Features
NPP: Listen to foot soldiers
The year, 2024, seems to be very far away but for many political ‘animals’ in Ghana, that year, lives with us now.
Consequently, many political activists have started doing some “huhudious” analyses and predictions as to what will befall the year, 2024.
A number of social media platforms are also recording numerous issues of discontent regarding the two main political parties in the country all geared towards the year, 2024.
On the social media, one mantra that stands out among the NPPists, is: ‘Break the 8’.
And what is the meaning of ‘Break the 8’? The contention is that since the 1992 Constitution came into force, the two main political parties in the country, NPP/NDC, have been alternating, ruling the country every eight years.
In effect, the fact of the matter is that when NDC wins power, it rules the country for eight straight years before it loses it to the NPP.
And when the NPP also wins general election, it governs the country for eight continuous years before it loses elections and hands over power to the NDC.
Even though general election is held every four years in Ghana, the pattern of victory and governorship of the country seem to be set in eight continuous years for each of Ghana’s two main political parties.
So far, there has not been any ‘break’ or interruption in the seemingly set pattern.
Readers, the NPPists, say they want to ‘Break the 8’. That is, when President Akufo-Addo exits power in 2024, after serving his two constitutional terms of eight years, an NPP administration must succeed the Akufo-Addo-led government not an NDC administration.
Interestingly, some NPP loyalists do not even believe in the ‘Break the 8’ mantra. And the social media is awash with such disbelief.
One NPP Concerned Youth Group of Tamale claims that the leadership of the party must know that they are foot soldiers not ‘foolish’ soldiers.
According to the group, the NPP leadership at both the party and governmental levels think that they are ‘foolish’ soldiers, “but they must be reminded that we are rather foot soldiers”.
The NPP Concerned Youth Group says: “You remember us during elections and abandon us when elections are over. You treat us as if we are only election winning machines.
“The grassroots continue to cry louder and louder, yet no one from the top seems to be hearing our cry.
“If the current situation continues till 2024, even if we present an angel as our presidential candidate, he will be miserably defeated.
“Turn your attention to the grassroots, supporters and foot soldiers. The party cannot ‘Break the 8’ without them.”
According to the group: “Majority of job opportunities under the Akufo-Addo-led government went to our opponents and when we talk, some people in our own democratic government will tell us that those given such opportunities are also Ghanaians.
“As if we were not Ghanaians when we were denied jobs under the past NDC governments.”
The group says: “We sell jobs and scholarships to our own suffering supporters yet we expect them to help ‘Break the 8’, adding that, “we sell contracts to known party contractors and expect them to help ‘Break the 8’. “
Incensed, the group, says “forget about those on social media shouting at the top of their voices; ‘Break the 8’. They have no idea what it will take to ‘Break the 8’.
” ‘Breaking the 8’ is not a child’s play as they think. In 2008, our party failed to ‘Break the 8’ because our grassroot supporters were dissatisfied, even though they got better treatment then, than now.”
Another NPP group, calling itself Grassroots For 2024 Votes, says the party and government must listen to them and act accordingly.
The group says: “The free-SHS policy has benefited almost every Ghanaian home but those who are still benefitting the more, are the NDC grassroot supporters.”
The group is, therefore, urging the NPP administration to design and implement a special policy vehicle that will benefit only NPP grassroot supporters before the 2024 elections, otherwise, they claim, they will just refuse to vote.
“Why must we campaign and vote for our party to win power and allow supporters of our political opponents to enjoy more of the political low hanging fruits than us?”, the group asked, contending that the NDC led governments never offered them such opportunities.
Some former NPP administration appointees and Members of Parliament are also not enthused at all with President Akufo-Addo himself. They said they contributed immensely to the victory of the party.
They claim that the President promised offering them appointments in his administration at different levels but failed woefully to do so.
They contend that while the President has not fulfilled his promise of appointing some of them, they can for example, see one family of; a husband, wife, daughter, son, sister, brother, father, mother and in-law; being appointed at different levels of governance.
Asked whether such a query should not be coming from the opposition instead? They said, “truth is truth, besides, getting access to the President now is a difficult enterprise.”
So, Mr President of the Republic and the leadership of the NPP; over to you now.
Contact email/WhatsApp of the author:
asmahfrankg@gmail.com (0505556179)
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
