My fear of public speaking began in class 4 when my teacher consistently referred to me as a talkative and flogged me for talking. As a child, I considered talking in public as an offense; misguided, isn't it? It was offensive without prompt. Thank God I had opportunities to do presentations at church and in my societies.
Others like me have stopped doing what they could do best due to misguided statements of some unscrupulous teachers and parents/guardians or so called opinion leaders in their communities. I remember my science teacher told my hairy classmate that the difference between him and a monkey was speech. George my classmate shaved some hair off his body just to please that teacher. This same teacher advised Dorcas to go help her mum with the sale of her fish because she could not complete a simple calculation on refraction. Dorcas is now a branch manager of a bank.
People have lost track of their ambition because others have misled them. It was, it is and will continue to be. People will continue to mislead others. Loud mouthing is good when what one is putting across is sensible and important to the development of society. In such cases, encouragement is required. Where it appears non beneficial, correction is better especially for a child. Continuous scolding makes the loud mouth scared to speak when it matters most.
Other people have been encouraged and/or allowed to speak from childhood without direction and have grown with careless loud mouthing. What is suppose to be a strength which they see as their strength is now a weakness and a tool against themselves. Their mouth is fire; the good servant that is obviously a bad master.
Society fear the outspoken. Outspoken young men take advantage of this societal fear and lord it over people in some situations. In the end, the prey also becomes a predator; then a struggle for survival starts. The old predator would have exhausted its strategies. Sharing is good; blessing in giving; cheating..... Nobody loves to be cheated but at the least opportunity, the greed in man pushes him to cheat his neighbour. Remember: Love thy neighbour as thyself.
The renown cheat told a friend, "Now I have no good record so I will want to do business with you in the presence of others" I wish I will never have to say this in life. Where I start on this note, it is cool but where I am trusted, may I not find myself in such a mess. The stubborn fly will definitely follow the corpse to the grave.
I have adviced myself to say and do what is right irrespective of what I have done wrong in the past. I will also guide the youth to do the right things at all times. Be transparent and be prepared for probe.
Monday, 25 July 2011
Tuesday, 19 July 2011
GOOD MORNING MY NEIGHBOURS
Good morning brothers and sisters. I am up and kicking by the Grace of God almighty. What about you? Did you sleep well? How is the morning? I believe all is well. If I consider the number of friends on line, number of call received and the good 'mornings' exchanged, I guess all is well. Thanks be to Jehovah.
All the same, let us pray for our brothers and sisters who are still battling floods in the Eastern Region. God be with them. We do not want to lose lives. Have a nice day.
All the same, let us pray for our brothers and sisters who are still battling floods in the Eastern Region. God be with them. We do not want to lose lives. Have a nice day.
IF YOU LIVE IN A GLASS HOUSE, DON'T THROW STONE
It is a said that when people find themselve in good environments, they forget their roots. Every person has some cobweb in his or her cupboard; true or false? It is debatable though because where as some cobwebs are criminal, others are immoral. No matter how we look at it, people will want to make capital out of every issue, big or small.
When it becomes a case of fighting oppressor's rule, it is worse because the oppressed in his/her quest to gain independence will do what ever it takes to win. Leaders and young politicians should understand that they need their people as much as their people need them. NO man is indispensable. Every person is dispensable. If you are not killed, you will die naturally and in your absence, life must go on.
It is true that people carrying gun powder can still smoke their pipes but not when the gun powder is not covered or has a leakage. During fire dance, it is DANGEROUS for dancers whose buttocks are stuffed with cotton to join. It is well summerized by the reggae singer that if you live in a glass house, don't throw stones. Those outside may also throw some stones at your glass.
On our way to our village (Ade3mbra) in the Afram Plains, we met two men in a heated argument on the pontoon. For the sake of this write up, one was Solo and the other was Godwyn. In course of the argument, Solo gave Godwyn a slap on his cheek; paaaaaaaaaam! It was loud so I moved some steps towards them to ensure peace. My daddy called me and said; "Kwame, go into the car, pick the Bible and read Proverbs 18:6" I obeyed and behold it summerized everything and made issues simple.
Since then, I have been wondering which is practicable if religious prudence is set aside; AN EYE FOR AN EYE, A TOOTH FOR A TOOTH or VENGEANCE IS THE LORD'S? My assurance is in the fact that; if the Lord does not built the house, we labour in vain. We need not allow Proverbs 18:6 to apply to us in the fight for leadership or political power.
We all have some good in us, what is not clear is how we will apply the quality in us; for the good of society or for our selfish interest. Men are said to be greedy by nature; in the same way, men have been given control over all things on earth including greed. Once you expose your greed, people will hit back at you.
A word to the wise is enough. Let's meet tomorrow.
When it becomes a case of fighting oppressor's rule, it is worse because the oppressed in his/her quest to gain independence will do what ever it takes to win. Leaders and young politicians should understand that they need their people as much as their people need them. NO man is indispensable. Every person is dispensable. If you are not killed, you will die naturally and in your absence, life must go on.
It is true that people carrying gun powder can still smoke their pipes but not when the gun powder is not covered or has a leakage. During fire dance, it is DANGEROUS for dancers whose buttocks are stuffed with cotton to join. It is well summerized by the reggae singer that if you live in a glass house, don't throw stones. Those outside may also throw some stones at your glass.
