Features
Corruption and hypocrisy Part 1
I have been thinking a lot about the fight against corruption and what needs to be done to really make it a very expensive and unattractive venture. When watching a news item, an issue that had been floating in my thoughts suddenly came into sharp focus.
The inclusion of Chief Directors and Pastors on the list of organisations and institutions that are considered under the CPI. There are a lot of charlatans parading around as ministers of the Gospel. The funny thing is that, they hypocritically chastise the government and politicians as corrupt. You hear them, on the airwaves and from their pulpit they are merciless.
Meanwhile you often hear them quoting, “Touch not my anointed and do my prophets no harm” in a bid to scare church members from commenting on their corrupt and immoral behaviour.
I know Chief Directors fall under civil and public servants but I would like to have them listed separately to put a focus on them. Politicians are always condemned as corrupt but I dare say no politician can ‘chop’ public funds without the connivance of a Chief Director.
What such Pastors should realise is that the principles of God have been established by his word and so whatsoever a man sows that shall he reap.
This brings to mind a funny story of a Pastor and his Elder who, contrary to the teachings of the Bible, were wallowing in adultery like a hobby.
One day, an argument ensued between them so they decided to determine who the champion womanizer was. It was agreed between them that when the ladies in the church come to dance during the ‘collection’ time, the determination will be made.
Pastor was to say “tin” and Elder was to say “tan” when a lady drops her offering into the offertory bowl. The time came for the offertory and the hypocrisy of holiness played out with the men only in single file coming to give their offering.
Then it was the turn of the ladies and the secret unholy and disgusting competition between the Pastor and the Elder of the church, began.
The first person was the Women Fellowship leader and as she approached the offertory bowl, the Pastor said “tin” meaning he had slept with her. The second lady was her deputy and Elder was eager to show his power and also said “tan”. This “tin”, “tan”, “tin” “tin”, “tan” “tan”, “tin”, “tan”, “tin” went on for quite a while till a few ladies were left.
Then came ‘Osofo Maame’ and her three children (young ladies). As they approached the offertory bowl Elder said, ”tan”, “tan”, “tan” and the Pastor got up from his seat and rushed towards the Elder.
The Elder saw the look in his Pastor’s eyes was pure vengeance. He immediately realised that this was not a visitation of the Holy Spirit and he must get away before destruction befalls him. He jumped out of his seat and ran towards the nearest door with the Pastor chasing after him.
The confused church members seeing their Elder, followed by their ‘spiritually powerful’ Pastor, thought something evil had come into the church to attack so they also ran for their dear lives.
When they later saw the Pastor some metres away from the church exchanging blows with his Elder, they realised it was a personal issue and not any evil force coming against them.
When the Pastor was sleeping with other peoples wives, he thought he was smart and never dreamt that the same thing will be done to him. Whoever deprives the general populace of adequate services by corruptly amassing wealth will one day pay for it in one way or the other.
By Laud Kissi-Mensah
Features
The power of change: Understanding the process and catalysts
CHANGE is an inevitable and essential aspect of life, shaping individuals, organizations, and societies. It can be transformative, leading to growth, innovation, and progress. But how is change created?
This comprehensive article explores the process and catalysts of change.
The Change Process
The change process involves several stages:
1. Awareness: Recognising the need for change.
2. Assessment: Evaluating the current state.
3. Visioning: Envisioning the desired future state.
4. Planning: Developing strategies and action plans.
5. Implementation: Executing the plan.
6. Evaluation: Monitoring progress and making adjustments.
Catalysts of Change
Several factors can catalyse change:
1. Internal Motivation: Personal or organisational desire for improvement.
2. External Pressures: Market trends, technological advancements, or regulatory requirements.
3. Leadership: Visionary leaders driving change.
4. Crisis: Forced change due to unexpected events.
5. Innovation: New ideas and technologies.
Types of Change
Change can be:
1. Incremental: Gradual, small-scale changes.
2. Transformational: Radical, large-scale changes.
3. Strategic: Planned, deliberate changes.
4. Emergent: Spontaneous, unplanned changes.
Change Management
Effective change management involves:
