A tale of two same-day book launches! Abuja and Accra

On Thursday, February 20, 2025, two book launches took place in Accra, Ghana and Abuja, Nigeria.

Both were by retired military officers. However, the focus of either book was completely different from the other. 

Eighty-three-year-old General Ibrahim Babangida (Rtd), aka IBB, former military Head of State of Nigeria launched his first book, an autobiography titled A Journey in Service at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja Nigeria. 

In Ghana, a decade-younger 73-year-old Captain Prince Kofi Amoabeng (Rtd) of Unique Trust (UT) fame, on the other hand, launched Vol 3 of his  UT Story, Fateful Decisions, his third book on Unique Trust in four years with his co-author George Bentum Essiaw, at the Labadi Beach Hotel, Accra.

Capt Amoabeng

The guest of honour for Capt Amoabeng’s book launch was the venerable Sir Sam Jonah.  Mceed by “Master Communicator” Kwasi Kyei-Darkwa (KKD), the two readers were the same reviewers for UT Vol 1 in 2021, Professor Justice Bawole, Dean of the University of Ghana Business School and Brig. Gen. Dan Frimpong (Rtd).

In his address, the guest of honour delivered a scathing condemnation of the revocation of the license of UT Bank which he described as follows: “The seizure of his bank was one of the most egregious acts of economic injustice perpetrated by the state; a move driven by malice, deceit, envy and jealousy.”

Sir Sam Jonah expressed his dismay over the government's decision to close the bank in 2019.

Without mentioning what happened in the 1979/1982 coups to industrialists such as Mr Darku of Darku Poultry Farms, Akenteng Appiah-Menkah of Alpino Soap and Kwabena Siaw of Tata Brewery, Sir Jonah stated that the move has had far-reaching consequences, discouraging ambitious entrepreneurs and sending a chilling message about the fragility of private enterprises in Ghana.

He further lamented that UT Bank’s collapse was not merely a financial event, but a symbolic setback for Ghanaian entrepreneurship.

He stressed that it illustrated the harsh reality that no matter how diligent or rule-abiding a business may be, political interference can swiftly undo years of hard work and success. He added;

“It was not only a collapse of a bank, it was a blow to the very idea that Ghanaians could build something of their own and succeed at the highest level.

It sent a chilling message to entrepreneurs and innovators that no matter how hard you try, no matter how well you play by the rules, your success can easily be undone by those in power.”

Reflecting on Capt Amoabeng’s journey, Sir Jonah described it as a story of triumph and betrayal.

He stated:

“This is perhaps the most profound and most painful chapter in Kofi’s journey, for it speaks not only of his success but also of betrayal, of the harsh realities of power and the fragile nature of businesses when entangled with politics.”

Sir Sam Jonah used the occasion to advocate a stable and predictable business environment, urging policymakers to shield businesses from undue political interference.

He warned that excessive state involvement in the private sector erodes investor confidence and hampers economic growth.

He cautioned that Ghana’s economic progress hinges on leaders supporting and nurturing private enterprises rather than allowing political agenda to dictate the fate of thriving businesses.

He concluded by saying, that despite the challenges, Capt Amoabeng remains optimistic about the future.

He urged young entrepreneurs and business leaders to make bold decisions that can transform the nation, asserting that his vision extends beyond reviving the UT Bank.

In Capt Amoabeng’s words:

“The vision should not necessarily be a bank coming back.

The vision that I have now is bigger than the bank: it is about how we can groom and create leaders with the right values who can change the narratives.”

General Babangida

On the same day February 20, 2025, of Capt Amoabeng’s book launch in Accra, General Ibrahim Babangida, former military President of Nigeria (1985-1993) launched his autobiography Present at the launch were former military heads of State of Nigeria, Presidents Gen. Yakubu Gowon, Gen. Obasanjo and Gen. Abdulsalaam Abubakar.

Other attendees were President Tinubu, former President Goodluck Jonathan and former Vice-Presidents Yemi Obasinjo and Atiku Abubakar.

Visibly absent was Gen. Buhari, the President Gen. Babangida overthrew in 1985. However, he sent his goodwill message.

Top Nigerian businessmen Alidu Dankote and Rabiu were also present.

Significantly, Gen. Babangida confessed that the June 12, 1993 election which he cancelled, was genuinely won by Chief Moshood Abiola.

This confession and apology elicited different responses.

While some thought it was honourable and bold on his part to admit/confess a mistake he made as a military President, others opine that he cannot be forgiven for all the blood he shed just to stay in power, including the killing of Mrs Abiola and executing his close friend Gen.

Vatsa and a group of very good Nigerian officers. 

Discussion

Books make an important contribution to national development in preserving a nation’s history. Ghanaians must, therefore, write for posterity. Capt Amoabeng deserves commendation for boldly writing about his trials and tribulations which Ghanaians will learn from, hopefully.

Gen. Babangida’s bold confession and apology for annulling the 1993 election which Moshood Abiola won, knowing the possible backlash at him, is admirable.

In Ghana, no apology has ever been made for all the atrocities of June 4, 1979/December 31, 1981 and its aftermath.

There has been no closure for the families of the generals/colonel who were executed, as well as for the judges/majors who were murdered and burnt, and all who were killed in the period.

May those who committed those atrocities continue to live with their consciences, if any!

Finally, Ghana must learn to grow its billionaires as Nigeria has done with Dangote who made an eight billion naira ($5.33 million) book launch contribution and not destroy industrialists such as Dr Ephson, Kwabena Siaw, Mr Darku, BA Mensah and Apenteng Appiah-Menka as happened in the 1979/1981 coups and Capt Kofi Amoabeng in 2019.

For, “a house divided against itself cannot stand.” (Matthew 12, 25).

Leadership, lead by example. Fellow Ghanaians, wake up!

The writer is a former CEO, African Peace Support Trainers Association, Nairobi, Kenya/Council Chairman, Family Health University, Accra.                        

E-mail: dkfrimpong@yahoo.com