Features
A dilemma called Ghana (Final Part)
The Independence Arch
So, in the evening of July 24, 2012, John Dramani Mahama was sworn in as President of Ghana to complete the term of Prof. Atta Mills according to constitutional provisions. This was barely five months until Election 2012.
John Mahama was declared elected president by the Electoral Commission in that election, but Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and the NPP would have none of it and marched to the Supreme Court to contest the results. Governance almost stalled for the next eight months till the Supreme Court ruled John Mahama as duly elected.
In my estimation, Akufo-Addo lost the election and, I believe, he and his party knew it. The recourse to the Court was a needless waste of time even if some of us got educated on some legal jargon and expressions.
To me, these were just ego trips to court public sympathy for the bruises inflicted by their electoral loss, nothing more.
After his victory in 2012, John Mahama embarked on a massive infrastructure development in health facilities, the energy sector, schools, roads, the airport, housing, markets and others as if to compensate for the eight lost months of litigation at the Supreme Court. But the opposition did not let up. Mahama’s administration was accused of corruption by the opposition.
Issues like the purchase of an aircraft from Brazil, GYEDA and a gift of a Ford vehicle to the President were played in the media space as acts of corruption. There was this laughable one of a flock of Guinea fowls flying from farms in the North across our frontier into Burkina Faso. One thing I know from people close to Mahama was that he caused rumours of corruption against his appointees investigated. Indeed, an appointee was imprisoned as a result.
One positive act of Mahama’s administration was the setting up of the Heritage Fund in which millions of dollars from a percentage of the oil sector was deposited for the future. Teacher education was increased with the withdrawal of trainee allowances and replaced with a students loan regime to enable more teachers to be trained. This was met with opposition from the NPP which promised to reverse it if they regained power.
Our Presidents come to office with certain personal traits. Unlike President Atta Mills, who was a stickler for punctuality, John Mahama hardly is on time for any public event. Nana Addo is also noted for being very punctual with his time. Noted for his reliance on his fan base, President Rawlings would rather be late so as to receive adulation from his fans. President Kufuor was respected in this regard.
Election 2016 was quite as toxic as the previous ones before it. Accusations and counter accusations of corruption were thrown into the fray from every angle imaginable. Nana Addo had mouthwatering promises the electorate were hardput to ignore. He would reduce the cost of buying fuel. One village, one dam. A million dollars for each constituency each year. Free Senior High School education and many more.
Any dispassionate observer of the political scene was clear in their minds that it would take more than his massive development agenda to retain John Mahama as President. Of course, Mahama campaigned on this record of achievement.Truth be told, Mahama did everything but appeal to the grassroots. He seemed to keep a distance from the ordinary people.
As it turned out, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo was elected president and was sworn in on January 7, 2017. Almost every project initiated by the Mahama administration that was yet to be completed was abandoned. What came to be known as E-Block Senior High School buildings were left to rot. An affordable housing project at Saglemi was left to deteriorate.
In order to be seen to fulfill his campaign promises, Akufo-Addo began to implement the Free SHS programme, very much against advice from stakeholders and professionals to go gradually with its implementation.
Dugouts were presented as dams, many existing businesses were touted as his one district one factory project, but not even one constituency saw the million dollars. Fuel prices rather kept rising at the pumps to the chagrin of his own supporters. Comparisons started as to whether Mahama was a better leader.
Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia became the poster boy of the government, touting the administration’s economic management. The very statements he made about government economic policy while he was in opposition stared him in the face at every turn.
Teacher trainee allowances were restored, but admissions were drastically curtailed as were nursing trainees. SHS and basic school timetables were so jumbled up that guardians did not know when their wards would be in or out of school.
Nana Addo appointed the highest number of Ministers in the country’s political history. Issues of massive corrupt practices surfaced against his administration as well. Family, friends and cronies became beneficiaries of political patronage.
Then COVID 19 was upon the world. Purported to have originated in China, the virus took the world by storm, infecting millions on a killing spree. As at the beginning of this week, Ghana has recorded only 1,462 deaths with only 34 active cases. It must be admitted that Ghana under Akufo-Addo managed the pandemic better than many other nations of the world. However, COVID and the war in Ukraine have become the excuses government spokespersons give for the economic dilemma the country is in today.
