“The Missing Pages of June 4th”, a book written by Prof. Kwesi Yankah, Minister of State in-charge of Tertiary Education has been launched in Accra. The book which represents landmarks within 22 months of his weekly column in the Catholic Standard, is inspired by topical issues in three military regimes, General I.K. Acheampong, General F.W.K. Akuffo’s Supreme Military Council (SMC) 2, Rawling’s June 4 Revolution and the civilian government of Dr Hilla Limman’s People’s National Party (PNP).
In the words of Dr Bonnah Koomson who was the Editor of the Catholic Standard at the time, it “captures a momentous era in Ghana’s immediate political history, reminiscences of which the Author has sought to recreate and preserve with phenomenal linguistic skill.” The book allows a veiled peep into the most turbulent era of the Revolution, including preceding events and the aftermath of the revolution. It represents, in a satirical manner, an accurate heartbeat of a people under intense political paralysis.
The column, known as ‘Abonsam Fireman’ was often mistakenly credited to Prof. P.A.V. Ansah or Prof. Adu-Boahen. The series provided comic relief and an opportunity to laugh at oneself. For decision-makers, the column simply might have been a torture and the Catholic Standard became the Paper that one hated to love.
The Book makes compelling, even if hilarious, reading on Ghana’s enigmatic June 4 revolution. It offers a revealing and a clear understanding of some very dark days in this country in a very linguistic and satirical manner.
Prof. Yankah said that he started his series in “The Siren”, a mouthpiece of Mensah Sarbah Hall, University of Ghana, in the 70s. He later decided to launch his writing on the national scene and did that through the “Abonsam Fireman” column in the Catholic Standard. He was thankful to God that he was able to survive the years of his satires without being discovered. He also thanked the staff of the Catholic Standard, the Editor at the time, Dr Bonnah Koomson, for helping to conceal his identity during those years.
Other speakers at the launch were Rev. Dr. Joyce Aryee of the Salt and Light Ministries and Pastor Mensa Otabil of the International Central Gospel Church. The event was chaired by Hon. Hackman Owusu-Agyeman.