AMA puts in place measures to forestall flooding in Accra

Numo Blafo, the Public Relations Officer of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly, says the assembly is working assiduously to avoid any future recurrence of flood in the Accra metropolis.

According to him, the AMA has since last week Tuesday embarked on a massive clean-up exercise to get rid of the debris that were left as a result of the flood which claimed about 12 lives and threw several people into complete shock.

Speaking on Xfm's Big bite show this Monday, he disclosed that the assembly has put in place measures to mitigate the harmful consequences of the flood and guard against diseases which are associated with filth.

He warned people against cholera which emanates as a result of the heap of refuse especially during flooding situations and implored people to protect themselves against the disease. He was of the view that when people engage in hygienic conditions and desist from dumping solid waste into gutters and drains, the country will be devoid of cholera and floods.

Numo Blafo said that even though the assembly has constructed drainage systems to limit the impact of floods in Accra, this objective cannot be achieved without the cooperation of Ghanaians. He indicated to Xfm 95.1 that inappropriate human activities are a primary cause of floods and therefore believed it is about time Ghanaians become amenable towards the AMA and its operations.

He also outlined that the assembly is embarking on a "house to house" public education to help people undertake steps to avoid the possibility of being inundated by future heavy rainstorms.

Meanwhile, the Head of the Accra Zone of Zoomlion, Robert Tetteh Coleman, says the filth created by last week's flood is "unimaginable" as the company has so far dispatched 120 trucks to various parts of Accra. This exercise he says is to clear the refuse put in a pile on the streets of Accra.

Story by Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/X fm 95.1/Accra/Ghana

Demolition exercises to be rejuvenated to curtail flooding-AMA

The Chairman of the Environmental Committee of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA), Philip Lamptey has partly blamed yesterday's devastating flood on the negligence of people establishing structures along rivers and other flood-prone areas.

He stated that the setting up of buildings and other structures at unauthorized and inappropriate areas tend to cause these floods and cautioned Ghanaians to turn away from such practices.

In an interview on X fm's Big bite show this Thursday, Philip Lamptey keenly identified that the lives of people should always be protected and that any action which is detrimental to their living conditions must be eradicated.

He also ascribed the abrupt flooding incidents across several parts of Accra to the changes in the climate which have made it almost unpredictable.

The six-hour downpour inundated several places claiming about nine lives while others lost their items worth millions of cedis. The Chairman of the Environmental Committee of the AMA disclosed that the Accra Metropolitan Assembly together with the Natural Disaster and Management Organization (NADMO) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has put in place measures to curb the rippling effects of the flood.

He indicated that the Environmental Committee has since dispatched task force from the Rapid Response Unit of the AMA to various affected areas to get rid of the debris that resulted out of the flood. He therefore urged the public to cooperate with the AMA as they embark on this eradication exercise.

"The cries from the public always keep on disturbing us that saying we are destroying people's things but meanwhile all these structures are on the waterway. It is time public has to understand what is happening because we can't sit down and wait for the rain to destroy our things."

He also disputed the claim that the AMA has abandoned the demolition exercise which was aimed at eliminating buildings from unauthorised and inappropriate places but asserted that the exercise will be rejuvenated to avoid any future occurrences.

Philip Lamptey admonished Ghanaians to do the right thing and added that plans are far ahead to support the flood victims.

Story by Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/X fm 95.1/Accra/Ghana

JJ Rawlings lauds Gaddafi but says he made a mistake for his 42 years of reign

The death of Libya's former leader, Muammar Muhammad Al-Gaddafi, has some time now taken over the media and still lingers around the African continent with several people thrown into shock and others expressing their mixed feelings about the treatment meted out to the Libyan leader before he passed away.

Colonel Gaddafi's death has raised fierce criticisms and comments from people across Africa and the next person to add his voice is the former President Flt. Lt. J.J Rawlings.

Former President J.J. Rawlings has lauded the deceased leader, therefore, touting him as a man who had the Libyans’ interest wholeheartedly and brought much fortune to Libya. According to him, Muammar Gaddafi was a good and principled leader who set proper structures to streamline the livelihood of his people.

He further declared that, under the leadership of Col. Gaddafi, Libya underwent a massive transformation which outstripped its boundaries to benefit other countries including Ghana.

He was speaking at the Great Hall of the University of Ghana, Legon to climax the annual SRC week celebrations on Friday.

He said that the Libyan economy gave women the chance to be enrolled into the military and head offices within the military. Likening Col. Gaddafi to Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana's first President, he underlined that the Libyans were provided with virtually free accommodation, electricity and education. He also stressed that Gaddafi's reign gave the black community much freedom and tagged him as a leader who believed in the power of the masses.

Despite his 42 years of rule, J.J Rawlings believed the Libyan Godfather committed a mistake, hence, quoting the scripture "Man should not live by bread alone" to support his premise.

"The mistake he made was that even as he talked it, preached it, provided it; he just could not let go of the empowerment of the people. He still held onto the controls", the former president indicated.

He explained that the Libyan deceased leader was disquiet about the idea that the masses' power could be undermined and held his service in high esteem to the people. President Rawlings disclosed that people's allegiance is bought as their right of choice dwindles and emphasized that people should be on guard and flash out any form of dehumanization.

He described the execution of Col. Gaddafi "more painful and inhuman" and chided the US Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, for her supposed look and contentment over the death of the Libyan leader.

He expressed no surprise over the execution saying "if you use force or violence and it does not have a cleansing effect, then it will end up perpetuating injustice. If you use force and it does not give justice, you will be perpetuating injustice".

Story by Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Xfm 95.1/Accra/Ghana

Gaddafis death raises mixed reactions from people-VOX POP

Following recent news about the death of Brother leader Muammar Muhammad Al-Gaddafi, some people have raised red flags over the way Colonel Gaddafi was killed while others ask why the westerners played active role in ousting a leader who has brought much fortune to the libyans.

Colonel Gaddafi was killed during a fierce siege at his stronghold, Sirte. Reports say the libyan leader was shot several times in a NATO-led airstrike.

Colonel Gaddafi took over office in 1969 and since then the "Brother leader", as he is popularly called, has reigned in libya without any hope of relinquishing power.

His death comes after the libyans rose against his authority and have been waiting for his day of doom.

Reports about the capture of Africa's would-be "King of Kings" were received with much jubilation from the people of libya as the National Transitional Council (NTC) takes over the mantle of restoring the country.

X fm interacted with some people on the streets of Osu and discovered the sudden death of the libyan leader has plunged several people into total shock.

Story by Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/X fm 95.1/Accra/Ghana

Nothing has changed in the NDC- DFP National Treasurer

It appears the intense uproar against the merger of the Democratic Freedom Party (DFP) and the National Democratic Party (NDC) will not end anytime soon as the next person to register her dissatisfaction is the former National Treasurer of the DFP, Ruby Aba Folson, who says the decision by the party to join the NDC was not collectively taken.

She said, in an interview with Xfm 95.1, that the DFP executives did not involve all the stakeholders of the party before their final migration to their mother party. According to her, she dissented her party's decision and willingness to smoke the peace pipe with its parent party, NDC, on the premise that the NDC harassed them during the Koforidua Congress in 2006.

Her explanation comes after a section of the DFP, yesterday, held a press conference spelling out their disagreement with the decision by the life patron of the party, Dr. Obed Asamoah, to tie the knot with the NDC.

She stated that the move by the DFP doesn't restrain the members from opting out of the bond. She expanded further that a greater number of the DFP members at the various constituencies are opposed to Dr. Obed Asamoah's eagerness to return to the NDC.

