From Fireworks to Fizzle (The Lifecycle of a Scandal in Ghana)
Dear Nyaaba,
In Ghana, scandals burn bright and die fast, often faster than a morning mist under the relentless African sun. Whether it’s a leaked tape, a high-profile arrest, or the mysterious disappearance of state funds, the average lifespan of a scandal is breathtakingly short. Let’s dissect its stages:
1. The Explosion (Day 1-3):
A scandal erupts with the force of a volcanic eruption. Social media goes haywire, radio stations have a field day, and hashtags trend. Everyone becomes an expert—journalists, lawyers, and even that neighbor who never finished primary school. Ghanaians love drama, and nothing feeds the appetite like a fresh exposé.
2. The Frenzy (Week 1):
By now, the scandal is the topic. It dominates breakfast shows, pub conversations, and Sunday sermons. Politicians issue statements—some deny, others deflect, and the brave ones blame their predecessors. Memes flood WhatsApp groups, and investigative journalists dig deep, promising “explosive revelations.”
3. The Distracting Spark (Week 2):
A new scandal—or at least a juicy rumor—emerges. The public, exhausted by the intensity of the first scandal, shifts focus. The original issue, no matter how grave, is left simmering on the back burner.
4. The Quiet Burial (Week 3-4):
By now, the national conversation has moved on. The accused may resign, be reassigned, or, more often than not, weather the storm in silence. Calls for justice echo faintly in the distance, like a forgotten song.
5. The Rare Resurrection (Months Later):
Occasionally, a scandal resurfaces—usually when it’s politically convenient for an opposition party or during election season. But by then, the public’s outrage has been diluted by time and apathy.
Why So Short?
The reasons are many: our 24-hour news cycle, short attention spans, and an overwhelming sense of cynicism. Many Ghanaians believe scandals are merely political tools—fodder for point-scoring rather than genuine accountability.
So, what’s the average lifespan of a scandal in Ghana? Roughly three weeks, unless it’s tied to a slow-news day or an upcoming election. But don’t worry—there’s always another scandal waiting in the wings, ready to light up the stage.
Spicy Takeaway:
In Ghana, scandals aren’t buried; they’re recycled. Same plot, different actors. And the audience? Forever entertained but rarely surprised.
Just thinking…
The Honourrebel Siriguboy
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