That Ghana will be the beacon of hope of Africa is enthralling and can be attained if and only if we are really thirsty and hunger-stricken for this highly admirable accolade.
My beloved nation, Ghana, no doubt has made enormous strides in the past and consequently is labeled the pacesetter of many gigantic achievements on the Continent and the world at large. How great a feeling? However, with no iota of contradiction and with a strong conviction coupled with the highest sense of patriotism I averred that the beacon of hope of the land of the Black People, Africa, cannot be Ghana in its present state of affairs and cannot be in the years to come until the missing intermediate-selflessness-is perfectly inculcated into the reaction chain. Should we in our present state claimed to be the beacon of the ever glamorous and enriched Continent that undoubtedly will be an understatement and an obvious display of low image to this Continent as that will then imply this is the continent of little performers. This I will never concord.
The degree of the potency of the human resources of Ghana is incredibly colossal. The human resource of any nation unarguably is the firm and unshakable foundation upon which any worthwhile development thrives since it is the only factor that can manipulate all other parameters needed for any developmental programme. This, therefore, makes it irresistible and irreplaceable. Many emerging and undoubtedly, developed nations (in my view) like India, China and Malaysia which are now our most preferred places of visit and a continual pouring of praises can only boast of their heights due to the high level of efficiency of their human resources. It appears a dream to me, to say the least, that we repeatedly wallow in this glamorous accolade but are virtually unprepared to working towards that direction.
Folks, the world has seen our human resource expertise in many engaging fields that tend around the fortunes of the developed countries: distinguished scientists (medics, engineers etc.) some of who left the shores of their lovely nation to work in prestigious organizations in the Diaspora probably because we cannot tap their potentials and our law luminaries unmistakably have changed for the better the lives of many people both within and out of our country. These ace lawyers serve on many renowned judicial committees of many nations and highly performing international bodies the world all over. The mass of highly effective entrepreneurs and administrators our beloved nation is endowed with cannot be overemphasized. From finance through commerce to industry, these gallant men and women have survived and continue to survive in many flourishing untapped avenues. The celebrated teachers of our land cannot be overlooked. They are making strenuous efforts which are turning around the potentials of the minds of our young ones into one of productiveness and world wide competitiveness. The food sector of many countries have been changed by our proud farmers despite the minimal result being achieved by this land of their own birth in this same sector. The communications experts are all around here, however, only God knows when this much needed sector will receive the needed boost in Ghana.
Moreover, the natural resources needed by the above brains for immense economic development are more than needed on our land. Yes, you heard me right; the natural resources are more than needed. The highly priceless gold our Maker has blessed us with seems to be of no value to us. In addition, the soaring quality of cocoa being produced by our industrious but less cared about farmers sells high on the markets. Diamond, bauxite, salt and manganese among others are some other attractive minerals our land has not forgetting the evergreen forests booming with life. Yeah, I cannot forget about the large water bodies like River Volta worthy of great economic potentials flowing across the longest portion from the country: from the South to the North. Almost all the most decorated places on earth have portions using one or more of these minerals. That not withstanding, we are again blessed with oil and gas maybe to test our readiness to enjoy better lives despite the many unused and wrongly used ones available already. May God hear the prayers of that little boy praying today for a better future for Ghana.
The number of outspoken civil societies and forward-focused religious organizations in this country cannot be overlooked. Civil societies who are society changers and most of who freely and fairly seem to be on the top of defending, preserving and protecting the rights of our people are enormous. For instance, the Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative, Federation of Women Lawyers and so on have their success stories to tell whenever the opportunity springs up. My beloved nation who gives to her citizens the option to free worship has some of the finest religious bodies with competent and world-acclaimed leaders who sit at table with their compatriots the world over in their respective denominations. These bodies apart from propagating their religious beliefs also get involve in building the physical lives of our people. Also, non-governmental organizations (NGO) who are making great strides in helping the people of this land engage in the provision of water, low to medium income generating ventures, women empowerment and the like. These NGOs have increasingly being building the capacity of our people for higher productivity but why are we still here? Something might be missing somewhere.
The array of state institutions in this dear nation of ours, I humbly submit to you my dear reader that that is adequate for massive development if we really want the development we wish for. This is a country where the three arms of government are deemed to be at work. Notwithstanding the essence of their presence, more work needed to be done by these institutions. One main function that my little brain can immediately recollect from its cerebrum is that these three arms must act as checks on one another. But what are they really doing? The Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), Serious Fraud Office (SFO) and other highly important agencies and institutions are the same ones which are making it great else where but where not in Ghana?
Our world-acknowledged security services no doubt stand tall among the best in the world. Most security threatened nations the world over have experienced, seen and feel the dexterity of our soldiers and others on their lands. The ECOWAS, AU and UN depend to appreciable extents on these gallant men and women of our motherland in times of crises. What else do we need? But again, are we as a nation deriving the best out of our security agencies internally? Are these agencies and institutions which must be strictly (yes, strictly) independent and therefore act as such strengthened to be and do so? How can’t we enjoy the best of protection internally from our security agencies?
Renowned educational institutions of higher learning whose names have been recorded in the prestigious halls of fame of education on this planet for churning out all-round persons of worth are right here in Ghana. These institutions, both public and private, have and continued to turn out men and women of great minds who are performing extremely stupendously in various fields of human engagements. To them, they are working on many research works into many unknown areas and coming out with new discoveries. But is this the reality? Even if it is so, what is the essence of those outcomes?
