My sister spent five years in prison
for "enslaving" our aunt from the village.

Sent to help my sister with her newborn
so my mother could continue to help lead Ghana,
Aunty just wanted to stay in the US a little longer.
So, aunty told a small lie for a visa extension,
a green card, a passport, something.

Before she knew it, she was sucked into court
and before a judge, where her "little white lie"
now had to hold under increasing pressure.

Every beautiful new space we enter
seduces us with possibility, gently demanding,
as if only suggesting we adapt, conform, and evolve
into something we barely recognise, to belong.

To be the first or even among the few chosen ones
granted entry into the esteemed corridors of power
has many too flattered to question the mission or true cost.

When you sell Africa’s potential for personal position
and pretend power, you can end up abandoning
more than people and principles for praise.
Once lost, you become an empty vessel,
open to pride, greed, lust, envy, and gluttony.

A seductive slippery slope of selfishness.
But in this story, the serpent is not the villain.

Dearly beloved, do not let glitter blind you to what is golden.

To be praised by a boss, invited on stage, summoned by “royalty”,
dining with a duke, taking pictures with the president,
there seems to be no greater honour.

Think of the likes, the shares, the podcasts.

Sitting in the lap of power can distract from seeing
you are being used as a puppet for the powerful.
Slowly transforming into a pied piper,
leading your people to ruin.

Ambition itself isn't betrayal.
But blind ambition, unchecked, unquestioned, is.

Not every stage deserves your applause.
Not every accolade represents achievement.
Not every invitation is a genuine opportunity.
Some doors test your loyalty to your core and your base
to trap you, and us. Because you never enter alone.

Remember, many knelt so you could rise.
Don’t forget the future does not end with you.
Look back past the applause, look forward beyond your ambition.
Know that you're not alone. Others follow your lead.

Do not climb a stage that puts others in a cage.

Making a difference matters, yes, but always question
who truly benefits beyond the easy applause, supporting data,
convenient logic and the scripted talking points.

Policies evolve, but human nature seldom does.

Be wary of those who come bearing gifts.
Every prize has a price. And if you are not paying, some else is.

True power isn’t found in acceptance or flattery.
It's rooted in integrity, accountability, and purpose.

Choose substance over symbolism.
Question motives, examine intentions,
stay anchored to your values.

Lead wisely.
Others depend on it.