The stealth and the megaphone: the inexplicable synergy of our shared life
Our last decade together were less intense than the first two when we were as inseparable as Siamese twins
O Kwaku was the STEALTH THINKER; I was the MEGAPHONE EXECUTOR
It was an unlikely partnership which delivered synergistic outcomes which entrenched the foundations of the Fourth Republic of Ghana.
Like the Military Fighter Plane, Victor Ohene Kwaku Newman, had an unobtrusive and quiet manner which disguised a sharp, pin-pointed and incisive thinker, whose findings and pointers were deep, insightful and most reliable guides to effective and assured solutions.
Such was the confidence I had in Ohene Kwaku’s advice that when ‘concerned’ citizens opined: “Aren’t you scared of Kwadwo Tsikata’s Security System?” I could confidently assure them that every seemingly reckless act of apparent bravado had been through VON’s favourite “SWOT Analysis” mill. Interestingly, the confidence level I attached to his advice was directly related to the FREQUENCY OF TWITCHING OF HIS EYE BROWS; often the only visible demonstration from an otherwise Quiet, Gentle and Ever Kind Fellow.
The Stealth and Megaphone Partnership of Ohene Kwaku and Kwabena Wereko (as we called each other) first broke the State Monopoly and Monotony in offering divergent voices and viewpoints in a functioning Democracy.
As Managing Director of IMCG, his diligent and thorough preparatory work, facilitated the successful injection of Radio Eye as the pioneering catalyst of media pluralism in Ghana. O Kwaku played a similarly pivotal role in the Alliance for Change (AFC) which organised the biggest public demonstrations in Ghana’s history, to actualise the Right to Free Assembly and Demonstration.
Our “AGITPROP” collaboration quickly developed into a close and trusty friendship that lasted for 30 years. Assuming closer and more personal dimensions, we became increasingly aware of our common Oseikrom roots. It turned out the legendary Master Newman that my mom had spoken so admirably of, was Ohene’s father. We also found out we had grown up in Asafo in Kumasi. Last but not least, our mothers worshiped together at the Ramseyer Presbyterian church for more than 50 years. And the name Victor, was shared with my uncle Victor Owusu.
Our last decade together were less intense than the first two when we were as inseparable as Siamese twins. Nevertheless we remained very close even as our physical meetings became more infrequent as we went down different roads in our common quest for Ghana’s progress.
On the occasion of his 70th birthday, my brother surprised me greatly with 2 very bold gestures. Not only did he invite me to join in the ‘Lion’s DEN’ seating, he topped it off by asking me to propose the thanksgiving toast in the presence of many estranged but suddenly elevated friends. To this day, I have not been able to comprehend why he chose to highlight his Fidelity and Loyalty to our special bond under such an awkward setting. A deeply humbling example that PERMANENT FRIENDS can live together with PERMANENT INTERESTS.
On what turned out to be our last meeting. I turned up on one of his twice weekly barbering days. O Kwaku showed his LOVE by directing his barber to restore order & good grooming to my unkempt hair and dishevelled look. He further instructed that his personal groomer makes a regular date to show up at my home to effect the necessary maintenance on my scalp (mercifully ONCE a month and Not TWICE a week).
I pledge to maintain a short, well cropped and essentially bald head as a permanent testament to the beauty & everlasting bond of friendship and brotherly love between Victor Ohene Kwaku Newman & Kwabena Wereko-Brobby.
Mennua Ohene Kwaku, it was and will always remain a very special priviledge for me to have been allowed into your eventful life.
Nante Yie
Da Yie
Onyame Nhw3 wo so yie mma y3n nkosi s3 Y3 b3 hyia bio
Kwabena Wereko-Brobbey
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