Features
The saga of being Ewe… (Part 1)
I am from the Royal Akornu family of Anyako, which qualifies me to ascend the Aposa Stool. I am exceedingly proud to be Ewe as much as I feel proud to be a citizen of New Juaben. Many of my siblings and I were born in Koforidua and my younger brother is the Ewe Fia of New Juaben.
When my great great grandmother was heavy with her second child, a diviner told her that descendants of the baby would become prominent people and so asked that the child be named SEGBEFIA. No other names were added.
Se (God), gbe (Domain/Kingdom), fia(King). Segbe( God’s Kingdom), thus Segbefia means “King in God’s Domain” or “God’s anointed.” And this is a name I carry with pride, conviction and a chip on my shoulder.
I am, therefore, able to look at the authority in the eye and tell them a piece of my mind, so long as I hurt no one in the process. Truth hurts but edifies. My friends in power, whichever way, know this about me.
Not too long ago, Hon. Dzifa Abla Gomashie, Member of Parliament for Ketu South, visited the Constituency with Parliament’s Select Committee on Education during which they paid a courtesy call on the Paramount Chief of the area, Torgbui Amenyah Fitih. Torgbui, as is normal for traditional rulers to take advantage of such occasions, asked that government complete an E-Block project in his area.
Then later in a radio interview, the President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo was asked what he made of Torgbui’s demand. All the President said was that Torgbui should go complete the project himself. My initial reaction was, “Nonsense.” How could a Head of State of Ghana hold a traditional ruler in such disdain? What did Torgbui do wrong? As far as I know, the high office of President imposes a certain civility and decorum on its occupant.
Would Nana have given the same response if the request was from the Mamponghene, Okyehene, Okuapehene or the Asantehene? Would he? If he would, what would the reaction of the citizens of those traditional areas have been?
I recall a time when Otumfuor Opoku Ware was celebrating an anniversary at the then Kumasi Sports Stadium. A Queenmother asked the then Chairman Rawlings to reactivate the Ashanti Shoe Factory. In his usual rambunctious manner, Rawlings responded that if the people stopped eating cowhides (wélé) there would be raw materials for the factory. Of course, my reaction then was, “Nonsense. Jerry could use a mire diplomatic language.” Rawlings was lambasted for what they said was an insult to their royalty.
The truth, however, was that you cannot eat the shoes and still wear them. It has been scientifically proved that wélé has no nutritional value whatsoever.
But Nana’s response seems to be in character with the political tradition he represents. Open, yet subtle dislike for Ewe people, who, in their illogicality are aliens. How they came with such thoughts only they can explain. Remember, when there was an outcry for the people of the coast in the Volta Region after tidal waves swept across the area last year. Dr. Mathew Opoku Prempeh threatened to go on demonstration against any help to the Volta Region because his constituency in Ashanti was also flooded. During the last voter registration, security persons were posted to our eastern border to ward off “aliens” who might want to cross from Togo to register. But a motley group of them were sent to other regions to create a semblance of a nationwide exercise. No one was fooled.
Their target was Ketu South, a constituency that turns out a huge voter roll each time. It beats my mind that people who aspire to rule this country do not know the demography of each district, municipality or metropolis. Even in the face of the seeming security intimidation, Ketu South turned out huge numbers one more time. Hon. K. T. Hammond said at the time that the Ewe were foreigners. I don’t know what it is about Ketu South that gets their goat. Sad, if you asked me.
Then one Abronye was screaming to high heaven that the Ewe contribute nothing to the development of the country and that all the Ewes do is kill. I hope on his day of reckoning he will have evidence of his claim. I wonder how they view the very highly respected Ewe in their fold. Those who readily come to mind are Elizabeth Ohene, Sam Okudzeto, Dr. Nyaho Nyaho-Tamakloe, Dr. Archibald Letsa and Kofi Dzamesi. Dzamesi’s mother is Akyem so he can be considered a child of two worlds. Mr. Yaw Osafo Maafo was also heard saying only people from more economically endowed region of Ghana must be elected to rule the country I am glad he is not the president of this nation and I pray he never gets the chance.
Before them, Victor Owusu of blessed memory was quoted as saying, “the Ewe were inward looking.” I thought lessons would be learned from these yet our utterances reflect the magnitude of our hatred for others. Is it not true that one who fails to learn from history has the high propensity to repeat same mistakes?
When Miss Amekoafia became the first Miss Ghana at Independence with “a number nine tag,” people of the Volta Region are pejoratively called “Number 9.” Then there is this Ayigbe nomenclature. There are many Ewe groupings like, Anlo, Ave, Some, Tongu, Ewedome, Akpini etc. but there is no Ayigbe. It comes as a big surprise when some Ewes refer to themselves as Ayigbe. Have we lost our identity as a people? How can you let others tell your story for you? I do not get it.
That the Ewe spread across four countries in our sub-region does not make them stateless. There are people in the north of Ghana who share language and ethnicity with Burkina Faso. There are Akans astride the western border with Côte d’Ivoire, not so? How come the Ewe haters do not notice these? Or the Ewe light is so bright it blinds them from seeing things in their true perspectives?
Personally, I may be detribalised but it does not take away my identity, my language, my culture and my personality. Let none do. We know what happens at enlistment centres, recruitment centres, job placement centres. National unity and cohesion cannot be attained when some people hold claim to more entitlements than others, just because of where they come from or what language they speak. This toxic fantasy of superiority over others must give way to equity and oneness.
Those who want to turn history on its head must first tell me if the European slave dealers, upon arrival on our shores, already knew Dzogbeawo, Bluawo, Eweawo, Gēawo and Fanteawo.
That the Ewe does not react violently to insults and name-calling is no act of cowardice or fear. It is because of the discipline and fortitude handed down to us by our forebears as our historical narratives have portrayed.
Writer’s email address:
akofa45@yahoo.com
By Dr. Kofi K. Segbefia
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
