Features
The President’s special chair …and emerging controversies
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo
In most general sense, a chair is a piece of furniture designed for the purpose of allowing a single person to sit or recline. It is an item of furniture that provides sitting for more than one person, often referred to as a sofa, settee, bench or so on.Sitting in a wrong office chair, can cause major health issues and one can simply avoid this by investing in an ergonomic chair. A good office chair can bear wonders for your back. It works by improving your posture, reducing unnecessary back pains and reducing hip pressure.
Research has shown that, slouching, and similar postures while sitting can cause backaches, headaches and poor concentration. Ergonomic chairs are more comfortable than normal chairs because they are user-friendly. You can adjust all features of the chair to fit your individual needs until you are totally comfortable.
SPECIAL
PRESIDENTIAL CHAIR
For some time now, there has been controversy from the point of view of the public over a special presidential seat being used by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo at both state and private functions across the country of which viral photos keep trending on social media more frequently. The now famous seat of the President, has been spotted carried in a V8 vehicle that followed the president anywhere he attended public functions.
The brouhaha over this strange development on the part of the president, has imputed several rumours, speculations and conjectures about the motives behind the practice, especially when he has to travel to any public functions across the country with this special chair. Some have said that the practice, is purely associated with spiritual direction offered to the president. Rumours are that, the President’s personal prophet, had cautioned him to avoid publicly offered chairs and use his own private chairs anywhere he goes.
SPECULATIONS ABOUT THE SPECIAL CHAIR
Another strange reason is that the President’s special chair has a special purpose to perform while he sits on it. It is being alleged that the chair is not a mere seat, but an electronic device put together to keep him from fallen asleep.It is said that the seat is actually a contraption filled with a device that delivers mild electrical vibrations to keep the President awake. Explaining how the device works, an unimpeachable source within the presidency, was once quoted within social media circles to have stated that, “It is really a simple device that is remotely controlled. The trusted aides handling the remote control, are under instructions to deliver a certain level of electric shock to the President at specified intervals. The shock is not delivered to cause him to jolt, but rather, to deliver some vibration to keep him awake”.Whether this assertion is true or not, is something yet to be established and comfirmed.
GABBY’S
EXPLANATION
However, Mr. Gabby Asare Otchere-Darko, a Special Aide to the President and his right-hand man, was quoted to have debunked all the conspiracy theories and assertions on his Facebook page, explaining that the roaming chair, was due to the deadly Corona virus pandemic which rocked the entire world in 2019, including Ghana.
It is recalled that during his official tour of the North East Region in 2020, President Akufo-Addo, visited PAD 95.1 FM for an interview along with his presidential seat and that was captured in the social media. The usual studio seat, according to the picture that made rounds, was shifted aside and replaced with his special chair. Also, during his visit to the Ashanti Region in that same year, his special presidential seat was taken along with him for an interview with Wontumi Radio Station among others.
PUBLIC CURIOSITY
ABOUT THE
Nobody is against the President carrying and using a special chair at any given functions across the country and even beyond the borders of this country, provided the costs involved in transporting this special chair will be borne or absorbed by the President himself. If for any good reasons regarding his health and doctors have advised that he should use a special seat as a means of dealing with his problem, that will be fine and also becomes a state funded issue since he is the president and the number one gentleman of the land as such, the laws will allow that to happen. In all these propaganda theories being bandied around in the social media by some personalities, neither the President nor any of his spokespersons, have given reasons as to why this special chair always has to travel with the President anywhere he goes to put an end to some of these mere speculations. It is on the basis of such development that one finds it difficult to comprehend what is happening in the face of the current economic challenges that has brought about high cost of living among the citizenry.
HUGE COST INVOLVED IN MOVEMENT OF CHAIR
The cost of travelling with this presidential seat on board the V8 vehicle to public functions across the country will be at a huge cost, running into millions of Ghana cedis at the expense of the state. Apart from that, the number of luxurious vehicles including V8 that follows the president in convoys during his local travels is another financial drain to the country which needs to be looked at with critical lenses. What is more disturbing, is the fact that a whole V8 is assigned to convey a chair with a driver and a guard. That is, indeed, very strange and difficult to imagine.
A vital question people continue to ask is that; If it is not for any good or tangible reason, why can’t the various Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDCEs), make available special seat just like what the President always travels with, even if it should be electronically manufactured, to accommodate the president in their localities anytime he travels to their areas and cut down the cost of travelling with this special seat on V8 from the presidency in Accra to the districts and regional capitals.