The DFP former National Treasurer intimated that the executives and the members of the party couldn't reach a consensus to support their movement to the NDC. "The decision made by the executives of the Democratic Freedom Party which is the DFP that they are going back to their mother party which is the NDC. To me, it wasn't a consensual kind of agreement"

She pledged her commitment to her "mother party", the New Patriotic Party, saying that the circumstances that led to the formation of the DFP have not changed.

Ruby Aba Folson underlined that the harassment that was impinged on the DFP still lingers in the NDC and asked; what has changed in the NDC?

Story by Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/X fm 95.1/Accra/Ghana

Ghanaians should not tag themselves All-righteous nation-Dan Botwe

The Member of Parliament (MP) for Okere, Hon. Dan Botwe, has admonished youths in the country to portray themselves as instruments for peace.

He said that the youth should take over the political climate and make sure they adopt an uncompromising stance in the enhancement of peace and stability.The MP urged them to actively involve themselves in the country's political environment.

Hon. Dan Botwe highlighted on the essence for people in their youthful age to conduct themselves in a decorous manner in order to prevent any possible violent occurences. He keenly cautioned Ghanaians to be wary and not embrace themselves as "All-righteous" peaceful nation.

Hon. Dan Botwe was speaking at the UNESCO Youth for Peace forum held, today,at the British council under the auspices of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

The Youth for Peace forum was under the theme "Our Call: Youth, Ensure Peace" and aimed at helping the youth to develop the skills, behaviours and visions for the promotion of peace. The programme brought together various youth groups to deliberate on the ways that can enhance peace in the country.

Dan Botwe implored the youngsters to get themselves abreast of the electoral system and courageously lash out any government which compromises on peace building and the stability of the nation. He entreated every young person to condemn the politics of insult that has become rampant in the nation and utilize the political platform peacefully without violence.

Expanding further on the measures to building peace, the Member of Parliament for Ayensueno, Ayeh-Paye Samuel, said governments should not condone any wrongdoing but rather met out punitive measures on any government official who engages in corruptible practices.He said that justifying the misconducts of government officials collapses the peaceful frontiers of the country.

Ayeh-Paye Samuel, in reaction to the recent strike by the public sector doctors, stressed categorically that the government should reshuffle the President of the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC) and also device alternative measures to resolve the turmoil in the health sector.

Story by Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/X fm 95.1/Accra/Ghana

Nana Akomea advocates best farming practices on World Food Day

As the country marks World Food Day, today, under the theme "Greening Ghana with coconut", the New Patriotic Party Communications Director, Nana Akomea says, even though government seems to be committed to boosting food supply in the country, there has not been adequate support for the sustenance of food and crops farming.

He indicated that sixty percent of the country's food farmers engage in peasant farming and their use of blunt farm implements makes it difficult for them to compete with their foreign competitors.

Touching on the importation of farm produce, Nana Akomea told host of the big bite on Xfm 95.1, Abena Asiedua, that the country's defunct producing factories should be resuscitated to bridge the gap between the local food farmers and their competitors from the foreign countries.

He also proposed that the government should cut down on the importation of food crops and believed this intervention by a competent government can stimulate a larger supply of food crops into the economy and encourage the domestic farmers to meet the competitive market.

Explaining further, the NPP Communications Director said that guaranteed prices should be imposed on the food crops and also suggested that the government should adopt a different and refined approach in resolving the economic food crises. This, he assured, can eradicate the daunting challenges facing the peasant farmers.

"We need bold, decisive, courageous, transformational leadership in this country which will also apply to food farming", he said. He added that the inadequate storage facilities in addition to the less support for the production of food are a major setback to food farming in the country.

Nana Akomea pledged his party's commitment to supporting local food farming on a large scale which is intended to give the farmers a relief and better improvement of their farming conditions.

He lauded the Ex-President J.A. Kuffour for his role in ensuring that the peasant food farmers experience a major boost in the production of food and crops.

Price swings, upswings in particular, represent a major threat to food security in developing countries. Hardest-hit are the poor. According to the World Bank, in 2010-2011 rising food costs pushed nearly 70 million people into extreme poverty.

“FOOD PRICES – FROM CRISIS TO STABILITY” has been chosen as this year’s World Food Day theme to shed some light on this trend and what can be done to mitigate its impact on the most vulnerable.

In Ghana, the day is being marked under the theme; “Greening Ghana with Coconut” to address the destruction being caused by the “Cape Saint Paul Wilt” disease in coconut plantations, especially along the coast.

The disease has destroyed large acres of coconut plantations along the coasts of Ghana and has seriously affected the livelihood of most coconut farmers in the region.

A deputy Minister of Agriculture in charge of crops, Yaw Effah-Baafi said coconut has so many nutritional values and economic importance, and therefore local farmers needed to be educated and supported so as to help to derive the maximum benefit from the crop.

Story by Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Xfm 95.1/Accra/Ghana

UNESCO URGES YOUTHS IN GHANA TO ENSURE PEACE IN 2012.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization ( UNESCO) on the 18th of October will hold a forum dubbed "Youth for Peace" at the British Council Auditorium to enlighten the youth about their fundamental human rights and roles. This event is under the theme "Our Call: Youth, Ensure Peace".

The forum is aimed at mobilizing the youth across the country to deliberate on the necessary measures in ensuring peace within our political ambience.

According to UNESCO, the "Youth for Peace" programme is intended to energize the nerves of the various young masses in the economy to foster peace in the pending general elections.

The organization hopes to engage and educate the youth on their fundamental rights through this platform.

Issues to be broached during the occassion include the ways to resolve a conflict situation and the tolerance and acceptance of cultural diversity.

The programme will bring together dignitaries from several media outlets who will talk on a variety of subjects bordering on politics, peace and employment.

This activity is in partnership with the Youth Bridge Foundation, Youth Empowerment Network Foundation and SpeakAfrica Foundation.

by Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Xfm 95.1/Accra/Ghana.

Richard Quashigah accuses NPP of inciting labour front unrests

The NDC Propaganda Secretary, Richard Quashigah, has accused the opposition New Patriotic Party of plotting to cramp the style of the ruling government in order to collapse its "better Ghana agenda".

He stated categorically that the New Patriotic Party has compelled some people in certain agencies to agitate against the government.

"We know that the NPP has been going around trying to press some buttons within the various associations, worker groups and all that, trying to get people to make the state ungovernable", he said.

He was also swift to add that the NPP is scheming in order to discredit the ruling government.

Alluding to recent comments by the National Chairman of the New Patriotic Party, he said Jake Obetsebi lamptey sought to incite Ivorian Akan rebels to wage war in the country and claimed the NPP is not committed to the welfare of Ghanaians.

Richard Quashigah was speaking on Xfm’s big bite show Thursday morning.

Touching on the recent strike action by doctors in the country, Richard Quashigah appealed to the doctors to keep calm since the incumbent government is making the necessary efforts to resolve the standoff. He disclosed that there are limited resources to effect the Single Spine Salary Structure.

The SSSS was initiated to regulate the emoluments and salaries of workers in the economy but has suffered some financial glitches. This as a result has posed several complications to the implementation of the salary scheme.

Richard Quashigah accused the previous government under the leadership of J.A.Kuffour, of mismanaging the coffers of the economy, adding the introduction of the Single Spine Salary Structure has quadrupled government's debt.

The NDC Propaganda Secretary said the government has the doctors' grievances at heart and is working towards addressing their concerns to ensure that the strike is abrogated. He was empathetic about the plight of patients and implored the doctors to resume work in order to save the lives of the innocuous patients. He declared that the NPP only paid a lip service to the SSSS and left the scheme hollow.