Friends, despite the aforementioned few blessings we received probably because we requested for them as we often do when asserting our identity as Ghanaians: “God bless our homeland Ghana”, we are virtually at where we were before today just because of the missing intermediate-selflessness.
I humbly but profoundly submit to you, my dearest reader, that selflessness is the intermediate in the reaction chain to link the many resources we have to the ever better standards of life and development that has been but a mirage and has eluded many generations before us, even us and the would-be generations if they should tread this same line. Our ability to recognize that the welfare of the next person around us is the welfare of the larger mass of people is what we need to know and do. Patriotism to me, cannot but be selfless to one’s nation. To be proud of Ghana as it seems we almost always at the slightest opportunity want to let people know must be a burning desire to be partners in developing the next person near us hence the need for selfless engagements.
Selflessness, though, needed on the part of all of us, its requirements is highly essential on our leaders. Leaders who must come to the realization that bettering the lives of their people who willingly decided to follow them, is the main essence of leadership is the prerequisite in emancipating us from being drawers of water and hewers of wood to be enjoyers of better living. Leaders who must agree that we do not care about what they know but how what they know can be used in bettering our lives so as to make Ghana the Black Star of Africa that will glitter even in the dungeon and shackles of the worst, darkened and down-trodden circumstances.
The world is expectantly awaiting, she is sleepless for us to move ahead upon the realization that we are the magnate of true development and freedom on the continent, she wants us to provide solutions to the many afflictions being suffered by our fellows. Here comes the answer, the missing intermediate we’ve been awaiting – selflessness. Our leaders especially the political leadership must remember that we cannot continue to have them at the pinnacle of the echelons in society when the many resources of ours have been entrusted into their hands to be used to improve but not to “deprove” us . Selflessness is the hallmark of becoming the true beacon of hope of Africa. Comrades, let’s imbibe into our system the highest level of selflessness and above the sky will be our limit.
Folks, your thought today can make the world better tomorrow.
Dear reader, this is my x'mas gift to Ghana and Africa. Thanks.
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Friday, October 9, 2009
WINTER IN GHANA?
WINTER IN GHANA?
The word winter was first heard when I was in Class four. Yeah, the good old days! Since then, I read and heard about this stunning season experienced in Europe and America.
From all the readings made on winter, it is experienced mainly within the months of December, January and February and in Europe and America. During this time, there occurs the shortest of days, intensive snow, lowest temperature, blizzard, ice fog and the coldest of weather cannot spare them. Aliens find it very difficult and nearly impossible to cope with these situations on those continents. However, kudos to acclimatisation, with the passage of time, my good folks, the self imposed aliens on those continents, are also able to adapt to those nerve-wracking conditions just like the indigenes. How they do it? Merely by wearing things they won’t come close to were they in their home continent-the ever rich Black Continent of Africa.
It is not by chance to see both the white and their coloured counterparts (to the uninitiated, that refers to Blacks!) in woollen materials, thick gloves and equally thick socks and boots and not forgetting those highly knitted and compacted hats and caps. Oh! No, I learnt some even cover themselves with blankets during this intriguing moment. But hey! Life goes on.
Yeah! This reminds me of that day. After having the best of my vacation holidays since entering the University, I considered it yet another momentous event when asked to go to Ho on a mission on the eve of reopening school for this semester-the 1st semester of 2009/10 academic year. I thereof started my journey to the Capital town of my home region. While about to go, I decided to use the Adidome-Ho route. In fact, I was “honoured” to use this same road being used by some “big” men and women in society not excluding the “roads master”. After having journeyed some few kilometers from Adidome, I noticed something strange. You know what? The other passengers on board wore double attires with the women in double hair gears and a single hair gear (actually handkerchiefs!) for the men. Having been fascinated at this, I kept this strange sight to myself and only waited patiently to see what happens next. No sooner than I ever thought, dried and weightless dust particles started blowing and entering into the bus. “Oh! My God! How come I didn’t know this earlier”? was my thought. “Aha! This is why these people were in double attires”, I reflected. The journey continued with the incessant inward bound dust particles but who am I to complain. It went on till we crossed the main Dzodze to Ho road. My neatly ironed short sleeve shirt with a pair of trousers matching it just turned into something else. Frankly speaking, my handsome “chocolate” skin and black hair just metamorphosised into an “ofridzeto”. The exoderm (my good friends the amateur scientists that is the outermost part of the skin) of my arms could easily passed for a writing board for my unlucky, underprivileged dear ones in the neglected hamlets of my country. Having entered Ho, I dusted myself but still I couldn’t feel normal. The thought of buying new attires to wear kept criss-crossing my mind but Charlie, where de money dey? Those with their “winter clothes” on only took them off and bingo! away they left. I stood there perplexed and clueless. After some time, I dashed off to where I have been sent since I can’t keep on crying over spilt milk.
My curiosity of knowing more about that part of my Region compelled me to use the Ho-Akatsi route back home. Indeed, this was rather disheartening. I was alarmed at the nature of this road too. In fact, it’s a senior in terms of level of worseness to the earlier one I used.
Folks, interestingly, despite the bad nature of these roads in this area, flyers of my “big” men and women who want to represent my good people also found their way on these roads. Are they really roads? Only God knows. But hey! These areas are not the only places in such conditions in the country.
My “Big” men and women from these areas, we don’t and may not ever experience winter in Ghana. This is the time to change the living conditions of my people for in only two days after now, your thought of doing it tomorrow would have been yesterday. Rise up, my “Big” men and women for this is your time to serve humanity, to meet the humble desires of my people.
Folks, your thought today can make the world better tomorrow.