GHANA IN
COMPLETE MESS
This country is in a terrible financial and economic crisis, as the President himself has admitted when he recently came to our homes through radio and television broadcast to the nation.
There is high depreciation of the local currency against the US dollar, inflation keeps escalating to an unimaginable level, the cost of fuel is astronomically high, thus affecting the cost of transportation among Ghanaians, high level of state debt and heavy fluctuations in foreign direct investment, volatile prices of goods and services among other economic challenges. We have gone to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to seek a financial bailout to restructure our ailing economy. There is a general disaffection among the people as they continue to experience severe hardships.
AVOIDING PROFLIGATE LIFESTYLES
While steps are being taken to resuscitate our shattered economy and restore confidence in the economy, there is the need for the government and its appointees, to lead by example by cutting down all the unnecessary spending and also to plug all the loopholes in our financial management. Things that are not of essence and beneficial to our course of development must be got rid of, in order to conserve our meagre foreign exchange.
It is also important that, we downsize our government by cutting down the number of ministers of state and merging some of our ministries to avoid duplication of functions.There is a clarion call by Ghanaians to the President to sack or remove some of his non-performing ministers and bring in fresh minded people with ideas to help him to prosecute his development agenda which is a call in the right direction.
TOUGHER MEASURES NEEDED TO REVAMP ECONOMY
The going is, indeed, very tough, rough and, therefore, we have to adopt and apply stringent measures to resuscitate our ailing economy which is in a state of comatose. Ghanaians deserve better because they have sacrificed a lot for this nation to the present state, and the time to do this is now. Let those who have ears, listen now!
Contact email/WhatsApp of author:
ataani2000@yahoo.com 0277753946/0248933366
By Charles Neequaye
Features
Preventing the brain’s melting point with BOS
The human brain is a complex and delicate organ, susceptible to damage from various factors, including extreme temperatures.
The brain’s melting point, also known as the temperature threshold beyond which brain tissue begins to degrade, is a critical concern for individuals seeking to maintain optimal cognitive function.
Fortunately, the Brain Operating System (BOS) offers a revolutionary solution to prevent the brain’s melting point.
Understanding the brain’s melting point
The brain’s melting point refers to the temperature threshold beyond which brain tissue begins to degrade, leading to irreversible damage.
This temperature threshold varies depending on individual factors, such as age, health, and environmental conditions. However, research suggests that the brain’s melting point is approximately 104°F (40°C) to 107°F (42°C).
The role of BOS in preventing the brain’s melting point
BOS, a cutting-edge technology, plays a crucial role in preventing the brain’s melting point. By leveraging advanced neural interfaces and artificial intelligence, BOS monitors and regulates brain temperature, ensuring that it remains within a safe range.
How BOS prevents the brain’s melting point
BOS prevents the brain’s melting point through several mechanisms:
1. Temperature regulation: BOS continuously monitors brain temperature, adjusting neural activity to maintain a stable temperature.
2. Heat dissipation: BOS enhances heat dissipation through increased blood flow and sweating.
3. Neuro protection: BOS protects neurons from heat-induced damage.
Benefits of BOS in preventing the brain’s melting point
The benefits of BOS in preventing the brain’s melting point are numerous:
1. Prevents brain damage: BOS prevents brain damage caused by excessive heat.
2. Maintains cognitive function: BOS ensures optimal cognitive function by maintaining stable brain temperature.
3. Enhances brain resilience: BOS enhances brain resilience to temperature fluctuations.
Real-World applications of BOS
BOS has various real-world applications:
1. High-performance computing: BOS enables high-performance computing by maintaining optimal brain temperature.
2. Medical applications: BOS has medical applications, such as treating heat-related illnesses.
3. Space exploration: BOS is crucial for space exploration, where extreme temperatures pose a significant risk.
Conclusion
BOS is a revolutionary technology that prevents the brain’s melting point, ensuring optimal cognitive function and overall well-being. By leveraging advanced neural interfaces and artificial intelligence, BOS monitors and regulates brain temperature, protecting against heat-related damage.
Glossary:
1. BOS: Brain Operating System.
2. Brain’s melting point: Temperature threshold beyond which brain tissue begins to degrade.
3. Neural interface: Connects human brain with digital devices.
Contact Information
virginvtech@yahoo.com
Additional resources:
1. BOS research: Explore scientific studies.
2. Neural interface resources: Discover books and articles.
3. Brain-computer interface communities: Join online forums.
Future directions
As BOS technology continues to evolve, we can expect:
1. Improved temperature regulation: Enhanced temperature regulation mechanisms.
2. Increased cognitive enhancement: Advanced cognitive enhancement capabilities.
3. Expanded applications: New applications in various fields.
By harnessing the power of BOS, individuals can safeguard their brain health and maintain optimal cognitive function, even in extreme environments.