Richard Quashigah indicated that the Labour Commission is holding a meeting with the Fair Wages and Salaries commission in order to resolve the impasse.


Story by Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/ Xfm 95.1/ Accra/ Ghana

NDC DFP merger is a mirage

An NDC activist, Brogya Gyamfi Ernest, says the merger between the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the Democratic Freedom Party (DFP) is “only a mirage”.

He said the DFP wishes to join the ruling political party but there is no explicit basis for such action stating that the NDC operates within the rigors of the party’s constitution.

The NDC activist mentioned Articles 8 and 9, which spell out the membership and affiliation processes into the party and categorically said the sudden unity between both parties defies the constitutional provisions under these articles.

Brogya Gyamfi Ernest was reacting to the recent move by the Democratic Freedom Party to the National Democratic Party. This action by the DFP has recently become a vexed issue raising doubts about the intentions of the party.

Brogya Gyamfi Ernest said Dr. Obed Asamoah, the life patron of DFP, can only claim to be part of the NDC when the DFP has fulfilled the prerequisites under Article 8. He said the merger is not established in the party’s constitution, hence, annulling the DFP’s attempt to unite with the mother party.

He recounted that the constitution entreats any party or an organization which seeks to fuse with the NDC to firstly establish its membership with the party’s branch. The branch is anticipated to accept the membership before any party can be constitutionally approved. According to him, the DFP has failed to meet this requirement.

Brogya Gyamfi Ernest, in an interview with Xfm 95.1, emphasized that the mandate to a political party to merge with the ruling NDC solely lies with the National Congress. He intimated that no other committee within the party can assume such authority.

He refuted the bond between the NDC General Secretary, Johnson Aseidu Nketiah, and Dr. Obed Asamoah which was marked by the holstering of the NDC national flag.

The NDC activist also confuted the possibility of DFP attaining 2 positions within the National Executive Council and 1 position at the Regional and Constituency levels.

He explained that the party’s constitution provides no room for any disbanded political party to become a member of the NDC except through the laid-down constitutional processes.

He alluded to Dr. Obed Asamoah’s reluctance to throw his weight behind the incumbent President Mills and doubted his significant input into the party.

He revealed that in 2004, an Ashanti delegation comprising the present Deputy National Youth Organizer, Babara Serwaa Asamoah and the Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Hon. Samuel Ofoso Ampofo met with Dr. Obed Asamoah who was then the national chairman of the party to solicit his assistance.

But Dr. Obed Asamoah refused to make any impact in the campaign process on his understanding that the flag bearer, Professor E.A. Mills, could not amass adequate money to support the party for victory.

He also claimed that Dr. Obed Asamoah and the DFP were the violent people in the party and their separation was a good riddance by the NDC. He cautioned the NDC about the entry of the DFP saying the move does not make any significant bearing on the party’s progress.

Story by Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/xfm 95.1/Accra/Ghana

Atwima Nwabiagya Assembly Members pass vote of no confidence

Some Assembly members of the Atwima Nwabiagya district have threatened to pass a vote of no confidence on their District Chief Executive for what they say are cases of misconduct on the part of the District Chief Executive.

The agitated Assembly members disclosed that the District Chief Executive has been disregarding the District’s procedure in awarding contract at the assembly. They cited he awards contract without the notice of the members of the Assembly.

They further accused him of misappropriation of funds and poorly administering the institutions set off by the assembly.

The members implored the government not to renege on their decision to kick him out of office. They said such misdemeanor dents the performance of the Assembly.

A member of the Assembly, Hon. Enoch Afriyie, endorsed the concerns of the Assembly and called for an emergency meeting. He confirmed the allegation that the District Chief Executive had snatched away a generator supposed to serve the needs of the Assembly.

Hon. Enoch Afriyie stressed they would match the District Chief Executive boot for boot to ensure his removal from office.

The Assembly has forwarded a document to the Electoral Commission and the District Coordination Council of the Atwima Nwabigya to corroborate their claims and appealed to the two regulatory entities to give their misgivings a maximum attention.

Story by Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/ Xfm 95.1/ Accra/ Ghana

TODAY, I CRY OUT OF PAIN

Goggling at me with her bright dazzling eyes beaming with surprise, she happily broke the silence and responded with a much anticipating answer “Yes, I do…I really do…”

This was a reply to my earlier proposal. As jittery as I was, waiting for her response which I thought would be a massive blow to my face, I said calmly and cautiously;

“Dear, you and I know how close and intimate our friendship has turned out to be. And perceiving how wonderful and angelic you’ve always been to me, I thought the idea of you being the sister I never had could be the best way to go but my sentiments and emotions always betray my conscience, leaving me with no better option than to say I love you and sincerely want you to be my fiancée. Please, do you love me?”

{See the hustle I had to go through just to deliver these three-letter words “I love you”. Never mind, let’s continue with the next chapter of the story.}

I couldn’t be much happier than hearing her confirm her love for me. I guess I’m lucky, right? Yes, lucky boy!

This was supposed to mark the beginning of my much awaited journey in life. She was mild-dark in complexion with lovely sparkling eyes. Her whitish set of teeth was always glittering in her mouth and her lip-glossed lips always inviting a kiss-the part I cherished- With her face beaming with smiles, I wondered if she were part of the mortal beings in this world since I usually thought angels were the only ones perceived to glitter with perfection, little did I know that I was harboring one of a human nature right inside my heart.
With this description, I hope you can imagine how much I was willing to love her without blemish. Just as life for us appeared to be so receptive, keeping us together for several hours and days, my profession on the other hand gradually seemed to threaten our bond as the most cherishable couple.
As a doctor, I always had tight schedules in which I devoted the very special ones to her but this very schedule happened to be inevitable and a threat to our togetherness.

Working at Korle-bu Teaching Hospital as a Gynaecologist, my primary role was to attend to the various diseases and conditions of women and in virtue of my profession, I was to embark on a three-year study leave abroad (to go to the United States of America) to further undertake a gynaecological practice.
When I first heard this sudden news, it was all joy like a river in my soul but upon a second thought, this will keep me away from her for too long. This distance has never been common to us since I was always there to cuddle her in my arms and smooch her soft body with my lovely touch.

{Whether hard or smooth, she loved the touch of my palms anyway, so, you don’t have to worry, just concentrate on the subsequent chapters}

I told her about what appears to be a blessing but would keep us apart. She was very anxious and never consented to this sudden development. She would always say:
“Sweetheart, I know and believe going abroad to further your education is not a bad idea but please come back soon. I don’t want to miss you for too long.”
Sometimes, she feared my trip, leaving me to understand why. It is not like I have ever cheated on her or she rather has cheated on me before, so why would a lady become jittery about her fiancé’s glory?

{On my bed, contemplating}
Waking up early the next morning, I hurriedly took my bath, dressed and got into my plushy “Infinitif” car. I drove to my lady’s crib and upon reaching there; she had already prepared a scrumptious breakfast. I gobbled the food entirely like a hungry lion, maybe because I didn’t eat before visiting her.

You look sexy. I intimated.

Thanks. She retorted.

{My eyes begun to scan her whole body, curiously trying to figure out what could be lying under her nightgown.}

Why do you still have your nightgown on, cutie? I inquisitively inquired.

She quizzically replied:
I just woke up and was doing some washing when I heard your car horn tooting, so I couldn’t slip on different attire. But why do you seem to be interested in what I’m wearing?

Nothing…just admiring the beauty of your body. I interjected.

Or do you want to have a piece of me today. She quizzed me.