Ghanaians went to the polls on December 7, 2020, to elect a new government. John Mahama was once again the flagbearer of the NDC. His record was pitted against Nana Addo’s. For the first time since 1992 Ghana’s Electoral Commission could not make up their minds on the true figures to announce for the presidential poll. Eventually, they announced Nana Addo as winner though the NDC almost won more seats in Parliament.
Methinks this was why John Mahama also headed for the Supreme Court. My information has been that there were people close to Mahama who worked against him. Their beef was that John had lost touch with the base of the Party. He was running the campaign like a celebrity superstar, they said. So they botched the setting up of a credible collation centre. My astrological predictions for Election 2020 was published in this column on December 4, 2020. Another concern for these people, which has been expressed by many media friends is what they describe as Mahama’s rabid desire to keep Mr. Stan Dogbe as his closest confidant. My information is that Mahama is aware of this concern but seems unwilling to do anything about it.
Many journalists feel that Stan denied them access to Mahama. Many big shots in the Party are worried about this and fear the Stan Dogbe factor could affect the electoral fortunes of the former President.
Now, my take: Ghana is not in a dilemma; Ghana is the dilemma.
Nothing seems to be working in the land. Food prices have hit the roof. The dollar is difficult for our currency to match. Government refused to heed advice to go to the IMF. It refused to even review the Free SHS programme. A tin of mackerel is fed a soup for a dozen students.
Today, Ghana is with the IMF. We are ready to review the Free SHS programme. If this country were not a dilemma, why do we elect people who are impervious to sound advice? Why do we elect people who listen only to themselves? Over 80 members of Parliament demand the President should expel the Minister of Finance, but get ignored.
By Dr. Akofa K. Segbefia
Writer’s email address: akofa45@yahoo.com
Features
Who knows tomorrow?
Recently a friend posted a sad news on his Facebook page, announcing the death of a school mate who had passed away, suddenly. The report had it that he was on his way to the airport to take a flight to Ghana.
I am sure this man had already informed the wife or a friend or a work colleague at work that he was returning home but he was not to return as a human being but as a dead body.
Such is life and so we need to be circumspect in how we go about things in life. The Bible reminds us that we are like grass which at one point in time looks elegant and the next moment becomes withered according to Psalm 90:5 and 6. It is for this reason that we need to guard our hearts with the word of God so that we shall be motivated to do the right thing, at all times.
This will enable us live on this planet, free from all sorts of troubles in our personal lives, even if we ignore the question of Heaven and Hell. Living a disciplined life delivers us from any kind of trouble as the Bible declares in Galatians 5:23 that against such there is no law.
The uncertainty surrounding our lives on earth is the more reason why people should commit their lives into the hands of the one who created it, in the first place unless you believe that the world created itself and that it appeared from nowhere.
Otherwise, the logical thing to do is to recognize the authority of the creator and surrender to his Lordship. Heaven is real and Hell is real, so for us who know the truth and have received Jesus as our Lord and Saviour, the onus lies on us to encourage our relations who have not believed and received Jesus into their lives, to do so.
We are a couple of days from another Easter Resurrection celebration and an opportunity to reflect on our lives in relation to the significance of Easter. In the Bible, the only occasion Jesus, Saviour of the world commands us to celebrate is his death and resurrection.
He never commanded his followers to celebrate his birth but like everything else, we chose to ignore Jesus’s instructions and decided to do what pleases us, just like our forefather and mother in the Garden of Eden.
Let us deliberately choose to do things differently as Christians this Easter, so we can really benefit from all the blessings that the celebration of the death and birth of Jesus, has on offer. Doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result is definitely insanity.
I choose to be different this Easter and I am believing God for a newness of life so God’s glory would be revealed in me to draw the unsaved to him. It is only when people especially the unsaved, see the character of Christ in us, that they can be convinced about the authenticity of Jesus, as Saviour of the world, who can bring transformation in their lives too.
This is what would motivate them to surrender their lives to Jesus Christ. Let us make this Easter a memorable one that will be cherished for a long time. It is also a period for reconciliation and it would be great if in the spirit of Easter, we would try to reach out to those who have wronged us or have a grudge against us.
