Features
Political interference is destroying our chieftaincy institution!
The Chieftaincy institution in Ghana is a system that structures and regulates the activity of local chieftains in the Ghanaian society and the state. It is one of the most respected and enduring traditional institutions in Ghana which has displayed a remarkable resilience from pre-colonial through colonial to post-colonial regimes.
In the past, the role of the chief was to lead the people in a war to defend, protect and extend their territories. The modern role is to combat poverty and other social ills, illiteracy, ignorance, environmental degradation and depletion of resources. These days, chiefs are under pressure to achieve good governance in their traditional areas and are challenged to integrate tradition and modernity, a process about which there is a considerable debate.
THE 1992 CONSTITUTION AND CHIEFTAINCY INSTITUTION
In accordance with Article 271 of the 1992 Constitution and Section 1 of the Chieftaincy Act 759, the National House of Chiefs is the umbrella body that regulates the activities of chiefs in this country. The House consist of five paramount chiefs from each region elected by the Regional House of Chiefs constituted in the various regions in the country. Prior to the creation of six new regions, the total membership of the National House of Chiefs stood at 50. This number is likely to increase with the creation of additional regions in the country.
The role of the chieftaincy institution in the national development as enshrined in the constitution is basically peacekeeping, peace enforcement, peacemaking and peacebuilding. It, therefore, presupposes that peace in general in pre-colonial era, was manifested in the functions of the institution in general and the chief in particular.
CHIEFTAINCY INSTITUTION LOSING RESPECT
Studies have shown that the once revered chieftaincy institution in Ghana has taken a nose dive with persistent conflicts which tend to tear the institution apart. The majority of these conflicts have been concentrated in northern part of the country, which have resulted in violent clashes leading to loss of lives and destruction of property. Notable areas in the north where chieftaincy conflicts have taken major toll on their economies include, Dagbon, Bawku, Bimbilla, Bolga and Bole.
It is also a fact that beyond the contest among royals, chieftaincy conflicts involve other actors such as politicians who use their influence on the people for political power. Politicians and youth groups have all influenced and manipulated chieftaincy conflicts for their own selfish motives. People not related to the chieftaincy contest and, therefore, have nothing to do with the chieftaincy matters sometimes take active interest in some of these conflicts and become embroiled in the escalation of the violence. Candidates for chieftaincy positions rely on the support of local and national political leaders to help them achieve their powers over traditional areas. Their association with the chiefs in the conflicts often comes with a cost.
ROLE OF NPP, NDC IN CHIEFTAINCY CONFLICT
The two main political parties in this country, the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), have been identified as major actors in some of these chieftaincy conflicts in the country. It is also important to note that businessmen aligned to these two major parties use their wealth to sponsor some of these conflicts so that they eventually recoup the benefits when their favourite party comes to power.
If these politicians and businessmen will free themselves from fanning these chieftaincy conflicts, the institution will bounce back and regain its former glories as a profound body ready to provide that leadership role to the people.
DRAMA SURROUNDING INSTALLATION OF GA MANTSE
Another interesting development in the Ga State, is the drama surrounding the installation of a Ga Mantse. This particular case has seen a back and forward approach from the High Court to the Supreme Court, which is the final arbiter of the case. So far, there have been three High Court rulings concerning this Ga Chieftaincy issue involving Nii Adama Latse II and Dr Kelvin Tackie, over who is the legitimate occupant of the Ga Mantse stool.
The recent ruling by the Supreme Court was that the various high courts which heard the matter lacked the jurisdiction to adjudicate cases involving chieftaincy and that, the judges should have declined jurisdiction when the matter was brought before them for determination. The five-member bench, therefore, annulled the ruling of Justice Naa Adoley Azu on whose decision the two other judges, Justice Gifty Dekyem and Justice Nicholas Abodakpi also made in their determination of the case.
GOVERNMENT INTERFERENCE IN CHIEFTAINCY MATTERS
It is a fact that government after government continues to either back or influence the installation of chiefs in the Ga state, making sure that their favourites are selected to occupy the stool even though they are not yet qualified for the throne. We have experienced that in many of the past regimes and this does not augur well for development. It rather polarizes the people and stalls development and progress.
In order to make the chieftaincy institution sacred and well respected, it is important for ruling governments not to involve themselves in the day to day activities of chiefs who are development agents in their various localities. They can only be consulted to facilitate development among people and under no circumstance should chiefs be allowed to play active roles in politics. The constitution has made it clear that chiefs who are interested in doing politics must abdicate the throne before wearing the political colour.
Currently the government has imposed a dusk to dawn curfew on the Bawku municipality and its environs in the Upper East Region following renewed chieftaincy dispute in the area. It has placed a total ban on all persons in the area from carrying arms and ammunition or any offensive weapons. There were gun shots in the Bawku township on Tuesday night of November 23, 2021, resulting in heightened tension. The incident is said to be linked to a planned performance of a “Bawku Chief’s” funeral who died 41 years ago.
SOLUTION TO CHIEFTAINCY CONFLICTS
In resolving chieftaincy disputes, conflicts and stopping their politicization, the various houses of chiefs should be empowered and be the only institution for handling chieftaincy issues. Besides, there is the need to codify the lines of succession of chiefs in our country. Sanctions must also be applied to politicians and other influential personalities who interfere in the chieftaincy institution.
The government must strengthen our chieftaincy institution by providing it with the needed support and resources to serve as agents of change in their localities rather infiltrating into their ranks to divide them and the people. It is equally important for the people to respect that sacred institution and not to allow themselves by politicians and businessmen to use them as guinea pigs while their children are confined in the comfort of their homes enjoying. When you die for the sake of chieftaincy dispute and conflict, you die for nothing and, therefore, you need to reject any move by politicians and businessmen to fight chieftaincy battles with no basis and relevance.
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By Charles Neequaye
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
