Accra: Retired military officer and founder of the defunct UT Bank, Captain Prince Kofi Amoabeng, has recounted an encounter during the early years of the late former President Jerry John Rawlings era in which he says a fellow soldier nearly gunned him down over uncertainty about his political loyalties.
According to Ghana Web, Amoabeng made the revelation while reflecting on his years in the Ghana Armed Forces and the difficult political environment that followed the takeover of the country by Flt. Lt. Jerry Rawlings in a social media post on August 30, 2026. He recalled that, in his book "UT Story, Humble Beginnings," he detailed an encounter in which a fellow military officer almost shot him because the officer was uncertain about where he stood politically.
Reflecting on the experience, Amoabeng said the incident taught him an enduring lesson about balancing personal principles with the need to survive difficult circumstances. He explained that there are moments when people must exercise wisdom and restraint rather than openly confront every challenge.
According to the retired military officer, surviving difficult periods requires individuals to remain conscious of their values, ambitions, and ultimate destination, even when circumstances demand caution. Amoabeng noted the perilous nature of the political climate at the time, where individuals could become targets based on perceived political loyalties. He chose to lay low, resign, and keep his intentions private to navigate the uncertain environment.
In his book, Amoabeng underscores the importance of adapting to one's environment without abandoning personal principles. The lesson from that period, he shared, has stayed with him throughout his life, highlighting the need for adaptability and discretion in challenging times.