POWER OF DESTINY
“Sir, you were spotted in Canada few weeks ago,” quoth Miss Vanessa
amidst the interview. “Please, can you tell us what prompted the trip?”
“I was invited to deliver a public lecture,” the interviewee, Prof.
Nkrumah responded. “In the University of Alberta.”
“What was the theme of the lecture, Sir?”
“The role of a leader in continental development,” Prof Nkrumah said.
“The Ghanaian perspective.” He landed.
Prof. G.O. Nkrumah, an astute and veteran 53-year-old Ghanaian professor
of the Department of International Relations in the University of Accra, Ghana,
was indeed the dream of every young and focused Ghanaian student that he was
widely celebrated in every nook and cranny of the country. Everybody wanted to
hear him speak whenever he was being interviewed on the radio or watch him
speak in the case of a television broadcast. The young and agile academic was
to say the least highly adored owing to his exemplary proficiency in issues
relating to public sphere. There and behold, he was, as usual, being
interviewed on one of the most reputable Ghanaian television broadcasting firms
– StarCool TV.
“Sorry for deviating,” the anchor Lady Vanessa proceeded. “Can you tell
us a bit about your family?”
“Well, I have a loving and lovely woman as a wife,” the renowned
professor began his family analysis. “Dr Mrs Ann Nkrumah, of course everyone
knows her.” He exaggerated.
The presenter nodded pleasantly.
Though his wife, Dr Mrs. A.D. Nkrumah who was also an academic, in
Psychology precisely, was a famous personality but her popularity could not be
equated with his (Prof’s) that could be attested to by even a-day-old child.
“I would say,” Prof Nkrumah rode on. “I’m that imperfect man that got
married to a perfect woman.” He boasted.
The chocolate skinned Lady Vanessa who clad in ash suit, ash plain
trousers, coupled with black shoes couldn’t hold her smile. “How many
children?” She enquired.
“By His grace, I’m blessed with three wonderful children,” he replied.
“My last child who is the only male among them is 18 at the moment.”
“Do you mind talking about them?” She said cheerfully, hastily adjusted
her transparent specs.
“My first daughter at 22 is presently on her Master’s degree programme
in London Graduate School; her younger sister who’s 20 will conclude her first
degree this year in Dundee University, Scotland,” the dark complexioned academic
who dressed in black suit, black plain trousers alongside black shoes answered.
“My son Dennis who is studying Law in the Manchester University, also in the UK,
is currently in 200 Level.”
“At 18?”
“Of course,” he said. “He left secondary school at the age of 16.”
“Interesting.” The 33-year-old spinster applauded.
“What you have to know is that children of nowadays are very fast
academically,” the notable Prof asserted. “It’s not like during our time.”
“Apart from Law,” Vanessa continued. “Would you have allowed him to go
for any other profession?”
“Sure,” he said succinctly, nodding. “The choice is his.”
“As your only son,” the Ghanaian trained journalist punched again.
“Would you have allowed him to venture into acting?”
“Why not?” He replied. “Actors are great people in the society today.”
He added, paused. “Even as a Lawyer, he can still become an actor tomorrow.”
“But you and I know that there are so many distractions in the movie
industry,” Vanessa went on. “And I’m of the view you would like him to be
addressed as a Professor someday.”
Prof Nkrumah smiled.
His hands seemed tied going by the nature of the logic being utilized by
the seasoned mass communicator.
Obviously, the interview was gradually arriving at a hot zone
unannounced.
“Even at that,” he managed to utter. “All I know is that, he can still
attain to that height even as an actor.”
“So, in other words,” she hinted. “Any profession is okay by you?”
“Definitely,” the bearded Prof
said. “It’s a matter of choice.” He reiterated sceptically.
The weekly programme entitled ‘Meet your role model’ which invariably
came up every Saturday on StarCool TV lasted for an hour as the tradition requested.
“Beautiful outing,” the Prof’s beautiful wife applauded, kissed his cheeks
the moment he arrived home. “Darling, you spoke very well as usual.”
“Thank you, my dear.” Prof Nkrumah appreciated.
Dennis, their only son was meant to be in his Ghanaian home that very
day. The Manchester University undergraduate had earlier called home to notify
his parents – Prof & Dr (Mrs.) Nkrumah. It was in March, 2003.
Within a twinkle of an eye, the awaited chap finally arrived home as
expected at about 6:45pm (GMT), “Oh Dad and Mum,” he exclaimed as he was about
separately hugging his parents who had stepped out of the house to welcome him.
“You are all looking good.” He added frantically.
“Welcome son.” His mum said as they hug each other.
“Welcome, my boy!” the ever vibrant Prof reiterated as he grabbed his
own hug instantly after his wife received hers.
The three hurriedly moved to the sitting room and had their seats while
the house-help took the luggage to the apt quarter. The couple sat very close
to each other on the only three-in-one upholstery chair in the room whilst,
their son Dennis sat directly adjacent to them on a separate single upholstery
chair.
“I know the semester hasn’t ended,” the Prof hastily said. “So, why are
you home?”
The wife assented via a nod.
“Dad, you’re right,” quoth Dennis. “We’re still in second semester.”
“So?” the anxious academic
interrupted inquisitively.
“Dad and Mum,” the chap called. “I have something very crucial to
discuss with you.”
“We are listening, my son.” said the Prof, wondered what could be the
matter that he couldn’t discuss on phone.
“I want to go to a seminary school,” the 18-year-old Dennis informed
hesitantly. “I want to be a Priest.”
“You would like to become a Priest?” the renowned academic who was also
a devoted Catholic uttered confusedly.
The wife shook her head, which bore long plaited hairs, with dismay,
seemed depressed.
“Yes Dad,” Dennis responded calmly. “I’ve already made up my mind.”
“Meaning?” His parents chorused.
“I’m done with the University.”
“What!” the Prof shouted.
Mrs Nkrumah looked at him (Dennis) in awe.
It was as if the female journalist, Vanessa who hosted the Prof few
minutes back foresaw the incident.
“Are you out of your mind?” the Prof ranted. “Do you realize you are my
only son?”
“Dad,” the chap called. “I never said I’m about to die…”
“Dennis…,” his mother interrupted loudly. “What has come over you?”
“You must be mad.” The Prof overreacted.
Perhaps, he had abruptly forgotten so soon what he told the TV presenter
awhile ago as regards choosing a career.
“Besides, who says a University graduate can’t become a Reverend
Father?” He rode on furiously. “Where did you cull that from?”
The wife calmly clapped her hands, indicating her optimum surprise.
Thereafter, the altercation continued for several days to no avail until
Prof G.O. Nkrumah decided to give the thought-provoking issue a second thought
owing to his wife’s importunities. Consequently, Dennis left the University for
a Senior Seminary School in Ghana unconditionally.
Ceteris paribus, many years
later, in 2013 to be precise, Dennis Nkrumah was ordained as a Holy Ghost
Catholic Priest (CSSP) at 28 having successfully undergone rigorous missionary
trainings as the ethics demanded.
On that fateful and remarkable day, his beloved parents felt fulfilled
for having sacrificed their only son.
Immediately after the ordination, the young and handsome priest - Rev Fr
Dennis Nkrumah promised his parents that he would surely become a professor
someday.
Sincerely, if you were in the shoes of the academics, would you have
allowed Dennis to proceed to the seminary school? Think about it!
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