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Be our best all time to make it a habit
Perhaps most of us give way at times to actions, attitudes and utterances which we well know are below our best. But whenever we depart from being at our best, we must remember that there are at least two things for which we are constantly accountable: One is the effect our attitudes and actions have on us, and the other is the effect our attitudes and actions have on others.
Especially should we be mindful of the effect of our actions and utterances on young and impressionable people. By the time we have become adults, we ourselves may have acquired a solid set of standards from which we may feel that there is not much danger of departing very far, and to which even if we do depart, it may seem rather easy to return—and we may think that occasional small lapses and laxities won’t matter too much.
But while these occasions or periods of letting down may for us be only passing departures, the impressions we implant in others may be permanent. Many a man who has said and done things that didn’t seem to him to change his own well-settled standards and basic beliefs has found that the example of his words and his ways has changed his children and may have led them to permanent departures.
Of course, we may presume privileges which we suppose belong to our years: We may presume that it is all right for us who are older to say and to do things that those who are younger, shouldn’t say and do. But even supposing that we ourselves could, on occasion, stray somewhat (but not too far, we think) from our standards and principles, or from our most acceptable selves, without seeming to hurt ourselves very much, even if it didn’t hurt us (which is doubtful), still we must be mindful of the effects of what we do and say on others, because other people are influenced as much by us when we are at our worst as they are when we are at our best.For this reason, if for no other, it is important to be at our best.
“Rip Van Winkle, in Jefferson’s Play, excuses himself for every fresh dereliction by saying, ‘I won’t count this time!’ Well, he may not count it; and a kind heaven may not count it, but it is being counted nonetheless. Down among his nerve cells and fibres, the molecules are counting it, registering and scoring it up to be used against him when the next temptation comes. Nothing we ever do is in strict scientific literalness wiped out.” These are the words of the celebrated psychologist and philosopher, William James. And he adds: “Could the young but realise how soon they will become … walking bundles of habits, they would give more heed to their conduct …. We are spinning our own fates, good or evil . Every smallest stroke of virtue or of vice leaves its never so little sear … We are … imitators and copiers of our past selves.” (William James, The Law of Habits)
But our habits, good or bad, weren’t always habits. What we now do habitually we once did first, and then again and then again. And since we become “slaves to our own past performance,” we had better be particular about the first performance, because almost anything done once could become a habit, and obviously the reason we have bad habits is because we did the first time what shouldn’t have been done at all. This may seem to offer little comfort to those who already have habits they want to be rid of.
Fortunately, however, bad habits aren’t hopeless. But it takes more effort to get out of a rut than it does to get in and sometimes the only way to get out is to get out all at once. And sometimes the best way to leave bad habits behind is simply to leave them behind without lingering or looking back. The break has to come sometime. Sometime has to be the last time. And it isn’t likely to be any easier later, because habits, like ruts, dig more deeply with time even though at first we may think of them as trifles as something we can start or stop or take or leave whenever we want to.
An ancient philosopher had something to say on this subject. He once rebuked a person for engaging in a gambling game. And when the person protested that lie had only played for a “trifle,” Plato replied: “The habit is not a trifle.” No potentially potent thing is a “trifle.” And the best time to break a bad habit is before the first time. The next best time is NOW: before the next time.
By Samuel Enos Eghan
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President Akufo-Addo commissions Jamestown Fishing Harbour
In a historic moment for the coastal community of Jamestown, Accra, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo officially commissioned the long-awaited Jamestown Fishing Harbour on Friday, September 13, 2024.
The completion of this significant project, which has been in the making for decades, represents the fulfilment of a promise made by the Akufo-Addo government to revitalize Ghana’s fishing industry and improve the livelihoods of local fisherfolk.
The Jamestown Fishing Harbour, a state-of-the-art facility, has been eagerly anticipated since the 1960s, when discussions of constructing a modern fishing port for the area first began.
For years, these plans remained unrealized, leaving the people of Jamestown and the broader Ga community with unmet expectations.
Today, however, the harbour stands as a testament to the government’s commitment to action, with President Akufo-Addo proudly delivering on a decades-old promise.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, the President emphasized the symbolic and practical importance of the new facility.
“This moment is the culmination of years of effort and the realization of a long-held dream that began as far back as 1965. Promises were made, hopes were raised, but no substantial action was taken—until now. Today, we move beyond rhetoric to action,” he said.
President Akufo-Addo, who has personal ties to the Jamestown area, having grown up in the nearby Korle Wokon, expressed his deep satisfaction in bringing this project to fruition.
