Why Ebony may still be angry with me

The morning was bright from the shining sun. It was yet another buzzing day. Sweat trickled down the faces of tired but zealous people on the streets, who were striving to make a living. I too, like those on the street, was going to strive for a living.

Then I noticed that people had gathered in two’s, three’s and even more chit-chatting. Then I heard each of them mention the name 'Ebony Reigns'.  I must say I wasn’t a fan of her music, not a fan of music in general. Only I found her personality awesome; she was beautiful, very talented and simply enjoyed life. When I heard her name in any group, I thought she had released another ‘explosion’. You know how she does it! She makes headlines with her music and lifestyle.

Then I got to the office, “it seems today is a meeting day of two's and three's,” I thought to myself as I saw people gather in small numbers at the office too. I really didn’t bother to find out why. Then my colleague entered my office and said to me that I didn’t look like I knew what was going on, probably because I was the only one not engaged in any chatter. Some joy crept into my heart; I thought we were going to have a surprise party at work but her tone didn’t communicate elation.  Before I could ask, she dropped the bombshell that blasted my brain. “Ebony is dead! She died in an accident last night.” My mouth failed to utter any words: I’m not sure if it was out of sheer disbelief or extreme shock. I only thought to myself “Oh this carnage on our roads”.

When we set out to pursue various endeavours, we hope to return when the day is over.  In Ghana, this hope is only anchored by divine providence. I concur that all aspects of our lives are, but why does it come with no sense of personal responsibility for the Ghanaian on the road?

 Our roads are fraught with sharp knives that cut destinies into nothingness and uncertainties that dissipate our dreams in thin air.  Almost every week, accidents do occur and every month someone or some persons lose their lives to road accidents. In 2018, two thousand and twenty (2,020) people were estimated to have died on our roads and a provisional increase to two thousand, two hundred and eighty-four (2,284) in 2019. (www.graphic.com). We have not forgotten the major clash on the Kintampo highway that claimed a lot of lives early this year. The WHO estimates that an average of four persons lose their lives in Ghana every day. This is certainly startling, worrying and alarming.

We can count a tall list of losses after we shed tears for our cherished departed souls. The children whose futures have been shattered because they lost their parents, loved ones who have been plunged into perpetual depression because a loved one is no more and dependants who have to face the horrors of life all by themselves because their dependent is no more.  I almost forgot the maimed whose otherwise beautiful lives have been tied to beds and wheelchairs for life or if they are lucky enough, a number of productive years of their life. The effects sweep wide and the impact on our country cannot be overlooked.

But why does it look like we don’t care about it? Or have we become helpless? Is there nothing our institutions can do to help? Hmmm, it looks like we all need to hold on more strongly to providence. But after you have prayed, resist any driver who moves a car if he’s drunk. Dear driver, please do not neglect the screech from under the car, the little smoke from the engines that can degenerate into huge flames. Understand that you need to get there early but it’s more important that you get there safe. Therefore, don’t rush to make any inappropriate overtaking; the consequences can be dire. Dear pedestrian, do not cross the road until it is safe enough. Dear agencies in charge, please ensure that road traffic regulations are strictly enforced.

               ◦              Sorry, I think I got swayed a bit from the story I was telling. Now, I know why I couldn’t say anything when my colleague announced Ebony’s death to me. I had disappointed her. She may even argue I have a hand in her death. I was so bothered about fatalities on our road but I did nothing about it. Come to think of it, what great difference could I make?  I’m sure if I was at the spot of the incident, I’d have bulldozed the heap of sand off the road or I’d have signalled the oncoming bus to stop or maybe I’d have even discouraged her from embarking on that tragic journey altogether. I promise I’d have gone all out to have her alive today. If I had any power, I’d have done same for all the great minds that have been buried in our soils undiscovered. Everyone understands that I’m helpless in this matter; I hope Ebony does too. I hope she, with all our great minds in graves confer to send us a roadmap that can help us fight this carnage on our roads. Ermmm.. I have also heard that Sweden has a reputation for safety on their roads. Sometimes, the number of deaths in a whole year equals what happens in Ghana in a month. This is a plea for help; they may lend us their expertise for only a month. Until they listen, may providence carry us through the to and fro movements, as it remains our best and only resort.