Features
Is the Ghana Journalists Association in shambles?
Tension is building up within the rank and file of journalists in this country which, if not handled properly, can cause disaffection among members of this noble profession and create confusion in the operation of journalism in Ghana.
The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), which is the umbrella body of journalists in this country is embroiled in confusion due to the reluctance ofthe current executives led by Mr. Roland Affail Monney, whose mandate expired more than a year ago to step down to pave the way for fresh election of a new executives to steer the affairs of the association. As a result of this intransigent posture, tension is building up gradually,which if not managed properly, will make the association to lose the respect accorded to it by Ghanaians and society in general.
PROTRACTED DISPUTE WITHIN THE GJA AND COURT ACTION
The association has for the past one year, been confronted with a protracted dispute over a lawful and competent leadership to steer its affairs and as a result, a deep-seated division among members has been created with corresponding fury and anxiety.
The mandate of the old executives expired during the latter part of 2020 and due to the Corona Virus pandemic which hit the entire world including Ghana, it affected the association’s programme to organise an election to elect new national and regional executives to take over from the old executives. In May 2021, the GJA announcement of the opening of nominations for various positions in the association, attracted a suit from one of its members called Ms Caroline Boateng. She had sought a High Court injunction challenging the processes of holding the elections, saying the mandate of Affail Monney’s administration expired in November 2020 and, therefore, their continued stay in office was illegitimate.
SETTING UP ELECTION COMMITTEE WAS ILLEGITIMATE
The plaintiff argued that, because the administration’s stay in office was illegitimate, the move by the highest organ, the GJA National Council, to set up the Election Committee to carry out the election for a new executive was illegitimate. According to Ms. Boateng, Affail Monney who was the first of the three defendants in the suit, ought to have set up an interim committee to oversee the affairs of the association after expiration of his tenure in 2020. The plaintiff further accused the defendants of neglecting their duties for supposed personal benefit of ensuring that they influenced the next election. But the GJA executives argued that they were doing exactly what the laws required by undertaking the processes to elect new executives and that the plaintiff’s suit was only interfering in their work.
The plaintiff had prayed the court for an action against the election process and also replacement of the council with an interim committee to oversee the election. Ms. Boateng wanted the court to bring together Mrs. Gifty Affenyi-Dadzie, Madam Ajoa Yeboa Afari, Mr. Ransford Tetteh and Ambassador Kabral Blay Amihere to constitute the interim committee to oversee the next elections.
CONTESTANTS FOR THE PRESIDENT OF GJA
Three personalities, namely Mr. David Agbenu, Editor of the Ghanaian Times, Mr. Gayheart Edem Mensah, a media consultant and Mr. Albert Kwabena Dwumfuor, of the Atinka Media Village, have filed their nominations to contest the GJA presidential slot. Other members have also filed their nominations for various positions within the association.
OUT OF COURT SETTLEMENT OF DISPUTE
Under the auspices of the Ga Mantse, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru 11, the case was settled out of court with the agreement that both parties would ensure that the elections were held on or before October 3, 2021. It is instructive to know that more than a year on, the elections had not been held, thus creating a lot of anxiety and tension among members and the contestants in general. The contestants are complaining that the voter’s register is overblown with non- registered members of the association and unless a systematic audit is carried out to clean the register, the election cannot be held. This unfortunate situation has allowed the Affail Monney-led executive to continue to hold itself in office, thus creating problems for members.
RECENT SEMINAR TO DISCUSS THE WAY FORWARD
At a seminar attended by veteran journalists in Accra recently to discuss the way forward, it was agreed in a communique that, an Interim Management Committee (IMC), comprising senior members of the association be constituted to assist the constitutionally mandated committees of the GJA to develop a road map that would lead the association out of the current crisis and ensure the conduct of a credible election for new national and regional executives. It was further agreed that the IMC, in conjunction with the Elections Committee and the Elections Dispute Adjudicating committee of the GJA, should develop modalities for the cleaning up of the voter’s register and rid it of all suspicious names before the elections were held.
The forum theme, “The GJA yesterday, today and tomorrow-Repositioning for the next Phase” agreed that pending the establishment of the AGM, the immediate past president of the association Affail Monney and his executives must desist from holding themselves out as president and executives of the association, particularly when their tenure had elapsed since November 2020.
