Excuse me while I address my Zongo brothers directly. Before you read any farther, I caution reader discretion. You may not like what you read, especially, if you are from the Zongo community like me. Proudly, I am a Nima boy.
In a two week period starting from January 31, 2019 to February 18, 2019, a young Zongo boy was shot dead, another had his fibula and tibia (leg bones) completely fractured. Many others were injured, some critically, others were hospitalized, kicked, slapped, and otherwise assaulted.
Why? Political violence and vigilantism perpetrated by the Invisible Forces, Delta Forces, and others. This is all in the relentless pursuit of power and control over Ghana’s resources.
Ayawaso West Wuogon violence: Why was it that the critically injured and those who caused the injuries and mayhem have Muslim names and are mostly from underprivileged Zongo communities?
NDC Regional office in the Ashanti region: Why was it that the one dead, the critically injured in hospital, and the suspected shooter are all Zongo boys bearing Muslim names?
The Zongo 7: The victims of police brutality that ended in the fatal shootings of 7 Zongo boys. The police initially claimed the 7 Zongo boys were armed robbers and that the police shot them in self defence. Investigations have conclusively shown that the Zongo 7 were shot without probable cause. Interestingly, the Zongo 7 and their families from the Ashanti Region, are well known sympathizers of the New Patriotic Party (NPP). They left wives and children behind. The government of Nana Akufo-Addo has paid compensation to the families of the dead. 7 Zongo boys are now dead and gone for no discernible good reason.
Zongo Boys Arrested in Salaga: Seven Zongo boys were arrested in Tamale for burning down the NPP constituency office. All those arrested for arson have Muslim names. Please note that in that of part of the country, not all those bearing Muslim names are necessarily Muslims.
I can go farther back in history and bring up numerous cases that have resulted in fatalities, casualties, and unmitigated violence. What is the common thread running through all these cases? Most of the perpetrators and victims of political violence are from underprivileged Zongo communities. They have Muslim names. I take no delight in stating the obvious fact. This must not come as a surprise to the reader.
Am I painting the Zongo black? Am I outing political violence that has broken up marriages, divided families, turned bossom childhood friends against each other, maimed, disfigured, and ultimately killed young Zongo boys in their most productive years? Yes, I am.
I am washing our dirty Zongo linen in public. I do this in the hope that rays of sunshine will disinfect and kill the bugs that have been shoved under the rugs for ages now. This is no secret.
Some politicians use Zongo boys as tools to achieve their goals and aims. Politicians discard and throw the Zongo boys away after the politicians have gained or retained political power and control.
Meanwhile, the sons and daughters of politicians are living a sheltered life devoid of the violence experienced by Zongo boys. The politicians send their children to the best schools abroad while the Zongo boys are sent to the front lines to fight battles. In the process, some lose their lives, limbs, and are critically injured.
What are the causes of the political violence in Ghana? Without making a thesis out of this, I simply submit that the causes of political violence are the relentless pursuit to gain and retain power and control in a winner-take-all executive style presidency.
What tools are used to capture and retain political power? This is where the “fearless” Zongo boys come in. Some Zongo boys are used as the muscle to achieve the goals of their political paymasters. Some Zongo girls are involved too, but to a less extent. Sadly, some politicians prey on Zongo youth to do their dirty deeds. Out of necessity, some Zongo youth are happy to do the dirty works of the politicians.
Yes, out of necessity. Most of the Zongo youth lack education and skills. While there is a marked improvement from previous years, most Zongo youth only go as far as JHS or SHS, if that. They are therefore mostly unemployed, lack access to jobs and educational opportunities, and good health facilities. Most importantly, they lack role models to guide them in making healthy and productive life choices.
The patriarchal family setting demands that a Zongo boy who has come of age go out and be the man: a breadwinner of the house. In many cases, the father is either absent or has several other families to care for. Polygamy is an accepted way of life in the Zongo communities. I am the product of a polygamous family tradition. There is no cause for alarm; this is the norm. Polygamy is a very important part of our creed and belief systems: Islam. This is not negotiable.
Some Zongo boys look to unscrupulous and ambitious politicians bent on making a political point to “contract” him or a group of them to achieve a political agenda. Zongo boys (the so called foot soldiers) provide the muscle as opposed to the brain in a contest of ideas decided at the ballot box. Zongo foot soldiers need money to feed their families. The politician provides the money as payment to achieve his political aims, by any means necessary. This is a violent match made in the dark ‘lungus’ (corners) of Nima, Maamobi, Asawase, Ashaiman, Aboabo, and many others.
Year after year, political cycle after political cycle, we see political violence escalate. However, this is the first time we have witnessed state sponsored violence meted against innocent citizens. Violence was perpetrated by jack-booted thugs and hoodlums behind masks. According to DSP Samuel Azugu, Commander of the SWAT Team, the masks were used not to intimidate voters, but as protection from mosquitoes!
Is there a sustainable solution to this perennial problem of political violence? Yes! How do we achieve our political goals and objectives without resorting to violence? There will always be a struggle for power, one way or the other. We cannot eliminate the pursuit of power and control.
The way we achieve political power and control without resorting to violence is through education, job creation, skills training, targeted youth development initiatives, and youth empowerment. Additionally, we need the unflinching support and commitment of political parties and actors to nonviolence. We also need the involvement and commitment of the community, imams and pastors, mosques and churches, youth associations, keep-fit clubs, and other civil society organizations. The government, in collaboration with the societal organizations, should provide productive avenues for the exuberant youth to channel their energies towards productive activities.
The wanton disrespect and devaluation of Zongo lives must stop. Zongo Lives Matter!
Salaam.
By: Alhaji Haruna Rashid Ibrahim
