SIKANKU: Flashback; recounting a reporting experience in Ghana.

A bill designed to enable citizens abroad to vote, sparked one of the fiercest demonstrations in Ghana’s modern political history.

By Etse Sikanku

The skyline was layered with thick black smoke billowing from burning tires. Armed policemen fired live rounds to disperse protestors who had encamped at the junction leading to the president’s residence—the Osu Castle. A middle aged woman cursed in unprintable expletives. Some rioters hurled stones at the advancing policemen while chanting: “Abaa gbe wo yee, abaa gbe wo yee” (They’re killing us oh, they’re killing us oo).

Hundreds of anti-government rioters mostly from the Committee for Joint Action (CJA)—a coalition of opposition parties—were protesting a law which would make it possible for Ghanaians abroad to vote in national elections. While state officials wanted to extend universal suffrage to citizens overseas, opponents felt the process could leave opportunities for election rigging. It was Valentine’s Day in 2006 but there was no love lost between the ruling party (N.P.P) and its opponents.

“We have gathered here today to show that we love our country more than our wives and girlfriends” yelled Johnson Asiedu Nketsia, the spokesperson of the CJA, in the local Twi language.

He was a slim fellow with thick black moustache and a piercing soprano-like voice. His nick name was General Mosquito. That was before the entire demonstration started though.



Back at the Castle junction, everyone ducked for cover. I tried making my way out but it wasn’t easy. When I turned, I saw state police firing hot water cannons from their armored vehicles while others chased the crowd with batons. Immediately, I flung my press pass around my neck hoping I wouldn’t be mistaken for a rioter. Out of the blue, something whitish landed very close to my shoes generating wisps of white smoke. I had just been tear-gassed. So I began running faster, panting heavily with watery eyes, as I started suffocating.

Suddenly, my phone rang. Paul Adom Otchere, host of CITI Eye Witness News, was about to go on air and the production desk wanted me to lead. Although I was in dangerous circumstances, I felt people had to hear the news the way it was and in a timely manner. Since my first day on the microphone, I have always felt journalists hold positions of trust and responsibility to the public. To me, this was a rare, sacred and privileged position which needed to be upheld at all times. Others had done it under worse circumstances and I wasn’t about to betray the profession and my own feelings.

“Let’s roll,” I said without even thinking. Once on air, Paul first asked me for an update and the response to his question is what I’ve uploaded as an audio file. I will never forget this day.
Thanks for listening!