SELFISH AND MEDIOCRE LEADERS OF GJA
It is important to note that the GJA in the past had been a strong, vibrant and potent organisation that stood for interest and welfare of journalists. That was as a result of competent and well- groomed and talented senior journalists who served as leaders of the association. Now, we have a category of leaders who have placed personal welfare above the interest of members and that has been the woes of the association presently. They continue to align themselves with the government of the day, thus selling their conscience for peanuts and, therefore, can be influenced easily to follow the path of the government in power. For instance, it was a bit surprising to hear that the embattled president has nominated himself to serve on the National Media Commission without the express knowledge of the entire members of the GJA. Besides, unilateral decisions are taken without the knowledge of members. These came to light at the recent seminar for senior retired members of the association in Accra.
BRIEF HISTORY OF THE GJA
This article will not be complete if I fail to give a brief background about the emergence of the association and those who sacrificed and laid down their lives towards its formation.We are told the GJA was established on August 1949, at a time when politics in the then British colony of the Gold Coast was at its peak and the minds of many media practitioners and ordinary citizens were filled with events of the nationalist struggle. A number of the nationalist leaders including Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah and Dr. J.B. Danquah, were journalists who used the power of the pen to propagate their ideas and vision of the independence for the then Gold Coast.
At the time of its formation, it was called Africa Press and was set up to provide indigenous media practitioners with an alternative to the colonial press. Those who were at the forefront of its formation were, Messrs Martin Therson-Coffie, Eric Adjorlolo, G.A. Hassen, Cecil Forde, Henry Ofori (Carl Mutt), Carl Reindolf and Regina Addae. The name of the association was later changed to Association of Ghanaian Journalists and Writers. For want of space, I would have gone deeper into the background of its formation.
HIGH PROFILE PAST EXECUTIVES OF THE GJA
Let me emphasise that with time, a number of high profile journalists some of whom had passed on to glory, had managed and steered the affairs of this noble and great institution with distinction. They included Messrs D.A. Dentu, Kwame Gyewu-Kyem, T.B. Ottie, Sam Arthur, Ambassador Kabral Blay- Amihere, Mrs Gifty Affenyi-Dadzie, Ms. Ajoa Yeboah-Afari and Mr. Ransford Tetteh.
These noble personalities including those who have died, deserved a lot of commendation for their immense sacrifice and perseverance and, therefore, we should not allow their efforts to be in vain. All that we need to ask ourselves is, “For now, who watches the watchman?”
It appears that all is not lost and we need to wake up from our slumber and move the association on the right path and to its former glories. The journalism profession is a noble one and practitioners must be seen to be fighting for the down-trodden and to hold governments in check but not to chase ill-gotten wealth and also play into the hands of governments. The question we need to ask ourselves now is, “Who watches the watchman?”
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Features
The Prophet part 9
Antubam followed her. She indicated for him to sit down. She was about to call Mary when she emerged from the hall, followed by Suzzie.
“It’s good you are both here,” she said. “There’s something I need to tell all three of you. Mr Antubam, I will not waste time on your so-called interest in me, because you and I are two very different people with absolutely nothing in common. The main point I want to make now is that your so-called church is nothing but a fraud with which you are deceiving people who may be ignorant today, but are still precious in God’s sight.
Apart from deceiving them and enriching yourself, you are using God’s name to commit fraud. Today you may be enjoying money, food, alcohol and women, but you will certainly pay a high price for it, unless of course you are willing to repent now. My concern is for my two sisters.
I am demanding that they cut all links with you, now. No visits to your home or church, and no telephone calls. I have told them to give you back every penny you have given them. I am prepared to find money to pay whatever they owe you. That is all I have to say.”
Antubam rose, furious, and pointed his finger at her.
“Let me warn you, Betty. Yes, I am interested in you, and I am ready to take care of all your needs, even to rent a house and buy a car for you. But I will not allow you to insult me. You better withdraw those words you have used against me now, or I will deal with you very soon.”
“Don’t make me laugh, Antubam. You? Deal with me? Why don’t you deal with me now? You have to wait till you go to the shrine and beg the fetish priest to deal with me? See how miserable you are? I dare you! Leave my house now, and go to that miserable fetish priest and get him to rain down all his powers on me!”
“You will see!” Antubam declared as he moved towards his car. He hesitated for a moment to see if Mary and Suzzie would walk him to the car, but noticing that they were firmly glued to their seats he got in the car and drove home.
He got out of the car and went straight to the drinks cupboard, poured himself a full glass of whisky and gulped down half of it. He sat down and called his batman, Kofi Takyi.
“Which two women did you call today?”
“Aggie, one of the new members is in. She is having supper in the guest room. Priscilla will be coming around 9pm.”
