressuring one.

Ethan was a private man, he hardly talked. A stout

looking man. He was the kind all girls would want to be
with. His face was strong and well defined. His dark skin
and dark eyes made girls weak. He was an African and
his features and body type depicted it. His strong hands,
slightly from working hard. His perfect red lips that drew
the attention of many at just a glance of him. His heart
was like that of a lion but he had the soul of an angel.
Ethan was the man to comfort Ama after all the trauma
and hardship she had been through. He was the light and
saviour in her life.

The anxious wait was over. The time came for

Ama to meet Ethan’s parents.” I’ve heard of parents
refusing their daughters and son in-laws due to financial
or ethnic differences “She said within herself. ‘God
please let everything take place successfully”. Saturday
evening, Ama dressed herself up in a neatly sewed fitting
dress. She had to make herself look beautiful and
presentable to her future in-laws. She had to be like a
well brought up educated Ghanaian girl.

On the way, she kept on thinking about how the

meeting was going to be. It was as if she was not part of
the living. She was lost in her own thoughts. Ethan had
to shout at her before she became aware he had been
talking to her all the time. ‘Sorry’ she said to him and the
conversation went on. Upon arrival, to her utmost
dismay, she and her family were warmly welcomed by
the Yeboah’s. It was as if their alliance had already been
fixed. They gladly accepted them as a part of their
family. The evening was a memorable one, full of smiles
and laughter music and dance. Their sorrows were now
over and a new phase of life was about to begin for them.

Ten years down the lane. It was the graduation of

Ethan and Ama. As Ama wore her graduation gown she
remembered her mum’s advice “stand tall like a tree and
be proud. Go out on a limb and remember your roots
then you’ll become a successful human” Yes she has
definitely been successful. The grounds of KNUST were
full of smiles of parents sharing in the happy moment of
their children. They were now going to enjoy the fruits of
their labour.

At the other side of the country was another ongoing

merry making. Adwoa at her young age was able to
achieve the title of becoming the youngest student to
obtain a first-class degree in Law. One could only
imagine how happy and proud Mr Peprah and his wife
Mina were of their daughter. During these past years
Adwoa changed. She was now a mild and caring woman.
Soft hearted and respectful. This moment was a happy
one for all three families.

After graduation, Ama obtained a job at the Kumasi

Circuit Court. She was now a step closer to her passion
and the reason she had studied all these years. Within a
year she had taken three criminal cases and never lost a
single one. People looked up to her, she was their source
of hope.

Adwoa also worked at the Accra High Court. An

analytical lawyer and an advocate for justice. She always
found creative and reasonable solutions when unique
cases arrived. She lived according to the principles of her
profession. This made her acquire the nickname “THE
HAIL” among her colleagues.

At the other side of Kumasi, in front of the Kumasi

central prison stood Boat the convict of ten years ago. He
had the smile all freed inmates have on their faces. The
reality of having been cast out from people was over. He
would never go back to that dark hole. ‘I am going to
repent for my sins and live a good life’. With this thought
in mind he moved to the Kumasi Children’s Home to
lend a helping hand. Months passed and everyone lived
happily.
 Chapter 3

“I’ll always be with you”. Another notification?

This is the tenth one for the past two weeks. I wonder
who keeps sending me such messages. Is it...? Yes! This
Mr Richard eh? I’ve noticed the way he has been
looking at me nowadays. Hmm doesn't he know he’s
late? Il warn him tomorrow at work. Ah what’s all this.

He had closed from work, a bouquet of red roses in

his hand. Those were her favourite flowers. As he walked
majestically, the thoughts of meeting his lovely wife
(Eno Abena) kept running through his mind. Today was
their 26th wedding anniversary. He had personally
planned everything. First, they would go for a walk and
then eat and watch a movie.
 8:00pm at Asokwa and Gold Fingers Restaurant was
still in business. Eno was making sure her customers
satisfaction was met. Her food was affordable and her
customer services were superb. The atmosphere in her
restaurant was so soothing that people came in and after
eating her meals forgot their worries. Eno spotted her
handsome old man smiling brightly at her. Her heart
skipped. A warm heart to heart embrace was felt and a
soft kiss planted on her cheeks “happy anniversary my
love” Mr Opoku said. Their affection towards each other
caught the attention of the customers who cheered them
for their love. All was set for their marvellous date night

10:00pm and Ama was still at the court house. She

took a sip of the cup of coffee beside her. ‘At least this is
preventing me from dozing off. I have to finish looking
through these files before tomorrow's case’. Oh, I forgot
to call mum and dad and wish them a happy anniversary.

