Part 1
Precious stones scattered along the coasts
Across the ocean, they came in ships and boats
Their first sights were charming and inviting
The rumours turned to be truth and enticing

We knew its worth but only being generous
Gave out in exchange for items petty but wondrous
Just for them to take advantage to be prosperous
They made a fool of us but we took it as their bonus

Our peoples call it ‘Galamsey’
To make a living we used our bare hands
After rainstorms went into the sands
Searched on the streets to gather and sell

For the sons of Africa will come after us
Daughters of our motherland will take over soon
So, one generation handed over to the next
Till moonlight cast them to sleep

Part 2
The shovels and pans would prove not enough
Pickaxe and mattock crossed our path
Till the dwarfs surfaced they were enough
We were in to another level and a new path

In accordance with customs we showed hospitality
We opened our doors to our new friends
Not knowing they were a chip of the same old block
Shorter, they were, shorter they will have to stay

Out of hunger they came as a loving partner
Our royals consenting to their wicked ploy
Took their hands and directed them to the hinterlands
Out of sight our wealth they began to plunder

With excavators in the hands of these perpetrators
Weapons of mass destruction ate us up like grasshoppers
We regret the day they mounted onto their tractors
They looted our wealth and left us as poppers

Part 3
Now the new Old Man spoke up
Demanded a stop to any start up
He would put his position on the line
To ensure orderliness in the mine

In another breath, he entertains these wolves disguised as sheep.
He believes they’ve got the magic to transform
They will build the rails for rapid growth
I fear it’s an old story just taking a new form

The same was said yesteryears
Coming back in a subtler form
There is nothing like free lunch
They’d come back and punch

Oyiwa! I told you so
Atewa forest, the virgin is now the target of the rapists and co
They call it an opportunity for partnership and mutual growth
But we see betrayal and a breach of their solemn oath

By:

Harrison Obeng Debrah

(Minister at Church of Christ)

Source: mynewsgh.com