ECASARD GOODWILL ACCOUNT

The Ecumenical Association for Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development (ECASARD) is a non-governmental, non-political and non-profit-making organization. It is a decentralized network, established in 1991. ECASARD is operational in seven (7) regions of Southern and Middle Ghana; Brong-Ahafo, Ashanti, Volta, Western, Central, Eastern and Greater Accra.

The organization’s mission statement is to seek to reinforce and enhance the efforts of its member organizations in Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development (SARD) activities through gender sensitive networking, capacity building and advocacy in collaboration with other stakeholders.

Ultimately, it aims to enhance increased food production and reduce rural poverty by promoting technologies that are economically viable, socially just, culturally accepted and ecologically sound. Since the inception of ECASARD, it has mobilized 163 members comprising NGOs (both church and non-church) in conjunction with well-defined CBOs (Community Based Organizations).

The Kesimitim-Sawmill branch of ECASARD in the Western Region, through a thorough interaction with its clients, solicited for their opinions and concerns for the assessment of the organization’s progress, contributions and relations. Out of the approximately thirty (30) clients, a sizeable number of them shared with Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi, a national service employee of ECASARD (Kesimitim-Sawmill branch), their views about the organization.

Mrs. Maureen Thompson, a Seamstress and a client, noted that her business was at the verge of collapse until she received a flexible loan from ECASARD. She explained that the loan played a massive role in remedying her depression.

When implored the amount of money she requested for, Mrs. Thompson said 1300 Ghana cedis and added it was an invaluable amount to boost her business. She further notified that by virtue of the loan, she could rehabilitate her workplace and expand the tentacles of her business.

Another client, Mrs. Evelyn Okyere Asiedu, on three consecutive occasions, appealed for a loan worth 1000 Ghana cedis, 10800 Ghana cedis and 2000 Ghana cedis respectively. She confessed that her two-year timely encounter with ECASARD aided her to further her children’s education and also develop her trade.

Mrs. Vida Baidoo, petty trader, also added that her relationship with the organization has been fruitful since her trade blossomed as soon as she obtained a loan. The loan she explained assisted her to expedite the progress of the business, purchase a refrigerator for food storage and continue the children’s education. Her one-year loan guarantee was requested in two-fold.

The first package summed up to 1000 Ghana cedis and the second package; 1800 Ghana cedis. The clients further outlined that they have acquired a high profit margin.
They also expressed their undoubtful and genuine interest in working with ECASARD and affirmed the reliability of the organization.

Additionally, they assertively petitioned and encouraged other traders to see ECASARD as the breakthrough to achieving the progress of their businesses.

QUITTERS NEVER WIN AND WINNERS NEVER QUIT

You just need to be true to who you are.
Accept you for you and live each day as you.
Most people and you think and know that you are the most stupid person ever to exist.
They call you all sorts of names.
They underrate your prowess and demoralize you.
To others, you are irritable.
You step on the toes of people and they smack you in the face.
You peep through your life and every accusation points clearly and directly at your face.
The mirror of your life scares the hell out of you.
You question yourself, your life and who you are made of but the answers are hard to find.
Your self-confidence and self-respect are at the verge of collapse because you have not yet found the right antidote.
Just be real about yourself.
Live you as you.
Accept you for you.
Talk you as you and be proud of yourself.
A stupid person has more to learn and a wise person has more to teach.
Being stupid is a platform for you to learn and being wise is a chance for you to teach.
Everybody has to accept his or her role in life.
You need to persist and persevere.
Many were like you but are no more.
Abraham Lincoln, the 32nd President of America, was real to himself.
He did himself a favor and explored his true identity.
He failed 12 times in life but recovered as a bombshell.
At age 22, he failed in business.
At age 23, he ran for the legislature and was defeated.
At age 24, he attempted business again and failed again.
At 25, he was elected to the legislature.
At 26, his fiancee died before they could wed.
At 27, he had a nervous breakdown.
At 29, he was defeated when he ran for House Speaker.
At 31, he was defeated when he ran for the Elector.
At 34, he was defeated for a Congressional Office.
At 37, he was elected to Congress.
At 39, he was defeated again for a Congressional Office.
At 46, he was defeated for the Office of a Senate.
At 47, he was defeated for the Office of Vice President.
At 49, he was defeated again for the Office of a Senate.
At 51, he was elected to the U.S Presidency.
(as cited in the "Recipe for Success", page 79)
Thomas Edison also tried 9,999 times to perfect the light bulb but failed.
But he said, "Certainly not (will I be discouraged). Now I know 10,000 ways it doesn't work".
Listen, your character is a perfect handiwork of the Creator, so why despise yourself for somebody else's.
Wishing to be somebody is not a measure to become that person but a measure to be you in that person.
All you hear are complaints and criticisms about what you are incapable of doing but can give it a try, which you are not doing, when the little things you do well are less recognized and appreciated.
Sometimes, you wish that what you do could be appreciated by somebody but that somebody is the nobody in your life.
But you can make this work.
People can not stand your character but you alone can stand your character.
So, why don't you start to act as yourself and leave the rest to take care of themselves.
Keep going on even though the going is hard.
Your world might be crushing down but there is one significant trinket the world can never take away from you and that's YOU.
When you die, you die as you. So, as you live, live as you.
These are the words that kept running through my mind and I thought it necessary to share them with a concerned soul.
I AM PROUD TO BE ME AND NOT YOU.