The word winter was first heard when I was in Class four. Yeah, the good old days! Since then, I read and heard about this stunning season experienced in Europe and America.
From all the readings made on winter, it is experienced mainly within the months of December, January and February and in Europe and America. During this time, there occurs the shortest of days, intensive snow, lowest temperature, blizzard, ice fog and the coldest of weather cannot spare them. Aliens find it very difficult and nearly impossible to cope with these situations on those continents. However, kudos to acclimatisation, with the passage of time, my good folks, the self imposed aliens on those continents, are also able to adapt to those nerve-wracking conditions just like the indigenes. How they do it? Merely by wearing things they won’t come close to were they in their home continent-the ever rich Black Continent of Africa.
It is not by chance to see both the white and their coloured counterparts (to the uninitiated, that refers to Blacks!) in woollen materials, thick gloves and equally thick socks and boots and not forgetting those highly knitted and compacted hats and caps. Oh! No, I learnt some even cover themselves with blankets during this intriguing moment. But hey! Life goes on.
Yeah! This reminds me of that day. After having the best of my vacation holidays since entering the University, I considered it yet another momentous event when asked to go to Ho on a mission on the eve of reopening school for this semester-the 1st semester of 2009/10 academic year. I thereof started my journey to the Capital town of my home region. While about to go, I decided to use the Adidome-Ho route. In fact, I was “honoured” to use this same road being used by some “big” men and women in society not excluding the “roads master”. After having journeyed some few kilometers from Adidome, I noticed something strange. You know what? The other passengers on board wore double attires with the women in double hair gears and a single hair gear (actually handkerchiefs!) for the men. Having been fascinated at this, I kept this strange sight to myself and only waited patiently to see what happens next. No sooner than I ever thought, dried and weightless dust particles started blowing and entering into the bus. “Oh! My God! How come I didn’t know this earlier”? was my thought. “Aha! This is why these people were in double attires”, I reflected. The journey continued with the incessant inward bound dust particles but who am I to complain. It went on till we crossed the main Dzodze to Ho road. My neatly ironed short sleeve shirt with a pair of trousers matching it just turned into something else. Frankly speaking, my handsome “chocolate” skin and black hair just metamorphosised into an “ofridzeto”. The exoderm (my good friends the amateur scientists that is the outermost part of the skin) of my arms could easily passed for a writing board for my unlucky, underprivileged dear ones in the neglected hamlets of my country. Having entered Ho, I dusted myself but still I couldn’t feel normal. The thought of buying new attires to wear kept criss-crossing my mind but Charlie, where de money dey? Those with their “winter clothes” on only took them off and bingo! away they left. I stood there perplexed and clueless. After some time, I dashed off to where I have been sent since I can’t keep on crying over spilt milk.
My curiosity of knowing more about that part of my Region compelled me to use the Ho-Akatsi route back home. Indeed, this was rather disheartening. I was alarmed at the nature of this road too. In fact, it’s a senior in terms of level of worseness to the earlier one I used.
Folks, interestingly, despite the bad nature of these roads in this area, flyers of my “big” men and women who want to represent my good people also found their way on these roads. Are they really roads? Only God knows. But hey! These areas are not the only places in such conditions in the country.
My “Big” men and women from these areas, we don’t and may not ever experience winter in Ghana. This is the time to change the living conditions of my people for in only two days after now, your thought of doing it tomorrow would have been yesterday. Rise up, my “Big” men and women for this is your time to serve humanity, to meet the humble desires of my people.
Folks, your thought today can make the world better tomorrow.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
MY CV?
MY CV?
Curriculum vita (CV) refers to educational and work history of a person. In essence, it is the life history of a person. A concise version of the CV is called resume but for the purpose of this article, permit me to use both words interchangeably. “Permission granted”. Thank you Sir.
CV are integral parts of one’s potential of acquiring a decent (yes, decent of course for you dreamed to have it come some day) job. Even before this, the attractiveness of your CV to your prospective employer, places you in a coveted position of being shortlisted for interview. Indeed, your CV is your bargaining power. Period and nothing else! Most employers are very critical of the prospective employee’s CV so as to get a fair knowledge of his or her capabilities of being able to add a sense of positiveness to the direction of his or her company. In job hunting expedition, your inability to write an impeccable and impressive CV safely earns you about 51% of your failure to get into that most desired job of yours. With this, please, why won’t you spend just the next minute or so to read through your CV before placing it before the would-be pot-bellied boss of yours who will make every strenuous effort to see every “misplaced atom” even when his pair of spectacles is just held by the tip of his protruding nose?
Yes, this reminds me of a man who called into a programme during the peak of the political campaigns last year just to ask the presenter why he (the former) should go and wait in long winding queues only to provide another person’s father with a job without even scrutinizing the applicant’s CV. If we fail to retain his hypothesis, Charlie! Let me remind you, you are yet to see more stuffs for the bandwagon job hunting has just begun after one candidate has won the election.
The august representatives of the good people of Ghana have done their quota as far as vetting the nominees is concerned. How you rate their performance to a large extent from my perspective depends on what your knowledge about vetting ministerial nominees is all about. You want to hear my judgment about proceedings so far? Please, do give me a second chance and I will not fail you but do justice to that mind boggling question.
Nevertheless, the many ‘interesting’ happenings during the process cannot be left untouched. One of such has to do with the CV of some nominees. In fact, some of the responses to questions pertaining to inappropriate CV are yet to be fathomed by my ever developing mind. My goodness, are some of the nominees really hunting for jobs? If so, when has CV lost its flagship position in job searching? Please, KSM, why didn’t you tell me in your “Unlocking the job market”? Hey, I said if it is sooooooooooooooo!
