Cameron Duodu

There is no political event more dangerous than a general election.

The Nigerian capital, Abuja, is slowly growing into one of the more beautiful cities in Africa. Since a serious effort was made in the late 1980s to actualise a decision – taken in 1976 – to make it Nigeria’s capital, Abuja has blossomed.

In the next few days, many sweet words will once again be issued from the UN about the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in Africa, given the special summit being held in New York.

A deluge of 'flak' is already falling over Ghana’s infant petroleum industry. People are fighting over it – in very deadly mode – even before a drop of the stuff has reached the surface from down below.

Basil Davidson has died in England aged 95.

Why should that concern me as an African?

Well, soon after my country Ghana gained its independence in 1957, thoughts that we had never been exposed to, in our missionary and government schools, began to sneak into our consciousness.

To cry is the lot of all mankind
And the eyes that shine in joyous delight today
Are doomed ere long to brim over,
As the welling tears overflow
And we moan: 'Woe is today!
Woe is today!
Woe is today!'