JUBILEE OIL CONCERT, 2010.

A night of bliss, it was, as the Golden Jubilee Park was filled to capacity to mark the Jubilee 1st Oil Concert in the heart of the Oil City.

A massive crowd trooped into the park with much happiness and expectation, and by 8pm, many of the people had to struggle for breath due to human congestion.
The Jubilee 1st Oil concert was organized yesterday to commemorate the Oil find and also commend God for his support in the Oil discovery.

The concert commenced with a Reggae Live Band to ginger the audience. Papa Sly, as commonly called, the MC for the programme, mounted the stage in a grand style to introduce the various artistes for the night. The programme kick started with a marvelous performance by Humble lion who took the audience through his high life songs.

Ohemaa Mercy also thrilled them with her gospel songs ranging from "Menwu Da" to "3y3 w'adwene na 3y3 wo s3 ase3". She therefore pulled the crowd onto their feet as she prophesied into their lives. It later took to the turn of 4x4 who ushered the large audience into their contemporary secular songs;"World Trade Center" and "Fresh One".

The excitement heightened amidst shouts and gestures from the audience. Paapa Yankson, an ace high life musician, engaged the joyous crowd in some of his hit songs. C.K Man and Felix Owusu followed suit.

The joy could not be over since VIP also charged the atmosphere with their outstanding dance moves on stage. Performing their hit songs in retrospect, to their debut songs; "I think I like am" and "Away", the boys from Nima stole the show.

Present at the concert were dignitaries from diverse sectors of the region who also took to their feet as they listened to the high life and hip life melodious sounds. The show was then climaxed with great performances from the sensational music Icon, Castro "The Destroyer". He entertained the jubilant audience with his latest track "African Girls", in collaboration with Asamoah Gyan, Black Stars' and Sunderland Striker.

NEW NATIONAL SERVICE EXECUTIVES ELECTED.

The National Service Secretariat in the Sekondi-Tarkoradi metropolis held a meeting today to elect new executives whose task is to espouse the Secretariat in the smooth administration of its operations.
The meeting which took place at the Takoradi Secondary School auditorium brought together National Service personnel from the various sectors of the Western region. Proceedings of the programme which were scheduled at 8am,kicked off at 10:30am with elections held for the aspirants.
Tweneboah B. Owusu was adjudged the President,followed by Nixon Eshun, the Vice President, and Nana Addo Dankwah, Beatrice Anderson, A. Sam, were the Organizer, Treasurer and Secretary respectively.
Mr. Ebenezer Asante, the Metropolitan Director and Chairman for the function swore in the new batch of executives and advised them to work hard.
The President-elect, Tweneboah B. Owusu, assured the audience of the executives' willingness to work as a team in order to bring out the best of the National Service Scheme and operations.
He said the new executive board will help to address the challenges of the National Service personnel.
He added that the programme was poorly organized and therefore urged the organizers to take a cue from today's meeting.
Present at the function were representatives from the National Service Secretariat.

A GOOD NAME IS BETTER THAN EXPENSIVE PERFUME

It is remarkably undesirable to sometimes see people exhibit sheer ignorance and also express passionate comments about certain things that, to their best of knowledge, they deem appropriate. I have scrutinized and tolerated several disparaging remarks that some top officials in government utter from their mouths but this particular remark from a distinguished persona in the office of the President is very repugnant.



As I drew nearer to the radio "Peace fm" for the updates about the affairs of this noble country, the host of the morning show played a voice which has its roots emanating from the mouth of Honourable Tony Aidoo, the Director of policy monitoring and evaluation at the presidency. According to this Honourable, Christians who speak in tongues are "mad" and therefore serve the "Devil". As a member of the Christendom, I guess it's my duty to educate this Honourable about the things he seems to be very ignorant of. Mr. Aidoo had the guts to classify Christians who believe in the speaking of tongues as mad people, forgetting that his actions are tantamount to blasphemy. No wonder he is believed to be an Atheist, but is it right for me to say that all Atheists are mad and stupid because they have their own belief? The answer is "No" because we all need to respect one another's views and beliefs.



He was preaching about brotherhood but his hypocritical nature proved that he, himself, is not a big fan of brotherhood. I really want to sound very mild in order not to offend him. If really this advocate of brotherhood is indeed who he is, do you think he would make such inimical statements about Christians? My dear Kwasi Pratt and other ace commentators of the administration of Ghana tried to vindicate him by explaining all sorts of things. I always believe in Mr. Kwasi Pratt for his judicious comments but he was trying to do damage control, in order to exonerate the Honourable. It is absolutely true that the constitution endorses freedom of speech. But should that freedom overstep its boundary? I would like Mr. Pratt to give me a definite answer, if I decide to insult him in this article, would he accept that as my opinion?