The issue of developing a marketable CV prior to appearing before a vetting committee cannot be overestimated. This compelled some of the honourable members to change their title to “CV Specialist”. Despite their consistency in unraveling “manholes” (or no womanholes as well!) in the CV of earlier nominees, subsequent nominees who appeared before the appointment committee continued to commit those serious and “unforgivable” mistakes. Did I hear some of them say, “it is a typographical error”? My goodness! Since when has complete negligence hence omission and commission metamorphosis into so called typographical errors? Let some one answer me. I need an answer. Indeed, these are some of the petty things that make our pipe holes unfriendly to water, our gutters choked, and the host of many others. Does it mean when applying for some work in those ministries and those same mistakes occur, the prospective employee would not be denied a position on the applicants’ shortlist?
Notwithstanding whatever happened during the vetting in relation to some ministerial nominees’ CV, CV still wield an immerse power capable of refusing you your most dreamt about job. So, being an adherent to job seeking principles, do spend some of your priceless moment to go over your CV before submitting it to your prospective employer.
To you the deputy ministerial nominees, please, do well to check the accuracy of your CV before submitting them for some of us are getting disappointed in those so called “typographical errors”. But to you my big man or woman out there, before you complain about my CV, do check yours first for the next moment yours might be required.
Thank you.
(Written by the author and published on ghanaweb.com on 7th March, 2009 that was during the vetting of ministerial nominees in Ghana)
Curriculum vita (CV) refers to educational and work history of a person. In essence, it is the life history of a person. A concise version of the CV is called resume but for the purpose of this article, permit me to use both words interchangeably. “Permission granted”. Thank you Sir.
CV are integral parts of one’s potential of acquiring a decent (yes, decent of course for you dreamed to have it come some day) job. Even before this, the attractiveness of your CV to your prospective employer, places you in a coveted position of being shortlisted for interview. Indeed, your CV is your bargaining power. Period and nothing else! Most employers are very critical of the prospective employee’s CV so as to get a fair knowledge of his or her capabilities of being able to add a sense of positiveness to the direction of his or her company. In job hunting expedition, your inability to write an impeccable and impressive CV safely earns you about 51% of your failure to get into that most desired job of yours. With this, please, why won’t you spend just the next minute or so to read through your CV before placing it before the would-be pot-bellied boss of yours who will make every strenuous effort to see every “misplaced atom” even when his pair of spectacles is just held by the tip of his protruding nose?
Yes, this reminds me of a man who called into a programme during the peak of the political campaigns last year just to ask the presenter why he (the former) should go and wait in long winding queues only to provide another person’s father with a job without even scrutinizing the applicant’s CV. If we fail to retain his hypothesis, Charlie! Let me remind you, you are yet to see more stuffs for the bandwagon job hunting has just begun after one candidate has won the election.
The august representatives of the good people of Ghana have done their quota as far as vetting the nominees is concerned. How you rate their performance to a large extent from my perspective depends on what your knowledge about vetting ministerial nominees is all about. You want to hear my judgment about proceedings so far? Please, do give me a second chance and I will not fail you but do justice to that mind boggling question.
Nevertheless, the many ‘interesting’ happenings during the process cannot be left untouched. One of such has to do with the CV of some nominees. In fact, some of the responses to questions pertaining to inappropriate CV are yet to be fathomed by my ever developing mind. My goodness, are some of the nominees really hunting for jobs? If so, when has CV lost its flagship position in job searching? Please, KSM, why didn’t you tell me in your “Unlocking the job market”? Hey, I said if it is sooooooooooooooo!
The issue of developing a marketable CV prior to appearing before a vetting committee cannot be overestimated. This compelled some of the honourable members to change their title to “CV Specialist”. Despite their consistency in unraveling “manholes” (or no womanholes as well!) in the CV of earlier nominees, subsequent nominees who appeared before the appointment committee continued to commit those serious and “unforgivable” mistakes. Did I hear some of them say, “it is a typographical error”? My goodness! Since when has complete negligence hence omission and commission metamorphosis into so called typographical errors? Let some one answer me. I need an answer. Indeed, these are some of the petty things that make our pipe holes unfriendly to water, our gutters choked, and the host of many others. Does it mean when applying for some work in those ministries and those same mistakes occur, the prospective employee would not be denied a position on the applicants’ shortlist?
Notwithstanding whatever happened during the vetting in relation to some ministerial nominees’ CV, CV still wield an immerse power capable of refusing you your most dreamt about job. So, being an adherent to job seeking principles, do spend some of your priceless moment to go over your CV before submitting it to your prospective employer.
To you the deputy ministerial nominees, please, do well to check the accuracy of your CV before submitting them for some of us are getting disappointed in those so called “typographical errors”. But to you my big man or woman out there, before you complain about my CV, do check yours first for the next moment yours might be required.
Thank you.
(Written by the author and published on ghanaweb.com on 7th March, 2009 that was during the vetting of ministerial nominees in Ghana)
Monday, July 27, 2009
THE EX GRATIA: A STUDENT'S PERSPECTIVE.
THE EX GRATIA: A STUDENT’S PERSPECTIVE.
One of the commonest newly discovered words in the lexicon of most Ghanaians in 2009 undoubtedly is ex gratia not withstanding capricious, bogus and hit the road running expression. Its commonest usage is reflected at almost all meetings especially when a person is asked to perform a task. This 2nd semester on our various campuses could not be excluded from the usage of this new jargon. Almost all out-going executives of social or students associations on campus at one time or the other had asked for his or her ex gratia at meetings.
