It is to be expected considering the manner party activists of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) have exchanged insults and names calling in the past few days that lovers of the party will express fears that Sunyani will be on fire or after the congress, the party will disintegrate.
Their fears have historic backing from previous congresses. The just elected parliamentary candidate of Adenta constituency for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) was with the NDC until the unfortunate incident at Koforidua leading to the formation of the Democratic Reform Party (DFP). The use of DFP as a transit to NPP is another issue altogether but Koforidua and its lessons for Sunyani is my concern now. Can we meet at Sunyani without physically attacking our opponents? We have done that before. Tamale is so fresh. Akatamansonians should endeavour to repeat Tamale and prevent Koforidua
Former President J. J. Rawlings? He is a key to the success or failure of the NDC at Sunyani and Ghana 2012. This is not to suggest that the verdict should be skewed to his satisfaction. Swedru is also a guide. Much as his views need to be respected, it must not make people angry to the extent of a break away. The same way, in disagreeing with him, the disagreement should be managed to ensure a compact NDC after July 10. I can only entreat the party hierachy to accord the former president the needed respect including the right to a speech as always. His Excellency should also not abuse this right for what he says will make or break the party.
So far, the composure of H. E. J. E. A. Mills and Nana Konadu Agyeman Rawlings is not bad but comments from supporters and campaign teams have been destructive. It is time for all to remain calm and tolerant. 0.4% is nothing to be proud of. We have to work harder to increase our numbers rather than engage in acts that will promote voter apathy and disatisfaction. Projects? A lot in 21/2 years but what about relationship establishment and bridge building?
Listen to the masses. They need calm in the NDC. Let Peace Prevail NOW, AT and AFTER SUNYANI.
LET'S MEET AT BIAKOYE AFTER SUNYANI WHERE NDC WILL BE RESSURECTED. NDC EDEY BIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII K3K3. ehe edz) B)d)))))). 3y3 zu, 3y3 za. emefa mia mia mia mia mia mia
Saturday, 25 June 2011
Friday, 17 June 2011
CHILD LABOUR DAY?
I wonder if child labour can ever be abolished in Ghana. Today in the Biakoye district, the celebration is at Tapa Abotoase. This market centre of international repute is appropriate for the celebration.
The question is, will the celebration stop CHILD LABOUR?
After carefully observing and experiencing the celebration held at Tapa Abotoase today, I can say without mincing words that its impact will not be felt. This might sound controversial but I am taking this risk for the sake of tomorrow. Who is such a programme meant for? Scool children? Parents? Assemby members? or Departmental heads of a district assembly?
Today's occassion was held by and for assembly members and observed by some school children, few teachers and a few concerned citizens like us. The publicity given to this celebration was nothing to write home about. Most people did not hear about it until they saw a gathering of assemby members.
What was said about various speakers was nothing to discourage child labour. The strict use of english language by the various speakers is a pointer to miscommunication as most of the participants do not understand english.
The programme can not be condemned completely as a few speakers attempted to interprete what the other speakers said. The Chairman also gave his final remarks in the local language.
Lessons to the organizers to involve other stakeholders and consider the plight of the subject in question.
The question is, will the celebration stop CHILD LABOUR?
After carefully observing and experiencing the celebration held at Tapa Abotoase today, I can say without mincing words that its impact will not be felt. This might sound controversial but I am taking this risk for the sake of tomorrow. Who is such a programme meant for? Scool children? Parents? Assemby members? or Departmental heads of a district assembly?
Today's occassion was held by and for assembly members and observed by some school children, few teachers and a few concerned citizens like us. The publicity given to this celebration was nothing to write home about. Most people did not hear about it until they saw a gathering of assemby members.
What was said about various speakers was nothing to discourage child labour. The strict use of english language by the various speakers is a pointer to miscommunication as most of the participants do not understand english.
The programme can not be condemned completely as a few speakers attempted to interprete what the other speakers said. The Chairman also gave his final remarks in the local language.
Lessons to the organizers to involve other stakeholders and consider the plight of the subject in question.
Thursday, 16 June 2011
WATCHING WITHIN FROM AFAR; WATCHING AFAR FROM WITHIN
It is the situation that we tend to see the speck in others' eyes than the log in our own eyes. Such is the case that we see what is miles away from us whiles others see what around us ignoring what is around them.
