Captain Prince Kofi Amoabeng, a Retired military officer and founder of the defunct UT Bank, has disclosed why he declined an opportunity to become Finance Minister during the time former President Jerry John Rawlings took over Ghana through a coup.
According to Kofi Amoabeng, he was approached to serve as Finance Minister after returning to Ghana from the United Kingdom.
He revealed that at the time, he was the only Chartered Accountant in the Ghana military, making his professional background a key factor in the decision to approach him for the position.
Kofi Amoabeng revealed that although he personally knew and admired Rawlings for his courage, he opposed the coup that brought him to power.
He disclosed that the political and military environment at the time was also highly uncertain and dangerous for individuals to be perceived as being either in support of or against the regime.
In a Facebook post sharing his chilling Rawlings-era experience, Captain Prince Kofi Amoabeng stated, “For those saying I looked like Shatta Wale in this picture, please, let me enjoy my small resemblance in peace.
But behind this young man in uniform was a period of my life that taught me some of the most difficult lessons about principles, power and survival.
After returning from the UK on a scholarship from the Ministry of Defence to pursue a course at the Royal Army Pay Corps, I came back to Ghana as, at that time, the only Chartered Accountant in the Ghana military.
Flt. Lt. Jerry Rawlings had taken over the country. I knew Rawlings personally and admired his courage, but I was fundamentally opposed to the coup because it went against my belief in institutions, structure and constitutional order.
I was even approached to serve as Minister of Finance because I was the only Chattered Accountant in the Ghana Army then.
But I understood the environment I was in. At that time, it was dangerous to be perceived as either for or against the regime. Some junior military officers were taking advantage of the situation, and people could easily become targets simply because their loyalties were questioned. So I chose to lay low, resign and keep my intentions to myself.
In my book, UT Story – Humble Beginnings, I recount an encounter where a fellow military man almost gunned me down simply because he was unsure of where I stood.
That period taught me a lesson I have carried throughout my life:
Adapting to your environment does not necessarily mean abandoning your principles.
There are seasons when you must be wise enough to survive the storm while keeping your values, ambitions and destination firmly in your mind.
You don’t have to fight every battle openly.
Sometimes, silence is strategy. Adaptation is wisdom. Patience is strength.
And when the storm passes, you must still know who you are and what you stand for. And yes… 😂 Shatta Wale, I think we looked alike small o”.
Some Ghanaians reacting to his post wrote, “My take home is: You don’t have to fight every battle openly. Sometimes silence is strategy. “
Thank you, sir”.
“You are really a soldier. What you have gone through in life, if it were any ordinary person, you would have long gone to your grave. The courage, resilience, strength, a better word, perseverance, had brought you this far. ” To God be the glory”, a Facebooker added.
“’Sometimes silence is strategy….patience is strength’
I have read all three volumes, and I want to say thank you for not denying us the privilege of the lessons in there. You didn’t hold back.
I want to especially say thank you. My favourite is Humble Beginnings. For me, it has become more than just a book. It has become a guide and a compass.
The UT Story SHALL reincarnate”, one last Facebook user added.
See the post below:
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