“Good work, Kofi. Now, get me my food.” After wolfing down the fufu and light soup, he gulped down the other half of the whisky and stretched out on the sofa and began a smooth, rhythmic snore. Priscilla entered, walked over and, shaking her head, strolled to the bedroom.
Betty came from the shower to find the two friends still glued to their seats.
“Well? Aren’t you two going to say anything?”
“I have something to say,” Mary said. “I don’t understand you, Betty. You want us to cut all links with Antubam, and to refund all the money he has given us. Now, when we do that, do we come back here tomorrow, sit and stare at the sky and hope and pray that our holy sister (Betty) will bring us manna to eat?”
“Such a stupid statement must not come from you, Mary. What happened to your WASSCE qualifications and your intelligence? Here’s some free advice. Get on the internet. Submit applications for university admission. I am prepared to pay for the two of you. And from tomorrow, start studying the Bible seriously, with the intention of doing what it says. I assure you, there are solutions in the Bible for every problem you face today, and will face tomorrow. All you need, Mary, is to use your God-given intelligence. How could you stoop so low as to take money from a common thief and drunkard like Antubam?”
Suzzie rose quietly and held Betty’s hand. “Do you know, Betty? Until a few minutes ago I did not know that you cared so much about me that you consider me your sister. I promise you. We will do as you say. Mary, we will go and collect the rent money, add it to all the money we have taken, and pay it into the account. From tomorrow, Betty, Mary and I will follow you wherever you go’. With tears streaming down her cheeks she walked away.”
Antubam got up with a start. He checked the time on his phone. It was midnight. He sat up, and was moving towards the bedroom when he heard the voices.
“Is anything the matter?” he said. “You have never come here at this time. I thought you only come at dawn.”
“We are always here. We only contact you when we have to. We have to warn you. That girl is trouble. If you don’t leave her alone there will be problems.”
“I don’t understand. I can’t leave her alone. I must sleep with her as many times as possible, conquer her. Why can’t you get her for me?”
“She is firmly buried in the book. You are sleeping with two women every night, and there are many more available in the church. Leave that girl alone?”
“Do you fear her? What book is that? I don’t know why…..” before he could finish the sentence several flashes of pain like a horsewhip on fire cut across his back, and he yelled, bringing Priscilla and Aggie from their rooms.
“What is it, Antubam?” Priscilla asked.
“Er…er. I saw a revelation about a church member who is in some trouble. I need to pray for her. Please go back to the rooms. I will join you soon.” Aggie went to the room, but Priscilla lingered.
“Antubam, why don’t you tell me what the problem is so that I can help you? It appears you have just received some spiritual lashes. Are you being punished for something you have done?”
“Perhaps your husband is punishing me for sleeping with you.”
“Do you dare insult me, Antubam. You will certainly regret speaking to me like this?”
“You have a loud mouth, but your only abilities in life, Priscilla, are sex and extorting money. I will come and sleep with you shortly, and give you money in the morning. Now leave!” She slipped out quietly, and the voices resumed.
“Next time you talk like that you will receive a much bigger punishment. We are only trying to protect you. You are planning to go to the shrine tomorrow morning to invoke curses on the girl. Be careful. Our master may grant your wish if you press him, but you may regret it.”
“I am sorry if I sound ungrateful, but I just can’t resist that girl. She is so beautiful and sexy. Moreover she has insulted me, and I must punish her.”
“Remember we warned you. You are already in danger. One of your competitors is asking questions about you, and thinking about the possibility of dealing with you. Jehoshaphat Agyiri. Everyone calls him Gidigidi.”
“I have heard of him. But what have I done?”
“He belongs to us. We work for him. He wants to check if you will threaten him. He can’t do you any harm as long as you use the stick. But your main problem will come from the girl.”
“Thank you for your help. As for the girl, please talk to Nana Broni for me. I am ready to pay anything for the pleasure of catching that girl in my bed and disciplining her.”
“Antubam,” Priscilla started, “are you going to apologise for the way you spoke to me? And are you going to apologise for bringing another woman here even though I am here with you?”
“Are you going to collect money from me tomorrow morning, Priscilla?”
“Get into bed, you idiot. I wonder why those women in the church cannot see you for the cheap fraudster you really are.”
Antubam took off at dawn, and arrived at the shrine before five.
“You are welcome, Antubam. We know, yet we still ask, as the saying goes. What brings you here?”
“You already know, Okomfo. I must have the girl at all costs. I am prepared to pay anything.”