By Robert Ekow Grimmond-Thompson
Features
Lotto wahala and Tuobodom palaver
In Sikaman lotto is not a game. It is a profession, a noble career which people aspire to. It is the highest paying profession after armed robbery and the most widespread job on this side of the Atlantic.
In places like China, lotto is a disease that has no cure. Once you are infected, no doctor on earth can cure you. May be Kofi Larteh, Ghana’s most celebrated magician, can help ease the symptoms, but no definitive cure will be forthcoming.
Coming back to Sikaman, lotto has been the financial messiah of many. That is how people look after their large families, pay school fees, marry two wives and do their own ‘monkey things.’
If you are very poor and you win a lottery, chances are that you will die before you even collect the money. You’ll die out of excitement or you’ll start day-dreaming in the streets and an articulated truck will hit you.
As such, very heavy wins are not recommended for poor people, lest they get listed too soon in the obituary columns.
The sad story is told of a heavy-duty caterpillar driver who had a very heavy lotto windfall of several millions, his first big win after several years.
CATERPILLAR
He was driving the caterpillar home when he saw his son running towards him, shouting. “All your numbers have dropped! All your numbers have dropped! He could not believe his ears.
All the four numbers he had staked had dropped and his son, who had gone to stake them for him, was himself over-excited. The poor caterpillar man just could not handle the good news. He suddenly stepped on the brakes and the caterpillar jolted him a trifle too violently, throwing him off. He landed right in front of the still moving heavy-duty machine and it crushed him flat.
I don’t think the bloke would have died if he had won a smaller amount. Sometimes too much cash is not good for the health.
Seldom, people get too confident and that can also result in a wake-keeping, like that of a man who used his lifetime savings and borrowed extra money to crack the machine with a two-sure that the compiler must compulsory drop or the world will end.
Even the shadows of the numbers or their counterparts were nowhere near the winning numbers. His shock-absorbers crumbled under the weight of the heavy disappointment. He crashed to the floor and started foaming at the mouth. He was declared dead on arrival at the nearest clinic.
WINDFALL
Recently, there was a countrywide lotto windfall, and in Kumasi it was more than a festival. Most stakers had between ¢30m and ¢40 million on two-sure that the lotto magicians had predicted at least three weeks earlier,
Kejetia chop bars were besieged with overnight millionaires, carrying huge appetites induced by Opeimu Bitters popularly called Opeimu Peters. All the meat and mudfish got sold out within an hour and procurement agents had to double up to restock.
While some were celebrating, others were weeping and gnashing teeth. The problem was that, three weeks beforehand, the two sure numbers were declared by all the lotto sorcerers, dreamers, magicians, tellers and all the self-appointed and self-promoted forecasters.
Everybody including 10-year-olds, who staked and lost. The following week, they were advised to continue staking. The faithful did continue but the faithless stopped. All of them lost. In the third week or so, a good number of confident stakers had lost faith in the two numbers. That was when the number landed.
So the windfall was for only those who had the unshakeable faith in the numbers. See what faith can do? It can move dollars. Don’t waver, so saith the holy scriptures.
The faithless indeed gnashed teeth. The winners on the other hand celebrated with a song that is as controversial as the business of lotto. It is a song played by the group called Nkasei and has something to do with a town in the Brong Ahafo Region called Tuobodom whose capital we hear is Jinijini.
I hear it is a derogatory song and the queen mother of Tuobodom got charged and breathed out electric current during her protest on air. She allegedly ended up demanding a mobile phone from Nkasei so that she could communicate with them to settle the matter peacefully, lest wahala.
Well, the song is rising up the charts and Nkasei are making the dough, but should it be at the expense of a whole townsfolk, their forebears and generations to come?
WATERPROOF
Waterproof, the famous comedian, was allegedly given hefty slaps at the Kumasi rail station by some Frafra jingoists who felt he was deriding their tribe. And Bob Okala had to run with his tail between his legs when he was confronted and realised that slaps were going to be visited on his lean face.
Let’s not use words and lyrics to cause discomfort to others.
This article was first published on Saturday July 9, 2005
