Gospel and cheer star, Obaa Yaa Grace Ashly, has revealed that a problem is only a problem when it is seen as such.
She was responding to how an alleged 2014 Methodist University exam malpractice impacted her life and work as a Gospel and cheer star.
The controversial episode in her life “was a deceitful ploy by people who ganged up against me,” she noted.
“I say it to glorify God – everyone at Methodist University knows that this very issue has cost them a lot. But I thank some of the lecturers who spoke to me and at a point, I had to let it go.
“There are things that happen and you cannot explain yourself out of but God redeemed me and I had my certificate. Later we found out those who plotted it. The exam hadn’t started, there were cameras, also. So where from the exam malpractice?”
Grace Ashly
Grace Ashly said there was an Accra-based media presenter at the center of the plot to discredit her educational pursuit.
“As at the time, I was progressing in politics. He opened his mouth to say Ghanaians will not accept a Gospel musician who wants to become a politician. He spoke, also, about the school I was going to.
“He connived with somebody and we know what happened. However, with some particular things, when God takes you out of them, you cease to talk about them.”
Grace Ashly
She found it curious and disappointing that when media persons went to investigate the issue at the school, they failed to broadcast the truth.
“I don’t know why but it seems people eat from the disgrace of others in Ghana. But my disgrace will make you very hungry.”
Grace Ashly
The singer-songwriter revealed how “nauseating” it is “but we thank God that every effort to break us off fails.”
In 2014, Grace Ashly, a level 400 student of the Methodist University, Dansoman, Accra, was found by the examination invigilators with foreign material in the examination hall when she sat to write the ‘Constitution’ course paper.
The action of taking foreign materials to the examination hall is prohibited per the School’s Examination Rules.
Grace Shares Importance of Trusting God Only
Obaa Yaa Grace Ashly emphasized that it is dangerous to rely on people while one goes through trials and tribulations.
She underlined the importance of trusting only in God and enduring hard times through prayer.
“No matter the situation, you’ll pass through challenges that are necessary for your own growth and progress. And everyone has a unique way they handle their challenges. Normally, I rely on prayer.”
Grace Ashly
She testified God always paved the way out of her challenges for her once she rose to “cry” and “pray”.
Lifting up her hands, she added, “I deal with my challenges by calling on God the Holy Spirit, telling him my only hope is him.”
“If you rely on people, they can disappoint you. They can betray you. At that crucial time, someone can promise to rescue you but along the line, when it gets tougher, they’ll desert you in their mind even though they may physically be with you. If you don’t let God lead you, before you realize it, you’ll fall into the trap.”
Grace Ashly
Moreover, Grace Ashly stated that social media has made the music business easier than it used to be.
“If you have your song, data, and a good place to sit to go live, you can do what the DJs do to promote your music. There is a lot of advancement.”
Grace Ashly
She noted the difference between her heyday and today’s Gospel music scene.
She underlined how she and her contemporaries would spend time in prayer for inspiration to create albums that carried a holistic message, while today’s artists depended mostly on hit singles.
She argued since the preparation time was shortened, the value of today’s music had also been watered down.
“The only thing is promoting it now is easier than before. Initially, you’d roam radio and TV stations endlessly. Now, if you’re able to promote it well [online], the radio and TV stations will go for it themselves.”
Grace Ashly
Meanwhile, on her controversial assessment that the Gospel industry was filled with hypocrites, she declined to explain but emphasized it was the truth.
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