I do not understand why some people would go every length to defend the indefensible. Christianity has nothing to do with politics and this is why I can't just keep silent over this issue. Calling Christians who speak in tongues as "Descendants of the devil and mad people" is equivalent to tarnishing the sanctity of the gospel of God. No matter the position of the Director of policy monitoring and evaluation in the belief of some Christians, it doesn't give him the mandate to utter such words. If he had exercised some level of restraint, I think he would have expressed his opinions in an appropriate way. This therefore shows that some of our elders have become wiser than they are and as a result, can not sift what they say or do. I doubt their credibility to live exemplary lives for the youngsters.



The Bible says in 2 Corinthians 14:2 that "Those who speak in strange tongues do not speak to others but to God, because no one understands them. They are speaking secret truths by the power of the Spirit." (GNB). This therefore proves that speaking in tongues is entrenched in the constitution of God. So, it is not something which is manufactured by man but it stems from the parliament of God. Mad men do not speak in tongues and worshippers of the devil are not activists of speaking in tongues.



Therefore if Mr. Tony Aidoo does not see the magnitude of his speech, then, I will help him to realize that the Almighty God is not mad to have given us the ability to speak in tongues as written in 1 Corinthians 12:10, "…To one person he gives the ability to speak in tongues,…" (GNB).A distinguished personality like him should have known better about how to communicate effectively. His nonsensical talk causes fear and panic in the public domain. He should have also known better that despite our religious inclination and differences, we all live as one people. For the fact that a person who I presume to be a Christian has pissed him off,doesn't authorize him to say anything he thinks his mind supports.



To close the chapter of this article, I would entreat Honourable Tony Aidoo, Director of policy monitoring and evaluation at the presidency, to sometimes restrain himself from making careless remarks since he might entangle himself and consequently, lose his hard-earned credibility. Take note: Proverbs 13:3 says "Be careful what you say and protect your life. A careless talker destroys himself." (GNB)

DON’T TAKE CHANCES.

Gradually, the Chorister Honourable Alban S.K Bagbin appeared before the vetting committee. Happy did he enter the room, happy did he equivocally put answers to questions and happy did he leave less than 45minutes of inquiry and competence-seeking.
The Vetting Committee was given the mandate to scan the Ministers designate for the various Ministries without fear or favour.The question I still ask myself without any particular answer is “Does the majority leadership have any correlation with the Ministry for Water Resources, Works and Housing?” The Majority leader in Parliament came in, wearing the cloth of the Minister designate for the Ministry of Water Resources, Works and Housing.
Therefore, it could have been of much significance to ascertain his competent level to handle the Ministry. But he (Alban S.K Bagbin) told a story of “a lizard and a frog in marriage”, sung in no right key on the piano and delivered his doubtful age range according to the Minority leader, Honourable Osei Kyei Mensah-Bonsu, to prove his skilful ways in stifling the Ministry.
I don’t know if it is vital to train choristers in order to boost the performance of the Ministry. In view of the treatment given to him, he was really pampered with an undesirable and unnecessary favour.Why didn’t the committee treat Honourable E.T Mensah,{Minister designate for the Ministry of Employment and Social Welfare} as well as Honourable John Tia Akologo, {Minister designate for the Ministry of Information}, with the same measure of treatment?
Isn’t it a shame to answer a simple question of reciting the National Pledge indirectly in order to avoid exhibiting his incapability of saying the National Pledge? They (Ministers) swore under the Oath that they will be devoted to the service of Ghana and yet, it is hard for them to pledge their allegiance to the country.
Moreover, the Vetting Committee devoid of unfair treatment and indiscriminate favour should have interrogated the Majority leader on the lane of the Ministry of Water Resources, Works and Housing, to help all concerned citizens of the country in their fair judgement.
Closing the chapter on the Majority leader, opens the homepage of an anonymous honourable member of the Vetting Committee who couldn’t rectify his own slight mistake. Ascribing it to English language barrier, he kept on committing a mistake of improper sentence construction and concord.
If at this stage, a Member of Parliament {MP} or Minister still has a problem with rectifying an English error, then why the need to penalize students for their inability of writing or speaking English language. Some of our Ministers and MPs should be mindful of their speaking of English or better still stick to their comfort zone of speaking in the local dialect they know best.
As if it were not enough, it took to the turn of an Honourable Member of Parliament for Central Tamale Constituency, Mr. Inunsah Abdulai Fuseini, who trooped into the Speaker’s Conference room; looking very dazed only to display his sheer negligence of producing a commendable Curriculum Vitae {CV}.
In his capacity as a Lawyer, no one could assume the position of a lecturer to assist him in his CV.Honourable Abdulai Fuseini, in his nomination as the deputy Minister designate for energy could commit petty mistakes such as interchanging his ‘Key Competences’ to be ‘Key Qualifications’ and therefore attributed them to an omission problem. A problem which was never authenticated to emanate from typing error or printer’s error.
He also blatantly linked the poor compilation of his CV to a minor reason that in his life events, his appearance before the Vetting Committee happens to be his first delivery of an official CV.
I assertively think certain chances should not be taken by the government. Upon observing these unrecognizable lapses during the proceedings of the Vetting Committee, I am compelled to ask this question; how fair is the world when everything is unfair?
What I mean is these men are the same people who head public offices and deprive qualified persons the chances to work within the public sector under the pretense of competence and championing of never-erring approach to work.
When they, themselves, cannot possibly produce proper Curriculum Vitae(s), speak good English language, recite the National Pledge. They therefore capitalize on their inadequacies to judge other people’s qualifications.
Not to lose the steering wheel of my article, my ultimate goal is to encourage our Ministers and other governmental officials to fully understand the dictum which categorically says “Leadership by example”.