This would demonstrate that we have indeed accepted Jesus and that our religious posture is not a sham. May the good Lord grant us the grace to love our neighbours as ourselves, demonstrating the love of God in the process.
Those who have lost their loved ones and Easter brings sad memories, may the good Lord comfort and strengthen you. God bless.
.NB: ‘CHANGE KOTOKA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT TO KOFI BAAKO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT’
Features
Cosmetic deformities
COSMETIC deformities refer to physical imperfections or abnormalities that affect an individual’s appearance, often causing emotional distress and impacting their quality of life.
These deformities can be congenital, acquired, or result from various medical conditions or treatments. This article provides an in-depth exploration of cosmetic deformities, their types, causes, effects, and treatment options.
Types of cosmetic deformities
Cosmetic deformities can affect various parts of the body, including the face, skin, hair, nails, and teeth. Some common types of cosmetic deformities include:
1. Facial deformities: Congenital or acquired abnormalities affecting the shape, structure, or appearance of the face, such as cleft lip and palate, facial paralysis, or facial asymmetry.
2. Skin deformities: Conditions affecting the skin’s texture, tone, or appearance, such as acne, scars, birthmarks, or skin discoloration.
3. Hair deformities: Abnormalities affecting the hair’s growth, texture, or appearance, such as alopecia, hirsutism, or hair loss due to medical conditions or treatments.
4. Nail deformities: Conditions affecting the shape, size, or appearance of the nails, such as nail fungus, nail psoriasis, or nail trauma.
5. Dental deformities: Abnormalities affecting the shape, size, or appearance of the teeth, such as tooth decay, tooth loss, or malocclusion.
Causes of cosmetic deformities
Cosmetic deformities can result from various factors, including:
1. Genetics: Congenital conditions or inherited traits can cause cosmetic deformities.
2. Trauma: Injuries or accidents can result in cosmetic deformities, such as scars or facial trauma.
3. Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as acne, psoriasis, or eczema, can cause cosmetic deformities.
4. Treatments and procedures: Medical treatments, such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or surgery, can result in cosmetic deformities.
5. Aging and environmental factors: Aging, sun exposure, and environmental factors can contribute to cosmetic deformities, such as wrinkles, fine lines, or age spots.
Effects of cosmetic deformities
Cosmetic deformities can have significant emotional and psychological effects on individuals, including:
1. Low self-esteem: Cosmetic deformities can lead to feelings of insecurity, self-consciousness, and low self-esteem.
2. Social anxiety: Individuals with cosmetic deformities may experience social anxiety, avoiding social interactions or feeling embarrassed in public.
3. Emotional distress: Cosmetic deformities can cause emotional distress, including depression, anxiety, or stress.
4. Impact on quality of life: Cosmetic deformities can affect an individual’s quality of life, impacting their relationships, career, or overall well-being.
Treatment options for cosmetic deformities
Various treatment options are available to address cosmetic deformities, including:
1. Surgical procedures: Surgical procedures, such as reconstructive surgery, cosmetic surgery, or dermatological surgery, can correct or improve cosmetic deformities.
2. Non-surgical treatments: Non-surgical treatments, such as laser therapy, chemical peels, or microdermabrasion, can address cosmetic concerns, such as skin texture, tone, or appearance.
3. Medical treatments: Medical treatments, such as topical creams, oral medications, or injectable treatments, can address cosmetic concerns, such as acne, hair loss, or nail deformities.
4. Prosthetic and orthotic devices: Prosthetic and orthotic devices, such as wigs, hairpieces, or dental prosthetics, can help individuals with cosmetic deformities.
5. Counselling and therapy: Counselling and therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy or psychotherapy, can help individuals cope with the emotional and psychological effects of cosmetic deformities.
Conclusion
Cosmetic deformities can have significant emotional and psychological effects on individuals, impacting their quality of life and overall well-being.
Understanding the types, causes, and effects of cosmetic deformities is crucial in addressing these concerns.
Various treatment options are available, ranging from surgical procedures to non-surgical treatments, medical treatments, prosthetic and orthotic devices, and counselling and therapy.
By seeking professional help and support, individuals with cosmetic deformities can improve their appearance, boost their self-esteem, and enhance their overall quality of life.
Reference
1. “Cosmetic Deformities” by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons
