On Thursday, February 20th, 2025, two book launches occurred in Accra, Ghana, and Abuja, Nigeria, both hosted by retired military officers, though their books explored vastly different themes.
In Abuja, 83-year-old General Ibrahim Babangida (Rtd), former military Head of State of Nigeria, launched his autobiography, A Journey in Service, at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel. Meanwhile, in Accra, 73-year-old Captain Prince Kofi Amoabeng (Rtd), renowned for his role in Unique Trust (UT), launched Volume 3 of his book, UT Story: Fateful Decisions, at the Labadi Beach Hotel. This marks the third book in a series about UT Bank, co-authored with George Bentum Essiaw.
The Guest of Honour at Capt. Amoabeng's launch was the distinguished Sir Sam Jonah, and the event was emceed by the celebrated Kwasi Kyei-Darkwa (KKD). The book was reviewed by the same duo who had assessed UT Vol 1 in 2021: Professor Justice Bawole, Dean of the University of Ghana Business School, and Brigadier General Dan Frimpong (Rtd).
In his speech, Sir Sam Jonah strongly condemned the revocation of UT Bank's license, describing it as one of the most severe acts of economic injustice, driven by malice and envy. He lamented the long-term consequences of the government's 2019 decision, which he felt discouraged Ghanaian entrepreneurs and sent a chilling message about the vulnerability of private businesses. He stressed that the collapse of UT Bank was not just a financial setback but a blow to the spirit of Ghanaian entrepreneurship.
Sir Jonah also reflected on Capt. Amoabeng’s journey is one of both triumph and betrayal. He described it as a painful chapter, demonstrating the fragility of businesses when entangled with politics. Jonah called for a more stable business environment, urging that political interference be minimized to ensure that private enterprises can thrive. Despite these challenges, Capt. Amoabeng remains hopeful, with his focus now on creating visionary leaders who can transform Ghana, beyond merely reviving UT Bank.
On the same day in Abuja, General Babangida launched his autobiography, A Journey in Service, at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel. The event was attended by prominent figures, including former Nigerian military Heads of State such as Gen. Yakubu Gowon, Gen. Olusegun Obasanjo, and Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar, as well as President Bola Tinubu, former President Goodluck Jonathan, and ex-Vice Presidents Yemi Osinbajo and Atiku Abubakar. While Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, the president Babangida overthrew in 1985, was absent, he sent a goodwill message.
In a significant moment during the event, Gen. Babangida publicly acknowledged that the 1993 June 12 elections, which he annulled, were legitimately won by Chief Moshood Abiola. This admission of his mistake was met with mixed reactions—while some admired his courage and honesty, others felt that the bloodshed and political manoeuvring during his regime, including the killing of Mrs Abiola and the execution of Gen. Vatsa, could not be overlooked or forgiven.
Discussion
Books play a crucial role in documenting and preserving a nation's history, and Capt. Amoabeng deserves recognition for his brave decision to write about the challenges he faced, offering valuable lessons for Ghanaians. Similarly, Gen. Babangida’s confession and apology for the annulment of the 1993 elections, despite the possible backlash, are commendable in their courage.
However, in Ghana, no similar apology has been made for the atrocities of the June 4th, 1979 and December 31st, 1981 coups. Families of the victims, including the Generals, Colonel, Judges, and Major who were murdered, have yet to receive closure. One can only hope that those responsible continue to grapple with their actions.
Finally, Ghana must learn from Nigeria’s success in nurturing its billionaires, like Aliko Dangote, who contributed 8 billion naira ($5.33 million) to Babangida's book launch. Ghana should focus on supporting and building its industrialists, rather than repeating past mistakes that have hindered the growth of businesses and entrepreneurs, such as the 1979/1981 coups and the 2019 destruction of UT Bank. As the saying goes, “A house divided against itself cannot stand” (Matthew 12:25).
Leadership, lead by Example. Fellow Ghanaians, WAKE UP!
Brig Gen Dan Frimpong (Rtd)
Former CEO, of African Peace Support Trainers Association
Nairobi, Kenya
Council Chairman
Family Health University
Accra
dkfrimpong@yahoo.com
Source: Peacefmonline.com
Meanwhile: President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring the Bank of Ghana maintains its independence, free from political influence.
He made it clear that under no circumstances would he direct the Central Bank to print additional money. Read more here......
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