A contender (intent) of the parliamentary seat of Biakoye Constituency, I embacked on a familiarization tour of the constiruency. The observations are heart breaking in one breath and heart warming in another. Most communities in this constituency are connected to the national electricity grid. The main drive through the constituency from Asakyiri to Kabo is first class. There are several GETFUND school projects at various stages of construction.
Constituents beyond the lake can best be described as deprived. Galikpo has one mud chapel serving as a classroom/school for pupil aged between 2years and 19years learning the same content under the same teacher. Twamye has a school closed down with parents transfering their wards to Worawora and Abotoase schools by foot and canoe respectively. Gbemumu has an under staffed school, with little to say about logistics.
Much work to do if you asked me. Ladies and Gentlemen, our constituents and youth are denied education by virtue of location. Education must be provided to all children of school going age irrespective of where they are in Ghana. We have to do whatever we can to ensure that these children are not unduly punished. Education for all 2020 is eluding some children by no fault of theirs.
Trained teachers are refusing postings to such places and accommodation is not available for those who accept to go there. We need volunteers to assist these children gain easy access to quality education. I am the first volunteer. JOIN ME NOW.
A contender (intent) of the parliamentary seat of Biakoye Constituency, I embacked on a familiarization tour of the constiruency. The observations are heart breaking in one breath and heart warming in another. Most communities in this constituency are connected to the national electricity grid. The main drive through the constituency from Asakyiri to Kabo is first class. There are several GETFUND school projects at various stages of construction.
Constituents beyond the lake can best be described as deprived. Galikpo has one mud chapel serving as a classroom/school for pupil aged between 2years and 19years learning the same content under the same teacher. Twamye has a school closed down with parents transfering their wards to Worawora and Abotoase schools by foot and canoe respectively. Gbemumu has an under staffed school, with little to say about logistics.
Much work to do if you asked me. Ladies and Gentlemen, our constituents and youth are denied education by virtue of location. Education must be provided to all children of school going age irrespective of where they are in Ghana. We have to do whatever we can to ensure that these children are not unduly punished. Education for all 2020 is eluding some children by no fault of theirs.
Trained teachers are refusing postings to such places and accommodation is not available for those who accept to go there. We need volunteers to assist these children gain easy access to quality education. I am the first volunteer. JOIN ME NOW.
Tuesday, 14 June 2011
LIVING AT PEACE WITH THE WORLD
Meaning of Peace: A state of quiet or tranquillity; freedom from disturbance or agitation; calm; repose. (ardictionary.com) This state of quiet may in reality not exist completely because a little misunderstanding is required for proper understanding of so many issues. In the exhibition of our freedoms, we are likely to disturb or agitate some neighbours. These agitated neighbours will need to ask for some freedom as well. This give and take is mostly not calm enough but results in calm if properly handled.
Peace is a state of harmony characterized by the lack of violent conflict. ... The personalized meaning is reflected in a nonviolent lifestyle (wikipedia). Where there is nonviolence, there calm. An atmosphere of no trbalism, no political difference and no religious discrimination.
As a catholic, I initially wondered why 'pax romana' but I got to know it is Roman Peace. Depicting a long spell of peace under the Roman Empire. In Africa, it is difficult to talk about peace because there are scattered conflicts all over the continent.
Ghana has been termed peaceful for a very long while because comparatively, conflict in Ghana is minimal. Minimal in the sense that there are a few internal wranglings in Ghana. Political, Chieftancy and Tribal wranglings. The recent enstoolment of a second Ga Mantse is recipe for violence in other jurisdictions but there seem to be calm in the face of this disturbance.
In my little corner, peace is what I cry for. I have and continue to cry for peace. Born in a Constituency inhabited by over a dozen tribes and five traditional areas, conflict amongst the people of Biakoye in any form was scarce. Recently, there have been very sharp divisions over political decisions that might not have been taken directly by the sons and daughters of the constituency.
As a stakeholder, I hold the view that the total development of Biakoye Constituency/District boarders on unity. With unity, 'we' can build our area. An area that has produced so many resource for the development of Ghana. Before the Biakoye district was seperated from the Jasikan district, Biakoye provided the JDA with DCE and other staffs. Why can't we do same for our own.
Brothers and sisters of Biakoye Constituency/District, let us reduce partisan, tribal and personal interests and pause a minute to think about our District/Constituency, our Region and nation for unity and peace to ensure development. Join me unite Biakoye; I have stretched a hand, stretch yours and let's unite for Peace.
BIAKOYE, WE ARE ONE.
