Court jails self-styled bizman 5yrs over rent fraud

-

May 3, 2024

KON speaking at the handing over ceremony

Minister for Works and Housing, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, has charged the Real Estate Agency Council (REAC) to swiftly commence operations to sanitise the real estate industry, following the official handover of its new headquarters building.

The move follows Mr Oppong Nkrumah’s earlier directive to REAC’s board and management during his first visit to the Agency in February 2024, upon resumption of duty as Sector Minister.

In 2020, Parliament passed the Real Estate Agency Act, 2020 (Act 1047) which established the Real Estate Agency Council (REAC) with the mandate to regulate the real estate sector and ensure fairness and transparency in transactions.

Despite the passage of this legislation aimed at fully establishing and operationalising the Agency, progress has been slow.

Although the Council has been sworn in, its functions have remained dormant with its CEO operating from the Ministry of Works and Housing, instead of from REAC’s headquarters.

With the new headquarters established, Minister Oppong Nkrumah stressed the urgency for REAC to begin operations.

“To the staff and the Council, I urge you to continue with the same renewed energy and laser focus. No stories, excuses or explanations. Let us deliver and bring relief to the many of our citizens who need our services. Let us make excellence a habit in this agency. Ghanaians will notice and will be proud of us,” the Minister said.

He said the establishment of REAC and its new headquarters mark a significant development in regulating Ghana’s real estate sector emphasising that the lack of full opertionalisation had led to challenges such as uncontrolled pricing, fraud and high-risk transactions.

The ceremony was attended by prominent figures, including the Chief of Staff, Akosua Frema Osei-Opare, Minister in charge of Parliamentary Affairs, Osei Kyei-Mensah Bonsu and the Board Chair of REAC, Dr. Kojo Addo-Kuffour and other board members of the Council, as well as other well known dignitaries.

Opuni trial: My claim that lithovit fertiliser was initially powder was a second-hand information –Soil Scientist

By

BERNICE BESSEY

-

May 3, 2024

Jerome Abgesi Dogbatse, a senior Soil Scientist at Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana (CRIG), says it is not a crime for his name to appear on a test report of lithovit liquid fertiliser.

According to him, it used to be the norm at the Soil Science Division of CRIG that every testing report must bear the names of all Soil Scientists in the division.

He told the Accra High Court, presided over by Justice Aboagye Tandoh, on Tuesday, that apart from lithovit, he has never been questioned or queried on any test report of fertilisers bearing his name.
The court was informed that the norm had since latter part of the year 2017 changed with the focus now on the Scientists who conducted the testing.

Jerome had said he did not participate in the testing of lithovit, but only reviewed the draft report, adding that as at November 4, 2013 when he was recruited by CRIG, the test had already been completed.
He added that his claim to the police that lithovit fertiliser was initially powder when it was first submitted to CRIG for testing was a secondhand information.

Mr Dogbatse disclosed that it was the former Executive Director of CRIG, Dr Alfred Arthur, who told him that lithovit was initially powder.
Dr Alfred Arthur is prosecution third witness who had earlier told the court that Dr Stephen Kwabena Opuni, former Chief Executive of COCOBOD, urged Scientists to shorten testing period for fertilisers in January 2014.

But when he (Jerome) cross checked with his immediate boss, the head of the Division, Mr. A.A. Afrifa, it was said the lithovit was a liquid fertiliser.

The court was further told that, while Jerome was being led in evidence by Benson Nutsukpui, counsel for Seidu Agongo and Agricult Ghana Limited, that Mr. A. A. Afrifa had repeated same claim that lithovit was a liquid fertiliser before the Adu-Ampomah committee.

He again testified that no adverse effect or complaints were received from farmers who had used lithovit during a field evaluation rounds conducted in the Eastern region by CRIG in the year 2016.

The witness indicated that his immediate boss had told the committee that he was 100 per cent sure that lithovit was a liquid fertiliser and could increase yields.

Cross-examination

Q: Yesterday, you told the Court that you appeared before the Dr AduAmpomah to answer a query, which was issued to you. That is correct?

A: yes my lord that is correct.
Q: Was the query in writing?
A: Yes it was

Q: Who signed it?
A: My lord, if my memory serves me right, it is Dr AduAmpomah himself.
Q: At the time he was the Deputy Chief Executive of Agronomy and

Qualify Control?
A. That is right.
Q. And you also told this court when you appeared before the Adu-Ampomah committee the person who questioned you was Dr AduAmpomah, the chairman?

