<<Print>>

�Do not underestimate or laugh at the serpent simply because it walks on its belly� � South African proverb. The word �serpent� simply means �a large snake�. It originates from the Latin word �serpere�, which means to creep. True to its meaning, the serpent crawls slowly and cautiously on its stomach. There is this story about the serpent known to all in this country and beyond. It is the story of the serpent in the Garden of Eden. The two Holy Scriptures, Qur�an and Bible, tell us that after creating the world and the things therein, the Bearded Old Man above decided to create man to rule over the things in the world. He created Adam and Eve, put them in the Garden of Eden and gave them the power to eat the fruit of all trees except one. In the Garden they dwelled and enjoyed the favours their Lord had bestowed on them. Then appears the serpent; it whispers into the ears of Eve that the tree they were told not eat from is the tree of wisdom. Eve falls for the trick and eats the forbidden fruit. Adam also listens to sweet-nothings from his wife Eve and eats the forbidden fruit. The resultant effect of their action was a curse from their Creator. They realized, albeit very late, that they were deceived. Na who cause am? The serpent! The serpent manifests itself in many ways. It can easily change into a spirit. The Bible tells us, in Mathew Chapter four, that the serpent changed into a spirit and tempted Yesu Kristo in the wilderness. When Yesu Kristo became hungry, after fasting for 40 days and 40 nights, the spirit told him to change stones into bread. But he wisely responded that man should not live by bread alone. The spirit then took him up into the holy city and set him on the summit of the temple. He then told him to throw himself down, if he was indeed the son of the Bearded Old Man above. Again, Yesu Kristo wisely responded that it was written that no one should tempt the Lord. Unperturbed, the spirit took him to the height of an exceedingly high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their riches. The spirit then promised to give him all those kingdoms and the riches therein, if he prostrated and worshipped it. For the third time, Yesu Kristo resisted the temptation and told the spirit that the only one worthy of worship was the Bearded Old Man above. It was only then that the spirit left him alone. It is instructive to note that the spirit (serpent) was not only crafty, but persistent as well. It could have stopped after the first try; but it didn�t. It desperately persisted until it finally dawned on it that Yesu Kristo wasn�t going to be a victim of its evil machinations. The serpent does manifest itself in human form too. Indeed, most of us have, on one occasion or another, encountered the human serpent, but have failed to recognize him. Just think critically and you would be amazed at the number of times you�ve encountered the human serpent. Like most of my compatriots, I have no doubt in my mind that Nana Addo�s free SHS policy will not only provide the opportunity for many to be educated, but also help reduce the burden of parents. Evidence of this can be found in the number of ministers, deputy ministers, Members of Parliament and government appointees in this government who enjoyed free education. Even the sitting President himself was a beneficiary. Do you doubt me? Okay, here is the list: John Dramani Mahama, President of Ghana; Dr. Benjamin Kunbour, Minister of Justice and Attorney General; Cletus Avoka, Majority Leader in Parliament; Rashid Pelpuo, Deputy Majority Leader in Parliament; Alban Bagbin, Minister of Health; Alhaji Mohammad Mumuni, Minister of Foreign Affairs; Mahama Ayariga, Deputy Minister of Education; Hajia Boya Gariba, Deputy Minister of Women and Children�s Affairs; Haruna Iddrisu, Minister of Communication; Moses Asaga, Minister of Employment; Inusa Fuseini, Deputy Minister of Energy; Moses Magbenga, Northern Regional Minister; Mark Wayongo, Upper East Regional Minister; Alhaji Salia, Upper West Regional Minister; John Akologo Tia, former Minister of Information; Albert Abongo, former Minister of Works and Housing; Collins Dauda, Minister of Transport; John Jinapor, Presidential Spokesperson etc. Are you surprised that these people who enjoyed free secondary education are shamelessly and vehemently opposed to Nana Addo�s free SHS? May be you are, but I�m not. I�m not surprised because I know we have human serpents who would leave no stone unturned in their efforts to throw dust into our eyes. Initially they told us free SHS education in this country was impossible. They then shifted the goal post saying it was possible, but in 20 years. Now they tell us they are not against free SHS education, but are only cautioning that we make it progressively free. Kwaku Ananse stories indeed! As December 7 draws closer and closer, I remind you to beware of those who will come telling you to reject Nana Addo�s free SHS policy. Just like the serpent that led Adam and Eve into shame and disgrace, they will whisper sweet words into your ears which will lead you into the abyss. One thing I know for sure is that they will not give up easily. They will persist. They will inundate the media with anti-free SHS adverts. They will doctor tapes and propagate mendacious stories. They will not even mind engaging in blasphemy, if it will do the trick for them. It is the reason I caution you to beware of any kind of serpent. Whether real serpent, spiritual serpent or human serpent, they are all dangerous. As we say in the local parlance; the value is the same So long!