There exists in nature a force which is immeasurably more powerful than steam, and a single man, who is able to adapt and direct it, might change the face of the whole world. This is what The Accra Mail gathered while talking to Mr. S.T. Nettey, the spiritual mentor of Accra Hearts of Oak, on the fall of the Oak tree in his house, last Wednesday.

The fall of the Oak tree, under the force of a heavy gale, has fuelled speculation and allegations that the spirit, power, punch, allure and goal-scoring ability of the Phobians have gone with the wind with the fall of the tree, the most valuable of timbers, remarkable for its strength and durability.

Market women interviewed told us that the fall of the tree came with a big bang causing traders, hawkers and others to run helter-skelter for shelter. Others in the area, Accra New Town, said the fall of the tree produced some sweet strange sounds after which, multicoloured birds hovered around the place where the Oak tree stood for some time before finally disappearing.

The prayer centre of the Phobians has turned out to be like a tourist centre with thousands and thousands of both supporters and ?against people? trooping in to catch a glimpse of the fallen Oak tree.

Mr. S.T. Nettey, commissioner of Labour and Social Welfare under the N.L.C. regime told The Accra Mail that he is surprised at the connotative or denotative meaning given to the fall of the Oak tree, a branch plucked from his late father?s house to plant in his. He pointed out that the tree has no bearing, relation or connection to the good fortune of Hearts of Oak today.

His house, he said, is a prayer centre for the Phobians and as long as Hearts believe implicitly, Hearts of Oak will continue to enjoy good fortune in the League and CAF Competitions.

Mr. S. T. Nettey, who has seen too much, and yet through a clouded glass, intimated that people may divine an answer to the riddle of the fall of the Oak tree without grasping its whole impact and mystery. Everything, he said, is symbolic. However, the septuagenarian was quick to add that all miracles are promised to the faithful.

He said the audacity of will does not hesitate in darkness, but advances towards the light in spite of all ordeals and surmounting all obstacles.

This, Mr. S.T. Nettey said, is the station, position, class, and character of Accra Hearts of Oak today.

The fall of the Oak tree last Wednesday has nothing to do with it.