Political office is fleeting; once upon a time he was the high and mighty, respected and revered even in his wrongs but with the wind of change cutting him to size, he now is declared as a fugitive by a legal creature of the Constitution. Indeed the hourglass has valuable lessons for political office holders.

Like sand slipping through the hourglass, the mighty can fall, and the revered can become the reviled. The winds of change can be unforgiving, cutting down those who once stood tall.

In the realm of politics, this phenomenon is all too familiar. One day, a leader is hailed as a hero, their words and actions revered by the masses. The next, they're declared a fugitive, their name synonymous with shame and scandal.

This fleeting nature of power holds valuable lessons for political office holders. It serves as a reminder that their time in the spotlight is limited, that the adoration of the crowd can quickly turn to scorn. It's a sobering thought, one that should humble even the most powerful among us.

As we watch the rise and fall of leaders, we're reminded that true greatness is not measured by the height of one's pedestal, but by the depth of one's character. It's a lesson that echoes through the ages, a reminder that the only constant in life is change.

And so, as we gaze upon the hourglass, we're invited to ponder the impermanence of power and the enduring nature of character. We're reminded that the true test of leadership lies not in the accumulation of wealth or the exercise of authority, but in the cultivation of wisdom, compassion, and integrity.

The tale of Ken Ofori-Atta, Ghana's former finance minister, is a stark reminder of the transience of power and the importance of accountability. Once a respected figure in Ghanaian politics, Ofori-Atta has now been declared a wanted fugitive by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) due to his alleged involvement in several high-profile corruption cases.

The OSP's declaration is a significant fall from grace for Ofori-Atta, who served as finance minister from 2017 to 2023. His tenure was marked by controversy, including allegations of corruption and mismanagement of public funds.

The cases against Ofori-Atta include the National Cathedral project, Strategic Mobilization Limited (SML), among others. These allegations have raised concerns about the misuse of power and the need for greater transparency and accountability in government.

Ofori-Atta's story serves as a cautionary tale for those in positions of power. It highlights the importance of ethical leadership and the need for accountability mechanisms to prevent the abuse of power.

As the saying goes, "pride comes before a fall." Ofori-Atta's rise and fall from power is a reminder that true greatness is not measured by one's position or wealth, but by one's character and integrity.

Oh, the hourglass as a reminder to politicians:

In the halls of power, where shadows play

A mighty man fell, in a most unexpected way

From finance minister to fugitive, a tale so unkind

A reminder to all, that power is but a grain of sand in time

Oh, the hourglass turns, a symbol of our fate

A reminder to the mighty, that their time is but a wait

For the winds of change can blow, and the mighty can fall

Leaving only memories, of a power that once stood tall

Ofori-Atta, a name that once rang with pride

Now echoes with shame, as the OSP declares him to hide

The National Cathedral, SML, and secrets untold

A legacy tainted, by the very power he once held

Oh, the hourglass turns, a symbol of our fate

A reminder to the mighty, that their time is but a wait

For the winds of change can blow, and the mighty can fall

Leaving only memories, of a power that once stood tall

As the grains of sand fall, one by one

So too do the mighty, when their time is done

Their legacies remain, a testament to their name

But power, like sand, slips away, leaving only memories to claim

Oh, the hourglass turns, a symbol of our fate

A reminder to the mighty, that their time is but a wait

For the winds of change can blow, and the mighty can fall

Leaving only memories, of a power that once stood tall

So let this be a lesson, to all who hold power dear

That the hourglass turns, and your time is drawing near

Use your power wisely, for the winds of change can blow

And the mighty can fall, leaving only memories to show.

In the halls of power, where mighty ones reside

An hourglass stands, a symbol to abide

A reminder to the privileged, to walk with humble stride

For the sands of time are falling, and their time will soon subside

Oh, the hourglass turns, a warning to the great

To use their power with wisdom, and a humble heart that waits

For when the sands run out, and their time is no more

They'll be hailed for their legacy, if they ruled with humility's score

The hourglass whispers secrets, of the rise and fall of might

A cautionary tale, of those who shone so bright

But forgot the hands that lifted them, to the heights they'd gained

And when they fell, their legacy was tainted, their names in vain

Oh, the hourglass turns, a warning to the great

To use their power with wisdom, and a humble heart that waits

For when the sands run out, and their time is no more

They'll be hailed for their legacy, if they ruled with humility's score

So let the hourglass be, a guiding light to those in power

A reminder to stay humble, in each passing hour

For when their time is done, and they're no longer in the fray

Their legacy will live on, if they ruled with humility's way

Oh, the hourglass turns, a warning to the great

To use their power with wisdom, and a humble heart that waits

For when the sands run out, and their time is no more

They'll be hailed for their legacy, if they ruled with humility's score

The hourglass stands, a sentinel of time

A reminder to the powerful, to use their privilege in rhyme

With humility and wisdom, they'll leave a lasting mark

And when their time is done, they'll be hailed in the dark.

A leader's strength is not in might,

But in humility, a guiding light

For when they rule with humble heart,

Their people prosper, and never depart.

Their power is not in proud display,

But in serving others, day by day

They listen, learn, and lead with care,

And their humility is beyond compare.

With every step, they take a knee,

To lift their people, and set them free

Their leadership is a noble art,

A humble heart, that beats with love and starts.

For humility is not weakness, but might,

A leader's greatest strength, in plain sight

It's the foundation of a leader true,

A humble heart that serves, and sees them through

So let us follow leaders, who walk with humble stride,

Who serve, who listen, and who step aside.

For in their humility, we find our way,

To a brighter future, where all can stay

The hourglass must serve as a constant reminder to political office holders of the fleeting nature of their time in power. Just as the sand flows from one container to the other, their tenure is temporary, and they must make the most of the time they have to serve the people.

By keeping the hourglass in mind, political office holders can stay focused on their responsibilities, prioritize the needs of their constituents, and work towards leaving a lasting positive impact.

The Writer:

Richard Mawuli Koku Quashigah, a multifaceted Ghanaian politician, journalist, and educator.