Dear Mr. Kwesi Kyei Darkwah,

The Nectar of Forgiveness

Contrition is the bedfellow of forgiveness.

When a man steps out and asks for mercy, flawed souls have to give it keener consideration. I read your apology letter (dated 12th January 2015); and a particular line struck me, and indeed still strikes me to the very core.

You concluded: "Kindly pray for us." Whereas this may be a cliché for some people, I personally see encapsulated in this succinct statement—when contextualised within your request for forgiveness—a real cry of the soul. And equally fallible souls cannot turn deaf ears to the din of your soul which may have experienced its own perceptible catharsis. You needed, and still need our prayers; and much more, we all need each other's prayers.

When your story broke, we debated a whole number of issues, I need not rehearse any—you would have read some you agree with, or otherwise. In any case, as your case virtually dies down, I see an opportunity for Ghanaians to give a sinner a fair chance. Don't get too worked out by my calling you a sinner, because that is what we all are. It was Solomon who made the point with unmissable clarity when he observed: "For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not" (Ecclesiastes 7:20; cf. 1 Kings 8:46; Proverbs 20:9).

Dilating upon the point above, we are all sinners of varying degrees, intensities and immensities—without exceptions. Is there any person who does not sin? I admit my own cacoethes. Peccavi!

I am ever trying to live right, but every now and again, I slip. Realising my own fallibility, I cherish and enjoy the sweet nectar of forgiveness when I deserve nothing but stinging punishment. Right here, I understand Ezra's admission in prayer, concerning the children of Israel: "And after all that is come upon us for our evil deeds, and for our great trespass, seeing that thou our God hast punished us less than our iniquities deserve, and hast given us such deliverance as this" (Ezra 9:13).

Based on the revealed contents on your case, there are still a fair number of Ghanaians who will not accept that your case has been dropped. However, considering what the prosecution later stated in the public domain, there are indeed some who will never believe and agree you should have walked free. As to whether or not this should have gone to a full trial is another matter. The unanswered questions will remain for those interested in further debating the issues. Perhaps our legal friends who occupy themselves with dreary and musty parchments, bending over and poring over dry-as-dust sentences for a living will take up the issue in their chambers.

Nonetheless, for a society that surely has many "big men" enjoying what they should not, your case could still set a wrong precedence, now that it has been dismissed.

In any case, we as a people must realise that common sense is not the same as law. And this thorny point many people continue to grapple and wrestle with. And if the State has decided the best option is to free you, then so be it!

Nevertheless, in a case like yours, there are very few winners, if any. However, what you have been through could turn out to be a splendid and superb opportunity for you. This setback could surely be your setup for something greater and something lying beyond the fixed circumference of your current influence. And it is such truth that has called me away from more important issues to my desk. Like a celestial fire in my soul, I feel I must write to you, and that is exactly what I have done.

I have seen your lovely pictures at your Thanksgiving ceremony. What caught my eye though was a reported speech attributed to you. One website quotes you as saying: "Whatever has happened in my life is in the past. I look forward to the future with hope." And then there is the line that makes my point for me: "Not too long ago, I was a suspect, now I am a prospect."

Yes, you are a prospect and hence my challenge below.


Consider Campaigning For Abused Victims

Perhaps your finest hour has presented itself. Ghanaians truly need someone to front a massive campaign for the trodden down in society. And you could very well be the ideal candidate. In fact, you could be a promoter of self-restraint as you call upon your experience to drive the message of action to curb violence against abused victims.

In truth, there are many people who are suffering in our society, and they do not have anyone speaking out for them. With your new platform, you can drive the issue of such victims into the national consciousness. Bringing your passionate and poignant pathos to bear on such noteworthy assignment, you will contribute significantly to lifting the persistent mist of apathy towards abused victims in our society.

Now there are those who will think this suggestion is foolhardy; but equally and utterly temerarious would be their conclusion.

Indeed, your letter of compunction referenced above showed someone who cares for the lady in question. You could extend this care to countless others who are suffering in silence.

Initially, starting out on such a fresh path would almost be cognate to Saul (later to become Paul) going out to preach the gospel. However, as we all know, he held his ground, and today, he has left his lasting fingerprints upon the church, even after many centuries.

If you accept my fragrant challenge, it may very well be that this would gradually lead to you changing the minds of many who at present have decided you do not deserve forgiveness. Indeed, human nature is fickle, and those who may accuse you today could well be the same people praising you tomorrow.

In any case, have some vital rest and think long and hard about my sound suggestion. It would perhaps herald a new chapter in your life for which many will always remember you as a fearless campaigner for abused victims in society.

Please kindly weigh up my vital offer, and arrive at the best judgement in your considered opinion.

Regards,

Angelina.

Angelina K. Morrison is interested in national development, true religion, and self-improvement. She enjoys thinking, and writes stories only when the muse grips her. Her first short story, Gravellatina is a breathtaking five-part gripping series available now at Amazon. You can email her at angelinakm75@gmail.com, or find her at www.angelinakmorrison.wordpress.com or Facebook page.