A: Yes that is right
Q: Do you know Alhaji Seidu Agongo?
A: Yes, I met him at the arbitration.

Q. Which arbitration did you meet him?
A: I met him at the arbitration presided over by Justice Emile Short.
Q. Emile Short was one of the panel members, is that correct?

A. Yes, that is correct.
Q. How many members were in the panel at the arbitration?
A. I will not recall.
Q. Can you remember around what time the arbitration was?

A. I may not remember
Q. Do you know the parties, the people who had issues for which the arbitration took place?

A. I was invited to come and answer questions but I was not told who and who are involved.
Q: You said 4th November, 2013 when you assumed duty at CRIG, you said you were introduced as part of your orientation the testing of fertilizers on seedlings at the nursery. Did you say that?

A: Yes, I did say that.
Q: Tell this Court how long after that orientation, were you asked to review the draft report?
A: It would be some months later. The exact month I cannot recall.

Q: Can you remember who gave you the draft to review?
A: My senior colleague Dr. Alfred Arthur.
Q: Did he add any specific instruction or he just asked you to review. Simpliciter?

A: He only asked me to review.
Q: How many people were on the Dr. Adu Ampomah committee panel?
A: If my memory serves me right, I think including himself, we are four.

Q: Yesterday, you told us that on the evaluation rounds, you were privileged to be the Soil Scientist on the team that went to Eastern Region. Do you recollect that?

A: Yes I do.
Q: Do you recollect the name of the lead Scientist on that team?
A: He was the Entomologist on the team.

Q: By name?
A: Dr. Godfred Awudzi.
Q: Cast your mind beck if you can remember the towns that you went in the Eastern Region. Do you remember?

A: We followed the Bunsu-Kumasi stretch so we were on Osino. We talked to some farmers in at Jejeti, Oframase and Nkawkaw.
Q: Tell this Court the fertilizers that were supplied to the farmers in the towns in Eastern Region you visited?
A: It would be difficult for me to recall all, but I know lithovit was one of them.

Q. Q. Do you know the name Sidalco?
A. Yes.
Q. What do they have in relation to cocoa?
A. They produce fertilisers for cocoa production.

Q. What about Asasewura?
A. Asewura is a granular fertiliser.

Q. So you told this court that your questionnaire is designed to fines the fertilisers among agrochemicals and machineries used by the farmers in the previous years?

A. Yes in the previous season not the previous years
Q. So tell us about this questionnaire. What were the type of questions on the questionnaire?

A. First we have the location from administering the questionnaire. Name of farmer, sex or gender of the farmer, date of administering the questionnaire, and then we have sections for each agrochemicals unit. We have sections for insecticide, fungicides and a section for fertiliser and a section for machines and equipment.

Q. Can you recall some of the questions you asked in fertilisers?
A. The first question wants to know what fertiliser did you receive in the previous season.

The amount of quantities received. What mode do you use in applying the fertiliser. Is the fertiliser and there are options for use to select – good, very good or bad.

Was there any adverse effect on its usage. Do you like that particular fertiliser? Are there any recommendations you want to make in regards to the fertiliser and finally any questions for us.

Q. Would you remember just on the top of your jeans how many farmers the team spoke to?
A. I cannot recall because we have different interviewers and how far you can conduct the interview.

Q. Do you know Dr Gilbert Anim Kwapong?
A. Yes I do
Q. He told this court that the report from this evaluation normally highlights or pays attention to problems is that correct?

A. Yes that is correct.
Q. You see, Mr Jerome AbgesiDogbatse, do you know about adverse report that was issued by your team, which did with the field report?
A. No

Q. Now go to lithovit do you know about any adverse report that was issued by your team that went on the field trip?
A. No. Because I said earlier that after the interview my work end there.

Q. Can you recall generally, the answers that your team received from the farmers during the 2016 evaluation?
A. My lord generally, for fertilisers and fungicides, farmers do not complain. Most often the complaints come from the insecticides.

Q. When you said generally farmers do not complain about fertilisers and fungicides, what do you mean?
A: What I meant by that was that for the fertilisers and fungicides, farmers don’t complain on adverse effects on their cocoa tress or as individuals farmers as humans. But in some cases for the insecticide they do complain about irritation.

