Features
WHEN GHANA STOOPED LOW!
Democracy is a profound word with a sound meaning that reflects the will and aspirations of people in a nation. It is a political system that allows people to select their governments by voting for them in elections.
Simply put, it is the best option of governance because the citizens have their representations in government unlike military rule with dire consequences of dictatorship.
Nations, including the United States of America (USA), Germany, United Kingdom, France and a host of others that have adopted democratic system of governance can attest to the fact that it is a smooth system governed by constitution instead of decrees under military dictatorship. They have strengthened and advanced their economies through this system of governance.
Our country, Ghana, is no exception to a democratic system of governance for many years when it freed itself from military dictatorship which sent the nation backwards.
We are in our Fourth Republic and systematically the country is trying to build on its structures so that we can rub shoulders with nations that have taken the lead in building their economies through the democratic system of governance.
It appears that in recent times, choosing our leaders under this system, for selfish or obvious reasons, is creating problems for us as it has generated a lot of anxiety with a resultant tension in the country, especially among the citizens.
The recent elections in the country which saw the incumbent President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo of the New Patriotic Party, emerge the winner, to lead the people for his last term of four years has, indeed, heightened tension in the country.
The opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) led by its leader, John Dramani Mahama, is opposed to the victory of President Akufo-Addo, describing the election as a stolen verdict and, therefore, he is in court challenging the outcome of the presidential election. Rightly so, that is what the constitution prescribes and Mr Mahama is entitled to the path he has chosen to seek redress for his grievances.
While the case is pending before the court, it will be a breach if the conditions under the constitution are not followed to the letter to form a government duly sworn-in to administer the affairs of the nation, hence the swearing-in of the President-elect, Nana Akufo-Addo, the Speaker and members of Parliament to steer the affairs of the country.
The drama and nasty incidents that took place during the election of the Speaker is worth noting and condemnable by every right thinking Ghanaian. Of course, we have been witnessing rowdy situations in many parliaments within nations across the globe, but not to this extent where honourables who are expected to exhibit exemplary qualities to their electorate would stoop so low by showing qualities that made the people to question their legibility in governance and whether they deserve to be called honourables.
Parliamentary rules were abused and thrown to the dogs as matured men and women elected to serve their constituents behaved in a “childish” and awkward manner. We can forgive them for the sitting arrangement of MPs which was flouted because both parties -the NPP and NDC, claimed they obtained the same margin of 137-137 seats of MPs elected and, therefore, any of them could sit where they preferred.
However, the voting of a Speaker with its attendant disturbances of kicking ballot boxes, heckling of the Clerk of Parliament and snatching of some ballot papers by an MP were unheard of in the history of Ghana’s democratic dispensation and should be condemned outright.
How could an MP harbour the notion of snatching ballot papers from officials when they were being counted and bolted with them? In fact, it was the Chamber of Parliament that saved the situation, otherwise it would have been disastrous and bloody if that episode happened at the forecourt or anywhere outside the parliament house.
The invasion of military personnel inside the Chamber was another matter to be considered in the future. Thank God no casualty was recorded whatsoever but that was a matter worth recording for history.
The drama has ended and the constitutional requirements have been fulfilled for the nation to move forward while the substantive case of challenging the presidential result is before court waiting for determination so that the right thing would be done for peace to prevail in the country.
All that the millions of Ghanaians are wishing for is that, this shameful spectacle which seemed to have dented our image in the international arena and has made the outside world to harbour the feeling that our nation would not be safe for business and other transactions, should be rectified within the shortest possible time.
It is also important to establish a consensus building in parliament where the two parties can relate effectively between each other so that the business of the house can be run smoothly in order not to retard the nation’s progress. This is exactly so because of the circumstances surrounding the election of the Speaker from the opposition NDC.
While Ghanaians wait patiently for the outcome of the election petition in court, it will be advisable for absolute peace to prevail in the country.
This is the only dear country we have and should there be any war, God forbid, we would perish in our entirety; therefore, we need to tolerate one another in order to preserve the nation’s peace and restore its original status as the beacon of democracy.
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
