Features
Ghana-Seychelles relations: ‘Windfall’ for Ghanaian teachers?
‘Luck’ seems to be the ‘aroma’ clothing the persona of Ghana’s High Commissioner to the Republic of Seychelles, when he recently presented his letters of credence to the President of his host country in Victoria.
Just at the presentation of his letters of credence, Ghana’s new High Commissioner to Seychelles, Mr Charles Asuako Owiredu, ‘instantly’ opened ‘doors’ and ‘windows’ for some Ghanaian professional teachers to be legally employed in the Republic of Seychelles.
Reportedly, the Government of the Republic of Seychelles is urgently seeking to sign an agreement with the Government of Ghana to help shape the educational system of Seychelles.
The request for Ghanaian teachers was made by the President of Seychelles, Mr Wavel Ramkalawan, through the Ghana High Commissioner to the island country, Mr Owiredu.
Presenting his letters of credence to President Ramkalawan in Victoria, capital of Seychelles, the Seychelloi President reportedly said, “to enhance the standards of our educational system, we will plead with Ghana to allocate a sizeable number of Ghanaian professional teachers to our country.
“If the agreement is actualised, we strongly believe that the Ghanaian teachers will share their rich experiences with their counterparts in Seychelles, so as to help improve our educational system.”
Reportedly, High Commissioner Owiredu assured President Ramkalawan that he would confer with his home Government to ensure the realisation of his intent.
Dr Yaw Adutwum, Minister of Education is reported to have said in Accra that the Government of the United Kingdom has also expressed interest in engaging qualified professional Ghanaian teachers “to help build the education system in the United Kingdom.”
“With the actualisation of the ‘teaching’ agreement, it is the expectation that between 300 and 500 teachers will be exported from Ghana to Seychelles,” an elated teacher who is praying to be part of the first batch to leave the country for Seychelles has said.
According to him, “apart from being an avenue to broaden the teachers’ horizon internationally, my expectation is that, salary-wise, those who would be selected will be given a standardised and acceptable conditions of service to enable them to give of their best.”
Mr Cephas Inkoom, a pensioner, also says:”If similar agreements could be brokered by some of our missions abroad, it could go a long way in addressing our nation’s unemployment headaches.
“That way, we will not ‘encounter’ Unemployed Graduates Associations in our country.”
Experts say the first function of diplomacy involves representing a state’s interests and conducting negotiations or discussions designed to identify common interests as well as areas of disagreements between the parties, for the purpose of achieving the state’s goals and avoiding conflicts.
The second function of diplomacy involves the gathering of information and subsequent identification and evaluation of receiving state’s foreign policy goals.
According to the experts, the third major function of diplomacy is expansion of political, economic and cultural ties between two countries.
And the fourth function of diplomacy relates to using it as an enforcing vehicle to facilitate the observation of international laws.
Indeed, examining the functions of diplomacy, this column appreciates the diplomatic relations between Ghana and Seychelles and commends the efforts of President Ramkalawan and High Commissioner Owiredu in their readiness to strengthen the ties between the two countries.
Seychelles is described as an Island Republic, in the Western Indian Ocean, comprising about 115 islands, with lush tropical vegetation and beautiful beaches.
Its estimated population is 100,000, making it the smallest population of any sovereign African country.
English, French and Seychelloi are the official languages of Seychelles. It became independent and a member of the Commonwealth in 1976.
The main islands are located about 1,000 kilometres northeast of the northern tip of Madagascar and 1,800 kilometres east of Mombasa (Kenya).
The scenery of the islands is described as unbeatable beauty, exotic and tropical; and the beaches are said to be the best in the world.
Readers, let’s cross our fingers and await the outcome of the initial ‘inspiring’ diplomatic discussions between President Ramkalawan and High Commissioner Owiredu.
Contact email/ WhatsApp of the author:
asmahfrankg@gmail.com (0505556179)
By G. Frank Asmah
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