I admittedly smacked my lips. Then, she reading the answer from my reaction went to continue her washing. I stayed in the hall doing what I like doing during leisure. I slotted an Angelina Jolie movie series into the DVD player and watched them with much admiration.
The clock ticking and darkness roping in into the day, it was time for supper and we both sat at the dinning table and enjoyed plates each full of rice, salad and chicken stew. I belch in a sign of satisfaction. Ouch…this is ungentlemanly…sorry, honey. {I said realizing I had breached my table etiquette}
Deep into the night after some hours of cuddling, kissing and caressing in the hall whilst watching the television together, Godfred which is my name and Vera as her maiden name, took our romantic session to the bedroom. I climbed on her, still doing what every man would do to her fiancée if given the chance, suddenly she switched the lights off amidst pleasurable moaning and afterwards, it’s none of your business.

{Now, to the third chapter}

Months passed by and days died out as the time for my departure drew nearer and nearer. It was now time for me to leave for America. I packed my necessary baggage and bade my medical colleagues together with my bone to bone and rib to rib, “goodbye”, at the Kotoka Airport and flew to America.

Wow…! My first day at America was amazing but I felt empty.
School was okay and for two and half years, my fiancée and I reached each other via Phone-calls, SMS, email, facebook and Skype. We were always chatting but she never mentioned her topmost secret to me and I didn’t bother to ask.

But looking at the text message she sent me last three days which read;
“Godfred, my sweetheart, I can’t express my emotions any better than to say I miss you dearly and wish we could continue our adventure the night before your trip. It was very romantic.
Baby, could you take time off your busy schedules abroad and come down here because the life you save today could be yours?”

I passionately read her message but couldn’t find my way round the puzzle she attached to the message. I never bothered to find out and never thought it was so pressing for me to come down to her. After all, I relished my trip due to other reasons.
One reason was the fact that I had gotten a more lucrative job and was receiving exorbitant money for the medical services I was rendering. There was therefore no point in returning to Ghana before my trip ends.

{Okay, now, open to the last chapter of my story}

I loved Vera very much and thought I was doing the best for her in defying her instruction for me to return to my motherland. I thought she only missed me and there was nothing amiss. She never told me anything wrong had happened. So, I considered so far as we could reach out to each other through those technological avenues, it was okay.

At Los Angeles Medical Center, the dismissal of a senior medical practitioner called for a month sitting-strike since all the doctors, including me, unanimously judged in favour of the victimized medical practitioner. The strike was supposed to have all doctors punctually present at their offices but would not render any medical attention and services to patients newly admitted until the impasse was resolved.
In the Gynaecological department at the hospital, playing a soothing R&B song from R. Kelly and relaxing in my office chair, I started fantasizing about Vera. Suddenly, I heard a rapid entry into my office by an agitated nurse who pleaded for my cooperation to attend to one of the patients who had just been admitted for an emergency operation.

I then told the nurse:
Look, nurse, you and I know the unanimous decision taken by all of us to abstain from treating any new patients. I can’t go against the decision.

The nurse quickly interrupted:
But doctor, the woman could die if you don’t attend to her. She needs your help, please.
Listen; don’t perceive me as a monster. I am equally concerned but sorry, there’s nothing I can do. Refer her to a different hospital. I replied.

The nurse continued to plead:
Doctor, please, she needs an immediate treatment. Otherwise, I’m afraid she might die.

{I angrily snapped at her}

I can’t do it, nurse…My hands are tied. You better leave this office before I get angrier.

{The nurse left and later returned together with other nurses pleading for my help.}

I wished I could help this patient but I didn’t want to betray our decision. I still insisted on transferring the patient to a different hospital but the nurses would not do that. I guess the patient might be really suffering.

{I swept the nurses out of my office and shut the door}

After some hours, the nurses trooped into my office, this time looking very sad. One of them gave me a note which the patient had written to be handed over to me and it read;
“Doctor, please, I have a life to protect. Would you help me get home safely because the life you save today could be yours?”

Quickly, something pricked my heart and it dawned on me that I had read the last lines of the patient’s note somewhere. I snappily joined the nurses to the theater, fully prepared to defy our decision, and help this patient out.
To my uttermost shock, there was this lady very pale and in serious condition, lying on the theater bed ready to undergo her operation leading to survival. I neared her side and in a second, tears streamed down my face as she gazed at me surprisingly and shockingly. I immediately broke down and said “sorry, sweetheart.”
{It was Vera, my love}

She said in a struggling voice:
Dear, I’m pregnant but I think I can’t continue this journey of life any longer. I wanted to wait for you to come back home before I tell you this good news but I suddenly fell ill and needed an emergency treatment abroad. Upon reaching this hospital, I became unconscious and was rushed to this theater. The nurses assured me of a doctor’s treatment but he never appeared. I even gave a note to the doctor but he did not come to my rescue. This doctor is very callous and inconsiderate. Honey, can you help me get home safely?

I responded in a loud voice:
Yes…!

But before I could operate anything tangible and necessary for her to survive, she passed out and gave up her ghost. I couldn’t help myself and therefore weepily broke into deep tears like a baby, thinking that my tears could do the miracle of bringing her and my unborn baby back to life.

I started blaming God but immediately heard a voice like Vera’s saying;
“I gave you the chance but you never grabbed it. Anyway, a mistake could possibly be corrected when a lesson is drawn but a mistake with no lesson is as dangerous as a python. You will never know when it will strike. There’s always a second chance for everything, sweetheart. In my heart and even in death, you will always be adored and I believe we will meet again after a while.”

Hearing these words, I walked out of the theater in much shame and instantaneously, left the hospital since I could no longer stay there. I had lost my life. I returned to Ghana, and today, watching the photographs of my love and me as I blot out her memories, I CRY OUT OF PAIN.

DEDICATED TO ALL MY SPECIAL ONES AND DOCTORS.

“Do not underrate any person because the life you save today could be yours”
…I love her…

THE VALOR IN ME

“Genius is one-percent inspiration, ninety-nine percent perspiration.” (Thomas Edison)

Astonishingly, he disappeared and was never buried. He deviated from the natural state of the world whereby ashes go to ashes and dust goes to dust. They were searching for his soul but realized he was in another realm of the supernatural world, where no one had control over his soul, except his maker and creator in the heavenly kingdom.

He foresaw what was at the end of the tunnel and passed through its darkness to see the light. The light illuminated his path and brought him safely to his destination without the notice of his foes. Enoch was his name and Great was his emblem.
He gave birth to billions of trillions of nations but never conceived them through copulation. He had a wonderful family and never thought of departing from them. He was called unexpectedly by his Almighty deity to vacate his initial status to a status that he could not justify its outcome.

He understood the heavenly command “Do without Complain” and commuted from his family background to divine background. Abraham, he’s well-known and Peerless was the least of his attributes.

He had a dream that one day his nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed. He had a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia, the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood.

He had a dream that his four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character. He had a dream that “…one day …little black boys and black girls will be able to join hands with little white boys and white girls as sisters and brothers.” Martin Luther King Jr. was his legendary name.

He failed 9,999 times inventing the light bulb. His attempts were a rise and fall situation but he still kept his hope alive. He was of the view that even though he is facing streaks of failure, his many attempts have taught him 10,000 ways of manufacturing a light bulb. Thomas Alva Edison, he was widely called and a man of valor was his identity.

All these legends understood the essence of “Valor in them”. They persevered and persisted in the middle of their storms. They never flinched at the sight of a monstrous beast “Failure” which was ready to devour them. All that this beast required from them was just a tinge of demoralization and depression to weigh them down.