Peace is a state of harmony characterized by the lack of violent conflict. ... The personalized meaning is reflected in a nonviolent lifestyle (wikipedia). Where there is nonviolence, there calm. An atmosphere of no trbalism, no political difference and no religious discrimination.
As a catholic, I initially wondered why 'pax romana' but I got to know it is Roman Peace. Depicting a long spell of peace under the Roman Empire. In Africa, it is difficult to talk about peace because there are scattered conflicts all over the continent.
Ghana has been termed peaceful for a very long while because comparatively, conflict in Ghana is minimal. Minimal in the sense that there are a few internal wranglings in Ghana. Political, Chieftancy and Tribal wranglings. The recent enstoolment of a second Ga Mantse is recipe for violence in other jurisdictions but there seem to be calm in the face of this disturbance.
In my little corner, peace is what I cry for. I have and continue to cry for peace. Born in a Constituency inhabited by over a dozen tribes and five traditional areas, conflict amongst the people of Biakoye in any form was scarce. Recently, there have been very sharp divisions over political decisions that might not have been taken directly by the sons and daughters of the constituency.
As a stakeholder, I hold the view that the total development of Biakoye Constituency/District boarders on unity. With unity, 'we' can build our area. An area that has produced so many resource for the development of Ghana. Before the Biakoye district was seperated from the Jasikan district, Biakoye provided the JDA with DCE and other staffs. Why can't we do same for our own.
Brothers and sisters of Biakoye Constituency/District, let us reduce partisan, tribal and personal interests and pause a minute to think about our District/Constituency, our Region and nation for unity and peace to ensure development. Join me unite Biakoye; I have stretched a hand, stretch yours and let's unite for Peace.
BIAKOYE, WE ARE ONE.
Friday, 10 June 2011
RESPECT OR COWARDICE?
On campus one fine afternoon after a Water quality lecture at the University of Ghana, Legon Graduate hostel, I looked straight in the face of my younger friend and brother Zu and called him a "fool". The young man did not take this lightly. What started as a jest between two friends ended nasty.
I have since then watched my language 'mind your language' For anybody to feel the offence in my language, he needs to go home, sleep and digest my talk before getting the offence in the speech. I have always said it like it is without insulting.
After Williams made his filthy comments about the president, I facebooked six NPP friends and posed the question, Will you call Mills a xxxx? In all six cases, the answer was HELL NO. I told these friends; you are truly Ghanaian.
This response was relayed to Williams and all he said was that you guys are cowards. Cowards? We are respectful that all. Respect? He tried to find out again. Yes, respect. I emphasised. You don't mean it. You do not have to respect for age or leadership. He told me.
Tell me, am I a coward? Are my six NPP friends cowards too? Is Williams the bravest? Most Ghanaian? Our leaders deserve some respect.
I have since then watched my language 'mind your language' For anybody to feel the offence in my language, he needs to go home, sleep and digest my talk before getting the offence in the speech. I have always said it like it is without insulting.
After Williams made his filthy comments about the president, I facebooked six NPP friends and posed the question, Will you call Mills a xxxx? In all six cases, the answer was HELL NO. I told these friends; you are truly Ghanaian.
This response was relayed to Williams and all he said was that you guys are cowards. Cowards? We are respectful that all. Respect? He tried to find out again. Yes, respect. I emphasised. You don't mean it. You do not have to respect for age or leadership. He told me.
Tell me, am I a coward? Are my six NPP friends cowards too? Is Williams the bravest? Most Ghanaian? Our leaders deserve some respect.
Thursday, 2 June 2011
PERCEPTIONS
In his attempt to measure perception, Jesus asked his disciples; who do people say I am? They pleased him by answering; "the messiah" Finally, one of these 12 disciples who told him people call him Messiah betrayed him to the same people who called him Messiah for crucifixion. will anybody crucify his saviour? Who do you say I am? A liar? A traitor? or a good man?
Plato said; I do not know who people say I am but to me, I am but a little child moving through a vast world of knowledge in search of a little pebble to better my lot. He set aside what people think about him to set a definite objective for himself. By the end of his search, he should get a pebble to better his lot. His lot includes himself, family, community, constituency, country and most importantly generations yet unborn.
It is bad to allow public perception to bug you down though from time to time, it is prudent to measure your performances based on this same perception. In the run up to the 2006 presidential primaries of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC), it was perceived and 'polished' to look as if the president, H. E. John Evans Atta Mills was so ill he could not lead the party to victory. 5 years on, he is a very strong president preparing to go again for the July 8 -10 2011 primaries towards election 2012. He ignored the perception then and succeeded.
