Features
‘Possible’ coup looms in Ghana?
According to Wikipedia, a coup d’etat (French), often shortened to ‘a coup’ in English or ‘overthrow’, is a seizure and removal of a government and its powers.
www.britannica.com also says; a coup d’etat is a sudden, often violent overthrow of an existing government by a small group.
Typically, it is an illegal seizure of power by a political faction, rebel group, military or by a dictator.
According to experts, coups d’etat usually seek only to replace key government personnel rather than forcing sweeping changes to a country’s fundamental social and political ideology.
As a key to success, groups attempting coups, typically seek to gain support of all or parts of a country’s armed forces, police and other military elements.
In his book; Political Order in Changing Societies (published in 1968), Samuel P. Huntington says, there are three generally recognised types of coups. And they are (a) “The breakthrough coup” (b) “The guardian coup” and (c) “The veto coup”.
Samuel Huntington, also a political scientist, says with “The breakthrough coup”, opposing civilian or military organisers overthrow the seated government and install themselves as a nation’s new leaders.
Huntington explains that with “The guardian coup”, typically described as ‘justified’ as being for the “broader good of the nation”, occurs when one elite group seizes power from another elite group.
According to Huntington, in “The veto coup”, a nation’s military steps in to prevent radical political changes.
Of late, readers, the fact of the matter is that, ‘coup-mongering voices’ seem to be spreading from the ‘stock’ of the Opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), thus, ‘snowballing’ into a national conversation.
For instance, Brigadier-General (Rtd) Joseph Nunoo-Mensah, a former National Security Adviser and an NDC ‘high-fly-employee’, claims all his efforts to meet President Akufo-Addo to discuss a possibility of a coup in Ghana have proved futile.
Recently speaking on Rainbow Radio (87.5 FM) , Brigadier Nunoo-Mensah said, he and a colleague retired army officer had sought audience to dialogue with President Akufo Addo on the coup in Mali and Burkina Faso and “a possible one in Ghana” but that opportunity has not been possible.
He said, he and his colleague had seen some indicators that could trigger a coup in Ghana, stressing that “the nation must prepare because the signs of coups are clear on the streets.”
The former Chief of Defence Staff said:”Ghana is in danger but our leaders have refused to be on guard to address the hardship Ghanaians are facing.
“Just last year, myself and a former military officer, General Selasi (rtd) tried to see the President so as to bring these to his hearing but we never got the chance to meet the President.
“Up till now, we’ve not had the opportunity to meet him. If we don’t take care, what we fear will happen.”
Some critics of Brigadier Nunoo-Mensah are, however, asking:”Apart from his anxiety to meet the President in person, what useful advice has he got to give the Akufo-Addo led Government?
“If Brigadier Nunoo-Mensah is genuine with his ‘intentions’, can’t he give whatever information at his disposal to the relevant security agencies, looking at his ‘pedigree’ as a high-notch military officer?”
The Dean of the University of Ghana School of Law, Professor Raymond Atuguba also says,”the current economic situation in the country could trigger a coup”.
He is quoted as saying: “My current assessment that Ghana may be ripe for a coup partly springs from the knowledge I gained from accompanying my friend, through part of his doctoral research on this topic.”
Speaking at a forum organised by Solidare Ghana, on the nation’s economy, last Monday, February 28, 2022, Professor Atuguba said: “We do not want a coup in this country, yet I fear that if we do not act quickly, we may have one on our hands very soon.”
However, some critics of Professor Atuguba are also asking: “When President John Mahama was mismanaging Ghana’s economy, culminating in ‘dumsor-dumsor’ and destroying all businesses in the country; did it trigger a coup or the NDC was expecting the ‘rotten-Mahama economy’ to trigger a coup that never happened?
“To the extent that the Mahama regime of which Professor Atuguba was a king-pin , had to run to the International Monetary Fund, to seek ‘policy credibility’ because the economy was rendered hopeless; and even that did not trigger a coup?”
Professor Atuguba’s critics further ask: “Why are the coup mongers ’emerging’ from the ‘stock ‘of the NDC?
“Are they in haste to be ‘drafted’ into ‘coup-government’ to do more damage to the economy in this pandemic era?”
And currently, Mawuse Oliver Barker-Vormawor, an NDC apologist, is being prosecuted on a charge of treason felony.
Barker-Vormawor’s arrest and prosecution is in relation to a social media post in which he threatened to stage a coup if the E-levy Bill which is currently under consideration in Parliament is passed into law.
According to the police, Barker-Vormawor’s social media post, “contained a clear statement of intent with a possible will to execute a coup in his declaration of intent to subvert the Constitution of the Republic of Ghana.”
And without any provocation from the Ghana Armed Forces, Barker-Vormawor described the Ghana Army as “useless” in his social media post.
Readers, from the foregoing, can anyone of you fathom why the ‘coup-mongering gas’ is gradually but steadily ‘leaking’ from the ‘kitchens’ of the NDC?
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