Q. So when you say your questionnaire asked the farmers whether the fertilisers are good, very good and bad. Do they give answer?
A. Yes they do

Q. Please tell the court if the farmers felt a particular fertilizer was bad would they tell you it was bad?
A. Yes my lord they will

Q. And if they give you that report would it be passed on the lead scientist and would that be the adverse findings in the report?
A. Yes. The questionnaire would capture it.
Q. There is a question do you like that particular fertiliser. Did you state the answer to that?

A. Yes.
Q. Do you know what is called farmers’ perception?
A. Yes my lord I know.
Q. Would the farmer perception be captured to that particular fertiliser?

A. For that particular question it is the observation of the farmer.
Q. This observation, which you was on your questionnaire, would that answer be passed on to the lead scientist and would that form part of any adverse findings that would be reported on?

A. Yes.
Q. Tell me how information collected and data gathered by officials of CRIG is communicated to COCOBOD?

A. What I know is after the field trip a report is compiled, sent to the committee for testing chemicals and machines. Then the committee forwards the report to the Executive Director who forwarded it to COCOBOD.

Q. So tell us when you go on field trips what does the CRIG management expects from the evaluating team that goes on the field?
A. The evaluation team is expected to capture the views of farmers on the agrochemicals and machines used the previous year or season and report to the management.

Q. So how does the team report to management on what it captured on the field trip?
A. It is to do a report.
Q. So at CRIG is it the case that all field trips concluded with a report?

A. For what I know that is the case.
Q. Sir, currently, now today what is your position in CRIG?
A. I’m a senior research scientist.
Q. And since you joined CRIG, you have been involved with other scientists involved in the testing of fertilisers?

A. Yes.
Q. Sir you told this court that your name was added to the testing of lithovit because they told you that was the norm?

A. Yes.
Q. And that norm you told the court, is because the work is of the division, all the soil scientists of the division are listed on the report?
A. Yes I did.

Q. How long did the practice of the norm pertained after you joined CRIG?
A. After the Dr AduAmpomah committee meeting, a decision was taken at CRIG that scientists who worked on a product should be those whose name should be on the report.
Q. And the meeting with Dr AduAmpomah was in September/November 2017?

A. Yes.
Q. So between 2013 when you joined and 2017, the norm was in existence?
A. Yes that is correct
Q. Dr AduAmpomah questioning you on that report questioned your name on the report?

A. Yes.
Q. Tell this court Jerome AbgesiDogbatse in relation to you, did you do anything wrong in your name appearing on the report?

A. No
Q. Kindly tell this court in the four years, from 2014-2016, many fertilizer test reports would your name have appeared on it?
A. Since that period my name has appeared on all the reports but I cannot give the exact number.

Q: Can you just give me an estimation. Would it be tens or hundreds? It would be in the tens but not in the hundreds. Above 50, below 50?

A: I can’t tell.
Q: Have you been queried in respect of any other report that your name have appeared on?

A: No.
Q: Have you been questioned in respect of any of those reports by an official from either CRIG or Cocobod as to why your name appear on those reports?

Q: No. itis only in respect of lithovit. That is correct?
A; Yes. That is correct.

Q: Dr Yaw AduAmpomah’s committee reported that they questioned you and some other scientists together. That appears on page 21 of the Yaw
AduAmpomah report. And the persons who were questioned in the presence of each other according to them are Dr. Alfred Arthur, Dr.OforiFrimpong, Mr.Dogbatse and Mr.Afrifa. Is that correct?

A: That 1s correct.
Q: Go to page 28. When you get to page 28, there is a small sub heading; lithovit. Have you seen it?
A: Yes.

Q: The second question there is “we questioned Dr Arthur. His response was that the sample submitted was powder. Your own report said grams. Something measured in grams cannot be liquid even in your own report, you said it was fine powder, you described it in your report?

Q: Have you seen it?
A: Yes I have seen it.
Q: Who asked that question?

A: It was the chairman for the Committee.
Q: And the chairman is almighty Dr. Yaw AduAmpomah?
A: That is correct.
Q: The answer to that question was what I tested was liquid. That is correct?

A: Yes.
Q: Who answered that question?
A: It was Mr. A. A. Afrifa.