On December 29, 2010, an incident occured in the Biakoye District. One name took centre stage in some circles for the bad reasons and in another for good reasons. Kwame Dennis was bastardised for casting his vote in the District Assembly elections at a time people of his village had decided not to take part in that election. He obviously had reasons for casting his votes. He voted without any problems at all. In the end, some youth were arrested for electoral misconduct. This arrest was attributed to him.
Rumours kept flying across the length and breadth of the country on what people think about him. What do people say about me? I most cases, the answer was; oh now things are calm and all is well. Today, I met a youth group to interact with them and the result was, "we are very angry at you" "we will never forgive you" Reported perceptions may mostly not be true.
From my interactions today, I realized that it is difficult to measure perceptions just the same way it is difficult to change perceptions. People will still link you to some acts in primary school even though you have graduated from the university. People will not stop perceiving you as a thief even though you are now a pastor
.Let us all learn to find out about issues without necessarily accusing innocent people for wrongs they have not committed. It is sad to hear that our prisons are full of innocent persons. We can make a difference if we pause for a minute ask why, how or who it really is.
Plato said; I do not know who people say I am but to me, I am but a little child moving through a vast world of knowledge in search of a little pebble to better my lot. He set aside what people think about him to set a definite objective for himself. By the end of his search, he should get a pebble to better his lot. His lot includes himself, family, community, constituency, country and most importantly generations yet unborn.
It is bad to allow public perception to bug you down though from time to time, it is prudent to measure your performances based on this same perception. In the run up to the 2006 presidential primaries of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC), it was perceived and 'polished' to look as if the president, H. E. John Evans Atta Mills was so ill he could not lead the party to victory. 5 years on, he is a very strong president preparing to go again for the July 8 -10 2011 primaries towards election 2012. He ignored the perception then and succeeded.
On December 29, 2010, an incident occured in the Biakoye District. One name took centre stage in some circles for the bad reasons and in another for good reasons. Kwame Dennis was bastardised for casting his vote in the District Assembly elections at a time people of his village had decided not to take part in that election. He obviously had reasons for casting his votes. He voted without any problems at all. In the end, some youth were arrested for electoral misconduct. This arrest was attributed to him.
Rumours kept flying across the length and breadth of the country on what people think about him. What do people say about me? I most cases, the answer was; oh now things are calm and all is well. Today, I met a youth group to interact with them and the result was, "we are very angry at you" "we will never forgive you" Reported perceptions may mostly not be true.
From my interactions today, I realized that it is difficult to measure perceptions just the same way it is difficult to change perceptions. People will still link you to some acts in primary school even though you have graduated from the university. People will not stop perceiving you as a thief even though you are now a pastor
.Let us all learn to find out about issues without necessarily accusing innocent people for wrongs they have not committed. It is sad to hear that our prisons are full of innocent persons. We can make a difference if we pause for a minute ask why, how or who it really is.
RECONCILIATION
It is difficult in most cases for people to successfully reconcile because parties are not prepared to admit their mistakes and apologize. Admission of error by relinquishing one's pride temporarily for peace and unity should not be too much for any peace loving citizen of our motherland Ghana.
'It takes two to tango' they say. How can one reconcile if the other party is not ready to accept the apology of that party. The parties in conflict must all be prepared to forgo something in order to broker peace. They must be prepared to forgive and be forgiven. Be prepared to beg and be begged. Give and be given.
In most cases, someone initiates the reconciliation process. To succeed in negotiation towards reconciliation, the parties should trust you. Any display or suspicion of partiality towards any parties may complicate issues. Neutrality is essential in any reconciliatory process.
Life is too short for people to bear grudge with each other forever. It is time for reconciliation. It is time for peace and unity. Let us unity to help built a better world.
'It takes two to tango' they say. How can one reconcile if the other party is not ready to accept the apology of that party. The parties in conflict must all be prepared to forgo something in order to broker peace. They must be prepared to forgive and be forgiven. Be prepared to beg and be begged. Give and be given.
In most cases, someone initiates the reconciliation process. To succeed in negotiation towards reconciliation, the parties should trust you. Any display or suspicion of partiality towards any parties may complicate issues. Neutrality is essential in any reconciliatory process.
Life is too short for people to bear grudge with each other forever. It is time for reconciliation. It is time for peace and unity. Let us unity to help built a better world.
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