According to the Macmillan English Dictionary, “ex gratia payment is made because you are generous, not because of a legal obligation”. Does that therefore means fulfilling this all-time appreciated thing is not compulsory after all or is it that the act is being given the wrong label in Ghana?
For all intents and purposes, leadership is the science of influencing and ensuring that the conditions of a person or group of persons who agrees to follow a leader are made better. This, political leadership is no exception.
Undoubtedly, the greatest leader ever to live on earth is Jesus Christ (or Holy Prophet Mohammed as the case may be). This is a leader-servant who did everything possible to attain the basic tenet of leadership-bettering the lives of one’s followers. Despite the many heroic accolades he enjoyed from wherever he either went or mention was made of his name, he always persevered to achieving this fundamental pillar of his chosen endeavour-leadership. Yes, I absolutely agree that he was a spirit-physical being. How about the many selfless and industrious nationalists whose names have been written not only in the cerebrums of the current generation but also on tabloids located in the minds of generations yet unborn? Martin Luther King Jr., Nelson Mandela, Florence Nightingale, Mohandas Gandhi, and the many unsung heroes and heroines who worked 24/7 just for three reasons: bettering lives, bettering lives and bettering lives were at least humans just like us. These were people who one can conclude that their ids were insensitive even if they had it.
It is a fact that even in serving (leading as we often see) your people, you cannot run the race on an empty stomach. I believe with conviction that once a person makes the decisive intention to serve his or her people, s/he must be amply content with the “many” facilities available to the chosen office. Again, I cannot but re-echo that leadership is absolutely about sacrifice. That is the sole reason that upon hearing the words of our National Anthem being sung, our gallant men and women everywhere: in the field of sports, on the battlefield, on the farm or in the office beat against all odds to rise and defend the good name of Ghana.
As humans as we are and will forever remain, we will always honour those who serve us. But should this be to the detriment of the many youth who throng the streets of our towns and cities doing “nothing”, the many pregnant women, old men and women who defied all odds and waited in long queues in the ever scorching sun to exercise their franchise just of the view that it will make their lives better, the many Ghanaians who not by any fault of theirs happen to share brownish coloured water with cattle and other farm animals? To this, I say absolutely NO! Indeed, who am I to object honouring our leaders (oh no our servants!). Yes, a nation which does not honour her heroes and heroines is not worth dying for. But how do we honour them?
Please just a minute and let me refresh your memory: lump sum payment of US$ 400,000, US$ 1,000,000 for the establishment of a foundation, 2 fully furnished residences, 3 saloon cars, 2 cross country vehicles and 1 all-purpose vehicle (6 vehicles in all) to be maintained, insured, fuelled, chauffeur driven, police guards, couple to travel overseas once a year for not more than 65 days with 3 personal assistants and security detail, entertainment package, 24/7 security guard, free medical attention, and an ex gratia award equivalent to 18 months consolidated salary, and an additional resettlement grant. All these are to be provided to the Ex Prez. J.A. Kufuor by Ghanaians including the tired and restless looking “Kayaye” striving on the pavements of Makola (Yes, “Kayayes” pay taxes!). For the MPs, let’s keep it for another day but remember, the value is the same (“shame”!). How about this: US$ 191,000 pension, couple’s secret service protection, paid travel expenses with 2 assistants, a private fund to establish a library and free medical care for the couple and nothing else! This is the retirement package for Ex Prez. G. W. Bush. Sh! Close your mouth else that flying housefly gets into it! Worthy to know is the fact that both leaders went out of office nearly the same time. Both are gentlemen in their own rights and of high reputation. Lest I forget we borrowed and were also given some “coins” by this same gentlemen’s country! Have you forgotten the MCA and all the other doles which they dolled out to us? During all these times, a question kept criss-crossing my mind: is it that we are richer than the US or we know how to appreciate our ex servants better than the US or it’s sheer affluence? So God help us.
Has the current threats to embark on various forms of industrial strikes has any root in the proposal and payment of ex gratia to the politicians? Has the politicians (government officials and MPs) ever went on strike? If no, is it that they “love” the nation more than any other person?
I wish to suggest that the constitutional review that is currently being proposed by almost all stakeholders should as a matter of national priority review the provision of the Articles relating to the retirement packages of ex government officials. There should be a befitting package for all national servants not all politicians but also the public and civil servants which will stipulate such items to be given out both in quality and quantity irrespective of who and when the recipient is to receive it.
Also, the hullabaloo surrounding who, where and when the bill was passed suggests that certain “sensitive” bills must not be allowed to go through the House at the last minutes before the dissolution of the House. Let us make integrity and the love of one’s country the guiding principles.
With all said and done, the words of one of the greatest leaders, Mohandas ‘Great Soul’ Gandhi, reverberate in my mind that, “time monuments to the great are not statutes of marble, bronze or gold”. The best monument cannot but be remembered about caring for humanity.
(This article was written by the author and published earlier in "Opinion" section of ghanaweb).
One of the commonest newly discovered words in the lexicon of most Ghanaians in 2009 undoubtedly is ex gratia not withstanding capricious, bogus and hit the road running expression. Its commonest usage is reflected at almost all meetings especially when a person is asked to perform a task. This 2nd semester on our various campuses could not be excluded from the usage of this new jargon. Almost all out-going executives of social or students associations on campus at one time or the other had asked for his or her ex gratia at meetings.