But these legends had their armor in the right place, fought the beast resolutely. Even though, they injured themselves on several parts and angles of their bodies; their much heartfelt expectation was to conquer the beast.

They never anticipated less or much to emerge from their situations but rather they kept their eyes on the best to forever happen.

She came from an average home and family. Life despised her and nature betrayed her. She was allegedly raped by one of her uncles and her joy ebbed away. She never committed suicide nor retaliated his adversaries with the same measure of wickedness.

In the midst of her plight, she was still courageous. A multi-billionaire today, owns her own television network, celebrated everywhere as a woman with a very tremendous heart, Oprah Winfrey is her name.

Patiently, he escaped from the claws of his adversity. As a lost sheep, he wandered about like a tramp. He wore patched-clothes and had fewer to slip on. He was emotionally downhearted but knew one day his dream of “All shall be well” will materialize. He speaks today and all pay heed to.

His presence solely gathers multitudes of people everywhere just to catch a glimpse at his persona. Founder of the International Central Gospel Church, Dr. Mensah Otabil is his great name.

Valor is a virtue and a price; one has to pay in order to soar high in life. Bravery is the synonymous brother of Valor and with its software in the system unit of a person, absolutely nothing shall be impossible.

Valor is the next of kin to greatness.

Born, bred and raised into an average family, he has come through lots of traumatic experiences in the journey of his life. Depression and despair once gripped his limbs, hence, ruining his opportunities in life. Several times, he has lived a life full of solitude, aloofness and hopelessness. Sometimes, they say he is stupid; often, he appears to be foolish.

Other times too, he is so much obsessed and perturbed by his challenges but most times, he brushes his setbacks off his shoulder and, like a gallant soldier, slips on his uniform of courage, wears his boots of perseverance, puts on his cap of determination and raises up high his gun of bravery. Then salutes his life with the hand of valor and emits a hopeful smile of “YES I CAN, INDEED GOD WILL”.

Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi is his maiden name.

Residents grumble about the landscape at New site...Takoradi.

Some residents at New site have registered their displeasure about the way buildings are set up within their vicinity.

They dreaded there could be future complications as it appears the buildings are erected at inappropriate sites of the community.

They explained that the buildings are clustered virtually everywhere leaving not enough space for the inhabitants and vehicles.

They added that if the people are allowed to raise such buildings, it could pose a threat to their livelihood and health.

A resident revealed that due to the overcrowding nature of the area, they are normally struck by malaria as a result of the invasion by mosquitoes.

Paul Annan, a student of the Takoradi Polytechnic and a resident, opposed the idea that the putting up of a building at a swampy area could survive the test of time.

He was of the view that the building at the site, near a swamp, which is purported to be established by a certain woman, whose name is unknown, could harm its prospective dwellers.

The inhabitants further noted that if a house is gutted by fire, the inadequate accessibility to it due to the lack of roads in-between the houses could complicate the operation of the Fire Service.

Mr. Emmanuel Opintan-Baah, a Lecturer at the Building Technology and Civil Engineering Department, Takoradi Polytechnic, recounted that there could be nothing amiss with the landscape, provided the plan is rightly carried out by the appropriate Authorities.

THIS IS HIS CONFESSION

(Continuity of “THE LUV SURGERY; wasn’t successful)

“I was passionately waiting for her. I took a deep breath and buried my head in deep thought. Aloofness and Solitude tickled my emotional gear and a stream of tears flowed down my face. I couldn’t help it but rather saw myself sentimentally weeping gentlemanly in my plushy apartment. Oh…what could be happening to me? I asked. This is strange. I looked at myself in the mirror and I saw her whispering into my ears.

Yes, I saw her. She whispered soothingly and cooingly to me. Slowly, she said; I’m at your back. I flinched and joyously swayed my head backward. Surprisingly, I was in a trance. “Hallucination”, they call it. But I just saw Everlove. I can’t believe nature could also tease me”
Fred ponders deeply…

Fred reminiscing:
Everything was just fine. I felt comfortable with her. Her smiles shown forth openly by her beaming whitish set of teeth always spelt “I will forever remain”. She never disclosed a single clue that things would change.

(Fred shouts in emotional agony which scares his Mother as she quickly troops into Fred’s apartment. His mother frightfully and frighteningly wraps her caring arms around Fred and cuddles him like a fragile kid)

My son, what could be troubling you? Why did you shout the hell out of your Mum?

Mother asks and continues:
Darling, you know I’m your mother. Don’t be intimidated but confide in me.

(Fred then calms down as if a heavy load of obsession has been lifted from him)

He then finds his voice and allows those choking silent words to emerge from his mouth:
Mum, I saw her and she did not wait for me. I thought she had come to stay but realized nature was behind such emotional ridicule.

Mum shockingly implores:
She…! Who is she?

Fred: Everlove.

(Fred had once discussed Everlove with his mother)

Mother: My boy, is that why you shouted?

Fred: Yes, Mum. I could not control my emotions. Sorry if I scared you.

Mother: No, my dear. You don’t have to be sorry. It is okay to feel this way but
tell me how much you loved this Everlove.

Fred: You can bet my life on it.

Mother: Really…! I can see my little boy is an adult now. (The mother pulls his
legs a little bit) Well, son, loving somebody is not a bad idea but loving somebody when your life is on a bet could be dicey. I have known my son all these years to be a very good and determined child but my dear, if you can let go of her, please do it because if you truly love her you will do just that.

Fred: Mum, I don’t understand.

Mother: If you truly love her as you said, then, let her be. This will prove your true love for her. Think about this and I bet you this is the surest way to show her your commitment. Food is ready.

Fred: I will join you soon.

(Mother exits and Fred proceeds with contemplation)

What does my Mum mean by I should let her go? If I do that, it will definitely mean I don’t love her.

Fred’s inner man 1 interjects:
Don’t be stupid. Letting her go surely will mean you are a loser. Fight and keep fighting till you win.

Fred’s inner man 2 swiftly shuts his rival up and says:
Fred, if you sincerely love her, then, let go of her. Love is not a boxing bout. There is nothing like “I lose or win” but rather love is a bond that two persons sign. Look at the brighter side, brother.
Letting Everlove remain in her love shell doesn’t destroy the bond but strengthens it mightily since it signifies that you both have fulfilled the core promise of making love, a bond. Tearing yourself apart rather ruins the bond because Everlove has chosen her path and is waiting for you to choose yours so that the bond can be successfully signed by both of you.

Fred asks: But why should this be a sad end.

Inner man 2: It’s never a sad end but a happy beginning.

(Fred’s inner men dissipate into the thin air like astonishing Guardian Angels)

The clock ticking and Fred still indecisive:
I can’t sit idly and watch Everlove become a prey to a seemingly opportunistic predator.

He pauses and as if his head being smacked against a wall responds to himself:
Oooosh…! That’s hurtful.

(He then weighs and balances his thoughts against those of his mother and inner brothers)

“…Life is a flashback and a traffic light. Sometimes, you have to look back and forth to sharpen the edge of your life. Several times too, your life hits the red light and everything you have hard-earned in life extinguishes but you wait patiently and look up as the Yellow light switches on, giving you much hope and oomph that the Green light will sooner or later turn on…”
Fred concludes with a decision…

DISCLAIMER:

THE CHARACTERS IN THIS SCRIPT ARE FORMULATED AND DO NOT HAVE ANY LINKAGE WITH ANY PERSONS. EVEN THOUGH, THE STORYLINE IS DERIVED FROM A REALISTIC HAPPENING, IT IS LARGELY AFFILIATED WITH DELUSION AND FICTION.

