Features
Safeguarding the tenets and integrity of the 1992 Constitution
A Constitution is a collection of rules and principles setting out how a country or a state can be governed. It provides a framework for all decisions made by every government official particularly, the Executive (President), the Legislature (Parliament) and the Judiciary (Law Courts). It sets out rights of every individual which must be respected by the State, ie, establishing a relationship between the government and the people.
The importance of this special document in nation building cannot be underestimated because it makes sure that those who make decisions on behalf of the people, fairly represent public opinion. Besides, it devises ways in which those who exercise power may be held accountable to the people they serve. The framer of the Constitution make sure that those rights that are enshrined in the document ensure the protection and promotion of human dignity, equality and liberty.
THE 1992 CONSTITUTION AND WHAT IT ENTAILS
Ghana is a Unitary State with a Unicameral Legislature which consists of one House Assembly which legislates and votes as one body. The 1992 Constitution provides for one parliament which exercises all the primary functions. There is a Council of State which is an advisory body to the President. The President may refer bills or even laws to the Council of State for its comments when necessary.
The 1992 Constitution which was drafted and approved in a referendum about 30 years ago (April 28, !992) by the people, guarantees the human rights of all individuals found within the territorial boundaries of Ghana. Chapter 5 of the 1992 Constitution under the title “Fundamental Human Rights and Freedoms” provides for such rights as; Rights to Life, Economic Rights, Women’s Rights, Freedom of Expression, Rights to Work and Education among others.
The three important arms of government, the Executive, Legislature and the Judiciary are the main organs that the constitution has established and these are sources of stability of any country and without them there will be chaos, anarchy and corruption in any society.
30 YEARS OF CONSTITUTIONAL RULE IN GHANA
As a country that has lived and survived the constitution for 30 years without military intervention which had been the norm in the past, we have every right to celebrate this achievement and applaud ourselves for coming this far. Some countries in the African sub-region in recent times, have witnessed some military take-overs from democratic instituted government but we in Ghana, are, indeed, lucky to have a sound democratic governance within this 30 years of constitutional rule. Our immediate neighbours- Mali and Guinea are victims of these military disruptions of democratic governance and are yet to recover and still counting their losses.
Since 2001, the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) a legally mandated institutional body responsible for civic education, has designated the day on which the Constitution was adopted to launch the Constitutional Day which spans for a week. During this period, the NCCE organises series of seminars in schools, offices, public institutions as well as military garrisons across the country to deepen the knowledge and understanding of the Constitution and the need to uphold it.
PRESIDENT NATIONWIDE BROADCAST ON THE CONSTITUTION
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo in his nationwide radio and television broadcast recently to mark three decades of the referendum that approved the 1992 Constitution leading to the birth of the Fourth Republic, urged the citizenry to renew their trust in the country’s democratic process and vigilantly protect the Constitution against threats of saboteurs. Hear him, “Thirty years ago today, on 28th April 1992, we Ghanaians took one of the most important decisions of our history. We went to the polls to decide, in a referendum, the nature of the future of governance of our nation – whether to continue to live under military rule or to live under democratic rule. The period leading to that day, had seen the nation sampled all forms of governance known to man before settling on the current democratic system of governance. With the extensive work that led to the birth of the 1992 Constitution, which had led to the Fourth Republic travelling the longest period in the country’s history of governance, it is incumbent on Ghanaians to do everything to protect the Constitution”.
STABLE AND PEACEFUL RULE UNDER THE CONSTITUTION
Indeed, this is a profound and well- thought out statement from a sitting president which calls for support from each and every Ghanaian no matter his or her political affiliation. Let us remember that even though this country is experiencing difficult times which has brought untold hardships on the people, due to a number of factors both within and internationally, we can confidently say that the last three decades under constitutional governance had witnessed peaceful and sustained growth in every aspect of national lives. Just as the President alluded, “Democracy has been good for us” and undoubtedly, under this current democratic rule, the country had also enjoyed equality and respect for human rights and rule of law.
We should not lose sight of the fact that under this Fourth Republic, we have had five presidents with peaceful transfer of power from a governing to opposition party on three separate occasions. On rare occasion when there was disagreement with the outcome of an election, it was the Supreme Court which on two occasions resolved the issue not through confrontations. That, indeed, speaks volume of how we have transitioned with our democratic governance.
MILITARY TAKE-OVERS ARE UNNECESSARY
By this time, we need to understand that no matter how difficult conditions we find ourselves as Ghanaians and the level of hardship we are going through as a result of severe economic conditions in the country we cannot resort to the barrel of the gun in a military take-over to resolve our problems. Military coups are inimical to national progress of any country and can worsen economic crisis and bring untold hardships to the citizenry.
The duties of the military as stated under the law is to ensure internal and external security and also for the total defence of the nation. They are required to defend the territorial integrity of the country by land, sea and air. Under no circumstance should we allow the military to join hands with civilians to destabilise the country and cause chaos, and misery among the people. That will amount to suicide and turn the clock of progress backwards.
Our political leaders must make sure that they confine the military to the barracks and provide them with all the necessary tools, equipment and the needed logistics to carry out their stipulated and assigned mandates as enshrined under the laws of this country so that they will not move out of their comfort zones to join other civilian forces to destabilise the country and throw the Constitution out of gear.
ADHERING TO THE PROVISIONS UNDER THE CONSTITUTION
History has indicated that there had been few instances in which subsequent governments flouted some of the provisions under the Constitution and did things in their own way just to achieve their selfish motives and ambitions. We need to avoid that practice and follow the tenets of the Constitution to the letter in order to maintain peace and tranquility in our dear country.Democratic governance is the best option for us as a country and we need to jealously safeguard this constitutional rule at all cost. Never again should we allow forces of negativity and destruction to influence and compel us to disrupt our constitutional rule and go back to authoritarian military dictatorship which will serve no purpose to our dear country. The clarion call is for Ghanaians to protect and safeguard our constitutional rule for generations unborn.
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By Charles Neequaye
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