According to the Macmillan English Dictionary, “ex gratia payment is made because you are generous, not because of a legal obligation”. Does that therefore means fulfilling this all-time appreciated thing is not compulsory after all or is it that the act is being given the wrong label in Ghana?
For all intents and purposes, leadership is the science of influencing and ensuring that the conditions of a person or group of persons who agrees to follow a leader are made better. This, political leadership is no exception.
Undoubtedly, the greatest leader ever to live on earth is Jesus Christ (or Holy Prophet Mohammed as the case may be). This is a leader-servant who did everything possible to attain the basic tenet of leadership-bettering the lives of one’s followers. Despite the many heroic accolades he enjoyed from wherever he either went or mention was made of his name, he always persevered to achieving this fundamental pillar of his chosen endeavour-leadership. Yes, I absolutely agree that he was a spirit-physical being. How about the many selfless and industrious nationalists whose names have been written not only in the cerebrums of the current generation but also on tabloids located in the minds of generations yet unborn? Martin Luther King Jr., Nelson Mandela, Florence Nightingale, Mohandas Gandhi, and the many unsung heroes and heroines who worked 24/7 just for three reasons: bettering lives, bettering lives and bettering lives were at least humans just like us. These were people who one can conclude that their ids were insensitive even if they had it.
It is a fact that even in serving (leading as we often see) your people, you cannot run the race on an empty stomach. I believe with conviction that once a person makes the decisive intention to serve his or her people, s/he must be amply content with the “many” facilities available to the chosen office. Again, I cannot but re-echo that leadership is absolutely about sacrifice. That is the sole reason that upon hearing the words of our National Anthem being sung, our gallant men and women everywhere: in the field of sports, on the battlefield, on the farm or in the office beat against all odds to rise and defend the good name of Ghana.
As humans as we are and will forever remain, we will always honour those who serve us. But should this be to the detriment of the many youth who throng the streets of our towns and cities doing “nothing”, the many pregnant women, old men and women who defied all odds and waited in long queues in the ever scorching sun to exercise their franchise just of the view that it will make their lives better, the many Ghanaians who not by any fault of theirs happen to share brownish coloured water with cattle and other farm animals? To this, I say absolutely NO! Indeed, who am I to object honouring our leaders (oh no our servants!). Yes, a nation which does not honour her heroes and heroines is not worth dying for. But how do we honour them?
Please just a minute and let me refresh your memory: lump sum payment of US$ 400,000, US$ 1,000,000 for the establishment of a foundation, 2 fully furnished residences, 3 saloon cars, 2 cross country vehicles and 1 all-purpose vehicle (6 vehicles in all) to be maintained, insured, fuelled, chauffeur driven, police guards, couple to travel overseas once a year for not more than 65 days with 3 personal assistants and security detail, entertainment package, 24/7 security guard, free medical attention, and an ex gratia award equivalent to 18 months consolidated salary, and an additional resettlement grant. All these are to be provided to the Ex Prez. J.A. Kufuor by Ghanaians including the tired and restless looking “Kayaye” striving on the pavements of Makola (Yes, “Kayayes” pay taxes!). For the MPs, let’s keep it for another day but remember, the value is the same (“shame”!). How about this: US$ 191,000 pension, couple’s secret service protection, paid travel expenses with 2 assistants, a private fund to establish a library and free medical care for the couple and nothing else! This is the retirement package for Ex Prez. G. W. Bush. Sh! Close your mouth else that flying housefly gets into it! Worthy to know is the fact that both leaders went out of office nearly the same time. Both are gentlemen in their own rights and of high reputation. Lest I forget we borrowed and were also given some “coins” by this same gentlemen’s country! Have you forgotten the MCA and all the other doles which they dolled out to us? During all these times, a question kept criss-crossing my mind: is it that we are richer than the US or we know how to appreciate our ex servants better than the US or it’s sheer affluence? So God help us.
Has the current threats to embark on various forms of industrial strikes has any root in the proposal and payment of ex gratia to the politicians? Has the politicians (government officials and MPs) ever went on strike? If no, is it that they “love” the nation more than any other person?
I wish to suggest that the constitutional review that is currently being proposed by almost all stakeholders should as a matter of national priority review the provision of the Articles relating to the retirement packages of ex government officials. There should be a befitting package for all national servants not all politicians but also the public and civil servants which will stipulate such items to be given out both in quality and quantity irrespective of who and when the recipient is to receive it.
Also, the hullabaloo surrounding who, where and when the bill was passed suggests that certain “sensitive” bills must not be allowed to go through the House at the last minutes before the dissolution of the House. Let us make integrity and the love of one’s country the guiding principles.
With all said and done, the words of one of the greatest leaders, Mohandas ‘Great Soul’ Gandhi, reverberate in my mind that, “time monuments to the great are not statutes of marble, bronze or gold”. The best monument cannot but be remembered about caring for humanity.
(This article was written by the author and published earlier in "Opinion" section of ghanaweb).
YES, SHE'S WORTHY OF CELEBRATION.
YES, SHE’S WORTHY OF CELEBRATION
Yes, she’s worthy of celebration
A woman of great virtues
Honest, humble, cheerful, caring and lovingly
Afenor Comfort Awovi Amedoadzi
( also called Naanaa)
We salute you this day
For you’re worthy of celebration
Yes, she’s worthy of celebration
Your sense of responsibility
And attitude towards life in general
Cannot be overemphasized
Inculcation of your cherished virtues into us
This you did earnestly
We all in one accord cannot but say
Yes, she’s worthy of celebration
Yes, she’s worthy of celebration
A mother to all
Regardless of true biological background
Of any and everybody
A mother to all
From Charity through Wisdom to Esinam
From Mawufemor through Stella to Dotse
And to the many others
We are proud to have shared
Those priceless moments together
We all in one accord
Proclaim to the world
Yes, she’s worthy of celebration
Naanaa! Naanaa!! Naanaa!!!
