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Birthday on a ship!
Kutsoati (middle) being assisted by other military
officers onboard to cut the birthday cake.
Birthday celebrations have undoubtedly been idolised as special days by many people and celebrated to mark their days of entry into this world.
It is usually characterised by different forms of celebrations, partying, gifting and well wishes from loved ones including colleagues, family members and friends.
As special as it may be to the celebrant, some are usually planned and even preceded by pre-birthday photo-shoot and a symbolic celebration to mark the day.
But different situations may alter that popularly adopted way of birthday celebrations for some people and one of such was the birthday of a Ghana Navy Officer, Lieutenant Commander Frederick Kutsoati.
Lt. Cdr Kutsoati had to celebrate his birthday on a Navy Ship for the second time since he joined the Ghana Navy 16 years ago not because he chose to, but was rather unable to decouple the two birthdays from duty calls.
His birthday fell on March 20 during a four-day national assignment onboard a Ghana Navy Ship (GNS) Volta to the Equator on March 19-24 which obviously captured his day of birth.
The four-day national assignment by the Navy of the Ghana Armed Forces dubbed ‘Exercise Sea Lion 2024’ was to test the endurance and combat readiness of selected navy ships; GNS Volta and Ankobra in the company of a United States (US) Navy Ship.
Speaking to The Spectator newspaper onboard GNS Volta, after celebrating his birthday almost at the Equator, Lt. Cdr Kutsoati said he was privileged to have celebrated his birthday onboard a warship for the second time with the first one in 2010 onboard an American Navy Ship on a rescue course also to the Equator.
According to him, it was fascinating and intriguing to combine a national assignment with such an equally important day in his life though away from home and his close family.
For the reason of not just a celebration onboard a ship but during a 340 nautical miles voyage to the center of the world, Lt. Cdr. Kutsoati described it as rare privilege as such open birthday celebration during a voyage to the center of the earth was pertinent to only the Naval arm of the Ghana Armed Forces.
As a logistics officer, Lt. Cdr kutsoati acknowledged the Captain of GNS Volta Ship, Lt Cdr Samuel Sabbah Sarbah for the opportunity to celebrate his birthday onboard the ship clarifying that, such privileges were usually the preserve of officers of the organic unit to the Ship.
He used the opportunity to encourage all stakeholders including the citizenry to support the work of the Navy to safeguard the country’s territorial waters while also securing the nation’s maritime domain.
From Ken Afedzi, Tema
News
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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News
Suicide cases high among JHS/SHS students: MHA calls for immediate action to curb menace
The Mental Health Authority (MHA) is calling for immediate solutions to address the alarming prevalence of suicide cases among Junior and Senior High School students.
According to the Authority, it was crucial to pay attention to such children as studies in Ghana are showing a high prevalence of suicidal behaviours among students.
This came to light at a symposium in Accra on Tuesday to mark the World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD).
It was held on the theme “Changing the narrative on suicide with a call to action; start the conversation.”
Speaking at the symposium, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Authority, Professor Pinaman Appau said alarmingly, the prevalence has been reported to be higher among Junior High School students compared to those in the Senior High School.
She said various studies including a 2023 edition conducted by Azazu and Joe found that there was prevalence of 20.4 per cent of suicidal thoughts, 23.4 per cent for suicidal planning, and 28.4 per cent for actual suicide attempts among these groups of school children.
She mentioned bullying, abuse especially physical and sexual, neglect, substance use, family poverty, adolescent conflict with parents, corporal punishment and poor academic performance as causes leading to suicidal thoughts.
Again, factors including previous attempts, mental illness, gambling, financial and job crisis, chronic illness and pain, criminal or legal and impulsive behaviour can also lead to suicide.
Prof Appau said the challenges faced with addressing suicide issues were multifaceted and complex, adding that people grapple with stigma surrounding mental health issues, limited access to mental health services and a lack of general awareness of suicide prevention strategies.
She said the challenges were further compounded by deepening socio-economic challenges in societies such as the harsh reality of economic hardship, unemployment and social instability.
Dr Appau mentioned that the rippling effect of suicide leaves behind a trail of grief, guilt, and unanswered questions, saying, the economic cost of suicide attempts in terms of health care expenses and loss of productivity places additional burden on the country’s strained resources.
She said a total of 81 persons have committed suicide in 2024 with 543 attempts across the country, adding that the figure indicates an alarming increase compared to the 594 attempts and 48 completed cases recorded in 2023.
Regionally, Greater Accra, Eastern and Central regions recorded the highest numbers of suicide attempts for the first half of the year 2024, with most completed suicides occurring in the Greater Accra region.
Prof Appau has therefore called for a concerted effort to resolve and change the narrative by engaging stakeholders including security and media personnel, to create nationwide awareness and education through various media platforms.
By Jemima Esinam Kuatsinu