TB JOSHUA'S PREDICTION GALORE

The prophetic reputation of Pastor TB Joshua attained new heights with the recent revelation that he foretold the Black Satellites' victory in the World U-20 championship........He predicted the sudden death of the iconic pop legend, Michael Jackson too.....why doubt a prophecy?

Shock and sympathy are still reverberating around the world since the news broke on Thursday 25th June that Michael Jackson, the undisputed ‘King Of Pop’ had died suddenly after collapsing in his L.A apartment. However, his death had been foretold months earlier by a popular Nigerian Prophet, TB Joshua.

Michael Jackson - death prophesied by TB Joshua...

In January this year, Joshua prophesied during one of his famous Sunday services, broadcast live on Emmanuel TV: “I’m seeing a great star whom the world is shouting, “Hey, hey, hey!” In his own area, he’s famous – he’s known everywhere. He is great – too great… I see something will begin to happen to that star and that may likely end in him packing his load and going on the journey of no return…”

A month later, he clarified that the person concerned was not from his local environ and was ‘too young to leave your midst’ – enjoining the congregants and viewers worldwide to pray earnestly for this ‘great star’, believing for the will of God to be done.

Although some may view his words as too generic to be accredited to the legendary entertainer, the revelation of Tee Mac Omatshola Iseli on Sunday 28th June 2009, the famous flautist, business associate of Marlon Jackson and close friend of the Jackson family, put asunder such doubts. Joshua knew clearly who he was referring to.

In a sober atmosphere, Tee Mac spoke in front of a live television audience on Emmanuel TV, testifying that Prophet TB Joshua had told him to warn Michael Jackson of an impending health disaster, and invite him to visit Nigeria for healing.

Tee Mac Omatshola Iseli - 'TB Joshua saw it...'

“The man of God (TB Joshua) called me to his office and said to me, ‘Please, tell your friend Marlon to bring Michael here to Nigeria. Michael needs healing; he needs deliverance.’ I told the man of God that Michael Jackson just went for a medical check up because he is going to have about 50 concerts soon. But the man of God said to me, ‘Send Michael here – he needs healing.’ ”

When the tragic news broke, “what immediately came to my mind was that the man of God told me something’s going to happen,” Tee Mac reminisced. Clearly remorseful, he lamented that if he had taken the message more seriously and acted with more insistence, “maybe Michael Jackson would still be alive today…”

Utilising the occasion to reflect on life, TB Joshua asked the audience in a heartfelt message: “If today were your last day on earth, what would people remember you for? What would generations yet unborn read about you?’ He encouraged the people to live each day as if it were their last, and avoid the burden of unnecessary worry and anxiety. “Let us leave tomorrow’s trouble for the One who bore our troubles on the cross,” he remarked.

Let us leave tomorrow's trouble for the One who bore our troubles on the cross

As well as speaking on major world events, Joshua regularly prophesies to individuals that throng his flourishing church in Lagos, with uncanny accuracy. His recent prophecies include the death of the former South Korean president, the Feb 13 plane crash in New York and the release of Ingrid Betancourt from the Colombian jungle last year.

His ministry is attracting a growing fanatical following, particularly across Africa, and many African leaders such as John Evans Atta Mills of Ghana regularly frequent his church for spiritual support and guidance.

I picked this in order to let all and sundry in Ghana to know that TB Joshua's prophecy about the victory of the Black Satellites happens not to be the first nor the last among his prophecies.

It is better we touch not his anointed and do his prophet no harm, who are we to judge..........If anyone has an entrenched position in TB Joshua's saga, let the person keep it with him or herself cos a man of God is never vilified.Why judge him?Let him solve his alleged sincere or insincere prophecy with God. Ghanaians, we should give praise to God for our victory and therefore,allow sleeping dogs to lie........

source: The TB Joshua Fanclub's Blog.

DEFINITIONS OF KNOWLEDGE SOCIETY

Knowledge society

Knowledge societies have the characteristic that knowledge forms major component of any human activity. Economic, social, cultural, and all other human activities become dependent on a huge volume of knowledge and information. A knowledge society is one in which knowledge becomes major creative force.

source:wikipedia

Knowledge Society is a society that has to do with a society in which the conditions for generating knowledge and processing information have been substantially changed by a technological revolution focused on information processing, knowledge generation, and information technologies.

Manuel Castells


The idea or concept of knowledge societies includes a dimension of social, cultural, economical, political and institutional transformation, and a more pluralistic and developmental perspective. So, the concept of knowledge societies is preferable to that of the information society because it captures the complexity and dynamism of the changes taking place.The knowledge in question is important not only for economic growth but also for empowering and developing all sectors of society.