THE LUV SURGERY; wasn't successful

He tells his story…

Born in 1987 on a certain bright beautiful morning at a suburb of his motherland, he was a cute immaculate guy with judicious perspective of life. Growing up as a well-prepared lad ready to embrace his future with maximum alacrity and determination, he was thought of by all and sundry who saw him appear from the womb of a virtuous woman as a blessing. Bouncing baby boy, the doctor said. Beautiful baby boy the parents concluded and, a smart kid, the others perceived.


Smiles on his face melted the parents’ hearts and illuminated the darkness that obscured their chances to ever conceive as they approached the church altar to dedicate him to his creator and maker of life. The Pastor raised him high to the heavens and gave thanks to the Ancient of days. This symbolic action ushered him into the frontiers of the world. He saw things happening but could not understand them. He struggled to walk but could not stand. He heard people say “Keep Trying” but thought it was a mirage.


Sucking his Mum’s breast, he was fed with supernatural milk that opened his eyes and mind. He read his temperament, body language, and character traits, and was naturally activated to the realities of life. He could now understand his existence and essence in the universe. His family orientation made him strong, smart, and bold. He always felt that he belonged to a system that will never let him down. This he learned was his first signal of an unconditional love. Called by his maiden name, Fred was a very clever guy and his sense of judgement was one that was always commended by the elderly.


Reaching the zenith of adolescence, Fred knew he had come of age and passing his West African Secondary School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), he knew he had a lot to learn about life. Getting ready to enter the University, Fred’s joy was inexplicable. He remembers his parents sat him down one quiet evening and sermonized him about the challenges of the world. He remembers his parents told him to be very much studious and circumspect as he could easily be swayed off by life on campus.

“Thank you, I am very grateful for this parental advice. I promise I will be very vigilant and not brook the nonsense of life.” Fred assured his parents.


At that point, he forgot the saying; it is easier said than done. But there was one vital quality nature and no one could take away from him which was his commitment to God. Fred was pious and revered God very much. In 2007, his dream to further his education materialized as in the twinkling of an eye, he made a swift jump onto the campus of University of Ghana, popularly known as Legon. Fred’s first year on campus brought into play his willingness and dedication to comply with the parents’ genuine reasons to hold onto their advice.


As if the tentacles of life would not make a quick turn to grip the neck of Fred; he was noticed virtually everyday in possession of his books and seriously skimming every single lecture note he collated. Fred was very introvert, reclusive, and determined. He hardly made male friends in school, not to talk of female friends.


Due to this attitude, many of the students taunted him as shy of ladies and classified him as “Mr. P.O.P”, a term, only the students understood. But Fred was less perturbed since he faced a similar blow in his historic life archives. He thought they were just envious of his morality but later realized they were not interested in attacking his morality. Instead, the lot of students only wanted him to wake up to the necessity of being friendly and receptive.


Since there is time for everything, fortunately or unfortunately, Fred could not stand the heat any longer. He therefore justified the actions of those students who opposed his strict-stuck character by the thought that no human can live alone. This paved a way in his heart to meet a very lovely intimate companion.

Fred talking:
I saw this lady in my class and could not take my eyes and mind off her. I kept stealing glances at her with no apparent reason. I guess I was blindfolded and darkened by my inability to accommodate people in my life. Until my heart was fully activated to the consciousness of making friends, I wouldn’t have realized such beauty of a lady leaning beside my seat. Wow…! Can’t let go of her.

Hello, I’m Fred.

Hi, I’m Everlove. (This starts the conversation.)


Fred continues: Are you in this class?

Everlove: What sort of question is that?

Fred: Oh, don’t get offended. I guess I have been stupid to think all this while that you were a ghost in our midst. Frankly, I never became conscious of your beauty until such dark veil was removed from my face.

Everlove: Am I supposed to take it as a compliment?

Fred: The ball is in your court. Anyway, will you be my friend?

Everlove: Hahahaa…why should I? You might have thought I am so cheap.
Fred: Nope. I rather think you are my friend already.

She responds: You must be crazy.

(The conversation continues till the soft heart of a lady was revealed to welcome Fred into the life of Everlove)


Their friendship clicked and was erected on a pure casual foundation. As time went on, Fred and Everlove were seen together like they were glued to each other for the rest of their lives. If you saw Fred somewhere and did not see Everlove, then, you might have miscalculated their chemistry of friendship. Their friendship became the topic of the day as groups were formed on campus to weigh the purity of their friendship against its odds. But one ingredient that the groups lacked was the fact that Fred never thought beyond friendship so far as Everlove was concerned. He keenly treated their friendship as casual as it deserves.


In fact, Fred and Everlove virtually did everything together. When trips were organized in school, they were always caught hanging out together. In an interview with Fred, he made it simple and clear to me that he felt very happy and comfortable around Everlove, and never thought of obliterating their friendship. He predicated that the very moment there will be a crack in their friendship, it will be very difficult to let go of her.I further asked; does it confirm that you are head over heels in love with her? He responded; not really…I don’t know.


When things seemed okay for Fred and Everlove’s friendship, little did Fred know that somebody was gradually roping himself into Everlove’s love pot. Fred told me he didn’t know his heart status towards Everlove but in fact, the truth is; he earnestly and unflinchingly adored her to the fullest. Fred was only flummoxed by the fear of messing up their friendship but what he could not ever deny was the fact that he, in plain terms, had fallen in love with Everlove.


His best colleagues suggested he makes the best of such acquaintance that had induced him to sometimes act abnormally, therefore, revealing the love symptoms in him. Fred gradually realized he could no longer battle with his love cells towards
Everlove and as a result, decided to select an appropriate day and time to make his intention known to who he perceives as his dream girl.


It was a successful Wednesday and right after lectures, as usual, Fred escorted Everlove to her destination. Within that moment, he accepted to make a swift move and declare his intention with no intimidation, fear or contradiction. As Everlove bade him “Goodbye”, Fred knew the time was due to say what seems easy but the world has made it difficult and coyly to say.

He began stammering in order not to deviate from the usual custom.

Fred: Errrrrr….mmm…Everlove, can you wait a minute?

Everlove excitedly responds: Oh, yes.

(The exciting look on Everlove’s face entices Fred to think “Bingo”, the plan will work)

Fred: I have been wondering about something for quite some time now.

And…errrmmm…would like to make it known to you. (The inner person in Fred pinches him and says to him “Hurry up, she is getting bored”)
Over the years now, you’ve been my source of joy and comfortability. I really cherish our friendship but to be very honest with you, I couldn’t hold back my sentiments for you.
(As if something has choked his throat; he coughs and continues. This time, keeping it simple and short; “KISS”.)


I love you, Everlove and I want you to be my girlfriend.
(Everlove inhales and exhales strongly and briefly. She then releases a deadly missile in the heart of Fred.)

Everlove: Fred, I admit you have been a very good gentleman to me but… (Hello! what are you thinking? No, I guess. Well, let’s see how she puts it)

Everlove continues; but we can’t click together. There’s a single character trait about you I can’t stand. You are irritating. Goodbye, I have to sleep.
Fred: Goodnight but keep in mind, I sincerely love you.

Everlove: Forget it, Fred.
(Fred then calls his friend, Paul, who also happens to be a trustworthy friend of
Everlove and implores of him to convince her.)


The following day, to Fred’s ultimate surprise, the earlier rumors he paid little or no attention to were made manifest as he saw Everlove together with Francis, a guy who few or nobody thought could induce Everlove to fall in love with.