Q: Yesterday, I asked you that when A. A. Afrifa was asked what he tested he said it was liquid. Do you remember that?
A: Yes I do.
Q: And I referred you to the page where he said he is 100% certain that it was liquid. Have you seen that?

A: Yes.
Q: Who was he referring to as Chief?
A: The chair of the committee. Dr Yaw AduAmpomah.

Q: Dr. Yaw AduAmpomah in Exhibit H page 28 then asked him another question. “The former Director of CRIG, Dr.Amoah, who received the sample says it was powder. You in your report stated that it was fine powder but the supplier brought liquid”. Who asked that question?

A: It was Dr. Yaw AduAmpomah.
Q: To that question on page 28 of Exhibit H, what was the answer?
A:The answer reads “No, chief, that one. I am 100% sure that what was brought to us was liquid in plastic containers and I remember that it was liquid”

Q: Who gave that answer?
A: It was Mr. A. A. Afrifa.
Q: The next question starts this way “the supplier says he has US$26 million worth of that product sitting in the warehouse and that we should come and buy.”

A: Yes.
Q: Who made that statement?
A. Dr. Yaw AduAmpomah.
Q: And the product that Dr. Yaw AduAmpomah is talking about is lithovit. That is correct?

A: Yes. That is correct.
Q: Then he went on. “When we took samples of the previous one he had supplied, the active ingredient of calcium carbonate by Ghana Standard Board was 0.002 percent of calcium carbonate. ”

A: Yes.
Q: And the same 0.002 percent of magnesium carbonate. Is that also there?

A: Yes.
Q: He went on. When we sent the same sample to chemistry department, it was 0.3 and 0.4 as against the maternal data sheet of 85 percent and 4 percent?

A: Yes.
Q: He then concluded “but the point is it was powder and he supplied liquid, 90 you are saying we should go and buy water. That 1s there?

A: Yes.
Q: All that statement was by Dr. Yaw AduAmpomah?
A: Yes. That is correct
Q. Tell this Count if you know Which product was Dr Yaw AduAmpomah talking about which he said that US$26 million worth was sitting in the supplier’s warehouse?

A it was Lithovit.
Q: And when De Yaw AduAmpomah stated that you are saying we should go and buy water. Which product was he referring to as water?

A. It was lithovit
Q: What was the answer to all those questions that we went through now?
A: The answer was no.

Q: The next question is this, “did you take samples from separately from what officially came to you through Agronomy and Quality Control, Executive Director and through you as head of Soil Science Division?”

A: Yes.
Q: What was the answer to the question?
A: The answer was “I remember that one very well, it was liquid.”
Q: The chairman still pressed him further on the issue of powder and liquid?

A: That is correct.
Q: Indeed he asked “when you stated in your report lithovit folia fertilizer is a very fine powder, you were not being truthful. He asked that question?

A: Yes he did
Q: And the Scientist, A. A. Afrifa replied no, the lithovit itself is a powder. What he brought to us was in plastic containers.

A: Yes
Q: Dr Yaw AduAmpomah asked all-powerful question. “Did he deliver through the correct process powder or liquid™
A: Yes he did
Q: And what was the answer of the scientist AA. Afrifa?

A: The answer was liquid.
Q: It is true that at this “face to face” meeting at the committee of the four scientists including yourself before the committee. Dr A AAfrifa was asked several time as to whether lithovit was liquid or powder?

A: Yes That is correct.
Q: And he was loud and clear that it was liquid.
A: That is correct.

Q: Go back to page 28 and tell this court what is your understanding of the reference of Dr Yaw Adu Ampomah to the supplier says he has US$26 million worth of the product sitting in the warehouse so we should come and buy.

A: My understanding is that he is informing Mr Afrifa the worth of fertilizer stung in the warehouse for Cocobod to buy.
Q: And what is your understanding of the very last line of that question “it was powder and he supplied liquid, 90 you are saying we should go and buy water?”

A: My understanding is that he was drawing Dr. A. AAfrifa’s attention that the product was powder but liquid was supplied so 1s Dr A A. Afrifa suggesting that COCOBOD should go and buy water. That is my understanding.

Q: Is your understanding of “are you saying we should go and buy water” in any way related to “the product sung in the warehouse”.
A: Yes.
Q: What is your understanding?
A: My understanding is that Dr Yaw AduAmpomah ‘as describing the Product as water.