Abdul Waheed Khan {general sub-director of UNESCO for ¬Communication and Information}

THE BIBLE.

In the developmental bible of Ghana, a very interesting chapter was opened and read.This chapter capitalized on the caption "Decongestion".For that matter, every believer expressed his or her sincere belief in the idea of decongesting every place that was prone to decongestion exercise.
In fact, this is not the first time that the decongestion exercise has been carried out.It seems to resurface in the administration of every government.Retrospectively, the NPP government under the leadership of His Excellency J.A. Kufour adopted this idea in order to keep the country spick and span, and therefore to relieve the country of overcrowding.Inspite of the effort by the government, this could not be handled totally.Now, a verse is read to the incumbent government. Drivers together with their vehicles were given different places to conduct their activities.Hawkers were moved from the pavement of the streets.Kejetia and Circle were delivered from overcrowding and other social hazards.It seems theft almost came to a possible end and people could freely move.
It did not end there but the demolition of a new Sodom and Gomorrah was embedded in the verse of the same chapter.This area was known to be threatening, disgusting and disease-prone.The nature of Sodom and Gomorrah could not suggest any better remedy other than demolition as the best option. However, it did not tickle me a bit since I knew from the onset that the demoliton of the whole area of Sodom and Gomorrah could only be the best alternative if a solution to the problem is given. If the place were to be demolished without the provision of shelter to those affected, it would solely be adding petrol to an already fire set ablaze.It could have therefore been better if Sodom and Gomorrah is rehabilitated at the expense of demolition without any good solution.
Let me just open the forth verse, which says that decongestion exercise has ever been a nice exercise because many benefits are showered upon the country.Some years ago,it was very hard to move freely through huge human and vehicular congestions.This therefore increased the rate fo pickpoketing and thievery of all sorts. People could hardly move without stepping on the toes of others and vehicles were fighting over space with human beings.Such areas were also littered with all kinds of rubbish.Nevertheless, until the idea of decongestion took place within those areas, the country would have been positioned on the ladder of disorderliness.
It therefore seems that this exercise has become a nine-day wonder.The government in office couuld not stand such disorderliness and so adopted the same procedure of relieving the economy.This turned out to be almost vibrant since it never appeared that the driven people would return.But the truth is, the exercise needs to be given improvement and solution.It appears that a certain adage should be revised and I state " Action speaks louder than words".Moreover, tiredness and apathy have gripped the body of our police personnel and soldiers who were deployed to make sure this exercise becomes effective.Now, nobody needs to be told before he or she gets to know that the driven hawkers,drivers and other people who were considered threats are back to their old places of inconvenience.In addition, they cannot be blamed for their reversion since there could not be an efficient solution to make them live and conduct their businesses cordially. Therefore, shall we call the decongestion exercise "An exercise in Futility?"
Indeed, I wanted to stop meditation here but the Spirit of empathy is still directing me to a different chapter in this bible of development.So in chapter five, it says:
Little did the people know that when the umbrella was raised high into the sky in the rainy season for protection, there were holes perforated in it.
Mr. President,please can you just give your comment on the scandalous acts that your so called "innocuous" Ministers have engaged in?
My Brother, you and I know that I left the case in the claws of CHRAJ, which as an independent entity, I believe will handle this scandal with no partiality.Listen, I am a man of transparency, so I will not stomach any malfeasance.
So...........His Excellency, why not the BNI?
I cannot answer this question, Mr. Journalist.I guess the discussion has to end now; I need to attend to some people in the castle.And my convoy is waiting outside.
Okay! Mr. President. Thank you for your cooperation and willingness in answering my questions.
At this juncture, the content of this chapter of the bible has been dealt with but it cannot be closed without possibly saying:
AMEN.

DEFINITIONS OF INFORMATION SOCIETY

An information society is a society in which the creation, distribution, diffusion, use, integration and manipulation of information is a significant economic, political, and cultural activity.
SOURCE: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/information society.

It is also a society where communication and information technologies manipulate or influence the everyday lives of most of its membersBy the help of Internet and a 'wired' culture, the technology is used for a wide range of personal, social, educational and business activities, and to transmit receive and exchange digital data rapidly between places despite great distances. In an information society, information is as powerful a resource as the manufacturing and agricultural industries were in previous eras. Also known as the knowledge economy, digital era or information superhighway.
source:redgoldfish.co.uk

Information society is similar to what is referred as "new information and communication technologies", which is ICT.Since the beginning of the 90s, the new ICT have been booming. The universal use of electronic exchanges of information, convergence towards digital technologies, the exponential growth of the Internet and the opening up of telecommunications markets are all signs of this change.The information society is changing many areas of everyday life, particularly access to training and knowledge, which is therefore, distance learning, e-learning related services, work organisation and mobilisation of skills, that is ,teleworking, virtual companies, practical life (e-health services) and leisure.It is also providing new opportunities in terms of participation of citizens by making it easier to express opinions and points of view.
source:theories of information society by frank webster.

NEWSFLASH.

