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Meanwhile, word had gotten to the other side that the man they sent has been killed by the enemy, this meant the resumption of the war unless they produce the man with his head intact. Jerry fearing the worst offered to perform the offering so that the man can return to his people but time was running out on him as the hardliners from the other side had already started amassing their troops for the battle ahead.
The offering was performed and the man returned to his people who in turn gave good account of his treatment which meant a great disaster has been averted. Jerry further went ahead to arrange another meeting between the chiefs but this time the meeting was to take place at the other side which meant the headlined chief will have to offer security to his perceived ‘enemies’. The meeting was successful and a truce was called, other arrangements were made to foster peace and harmony by organizing such events as soccer matches and other cultural activities. Jerry had accomplished what he set out to do although he was not able to find a solution to the conflict, he managed to set up a forum where various ethnic groups can meet and discuss their grievances. He formed an NGO known as ‘JUSTPO Integrated’ which works to alleviate poverty and foster peace among the people of the northern region. Today he can move to all the villages and towns without fearing for his life, he is invited to all the functions in the Gonja land, he is loved and cherished so much that he was voted as the District Chief Executive of East Gonja in 1999.
I did not know this man until March of this year (2004), when I returned from a field trip in the Ashanti region and was told that Mr. Jerry Jackson called requesting to have a meeting with me and that all my expenses will be paid for. I was puzzled and unsure and kept asking who he was and was told he was the former district chief Executive of East Gonja. It was there and then that I remembered I had read so much about this man and what he has done and continue to do for his people.
I was excited and trilled that such a man could call to have a discussion with me, so I packed all my belongings along with a friend and set of to meet the man called the “braveheart”, it was an 8 hour journey involving bus, ferry and foot but the excitement of meeting a great personality like the ‘braveheart’ was worth pursing. We got there late and all faith had been lost of our coming. We weren’t expected to show up till after they heard from us, so there was no one to meet us and we had to find our way to the house of Mr. Jerry Jackson ourselves, which wasn’t difficult at all because that name was a household name. In all we spent six days in the comfort of the home of the man they call the ‘braveheart’. My first encounter with this man was worth remembering and the journey one I will leave to tell in another story I have titled ‘The Journey’.
Oh lord, whatever dangerous endeavours those among us may take let them never be without your sanctuary. We all know in our heart even though we may pass through the shadow of death, you are with us, guiding and protecting us.
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Rashid
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