Q: And what is that product by the evidence?
A: Lithovit.
Q: Look at page 31 in the middle, there is question again directed at Dr. A AAfrifa “are you saying you can vouch chat it can increase yield. The company says that they have US$26 million worth of the product, should we go and buy it when we have not actually conducted test. On what basis are you saying it can increase yield”

A: I have seen it.
Q: Who asked the question?
A: Yaw Adu Ampomah.

Q: And what is your understanding of the second to the third line that “ the company says that they have UD$26 mullion worth of the product sitting at the warehouse… on what basis are you saying it can increase yield”?

A: My understanding of the question is that he wanted to find out from Mr. A AAfrifa whether COCOBOD should buy the US$26 mullion worth of lithovit when he has not conducted any test to indicate the product can increase yield.

Q: Would you say that the US$26 million worth of the product “was of concern” to Dr. Yaw AduAmpomah?
A: Yes.

Q: What was the answer to that question?
A: The answer was “no, that one it based on what CHED people are supposed to do and I actually observed increase in the yield”
Q: Did you tell the police in your statement that you were told that the product when it t came to the institute was in a powder form but not liquid?

A: Yes I did.
Q: Who told you?
Q: Dr. Alfred Arthur.
Q: Mr. A A. Afrifa was the lead author and head of soil science?
A: Yes That is correct.
Q: Did you have the occasion to discus with him whether it was powder or liquid d?

A: Yes I dif.
Q: What did he tell you?

A: He said it was liquid.
Q: This statement, can you remember the date you gave it to the police?
A: I cannot.

Blue Ivy Carter joins mum Beyoncé in Lion King prequel

By

-

May 3, 2024

Blue Ivy performed alongside her mother Beyoncé

Beyoncé and Jay-Z’s daughter Blue Ivy Carter has joined the voice cast of The Lion King prequel Mufasa: The Lion King. Blue Ivy, 12, voices Kiara, daughter of King Simba and Queen Nala, played by her mother. Beyoncé is reprising the role from Jon Favreau’s 2019 photorealistic remake of the animated 1994 original.

The new film, directed by Moonlight filmmaker Barry Jenkins, will explore Mufasa’s origin story and his childhood with brother Scar.

Like the 2019 movie, it will also combine live-action filmmaking techniques with photoreal computer-generated imagery. Jenkins told US breakfast show Good Morning America that Blue Ivy was “professional”, while Beyoncé was a “mum first” on set.

“They just approached it that they both wanted to perform and do the best they could. And yet, they didn’t have to pretend very much because they really are mother and daughter.” Credit: myjoyonline.com

Nigerians pick sides as Wizkid and Davido clash online

By

-

May 3, 2024

Wizkid and Davido, two of Nigeria’s biggest musicians, have captivated social media users across the nation with a war of words. The two superstars have millions of fans across the world and have long been considered rivals.

Many Nigerian music lovers class themselves as either “Team Wizkid” or “Team Davido”. A skirmish between the two began on Monday night after fans on social media platform X begged Wizkid to release a new song.

He responded to the requests by posting a video, which had previously been circulated widely, of a man on his knees, begging an unknown person for a favour. Wizkid told his fans that if they begged him like the man in the clip, he would drop his new song.

Previously, social media users suggested the subject of the video in question is Davido, but the 31-year-old star has not commented on the rumours. On Monday night, Davido responded to Wizkid’s taunt by saying he refuses to waste his “clout” on “someone whose career was resurrected a few years ago just to die again”.

As well as drawing attention on social media, the clash has sparked debate on blogs and between fans offline. Fans of both singers are still having a field day defending their idols and popular music channel Hip TV has launched a poll on X in a bid to determine which musician has “won” the battle. Credit: myjoyonline.com

Young people must date for at least 7 years before marriage -Tic urges

By

-

May 3, 2024

Ghanaian veteran musician Tic, formerly known as Tic Tac, has shared relationship advice with single men seeking to marry in the future causing a stir on social media.

The Hiplife artist took to social media on May 1, 2024, to share his thoughts on what he believes to be the foundation of a successful marriage. In his post, TiC urged those contemplating marriage to spend seven years dating their potential life partners before tying the knot.

“Don’t marry a man or a woman you have not dated for more than 7 years. Thank me later,” TiC posted.TiC’s advice was met with mixed reactions from fans and followers on social media, some of whom questioned his stance while others supported it.