All progress is precarious, and the solution of one problem brings us face to face with another problem. It is therefore not painful to see a very wide ditch ahead of you but it is really piteous and painful to fall right into such a ditch even when you do not hurt yourself in the process. Undeniably, all attention has swayed to the side of government, neglecting the other lanes of the country. Decongesting a crowded place is an effective idea since it allows free movement of people and enhances the progress of such a place. Nobody can dispute such activity, unless the person doesn’t seek the interest of the nation. But the confusion surrounding this activity is that when undertaking this activity, what solution are you suggesting to the situation. Sending people away from their long-lived place of residence is very deplorable to the victims. Therefore, we should not advocate for decongestion when there is no solution.Also, it is very politic to expend an amount of money to renovate the poor facilities of the Armed Forces. So, the question I ask myself is “Why the hateful misunderstanding?” It is no crime for government to refurbish the Armed Forces with good air crafts or jets but it has become a difficult sea for government to swim across since once in opposition, certain protests were being fired at the ruling government which is now at the bench of opposition. Well, I believe the adage; “What goes round comes round” is no mere fallacy. Yes, it is being given a lot of explanation by the Honorable Minister of Information, Zita Okaikoi, in an interview with Peace Fm, referring to it as just a proposal sent to the cabinet. Whether a proposal or not, it is irrefutable that what they once objected to has become very significant. It all boils down to the fact that the Armed Forces is demanding for renovation since the poor facilities are decelerating the smooth administration of the Armed Forces. When the cat is not around, the mice rejoice. So, when His Excellency “Our brothers and Sisters” is silent and speechless over things that the masses expect of him to touch, then those whom power is delegated to, turn to bully the weak whose opinions are not well taken into much consideration. I guess you can sense what I am driving at and is nothing too strange than the School Feeding Programme.If the supply of uniforms as promised can’t be figured out, does this mean people must be deprived of their cooking skills and the chance to feed? Once again, I am not preaching according to the gospel that expelling incompetent cooks from the School Feeding System is execrable but undertaking a dangerous plan which will pierce through the heart of those victimized is really appalling. Those given a one week notice to pack their luggage and baggage, and therefore go home or re-apply to find luck can’t express their discontent in any way than to adhere to the instruction from the so-called above. A whole lot of concerned citizens have contributed their quota to the situation by registering their resentment though, but none of their contributions can wipe off the indelible mark of indiscipline on the part of those given the little freedom to rule (referring to; the Accra Metropolitan Assembly-A.M.A). Indeed, there is nothing that goes up which will never come down. Government should know that the people of Ghana have entrenched their trust in it. So, behaving as if in opposition or making reference to something that everybody considered as bane on the development of the country, will not improve the already worsened situation. Government, grow up! Also, celebrating the centenary or birthday of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah who has been very resilient and instrumental in the attainment of Ghana's independence is a monumental thing to do.But when treading upon the tail of a lion, you should be very cautious of the mouth because it might turn wicked and harm you.Therefore, the organizers of the centenary celebration of Dr.Kwame Nkrumah should play their cards well since if a slight fault is detected,it will call for Dr. Kwame Nkrumah at 100 probe and serious encounter with the Bureau of National Investigation (BNI). Finally, I bet to disagree with His Excellency President J.E.A Mills by ordering his Honorable Vice President John Mahama, to do all the PR (Public Relations) work about the state of the economy whilst he sits in his comfortable couch in the Castle. I think we cast our votes for a humble President and not an anti-sociable President who doesn’t see the need in attending certain events, when his presence is extremely significant. I would like to appeal to the governmental officials to put their long-developed hatred behind them and do what they are expected to do right in order to receive laudable appreciation from those who exercised their power through thumbprint. They should not forget that it is now a top-down game (whereby the masses have to depend on the government for survival), in no time, the nature of the game will change.

THE INDOMITABLE BLACK STARS.

The claws of Ghana's euphoria have arrested the souls of all and sundry in the cage of 2010 South Africa World Cup.In fact, it is true that a toad can never turn into a venomous snake, neither can a snake turn into a humble toad but the inexpressible victory of Black Stars over the Desert Hawks of Sudan in 2010 World Cup Qualifiers debunks this wise dictum.This is because Ghana as a country was then known to be a country with no entry to the FIFA World Cup bus.But with such venomous fervor, the Black Stars have proven to be indomitable."Those who really praised Jesus Christ at the time he was preaching and healing, were the same people who also concluded by saying crucify him", they lampooned him, but his love for Ghana still spreads like the steadfast love of God.Well, no wonder after such indefatigable display by Black Stars' inspirational Captain, Stephen Appiah, Ghanaians seem to commend him.Overcomplacency is the gateway to disappointment, therefore, I will strongly entreat our victorious men to play their hearts out and so, not overbelieve in themselves since it can devastate our chances of climbing to the peak of the FIFA World Cup ladder.

AID IS NOT THE END TO DEVELOPMENT.