Francis was highly perceived to be a rascal and therefore impossible to win the heart of such a descent daughter of Eve. The more people slammed Everlove’s sudden relationship with Francis, the greater Everlove became firm on her decision to surrender her heart to Francis. Fred loved Everlove sincerely to the extent that he could not just move on without her and dreaded this guy might be exploiting her.


Gradually, they headed towards their “Graduation day” and even after completion of school, Fred still looks forward to the hope that one day, just one day, she might draw back to his side but I say:

“Fred, you need to face the truth and move on with your life. What lies ahead is far more significant and feasible than what occurred in the past. Deaden your love cells for your first love and revive it for the next trinket to find. Because you are stagnant, you can not see the bountiful trinkets awaiting you. My dearest friend, fight for your front and leave your back to take care of itself…”
to be continued...


DISCLAIMER:

THE CHARACTERS IN THIS SCRIPT ARE FORMULATED AND DO NOT HAVE ANY LINKAGE WITH ANY PERSON. EVEN THOUGH, THE STORYLINE IS DERIVED FROM A REALISTIC HAPPENING, IT IS LARGELY AFFILIATED WITH DELUSION AND FICTION.

GREEDY BASTARDS

Power corrupts; Absolute power corrupts absolutely…

This is a very common dictum that seems to be the hallmark of several institutions and officials within the frontiers of the nation. For years, many people at the helm of affairs have been affiliated with corruption in one way or the other. Some hold on to power for a long time and tend to abuse it for their selfish interests.

A person would have thought that, in this knowledgeable and technological era, those who know better would have heightened their knowledge base and acted in a more prim and proper manner whilst those who don’t know better might have learnt from their colleagues and ceded the tendency to act unfairly to the detriment of innocuous persons.

In order not to mystify the minds of the readers and Ghanaians, I’d directly zoom into the core issues of my article. In fact, there have been lots of controversies surrounding the National Service Scheme in this country. But the controversies do not wipe out the legitimacy of the National Service Scheme as it has become widely mandatory for virtually every youth who completes his or her tertiary level of education.

The scheme is intended to groom the youth to face their future challenges. One significant factor which seems to convince a greater number of the youth to look beyond their plight and adhere to the National Service Scheme is the issue of “service to your country”.

Paradoxically, this “service to your country” has metamorphosed into insensitivity and infidelity, therefore characterizing the National Service Secretariat, specifically, in the Western Region. Some authorities of the National Service Secretariat have indeed proven beyond doubts that they are nothing but insensitive cheats. Their irritating foolproof character has blindfolded them to the extent that they always become content with inflicting deep wounds within the anatomy of the national service personnel.

Before the commencement of the national service, the personnel were well-briefed about their monthly allowance which was fixed at an amount of two hundred (200) cedis. Never were we, the national service personnel, told about any deductions but I strongly think many factored in the possibility of deductions by the banks.

Alarmingly, the National Service Secretariat has taken an unnecessary advantage of the inconsistencies associated with the monetary purse of the National Service Scheme. On a number of times, they deduct certain amounts of money from our allowances without the notice of the national service personnel. They subtract those amounts without offering any explanation to the personnel.

In the first place, the Secretariat lacks the ability to pay us on time and instead of us being paid at the end of each month, it runs into weeks. Since there are no or small invisible channels for us to address our concerns to the Secretariat, most of us tussle a lot of time in readiness of the allowance. And when the allowance is ready too, it becomes a shocker to us since the amount we receive doesn’t meet our expectation. In January, this year, we received almost one hundred and ninety eight (198) cedis.

I can only recall that ever since I started the national service, I have received two hundred (200) cedis, which is the appropriate amount, just once. I also believe I am not the only one who has been disadvantaged but many national servants will attest to this fact.

This corruptible practice on the part of the Secretariat is overwhelming and as a result informed my decision to disclose it in this article. Just maybe, this article would properly articulate my concerns and the plight of the national service personnel at large to the appropriate quarters for consideration.

Many of us are working untiringly to ensure that we give the country our best but these inconsistencies in the scheme are making it difficult for some of us to fully exude our energy and potentials. The National Service Scheme was widely castigated since lots of us have been displaced in fields that would not help, in any way, to upgrade our knowledge base so far as our future careers are concerned. But you talk to parents, government officials and workers who have passed through the phase of the national service before and all that you hear is; “National service is no respecter of persons”.

This ideology is what, I think, forms the basis for the Secretariat to claim what is rightfully ours. They cheat us and find several implausible reasons to buttress their actions. Actions, such as: the Management of the National Service Scheme in the Oil city unanimously embracing E-zwich transactional system and eventually imposing their decision on us without critically assessing the merits and demerits at the expense of the service personnel and also the Secretariat deducting what they claim as “dues” from our allowances without pre-informing us. Dues, they claim, will take care of ailments of service persons and other welfare conditions but they never materialize to see the light of the day.

I therefore find these inadequacies corruptible and would never vouch for them.

SIGMA-BASE TECHNICAL SERVICES OFFERS OPPORTUNITIES TO THE GHANAIAN YOUTH.

Mr. Ebow Haizel-Ferguson, the Director of Corporate Affairs and Community Relations of Sigma-Base Technical Services Limited has admonished Oil and Gas operators in the Oil find to enlist the services of Ghanaians in the Oil and Gas industry.

He noted that the Local Content Policy of the industry spells out the significance for Oil and Gas major stakeholders to work with Ghanaians to facilitate the progress of the industry. He delineated the Local Content Policy as the percentage of the locally produced materials, personnel, financing, goods and services to the Oil industry that can be measured in monetary terms.

Addressing a gathering at the Sigma-Base Oil and Gas training programme, held at Apowa, Mr. Ebow said Sigma-Base Technical Services is committed to training the Ghanaian youth to acquire maximum skills in readiness for the Oil and Gas industry.

He stated that Ghana Oil and Gas industry requires skills and a disciplined workforce. Epitomizing the Niger Delta scenario, he said the company is training the youth to be useful. This, he continued, will alleviate the frustration and anger in the youth.

He further declared that the belief that Ghana’s industry will take only few people upstream shouldn’t pose a threat to Ghanaians. He added that there are numerous opportunities in the industry for Ghanaians at the downstream sector.

Outlining few of the opportunities, Mr. Ebow said the Gas Commercialization Project will bring about industries such as Petrochemical and Metal based industries, Liquid Natural Gas Project, Tank farms and Refineries among others.

According to the Director, on the 28th January, 2010, a publication was released by Daily Graphic, captioned “Trinidad awaits Ghana’s Oil Deal”. In the publication, the Caribbean Atlantic Financial Holding has acquired a two thousand (2000) acre land at the Nzema area of Western Region to undertake a multi-billion dollar Gas-fed industrial estate and energy city.

The Caribbeans have therefore promised to replicate a three (3) billion dollar Point Lisas industrial estate which houses the world’s biggest ammonia plant and hosts one hundred and three (103) industries connected to the gas feed stock.

These industries employ eighteen thousand (18000) people and are managed by locals.
The publication also outlined the eagerness of the Caribbeans to fully support Ghana in the gas sector.

Mr. Ebow further added that on behalf of the trainees, Sigma-Base through Ghana Oil and Gas Services Providers Association (GOGSPA) met and discussed employment opportunities on industrial estate. He was optimistic about the outcome of their encounter with the Caribbeans.

On the understanding of the Fertilizer Plant which will be built at Shama by a Ghana-India collaboration of 1.1 billion dollars, he affirmed the project can also employ more than two thousand (2000) workers.