TiC began his musical journey in 1997 and quickly became known for his unique voice, often compared to Busta Rhymes. He gained fame through collaborations with artists like Azigiza and Slim Buster, and his debut album, ‘Philomena’, was a significant hit in Ghana.

Over the years, he has won numerous Ghana Music Awards, including Musician of the Year in 2004. He is known for his hit singles like ‘Menka Bio (Shordy)’ and for his international collaborations, which have helped him gain a wider audience.

Credit: pulse.com.gh

Kwaku Manu reveals reason he rejected car gift from John Mahama

By

-

May 3, 2024

Ghanaian actor Kwaku Manu has disclosed how former President and Flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, gifted vehicles to some personalities in the creative arts industry. During Mahama’s tenure, he aimed to support individuals in the creative arts sector by providing them with free vehicles to boost their businesses.

However, Manu revealed that he declined the offer because he found the vehicle “too small,” which resulted in his loss of interest. Instead, he requested that the car be given to his colleagues who did not own any vehicles to assist them in their endeavors.

Explaining his decision to reject the offer, Kwaku Manu stated, “The car they were offering me was too small, but I didn’t see the others’ cars. I asked them to give the vehicle to my other colleagues who didn’t have one at all.”

He further clarified that during John Mahama’s presidency, the government contemplated providing cars to actors.

“People are unaware of my political affiliation,” Manu emphasized, adding, “Some individuals were pressured into claiming NDC membership to receive a vehicle, but this was not the case. This is partly why governments struggle to support the creative arts industry.”

Credit: pulse.com.gh

UG Credit Union approves GH¢1.5m to complete Hospital project

By

-

May 3, 2024

The University of Ghana Co-operative Credit Union has approved an additional GH₵1.5 million to complete a 50-bed emergency centre.

The approval was granted in a resolution passed at the Union’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Tuesday.

So far, GH₵4.06 million has been spent on the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) project that started in 2022 as part of the University of Ghana Hospital project.

In his report, Mr. Michael Asante Antwi, the Union’s Chairman, said that the additional fund was required due to high inflation and design modifications based on expert recommendation.

“The Board is pleased to announce that the facility is near completion and will be commissioned soon,” he said.

Mr Antwi disclosed that the Union had expanded its membership to include businesses owned by members, spouses and adult children of institutional members, individuals and businesses that operate on the university’s campus, and members who only want to save with the union.

He stated that new admissions reflected the Board’s growth strategy, which involved assessing the business environment and identifying expansion opportunities.

During the AGM, members also approved the payment of GH₵7.7 million as dividends for the end of the 2023 fiscal year.

Professor Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ghana commended the leadership of the Union for their commitment to steering the affairs of the organisation during the tough economic times.

She urged them to cast a wider net to bring in more members, citing the cooperative’s strength as its membership.

Mr. Francis Fiayiya, Manager of the Credit Union, disclosed that the organization had 10,054 members, with 815 joining during the year under review.

He stated that the union’s administration was committed to addressing its members’ needs by using cutting-edge technology, introducing innovative products and services, and investing in human capital.

“At the core of our achievement lies the collective strength, dedication and talent of our exceptional team,” he said.

GNA

Behind Sarah’s Laughter

By

-

May 3, 2024

Dr. Joyce Rosalind Aryee, Executive Director, Salt and Light Ministries

‘Therefore Sarah laughed within herself, saying, “After I have grown old, shall I have pleasure, my lord being old also?”’– Genesis 18:12

Introduction

Over the years, I’ve learnt that every Word in the Bible is there for a reason. If you’re like me, you’ve probably come across this Scripture several times about Sarah laughing when the angels promised she will have a son within a year of their visit. ‘Why did Sarah laugh?’, you may have asked yourself.

I don’t know the answer to that question but we can hazard a guess based on her circumstances. You see, we’re talking about an almost 90-year old woman here.

She had long crossed the menopause age. She had watched her mates, and then her mates’ children and possibly even her mates’ grandchildren become mothers. She had watched and waited for God’s promise of childbirth to become a reality in her life.

She had wished and hoped and prayed to be a mother for so long that she probably couldn’t even remember when it had started. She had waited so long that she was finally coming to terms with ‘her’ fact that she might never become a mother.