Obviously,the intellectual ability of Ghanaians to perceive the imperceptible things can't be undermined.Now, Ghanaians have proven that they can really establish "what is there and not there" by looking through the perceptible spectacles. Recently, the long awaiting visit of the first African-American President of United States of America, Mr.Barack Obama, entered the shores of Ghana.It is an undisputable fact that his visit enhanced the joy which was engraved in every Ghanaian's heart.But could this change the perception of Ghanaians to see darkness even when there is light?Can anybody tell the reactions of our honourable Ex-Presidents Flt.Lt. J.J Rawlings and J.A Kuffour on that special day at the Auditorium of Accra International Conference Center?Did we watch the zeal and passion that our Ministers of State showed to the extent of Mobile coverage?

There is no doubt that the visitation of President Barack Obama has blessed Ghana and Africa as a continent but can this justify and render some of our Ministers blameless of doing what a layman will even find it hard to do.If it is true that our governmental officials are having such zeal and passion and could squeeze for space to shake hands of their co-human being,then, suggestion can only be made to them to show such zealous character in their work. Politicians should know well that the focus of Ghanaians has shifted from only politics to intellectual reasoning.For that matter,the attitude of telling lies, favoritism and nepotism should be the topic of yesterday but not today or future.I believe His Excellency President J.E.A Mills together with the ruling government will take a word from President Obama's speech.They should know that the presence of the US President came to fill a vacancy and his absence will even widen the magnitude of the vacancy and therefore, push the heap of problems upon the government.So, the earlier the problems are ironed out, the better. The perceptible analysis by Ghanaians over what all and sundry thought would go a long way to remove all our problems should not be downgraded.I solemnly suggest that such analysis is treated with much seriousness.

God bless Ghana, God bless Africa but remember "Aid is not the end to development".

ONE BASIC AIM OF PR.

Several aims contribute to the establishment of Public Relations.One basic aim of Public Relations which needs to be vividly addressed is that it aims at preventing conflicts between an organization and its publics.As a way of reducing conflicts among the employees of the organization, it seeks to establish better working relationship which helps to boost the progress of the organization.
Public Relations does not entertain conflicts and for that matter any Public Relations Manager should do well to avoid conflicts. He or she does not wait for disagreements to arise among the employees of the organization before he or she does something about it since by so doing it can send a very bad signal to organization's publics which might collapse the progress of the organization.Therefore, as a Public Relations Manager of an organization, when you notice a conflict signal among the employees due to poor remuneration, bad working condition and so forth, it is therefore his or her duty to advise management board for certain precautionary measures to be taken to better up the situation.
Furthermore, the publics see the organization as trustworthy and then they build their trust in it.Since Public Relations recognizes mutual understanding between an organization and its public, it always aims at reducing conflicts.In the definition by the Institute of Public Relations in Ghana, Public Relations maintains mutual beneficial relationship between an organization and its publics.So, Public Relations helps to solve anything that seems to conflict the ideas of publics about the organization, therefore, encouraging mutual understanding and proper relationship between the organization and its publics.
So, it is very important that Public Relations aims at minimizing conflicts.For instance, subscribers of Mobile Telecommunication Network(MTN) are complaining about the services of MTN and moreover, may switch away to the other networks.Therefore, the PR department is to come out and explain the reasons behind the difficulties with their services such as making of calls and by so doing, the PR department solves the conflicting relationship between MTN and its publics.This stimulates the subscribers who are the publics to fully trust MTN.
In the nutshell, by preventing conflicts between an organization and its publics also aids to project the good image of the organization or company.When the publics develop a clear notion about the organization due to reduction of conflicts, they see the organization as very good and this elevates its image in the minds of its publics.

ME AND MISS COMMUNICATOR.

Matilda Hammond is the "MISS COMMUNICATOR" of Ghana Institute of Journalism (GIJ) after a thorough struggle with other contestants.This event was held at the Kama Conference Center on 29th May,2009.The "Miss Communicator" commenced around 10:00pm.At 8:00pm, people had already trooped into the premises with much happiness and expectation.This event was attended by a lot of dignitaries and other fanatics of the "Miss Communicator" including students of Ghana Institute of Journalism.It was organized by the Women Commissioner of Ghana Institute of Journalism (GIJ) and other assistants.The event was graced with a lot of displays from all the contestants which made the audience very enthused.After all the hard work, one person needed the crown.Living everybody in tenterhooks for awhile, the MC in the person of "Papa Sly',commonly called, declared Miss Matilda Hammond as the Beauty Queen of the night.Miss Matilda Hammond was congratulated by all and sundry.After a brief interview, she said:"I am very glad to be the next Miss Communicator".

HIS WORD IS MY SOURCE OF LIFE

DON'T GIVE THE DEVIL A CHANCE!
To love the service of the most High God is the greatest thing on earth.This is what I always think of since everything that comes my way is as a result of what the most High God has allowed.Sometimes, I consciously and unconsciously sin against my father in heaven and all that I think of is, will my father forgive me.Listen dear one, I read a wonderful portion of the Holy Bible that stipulates "When I sin, he is faithful and just to forgive me and cleanse me from all iniquities".This rhapsodized my heart and made me gain relief.I was so depressed and obsessed but he delivered and made me happy even when I least expected happiness.I always keep telling myself that I am a child and magnificently, an heir to the throne of the Almighty God.I once watched a preaching tape of Prophetess Juanita Bynum dubbed "The Prodigal Daughter".From this, the spirit of the lord told my psyche that consecration is a lifestyle and obedience to the lord.Beloved, as you take time to read this little message I have composed about my odyssey of Christendom,may the Almighty God grant you your life desires.Know that all things work for good to those that believe in God.
My acknowledgement goes to Prophetess Juanita Bynum and Bishop T.D Jakes.