Tomorrow, Monday, 27th July, 2009
Marks exactly one year
When that great and inevitable
But too sudden agony of darkness dawned on us
How traumatic?
Indeed, it has been too emotional
To just realize we cannot travel home
To see you and your highly tasteful and sweet bread
And later “agawu”
The next morning when we wake up
Naanaa, you indeed, have contributed
Your quota to the betterment of humanity
We, therefore, cannot but say to the world
Yes, she’s worthy of celebration
Naanaa! Naanaa!! Naanaa!!!
Your most cherished virtues
You’ve undoubtedly implanted in us
Will continue to move and shake
The foundations of the world
For the betterment of humanity
Till the end of time
Naanaa, we mourn your death
Through the celebration of your life
And together, we proclaim to the world
Yes, she’s worthy of celebration
Naanaa! Naanaa!! Naanaa!!!
Hede nyuie
Gbor le nutifafa me
Miaga do go le Mawu fe akorme.
Written in commemoration of the 1st anniversary of the death of the author's late auntie, Afenor Comfort Awovi Amedoadzi (Naanaa).
Yes, she’s worthy of celebration
A woman of great virtues
Honest, humble, cheerful, caring and lovingly
Afenor Comfort Awovi Amedoadzi
( also called Naanaa)
We salute you this day
For you’re worthy of celebration
Yes, she’s worthy of celebration
Your sense of responsibility
And attitude towards life in general
Cannot be overemphasized
Inculcation of your cherished virtues into us
This you did earnestly
We all in one accord cannot but say
Yes, she’s worthy of celebration
Yes, she’s worthy of celebration
A mother to all
Regardless of true biological background
Of any and everybody
A mother to all
From Charity through Wisdom to Esinam
From Mawufemor through Stella to Dotse
And to the many others
We are proud to have shared
Those priceless moments together
We all in one accord
Proclaim to the world
Yes, she’s worthy of celebration
Naanaa! Naanaa!! Naanaa!!!
Tomorrow, Monday, 27th July, 2009
Marks exactly one year
When that great and inevitable
But too sudden agony of darkness dawned on us
How traumatic?
Indeed, it has been too emotional
To just realize we cannot travel home
To see you and your highly tasteful and sweet bread
And later “agawu”
The next morning when we wake up
Naanaa, you indeed, have contributed
Your quota to the betterment of humanity
We, therefore, cannot but say to the world
Yes, she’s worthy of celebration
Naanaa! Naanaa!! Naanaa!!!
Your most cherished virtues
You’ve undoubtedly implanted in us
Will continue to move and shake
The foundations of the world
For the betterment of humanity
Till the end of time
Naanaa, we mourn your death
Through the celebration of your life
And together, we proclaim to the world
Yes, she’s worthy of celebration
Naanaa! Naanaa!! Naanaa!!!
Hede nyuie
Gbor le nutifafa me
Miaga do go le Mawu fe akorme.
Written in commemoration of the 1st anniversary of the death of the author's late auntie, Afenor Comfort Awovi Amedoadzi (Naanaa).
THE "MFODWO" MONSTER
THE “MFODWO” MONSTER.
The thought of an impending examination is so striking and startling that neither the core of the examinee’s heart nor the marrow of his or her bone is excluded from the jolting experience. After the many nightmares of what may or may not happen during the exams, alas ! the D-Day is here.
Examination, according to the Concise Oxford English Dictionary refers to “a formal test of knowledge or proficiency in a subject area or skill”. As defined above, it involves the determination of one’s dexterity in a specific area of study. How involving? One’s dexterity? I just remembered a chemistry master back then in the days when I was in High School ( or no Secondary School!) whose favourite expression was that nobody not even the so acclaimed scholar that you are seeing yourself can boast of being an arsenal of knowledge in any field of study. To him, a question pose on the area of study under consideration by someone out there has but one potency –to expose your colossal ignoramus!
More often than not, people develop panic reactions towards examinations maybe due to the much dreadful stuff they had heard or perhaps the grandeur importance associated to such an activity. This runs through all levels of the educational system. Some examinees at times record the highest levels of their adrenalin readings during these times. Eheeeei? Undoubtedly, this unusual feeling has the tendency to lead to a psychological disorder that may be perilous if early and remarkable steps are not taken to terminate its continuity.
My experience of examination times on the campus of the nation’s Premier University, University of Ghana (‘Glory’) is really intriguing. The first half of every semester is really enjoyable for almost everyone with the introverts inclusive. The reason? Charlie, bey you know? Exam is far away! About six weeks to the end of the semester, the race starts with the “antisos” setting the pace for the imminent gruelling encounter. A week after this, the atmosphere is completely changed. How sudden? Reading places which hitherto were virtually empty start to fill to capacity. Interestingly enough, the ingenuity of my comrades come into play. New and “comfortable” reading centres like staircases (or no walkways!) are created. This tells you the seriousness that is attached to examinations. But this bring to fore the inadequate (too small) number of reading rooms on campus for our use. After forcing your way through a well packed entrance to a reading room which is about blowing up due to the over population, the more upsetting and enthralling the episode unravels.