Often, when we’ve wanted something so badly and gone to extreme lengths to get it without any success, we do not remain the same. We resist the reality of our failure.

We fight it with our words and our hands and our faith. We fight it with everything we’ve got until we don’t have any more weapons or strength to keep fighting it. That is when we realize that we have to make peace with our situation.

And that is not an easy road – it is a road that compels us to let go of that luggage that we cherished so much which has now become a burdensome baggage. It is a road that compels us to think or accept that maybe, just maybe, this is how God wanted it for us all along.

On this road, we fight ourselves, our what-ifs, our values, and everything else that we think has stood between us and the realization of our dreams. On this road, we are confronted with a reality that is as harsh as it is stark. We don’t get to take it or leave it.

We must either take it or take it. And in taking it, we can choose to be gracious and accommodating or bitter and vindictive. Whichever way we choose to take it; this road ultimately leads to accepting our situation whether we want to or not.

Sarah was on that road when the three angels showed up unannounced in her matrimonial home to announce her imminent childbirth. She must have initially been excited as she pictured herself with a baby bump.

She probably allowed her thoughts to wander a bit imagining how it would feel and look like taking care of the beautiful little girl or that cute little boy she had fantasized giving birth to so many years ago…

We normally associate laughter with joy, happiness and excitement. But Sarah did not laugh because was excited. She did not laugh because she was happy or joyful. She had probably been prayed for by Melchizedek and all the great men of God in her generation already.

And yet, somehow, she had still remained childless. Sometimes when we have waited too long for our hopes to be fulfilled, our bright eyes of expectation lose their shine as eager anticipation gives way to heart-wrenching disappointment.

Our once loud ‘Hallelujahs’ and ‘Amens’ lose their resonating echo and give way to a polite and subdued version of these same affirmations. We have watched and waited and it seems we have lost. Nevertheless, we continue to say Hallelujah and Amen.

Proverbs 14:13 says “Even in laughter the heart may sorrow…” And when Sarah laughed on that fateful day, she wasn’t doing it because she wanted to. She was in effect saying ‘Please don’t raise my hopes again’. She was asking inwardly ‘Is this still possible?’.

She was willing herself to believe again, to trust God that this time the promise will not fail, that this time God will not pass her by. In her laughter, Sarah was crying – crying that the mercies of God will stop life from playing a cruel trick on her on this matter. In her laughter, Sarah was saying ‘Lord, I believe – help my unbelief!’

Conclusion

If you’re reading this passage today and you’re laughing about a new rhema (spoken word of God) you’ve received concerning your health, your career, your prosperity, your marriage, your childbirth, I dare you to laugh. I dare you to laugh because God understands your laughter as much as he commiserates with your tears. He knows that your laughter shall precede your testimony:

‘Then our mouth was filled with laughter, And our tongue with singing. Then they said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.” (Psalm 126:2). He knows that our pain will end in praise like Sarah’s did in Genesis 21:6 And Sarah said, “God has ^[^b^]made me laugh, and all who hear will laugh with me.” I dare you to laugh because ‘He who sits in the heavens laughs’ (Psalm 2:4).

Our God, the God of Israel, the Ancient of Days – He laughs too. He laughs because he sees and knows that the torment you have been through is coming to an end. He laughs because He knows that when He shows up, the Word He gives you will not fail because ‘Forever, O Lord, they Word is settled’ (Psalm 119:89).

Therefore, if God should visit us today, let us dare to laugh. Let us dare to laugh because in our laughter we shall be set free to shed the unshed tears in our hearts.

We shall be set free to chase after that dream once again. In our laughter, that faint glimmer of hope hidden deep in our hearts shall be exposed and God will light that candle again.

He is able and He will. In our laughter, may we trust Him who alone is able to wipe away our tears and make us smile again. May we trust Him who in spite of our laughter can change our name from Sarai to Sarah. Selah.

Authored by: Hannah Arabella

Stay blessed!

Please continue to join us on Asempa 94.7 FM – Sundays 5.30 am., Sunny 88.7 FM – Tuesdays 5:30 am; and YFM 107.9 – Sundays 6.30am; for our Radio Bible Study as well as Sunny FM 88.7 FM every Sunday at 3:30 pm. for Hymns and their Stories.

Feature: Rose Water Improves Sex Life

By

-

May 3, 2024