Kojo Antwi’s Adiepena was playing. It was their

favourite song. With palms in each other's, they sang
along. They visited all the places that had memories of
them together. They came to a crossroad, Mr Opoku
looked into the eyes of his 43-year-old wife and said the
words” I love you dear. Thank you for being with me.
For supporting me and being the best among all women.
I will forever be grateful”. The next thing, they both laid
on the floor in a pool of blood. They had been ran over
by a car. As they struggled to get up, they saw a figure
above them. They cried... please help us! But the figure
stood idle. Minutes later he broke his silence with a sharp
laughter. He knelt before them, his face showed in the
light. It was Boat. He had a satisfactory look on his face.
He narrated what he went through years ago because of
their daughter and the promise he had made to her.

Our Ama would never fill her heart with vengeance

even after what you’ve done. Boat told them he was
going to make their daughter hate him so much she
would want to kill him. But for Mr and Mrs Opoku they
had taught their daughter to live her life to the fullest and
not live it with hatred. As these words were said they
breathed their last holding hands.

Her phone rang. Hello mum happy Anniversary!!

am sorry for been late. I was just about to call and wish
you both. Am coming over to celebrate am almost done
with work. Mum? Mum talk to me. Your parents are
asleep my dear. What do you mean? Hello!... Hahaha I
just full filled the promise I made to you a while ago.
Promise? Which promise? your parents are been sent to
the City hospital right now you should hurry... Promise?
Boat!!! how dare you! He banged the phone on her.
Tears ran down her face as she stormed out of the office.

Upon arrival at the hospital, her parents were

already dead. The poor living soul cried her heart out as
the nurses and visitors tried to console her. Others found
her behaviour as a nuisance because she isn’t the first
person to lose someone dear to her. Ethan was around to
sympathize with his beloved. That instance Ama swore
to get revenge on Boat.

Am a was still in her mourning period stood in front

of the Bantama police station. She had come to file a
complaint against Boat. Officer Alvin wrote it down and
said they would do a follow up on the case. The police
had called Boat in for investigation. After questioning
him, it proved nothing was suspicious of him. With this
they could not arrest him. The police called Ama and told
her the update which she insisted they kept looking. She
pleaded with them to go to the scene. But you know
Ghanaian police would hardly do that. It only happens on
rare occasion. This time round I guess God was on
Ama’s side. They agreed to what she said. Weeks later
Boat was called to Police station again. For what course?
A CCTV footage was found. In the video, Boat was
spotted at the scene at the time of the accident. The case
was going to court. How relieved Ama was. She counted
the hearing days like her life depended on it. Adwoa took
up her case and become her lawyer. She was sure they
would definitely win.

The long-awaited day was here. It was heated in the

court room no one could justify how the case would end.
All testimonies presented ruled in favour of Boat. The
judge adjourned the meeting to next Monday where the
final hearing will be done. As Boat walked out of the
court room all confident he passed by Ama. Giving her
that annoying wink. Ama raged in fury. There’s no way
he was going to go scot-free.
 She rushed to pick the phone which had been ringing
for hours. It was Dr Michelle of City hospital, she asked
Ama to pass by and retrieve her parent’s belongings.
Ama did as she was told. She embraced her parents
around her and reminisced. Then decided to put them
away. On her way something fell. ‘Oh! it’s the recorder I
bought for mum. Let me listen to her voice for once’.
But the voice over the recorder was strange and so was
the content. She gasped after hearing it. She immediately
called Adwoa and told her what she had just found. She
came over and retrieved it.

Monday was the final day of the hearing. To Boat he

was going home a winner. Then the final evidence was
put forth. It was the recorder. It turned out to have
recorded al that went on that day also Boat’s
conversation with her parents before they died. The
evidence was solid. With it Judge Olivia Appiah charged
the culprit guilty of murder. The thought of going back to
the dark hole again frightened him. He pleaded for mercy
and forgiveness from Ama. She with her generous heart
did forgive him and requested the judged reduce his
sentence. The judge agreed and instead of a life
imprisonment, reduced it to fifteen years. Ama walked
out full of smiles. She knew her parents would be very
proud of her. Months passed and she laid her parents to
rest, reconciled with her friend Adwoa and got married to
Ethan. They travelled abroad where they spent the rest of
their life’s there

GLOSSARY

Apanpan........... plastic basin

Kra........... Soul

Dada ba......preppy