He recalled the day in December 2018 when he cut the sod for the project, however he was doubted on his ability to deliver the promise.
“In October 2020, I returned to inspect the progress, and today, here we stand together as witnesses to the fulfilment of that commitment,” he noted with pride.
The newly constructed fishing harbour is expected to transform the local economy, generating employment, improving the lives of fisherfolk, and boosting domestic fish production.
The President highlighted the socio-economic significance of the project, stating, “This port is a symbol of hope, proof of the resilience and determination of our people, and a concrete manifestation of what we can achieve when we work together for the common good.”
“This is not just a building; it is an investment in the future of this community. The inclusion of daycare centres demonstrates a governance of compassion, one that empowers women and strengthens families,” President Akufo-Addo remarked.
The commissioning of the Jamestown Fishing Harbour follows the successful completion of the Elmina Fishing Port in May 2023, another landmark project under the Akufo-Addo administration aimed at transforming Ghana’s fishing industry. The President underscored his government’s understanding of the critical role agriculture and fisheries play in Ghana’s economy, noting that the fishing sector supports over 2.6 million livelihoods and contributed US$263.2 million to the nation’s GDP in 2020.
“This harbour is not just a monument to progress; it is a vital lifeline for socio-economic empowerment, job creation, and improved livelihoods. We are investing in superior infrastructure to reduce post-catch losses, improve fish catches, and reduce our dependence on imported fish,” President Akufo-Addo stated.
During the construction phase of the Jamestown Fishing Harbour, some 500 direct jobs were created, with expectations for more as the facility becomes fully operational. The harbour’s completion is also expected to revitalise the entire community, sparking economic activity and growth in the region.
President Akufo-Addo extended his gratitude to the Ga Mantse, the chiefs, and the people of Jamestown for their unwavering faith in his government. He also acknowledged the support of the People’s Republic of China, particularly President Xi Jinping, for their contributions to the project.
Additionally, the President commended Ambassador Edward Boateng and former High Commissioner Isaac Osei for their instrumental roles in bringing the project to life.
The Jamestown Fishing Harbour is a landmark achievement in President Akufo-Addo’s broader agenda of infrastructural development aimed at improving Ghana’s socio-economic landscape. As the people of Jamestown celebrate the fulfilment of this long-standing promise, the harbour stands as a beacon of hope, progress, and prosperity for the future.
The harbour, which is equipped with a range of modern facilities, is designed to address some of the long-standing challenges faced by Ghana’s artisanal fishing sector.
These include the safe launching and landing of canoes, improved fish handling, and enhanced storage capacities.
Notable features of the port include a 200-capacity fish market, a 60-tonne ice-making plant, a 200-tonne cold store, and market stalls, among others. A daycare centre has also been included to support women traders, allowing them to conduct their business with peace of mind, knowing their children are safe.
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Oguaa indigenes urged to unite to develop area
Photo Credit: myjoyonline.com
Rich Akan traditions of Fantes and Asantes were the highlights of the celebrations of this year’s Fetu Afahye of the chiefs and people of Oguaa Traditional Area (Cape Coast) which was climaxed last Saturday with a durbar.
Beyond the glitz and splendour was the showcasing of different forms of traditional regalia amidst rich cultural displays of unique Fante and Asante ensembles, both demonstrating distinct Ghanaian identities in unanimity.
Tekua, a Fante traditional hairstyle won by a generation of Fante women caught the attention of a number of the celebrants.
The attendance of Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, took the joy and excitement a notch higher with frenzied atmosphere to welcome him.
The Asantehene who attended the programme by a special invitation from the Omanhen of the Oguaa Traditional Area was accompanied by a large retinue of chiefs from Asanteman.
The Fetu Afahye is a cultural celebration by the people of Oguaa, drawing both locals and visitors from across the country and beyond.
It was held to mark a bumper harvest season and to thank the 77 deities of the Oguaa Traditional Area.
This year’s edition marks the 60th to be held after its suspension.
It also marked the 25th anniversary commemoration of the enthronement of Osabarimba Kwesi Atta II as the Omanhen of the Oguaa Traditional Area.
There was display of rich traditional dances by the various Asafo companies from the Mfantsipim School junction to the Jubilee Park for the durbar.
This year’s event attracted political figures such as Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, who doubles as the Presidential Candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and his running mate, Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh and other leading figures of the party.
The Vice Presidential Candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Prof Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang and other leading members of the NDC also attended the event.
From David O. Yarboi-Tetteh, Cape Coast
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