Great minds are seen studying with the highest possible zeal. In fact, many are times when a person reaches his or her elastic limit and even about exceeding it hence about breaking after the next seconds but will not leave and relax for some few minutes outside. This may be accounted for by the thought of not getting a place again should s/he go out for a second and come back. All ‘sorts’ of behaviours are displayed during this time: yawning, sighing, stretching of arms and body, whispering, ‘shouting’ and many other attention-grabbing attitudes. Yes, thank you my memory! I just remembered a friend who after taking a course in abnormal behaviour started to “diagnose” some personality disorders among these people. Or was it a psychotic behaviour?
“Mfodwo” as it is affectionately called on campus (yes, affectionately because in this way it may extend some favours to us) is indeed fearful to many. Vandals can’t but go on a procession christened ““Mfodwo” Escort” with but one main reason: to rucksack the ‘monster’ from human neighbourhood. Can’t you grab the inkling from the songs used for the procession? So, are they also afraid after all?
After the frightful moments are over for some ‘fortunate’ students who happen to have their last paper taken before the official date for the end of the examinations, here comes the who is who contest. These students come to reading rooms with a lot of books numbering at least twenty per student and begin to depict those actions they did when the ‘monster’ was right before them and even exaggerate them. They do this even in the presence of those who still have the ‘monster’ to face. How annoying?
Is “Mfodwo” really a monster? Should it be continued as a way of evaluating learners? I will provide you with answers to these and many other bewildering related issues like the origin of the name “Mfodwo” for exams on my campus when we meet again. Until then, stay alert taking in recognition that prior preparation prevents poor performance and that prior preparation is the only way that leads to spectacular achievement despite it is unspectacular because the “Mfodwo” monster still reigns.
(This was an article written by the author for publication by the Legon Hall Mag of UG, 2009/10 edition)
The thought of an impending examination is so striking and startling that neither the core of the examinee’s heart nor the marrow of his or her bone is excluded from the jolting experience. After the many nightmares of what may or may not happen during the exams, alas ! the D-Day is here.
Examination, according to the Concise Oxford English Dictionary refers to “a formal test of knowledge or proficiency in a subject area or skill”. As defined above, it involves the determination of one’s dexterity in a specific area of study. How involving? One’s dexterity? I just remembered a chemistry master back then in the days when I was in High School ( or no Secondary School!) whose favourite expression was that nobody not even the so acclaimed scholar that you are seeing yourself can boast of being an arsenal of knowledge in any field of study. To him, a question pose on the area of study under consideration by someone out there has but one potency –to expose your colossal ignoramus!
More often than not, people develop panic reactions towards examinations maybe due to the much dreadful stuff they had heard or perhaps the grandeur importance associated to such an activity. This runs through all levels of the educational system. Some examinees at times record the highest levels of their adrenalin readings during these times. Eheeeei? Undoubtedly, this unusual feeling has the tendency to lead to a psychological disorder that may be perilous if early and remarkable steps are not taken to terminate its continuity.
My experience of examination times on the campus of the nation’s Premier University, University of Ghana (‘Glory’) is really intriguing. The first half of every semester is really enjoyable for almost everyone with the introverts inclusive. The reason? Charlie, bey you know? Exam is far away! About six weeks to the end of the semester, the race starts with the “antisos” setting the pace for the imminent gruelling encounter. A week after this, the atmosphere is completely changed. How sudden? Reading places which hitherto were virtually empty start to fill to capacity. Interestingly enough, the ingenuity of my comrades come into play. New and “comfortable” reading centres like staircases (or no walkways!) are created. This tells you the seriousness that is attached to examinations. But this bring to fore the inadequate (too small) number of reading rooms on campus for our use. After forcing your way through a well packed entrance to a reading room which is about blowing up due to the over population, the more upsetting and enthralling the episode unravels.
Great minds are seen studying with the highest possible zeal. In fact, many are times when a person reaches his or her elastic limit and even about exceeding it hence about breaking after the next seconds but will not leave and relax for some few minutes outside. This may be accounted for by the thought of not getting a place again should s/he go out for a second and come back. All ‘sorts’ of behaviours are displayed during this time: yawning, sighing, stretching of arms and body, whispering, ‘shouting’ and many other attention-grabbing attitudes. Yes, thank you my memory! I just remembered a friend who after taking a course in abnormal behaviour started to “diagnose” some personality disorders among these people. Or was it a psychotic behaviour?
“Mfodwo” as it is affectionately called on campus (yes, affectionately because in this way it may extend some favours to us) is indeed fearful to many. Vandals can’t but go on a procession christened ““Mfodwo” Escort” with but one main reason: to rucksack the ‘monster’ from human neighbourhood. Can’t you grab the inkling from the songs used for the procession? So, are they also afraid after all?
After the frightful moments are over for some ‘fortunate’ students who happen to have their last paper taken before the official date for the end of the examinations, here comes the who is who contest. These students come to reading rooms with a lot of books numbering at least twenty per student and begin to depict those actions they did when the ‘monster’ was right before them and even exaggerate them. They do this even in the presence of those who still have the ‘monster’ to face. How annoying?
Is “Mfodwo” really a monster? Should it be continued as a way of evaluating learners? I will provide you with answers to these and many other bewildering related issues like the origin of the name “Mfodwo” for exams on my campus when we meet again. Until then, stay alert taking in recognition that prior preparation prevents poor performance and that prior preparation is the only way that leads to spectacular achievement despite it is unspectacular because the “Mfodwo” monster still reigns.
(This was an article written by the author for publication by the Legon Hall Mag of UG, 2009/10 edition)
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