“I have already consulted Nana Ama Kokoben. I have prepared a fire for her. She will be here any minute, with her mirrors. What you are asking is beyond me, but she is willing to help you. Ah, here she is.”
The small woman sat on a stool next to Okomfo, and stared into Antubam’s eyes for several minutes.
“I will try to help you, but the effort will come from you.” They moved over to the fire, and she placed the two mirrors over the fire.”
“Look! You will see the girl. Take this needle. When she appears in the mirror, pierce her eyes with the needle. By the time you get back to Tafo she will be at your house. From today, she will follow you just as a dog follows its master.”
By Ekow de Heer
Features
Toothache: Understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options
A toothache is a painful sensation in or around a tooth, which can be caused by a variety of factors.
It is a common dental emergency that can affect anyone, regardless of age or oral health.
Toothaches can range from mild to severe and can be accompanied by other symptoms such as swelling, sensitivity, and difficulty chewing.
Causes of toothache
There are several causes of toothache, including:
1. Tooth decay: Tooth decay is the most common cause of toothache. It occurs when bacteria in the mouth break down the enamel of the tooth, creating a cavity.
2. Gum disease: Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, can cause toothache. It occurs when bacteria in the mouth infect the gums, causing inflammation and pain.
3. Cracked tooth: A cracked tooth can cause toothache. This can occur due to biting or chewing on something hard, or due to a blow to the mouth.
4. Dental abscess: A dental abscess is a pocket of pus that forms in the gum tissue. It can cause severe toothache and swelling.
5. Grinding or clenching: Grinding or clenching the teeth can cause toothache. This can occur due to stress, anxiety, or a misaligned bite.
6. Loose or broken filling: A loose or broken filling can cause toothache. This can occur due to wear and tear, or due to a blow to the mouth.
Symptoms of toothache
The symptoms of toothache can vary depending on the cause and severity of the condition. Common symptoms include:
1. Pain: A sharp, stabbing, or dull ache in the tooth or surrounding gum tissue.
2. Sensitivity: Sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, sweet or sour tastes, or pressure.
3. Swelling: Swelling of the gum tissue or face.
4. Difficulty chewing: Difficulty chewing or biting due to pain or discomfort.
5. Bad breath: Bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth.
Diagnosis of Toothache
Diagnosing toothache typically involves a combination of:
1. Visual examination: A visual examination of the tooth and surrounding gum tissue.
2. X-rays: X-rays may be taken to check for signs of tooth decay, abscesses, or other problems.
3. Percussion test: A percussion test, which involves tapping on the tooth to check for sensitivity.
Treatment options for toothache
The treatment options for toothache depend on the cause and severity of the condition. Common treatment options include:
1. Fillings: Fillings may be used to repair a tooth that has been damaged by decay or trauma.
2. Extractions: In some cases, a tooth may need to be extracted due to severe decay or damage.
3. Root canals: Root canals may be performed to remove infected pulp from the tooth.
4. Crown or bridge: A crown or bridge may be used to repair a damaged tooth or replace a missing tooth.
5. Pain relief: Pain relief medication, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, may be prescribed to manage pain and discomfort.
Home remedies for toothache
There are several home remedies that can help to alleviate toothache, including:
1. Cold compress: Applying a cold compress to the affected area can help to reduce pain and swelling.
2. Salt water rinse: Rinsing the mouth with warm salt water can help to reduce pain and inflammation.
3. Cloves: Applying a clove to the affected tooth can help to numb the area and reduce pain.
4. Over-the-counter pain relief: Taking over-the-counter pain relief medication, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help to manage pain and discomfort.
Prevention of toothache
Preventing toothache involves maintaining good oral hygiene habits, including:
1. Brushing and flossing: Brushing and flossing regularly to remove plaque and bacteria from the teeth.
2. Regular dental check-ups: Regular dental check-ups can help to identify and treat oral health problems early on.
3. Avoiding sugary and acidic foods: Avoiding sugary and acidic foods and drinks can help to reduce the risk of tooth decay and erosion.
4. Wearing a mouth guard: Wearing a mouthguard can help to protect the teeth from injury during sports or other activities.
Conclusion
Toothache is a common dental emergency that can be caused by a variety of factors.
Understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for toothache can help individuals to seek prompt treatment and alleviate pain and discomfort.
By maintaining good oral hygiene habits and avoiding sugary and acidic foods and drinks, individuals can reduce their risk of developing toothache.
By Robert Ekow Grimmond-Thompson
