Features
When God speaks to the Clergy about the National Cathedral project
News circulating on social media platform indicate that two eminent clergymen and members of the Board of trustees of the controversial National Cathedral project have called for its immediate suspension and audit.
The two prominent personalities, Archbishop Nicholas Duncan-Williams and Reverend Eastwood Anaba, were quoted to have said that their call was based on the controversies surrounding the project.
According to them, the suspension would pave the way for transparency and accountability to be provided to the Ghanaian people. In a memo sent to the Board of Trustees on Monday, January 23, and sighted by My JoyOnline.com, the two persons called for an independent audit into the expenditures of the project. They noted that the auditors must be one that was nationally recognised.
CONCERNS OF TWO CLERGYMEN
Hear the two respected clergymen in the excerpts of the memo: “That in the spirit and cause of transparency and accountability to the Ghanaian people, the current Board of Trustees of the National Cathedral shall appoint an independent, nationally recognised accounting firm to audit all public funds contributed to and spent by the National cathedral. Auditors will also audit the overall cost of the project. The appointment of an auditor, shall take place before the deferment of activities of the Board of Trustees”.
The two eminent and respectable pastors were also quoted to have said that the national cathedral project should not continue until the economic conditions in the country are improved. According to them, the current activities advancing to the construction of the project should be deferred until the atmospheric conditions in Ghana are improved and the audit of the cathedral account is done.
REASONS BEHIND BISHOP HEWARD-MILLS RESIGNATION
In the midst of controversies, the founder of the Lighthouse Chapel International, Bishop Dag Heward- Mills resigned from the Cathedral’s Board of Trustees in August 2022. In so doing the eminent and revered pastor, did not give specific reason for his resignation, which gave room for Ghanaians to speculate and give their own conjectures about his unilateral decision to resign. However, his resignation letter which appeared to have been leaked recently, attributed his exit to unresolved concerns about the cost of the National cathedral project and other pertinent issues.
The National Cathedral Project spearheaded by the President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, remains one of the controversial national public issues since the project was announced by the President some years back.
Apart from the accountability issues which were raised by the Minority caucus in Parliament, there have been many concerns raised by the majority of Ghanaians about the relevance of the project, especially at this particular time when the country is in dire economic crisis.
CONTROVERSY OVER THE CATHEDRAL PROJECT
Many were those who thought that even though the idea for the construction of this edifice was not entirely bad and that all things being equal, the project can go on uninterrupted, they felt that it was so strange that while the economic hardships were so severe and unbearable, moneys are being channeled into the construction of this project in the face of the present economic challenges.
Most of the country’s health facilities are in poor state with shortage of essential drugs and life- saving equipment such as oxygen, laboratory equipment, hospital beds, drips among others.
Besides, children are squatting and writing on bare floors due to lack of classrooms furniture, while school children are studying under very difficult and terrible conditions with no classroom accommodation, yet the country is spending huge sums of money to build a cathedral to serve as a monument for one particular person.
OKUDZETO ABLAKWA’S ARGUMENT
Honourable Okudzeto Ablakwa, Member of Parliament (MP) for North Tongu Constituency in the Volta Region and the outspoken legislature, has been a regular advocate against the project since the announcement by the government to undertake the project.
His argument is simply that Ghana with its current needs and ailing economy does not need a national cathedral. He opined that funds that was being used for that project could be channeled into improving the lives and living conditions of Ghanaians. Currently he has gone to the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), challenging some of the key people against certain irregularities within the project.
Indeed, this particular cathedral project, is an issue that has attracted a lot of public criticism and condemnations whatsoever. Members of the Board of Trustees, mostly from the clergy have initially unanimously supported the idea for the construction of this cathedral since it falls within their domain and nobody can fault them since they are entitled to their opinions.
They have initially turned blind eye to the critics believing that they are anti-Christ and, would not like the house of God to be built. But that should not be the case at all in the midst of the current economic turmoil which has persuaded the country to run to the International Monetary Fund to seek a bailout for the economy which is sick and in comma.
GHANA’S CHRISTIANITY POPULATION
Ghana is a country in which Christianity has dominated the population with 71.3 percent being member of various Christian denominations, according to the National Population Census held in 2021. It means the majority of the people subscribed to Christianity and believe in the teachings of the Almighty God, the creator of heaven and earth.
However, in a situation in which we find ourselves at this particular point in time, we cannot channel resources into a project that will not inure to the total benefit of the people and the good Lord Himself understands that.
We only hope and pray that when the economy stabilises and we are in the position to accommodate a project such as a national cathedral, we can then take an advantage of that and the people will give their fullest support to it and even contribute towards its construction.
THE VOICES OF OUR CLERGYMEN
It is so refreshing that some of the eminent clergymen in the society who happen to be members of the National Trustee of the National Cathedral has been spoken to the Almighty God to hasten slowly in this particular project in view of our present circumstance and also to ensure the fullest accountability of the investment made so far in this project. That is indeed, heartwarming and welcoming news and we hope other members will follow the shining example.
We also hope that the President being a listening head of state, will accommodate the concerns of the majority of Ghanaians and hold on to the project for now, as we find ways to bring the economy back on track.
Nobody is against the construction of a place for religious activities, but it has to be done when our priorities are right. Ghanaians cannot sacrifice their impoverished, poverty and sufferings at the expense of a national cathedral which has no bearing on their living conditions whatsoever.
The government must face facts and do things that are beneficial and inure to the progress of our dear country. Anything short of that, will not be tolerated by the majority of people who find themselves in abject poverty and find it difficult to make ends meet.
Contact email/WhatsApp of author:
ataani2000@yahoo.com
0277753946/0248933366
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