Speaking at the workshop, the Director said Sigma-Base Technical Services Limited is an indigenous Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) Registered Oil and Gas Service Provider, based in Takoradi.

He declared that the company engages in Training, Recruitment, Supplies and Logistics Support Services for On-shore and Off-shore, and Engineering and Project Management among others. The company has since mobilized 1500 trainees.

He was keen on the eligibility of the trainees in the Oil and Gas industry and also stated that the training awards a National Vocational Training Institute (NVTI) Certificate.

On behalf of the company, Mr. Ebow Haizel-Ferguson appealed to the GNPC and the operators of the Jubilee field led by Tullow Ghana Limited to make contracts available to the local registered Oil and Gas companies so that the trainees will gain employment after completion.

BABYLONS SHALL FALL

"Power does not corrupt men; fools, however, if they get into a position of power, corrupt power." George Bernard Shaw.

This indisputable dictum alludes to the Ivorian impasse and other countries stricken with an unpleasant mayhem as a result of power. A vexed discussion has since been held on the deadlock in La Cote D'Ivoire. Listening to varied opinions from different quarters of the world, it seems that the tension in the country has heightened as both leaders;President Laurent Gbagbo and President Alhassan Ouattara, have refused to reach a peaceful consensus. In one breath, President Gbagbo is declared the substantive President-elect and in another breath, Ouattara is accepted as genuine for the presidency. Much could not be said as the declaration of Ouattara as the President gained the support of some African and International organizations.The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) fully rallied behind Ouattara and the United Nations (UN)also espoused the election of Ouattara for presidency.

On the understanding of the background which serves as a prelude to this article, I am aroused to share my views about the political instability in Cote D'Ivoire. Peeping through my critical lenses, I could spot loopholes in this saga concerning Cote D'Ivoire.

Firstly, I will swoop down on the position, decisions and efforts of ECOWAS to tame the two indecisive leaders. I strongly think ECOWAS is sitting on a hot bench because of her hasty support rendered to President Alhassan Ouattara. ECOWAS preaches according to the gospel of mediation, which it believes it is doing now but my inadequate cognizance about mediation points to the fact that before a person or an organization can be said to be mediating a situation or mediating between divisive entities, the person or organization should stand neutral. But in the case of ECOWAS,they have already declared their stance and vouched for Ouattara, therefore, it is hard for me to believe that they have a full grip of mediation in the Ivorian impasse.

This is why our African leaders in the Association are being kicked out whenever they try to induce President Gbagbo to step down. It would have been much easier for ECOWAS to leverage Gbagbo without him being ambivalent if the members had allowed neutrality to override their personal interests and what they describe as good sense of judgement. This African entity should review the language they are using to bring the impasse under control and I suggest they term it as Persuasion.

But as they persuade Gbagbo, they should also turn into the direction of Ouattara since both leaders are responsible for the unnecessary political commotion. Narrowing my point down to the UN,this international organization is also adding fuel to fire or better still propelling the deadlock and violence in the country, in the name of intervention. Don't be bewildered, what I mean is that the UN also has exaggerated the scene at Cote D'Ivoire by deploying such number of troops to the country as if they are prepared for War. Couldn't they have embarked on a journey of persuasion and peace between the Ivorian leaders before deciding to pump fear into the citizens?

I know by saying this, some people would not agree with me but that's not my focus. My aim is that it is high time Africans woke up from their slumber. So, must all our domestic issues be under the dominion of the UN? When the United States of America decided to fight Iraq boot for boot, where were our African leaders? When it is U.S.A or UN, no African view is upheld but when it is any African country, we hero worship and uphold their decision in high esteem. On the flip side, if U.S.A, Britain, France and the other foreign countries who have arisen to champion their selfish interests, other than holistically solving the problem, are sincerely interested in tranquility in Cote D'Ivoire, they should work towards it. The harsh sanctions would only inflame passions and set the situation ablaze.

Furthermore, the recent attention given to BBC's reportage on our President's "Dzi wo fie asem" is much unwelcomed. When President Barack Obama described Keanye West as a "Jackass", why didn't BBC hold his neck to it? The President made his point, even though I have my qualms over it, I still insist that we should not have much entertained and encouraged the fuss by BBC over our President's statement.

Also, the evil-smearing look at the President's statement by BBC could have been curtailed if our Foreign Minister, Alhaji Mohammed Mumuni, had not engaged in doublespeak. Entering into the studios of BBC, embellishing and distorting the President's statement was not the best our Minister could do to clear the atmosphere and shut the biased mindset of BBC on the issue. Anyway, this is my opinion; you are entitled to yours.

Now, coming back home,our President has sparked all these controversies in the air because of his double standards. I don't have any trouble with our President sending troops or not sending troops to Cote D'Ivoire, after all his decision has been corroborated. But the political colour given to the President's position is too disturbing. Sometimes, I am tempted to ask this question; Should all opposition parties always live up to their name "Oppose" and all proposition parties live up to their's "Propose"? Can't opposition parties agree to disagree with the ruling government on certain issues for development?
And since when will our political leaders stop their effrontery and slip off their political cassock on certain sensitive issues?

Back to my earlier point, it is one thing for President J.E.A Mills to bolster the legitimate force broached by ECOWAS as last resort, which is interpreted to have a connection with military intervention, and another thing for him to decline sending troops to curb the situation. I don't want to tap into the political standings of some politicians on the issue because I assertively think they are all working towards their selfish gains. Call this cynicism but I have made my point.

If President Mills does not want to convey troops to Cote D'Ivoire, then why the essence in supporting the military intervention? I guess you declare support for something when you have check the adequacy of your resources.So could our President not have refused to sign the ECOWAS agreement if he intends not to engage our troops due to limited resources or manpower or whatever the reason is, tangible or intangible? You don't support legitimate force which embraces military intervention and chicken out of the contest.

Moreover, what are the five hundred Ghanaian troops in Cote D'Ivoire doing there? Will they be asked to retreat and return home since Ghana is unwilling to devote troops? Maybe these five hundred troops are serving with the UN and therefore, helping the citizens and Ghanaian nationals in the country but should the final decision by ECOWAS be executed, would they join or rather follow their President's directive?

To close the chapter of the article, I would like to say that the solution to the Ivorian mayhem lies in the hands of the two gentlemen at the helm of affairs. ECOWAS, AU, UN and whatever country or diplomat can never advocate peace to exist if the two leaders are still reluctant to resolve the blood shedding condition of the country.

One of the leaders should be wise enough to consider the lives of the people because a soul gained is worth the progress of the country.Sometimes, when you are offended, it is advisable to forgive the offender and treat the offender as a friend again, the best that you can, in order to bring peace.

President Laurent Gbagbo and Alhassan Ouattara can end this political violence if they can reason well together and smoke the peace pipe. Beside that, nobody or nothing can bring serenity to Cote D'Ivoire except divine intervention from God which can not be contended.

Though I don't want to sound pessimistic, "Heaven helps those who help themselves", so this divine intervention can be activated if those two insensitive human beings for once become sensitive to the plight of the people. Gbagbo can step down, the same as Ouattara can give up.

I would like to digress the focus of this article and so say that, just as President Laurent Gbagbo and other power-drunk leaders, President Hosni Mubarak can't arrogate power to himself for thirty years and still reigne on the presidential throne forever. To cut a long sentence short, these power-befuddled leaders should take a cue from the unhappy end of Adolf Hitler and know that what is good for the goose is equally good for the gander.

Lastly, they must bear in mind this popular saying: "When a bird hoovers on a roof for too long, it is worth stoning".

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.