In Ghana Politics, as the title of the book, we can infer qualities from Mr Quantson’s style and prior works, experience and background that the book is not rhetorical.
The book offers a deeply informed perspective, drawing on Quantson's frontline experience in security and national governance, and blends personal anecdotes with sharp analytical insight.
Nine straight and harsh questions beneath the title, “Ghana Politics”, raised on the front cover of the book, with the bold statement, “No Apologies”, sum up the fearless nature of the author in confronting what academics, media, clergy, the youth, leaders of all kinds and people perceived in society as of critical minds and boldness are running away from.
Ghana Politics, is it funny, confrontational impunity, sensible, nonsense, impudently provocative, hypocritically aggressive, impertinently corrosive, massively corrupt or what?
With its thematically rich "episodes" and titles such as Voice From Afar, The Castle, From China With Love Plus Hate, Ambassador At Lost, Konkonsa Democracy and Nature of Pass Power, the structure appears both narrative and reflective, likely blending storytelling, critique, satire and an evocation of political culture.
Book
The 234-page book is concise, and with 23 episodes, the book is designed for clarity and engagement on current happenings rather than academic density.
Why Ghana's politics is worth reading
The reviewer, an author and ardent reader himself, assigns the following compelling reasons for politicians, historians, academics, security gurus, students of politics and governance, and administrators to read the book - not as an alternative, but as a must-read text for sustainable living, survival, renewal of minds, resetting and true transformation. These are stated below:
The depth of experience in national security and political developments positions Quantson uniquely to interpret state dynamics.
The author is an authority with practical experience and knowledge worth tapping into.
Aged over 90 years, he fearlessly states the points and elucidates from untainted language and glasses.
The younger generation has and can benefit from the book without regret over the years to come.
Narrative diversity: The varied episodes (titles) suggest a multifaceted exploration, not just national history, and, perhaps, diplomatic comedy From China With Love Plus Hate, institutional critique The Castle, public awards Bastardising National Awards and media Konkonsa Democracy, likely offering both insight and wit. Other topics, such as Equalisation,
The Prophet Again and Nature of Pass Power, render the book more relevant to society.
Accessible format: The episodic style makes it easy to dip in and out, great for both general readers and those keen on Ghana’s political culture. In these days of biases, stomach direction and lack of truth among even the clergy, MPs, advisors, professors, experts and CEOs, it is difficult to come by such writers who express the truth without looking at political colours, shoulders and selfish gains.
Mr Quantson, as we may be aware, has written several books, including Ghana: Peace and Stability, Tears of God, Travelling And Seeing, Cocain Hits Drug Family, Ghana National Security ...
The Dilemma, Bogus Informants... Nation Wreckers, Security In The Hand of God, You and Your Security Environment, recounting how intelligence failures contributed to coups, emphasising how political partisanship and institutional weaknesses can undermine national security, growth and national development.
For instance, his book, National Security: The Dilemma, tackled the theme of intelligence being sidelined by partisan or tribal considerations, which was repeated in the current book.
Ghanaian politics.
In conclusion, Ghana Politics, by Kofi Quantson, offers a compelling, authoritative and richly textured take on Ghana’s political scene, rooted in the author's extensive security and governance experience.
For readers interested in Ghanaian political narratives, national stability and the interplay of power, memory and institutions, this book promises both insight and engagement.
It is available at the Airport Shell Filling Station, Legon Bookshop, University of Ghana, and online platforms.