They are magnificent.They are talented.They all started like you and me, therefore, if u think u can't make it.Know that opportunities are flying around as birds.Don't get discouraged and do your own stuff with the assurance that God in his own wisdom will espouse your effort in life.Grab the opportunity now cos tomorrow might be too late and optimize it well.

PHILOSOPHIZING YOUR CULTURE

WHY DO PEOPLE IDENTIFY AT SOME POINT IN TIME WITH CULTURAL OR ETHNIC GROUPS IN MANNERS THAT ARE THREATENING TO THE STATE?
To set the ball rolling, ethnic groups are described as groups of people living together through common goals, ambitions and ancestries.As ethnicity comes from the word "Ethnos" which means a number of people living together.It is therefore vital for ethnic groups to be united.But it is unfortunate that some people who identify themselves with certain ethnic groups act in manners which are threatening to the state.
These threatening manners contribute to the retardation of the development of the state.It can be said that people cherish their ethnic backgrounds and at some point in time threaten the state due to ethnocentrism and the idea of priority on the side of government.In retrospect, our ancestries were exercising superiority over some ethnic groups and this left an indelible mark on the foreheads of their generations since they groomed them(Generations) with this biased notion.So, in recent times, some ethnic groups don't appreciate.Therefore, any jot of disturbance inflames into serious damages such as serial killings which affect the state adversely.
Furthermore, when government concentrates at a particular area in terms of development at the expense of the other areas, it breeds threats to the state which are being meted out by groups of people.The deprived areas or ethnic areas therefore suggest that government is giving priority to others which amounts to superiority or means that those beneficiaries are superior.Some people take undue advantage of such and cause havoc to the state.
Moreover, at some point in time, ethnic groups have become partisan.Due to the partisan nature of certain ethnic groups, some people hide behind it to threaten the state.Also, most people are very much devoted to their ethnic line and so relapse to a certain position when they sense being cheated or a member punished unfairly.But why should these factors labeled lead people or ethnic groups to act in manners that are threatening to the state if ethnicity thrives on togetherness?

SIMILARITIES AND DIFFERENCES OF THE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY THEORY AND THE LIBERTARIAN THEORY.

It is obvious to note that the libertarian theory vastly differs from the social responsibility theory,yet there are certain vital similarities that encompass both theories.The idea of progress,democracy and the modern trend of living outlines the rise of the libertarian theory where the media is given some sort of freedom to operates without state restriction.The social responsibility theory spells out freedom but it is much concerned with the duty of shaping to be better.In fact to state categorically the smilarities between the two theories, it can be seen from a perspective that the following exist in both theories.
a)Freedom is prevalent in both theories without any restriction from the state.
b)Furthermore,they both define the same major functions of the media which are transmission of information and the adoption of a forum for disparate views.
c)Both theories also provide an avenue for the establishment of private media due to capitalism.Since both theories operate in the capitalist system,many private media houses are being established.
d)Also in both theories,the media serves as a watchdog and supervises the society from certain abuses.
e)The notion of free press and democracy in the libertarian and social responsibility theories is falsehood since the media is faced with prosecution.
However,amidst the similarities,there are certain differences between the two theories.
i)In as much as the social responsibility theory is expected to be accountable to the society in its performance, the libertarian theory flouts accountability.
ii)Also there is self-censorship in the social responsibility theory.Prior to this,the social responsibility theory is suppressed in the performance of its functions not to abuse the society.Unlike the libertarian theory,there is no such thing as self-censorship,so the media can feed the society with abusive things without any suppression or restriction internally.
iii)Additionally,even though in both theories, there is objectivity,the social responsibility theory is subjective to the media in the interest of the state or state authority.
iv)Last but least, under the social responsibility theory,there is thorough regulation.It is hard to notice that the libertarian theory is taken through such regulation.
v)Finally,the social responsibility is also concerned with the code of ethics governing the various media houses.In contrast,the libertarian theory doesn't respect such code of ethics.

SMILE OR GRIN.

DESCRIPTIVE DISCOURSE.
As she mentioned my nomenclature with her soothing voice.It echoed in my ears and sounded as a shuddering thunder.The words pierced through my heart,filled me with great affection.At once I thought I was an invincible Hercules but her cooing voice which supported the words she uttered,melted my soul and mellowed my heart.
Immediately, I decided to steal a glance at her but her glamorous eyeballs met with mine and she gave a grin.Her sparkling white teeth blinked and shined as the bright star,stupefied I became.Her silky black hair shoved me out of my seat and the ground turned deep as a ditch of luv,dizzy I became.
Her charming eyes beamed like the burning furnace and blindfolded me.I tippled but she decided to support me with her warming touch.Before I could say anything beyond thank you, I heard an intense knocking behind my door and I roused up to realize all was just a fantastic dream.