1. Communication: Clear messaging and stakeholder engagement.
2. Training: Developing skills and knowledge.
3. Support: Providing resources and guidance.
4. Monitoring: Tracking progress and addressing challenges.
Resistance to Change
Resistance can arise due to:
1. Fear: Uncertainty and anxiety.
2. Habit: Comfort with the status quo.
3. Lack of Understanding: Insufficient information.
4. Power Dynamics: Threats to authority or control.
Overcoming Resistance
Strategies to overcome resistance include:
1. Education: Providing information and context.
2. Involvement: Engaging stakeholders in the change process.
3. Support: Addressing concerns and fears.
4. Leadership: Demonstrating commitment and vision.
Sustaining Change
To sustain change:
1. Embed Change: Integrate new practices and behaviors.
2. Monitor Progress: Continuously evaluate and adjust.
3. Celebrate Successes: Recognize achievements.
4. Maintain Momentum: Keep the change process moving.
Conclusion
Change is a complex and multifaceted process. Understanding the change process, catalysts, and management strategies can help individuals and organizations navigate and create meaningful change.
Recommendations
1. Develop a Change Mindset: Embrace change as an opportunity.
2. Build Change Capacity: Develop skills and resources.
3. Foster a Culture of Change: Encourage innovation and experimentation.
By Robert Ekow Grimmond-Thompson
Features
This question of love
The question of love is something that will be talked about until kingdom come.
A discussion I observed on the internet about a 19 year old who had accepted the proposal of a 67 year old man reminded me of the preaching of Pastor Mensa Otabil.
He talked about the a scenario where a 60 year old man enters into a relationship with a 22 year old lady and the lady tells him I love you, when he has a protruded belly, with all the accompanying creases and he believes what she says.
He further went on to say that a whole grown up man, allows a young lady to call him “babe” and he does not feel offended.
He further went on to preach that, this young lady, young enough to be his daughter, says “babe, I love you” and this man sheepishly laughs and does not realise, he is being taken advantage of.
What keeps ringing in my ears is his statement that “what is there to love about a protruding sagging belly?”
There is no regulated way for how a person falls in love. It reminds me of a funny statement that Pastors or marriage counsellors often use, that if you fall in love, you may hurt yourself.
Love I believe is a beautiful thing but it is not something that should be toyed with. People getting into relationships should consider the realities that are bound to happen as the years go by.
Jealousy is a very destructive influence. It can influence a person to harm his wife or her husband or to even commit murder. There has been countless reported instances where a man has poured acid on his wife or girlfriend, slashed his wife to death with a cutlass because he suspected, the wife was cheating on him.
It is something that blinds one to right reasoning and once your reasoning stops functioning, then the wrong side of us takes over and the result is nothing to write home about. In most cases, it comes out after the horrible act has been perpetrated, that there was no truth in the issue that caused the jealousy, after all. However, a life would have been maimed, disfigured or destroyed forever.
One of the causes of jealousy in marriage is the age gap difference. Whether we like it or not we shall grow old one day if God by his grace enables us to live long. When we grow old, a lot of changes occur in our bodies and things we used to do with ease, suddenly become a huge challenge and it could be very frustrating.
One of the things that drives a man crazy is when he has grown weaker in bed and sees the wife interacting with younger men in a suspicious manner that seems to suggest that there is more to it than meets the eye.
Jealousy will definitely be kindled in the heart of such a man whose wife is far younger than him like this 67 year old man wanting to marry a 19 year young lady.
In 30 years’ time, this man will be 97 and his muscles would have become weaker affecting his erection. His wife would be 49 and will have to be satisfied in bed in a manner that this man cannot execute. What do you think is going to happen?
Marriage Counsellors advocate that the ideal age gap between marriage partners should not be more than 10 years. This is one way to eliminate suspicions which results in mistrust when the man grows old and gets weaker because it is a known fact that sex is very important to men than women.
A man becomes very worried when his sexual performance level drops. This is what causes some men to act in a manner that is condemnable. My advice, walk into love, don’t fall into it. God bless.
NB: ‘CHANGE KOTOKA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT TO KOFI BAAKO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
By Laud Kissi-Mensah