On our way to our village (Ade3mbra) in the Afram Plains, we met two men in a heated argument on the pontoon. For the sake of this write up, one was Solo and the other was Godwyn. In course of the argument, Solo gave Godwyn a slap on his cheek; paaaaaaaaaam! It was loud so I moved some steps towards them to ensure peace. My daddy called me and said; "Kwame, go into the car, pick the Bible and read Proverbs 18:6" I obeyed and behold it summerized everything and made issues simple.
Since then, I have been wondering which is practicable if religious prudence is set aside; AN EYE FOR AN EYE, A TOOTH FOR A TOOTH or VENGEANCE IS THE LORD'S? My assurance is in the fact that; if the Lord does not built the house, we labour in vain. We need not allow Proverbs 18:6 to apply to us in the fight for leadership or political power.
We all have some good in us, what is not clear is how we will apply the quality in us; for the good of society or for our selfish interest. Men are said to be greedy by nature; in the same way, men have been given control over all things on earth including greed. Once you expose your greed, people will hit back at you.
A word to the wise is enough. Let's meet tomorrow.
Saturday, 16 July 2011
OH UG, WHAT IS THIS?
The University of Ghana is in the news this week for two reasons; the bad and the good. The good is in relation to the dismissal and suspension of some students who sexually assaulted Amina. I have heard a lot of debate on that subject and my candid opinion is that, the university has the authority to sanction its student for breaching any rules of the university. Criminal or moral/immoral does not matter here. The courts can go ahead to declare the actions of the students 'HOLY' once such an act is unacceptable on a university campus, the university can apply its own sanctions to ensure students treat people as human beings.
The bad is on the 50% increase in hostel fees. 50%? No! This is unacceptable. Even if it is an increase on GHc 2.00, it will give GHc 3.00 which is still high to a lot of Ghanaians today. I doubt if the university considered the classes of people in the university and their income levels. When I was in the university, my parents virtually had to go for loans to pay my fees. Six (6) years on, we are still paying some of these loans. My SSNIT loan is still bloating with pressure from guarantors. To think that my younger brother is also in the university going through the same processes is enough headache.
This is to say that some people can pay 200% increase and will not feel anything at all. In the case of others like it was in my case, even 10% increase at any point will be hell. Is it compulsory that fees must increase at the start of every academic year? Parents need to plan on their wards' education in the long term. If fees will increase arbitrarily every academic year, how can parents plan? If it is compulsory to increase every academic year, there must be a stable per centage of increase so that parents will factor this per centage of increase into their planning. 5 - 10% increase is acceptable but 50% is UNACCEPTABLE.
I did not intend to bring politics into this write up but in today's Ghana, it is difficult to depoliticise some of these actions in our institutions. The National Democratic Congress (NDC) believes in social democracy where all citizens live to enjoy what they all work to benefit so it is expected that at a time when citizens are complaining of general hardship, fees will be kept at their current state untill the economy improves. Until this is done, any increase in fees will bring untold hardship unto the citizenry especially the already poor and under paid workers. We may be growing a society where only the rich can access quality and/or tertiary education.
The University of Ghana, Legon authorities should look at the dicision again and reduce the fees to the barest minimum so that the poorest in society can manage. The actions of the university should not contradict the promise of the NDC government to give a BETTER GHANA in which education will be accessible to the poor and rich alike. The decision to increase the fees by this huge per centage is unacceptable.
The other universities should take a cue from this current happenings and avoid any such arbitrary increase in fees that will cause student agitation. Negotiate with your students and ensure acceptable per centage increase.
The bad is on the 50% increase in hostel fees. 50%? No! This is unacceptable. Even if it is an increase on GHc 2.00, it will give GHc 3.00 which is still high to a lot of Ghanaians today. I doubt if the university considered the classes of people in the university and their income levels. When I was in the university, my parents virtually had to go for loans to pay my fees. Six (6) years on, we are still paying some of these loans. My SSNIT loan is still bloating with pressure from guarantors. To think that my younger brother is also in the university going through the same processes is enough headache.
This is to say that some people can pay 200% increase and will not feel anything at all. In the case of others like it was in my case, even 10% increase at any point will be hell. Is it compulsory that fees must increase at the start of every academic year? Parents need to plan on their wards' education in the long term. If fees will increase arbitrarily every academic year, how can parents plan? If it is compulsory to increase every academic year, there must be a stable per centage of increase so that parents will factor this per centage of increase into their planning. 5 - 10% increase is acceptable but 50% is UNACCEPTABLE.
I did not intend to bring politics into this write up but in today's Ghana, it is difficult to depoliticise some of these actions in our institutions. The National Democratic Congress (NDC) believes in social democracy where all citizens live to enjoy what they all work to benefit so it is expected that at a time when citizens are complaining of general hardship, fees will be kept at their current state untill the economy improves. Until this is done, any increase in fees will bring untold hardship unto the citizenry especially the already poor and under paid workers. We may be growing a society where only the rich can access quality and/or tertiary education.
The University of Ghana, Legon authorities should look at the dicision again and reduce the fees to the barest minimum so that the poorest in society can manage. The actions of the university should not contradict the promise of the NDC government to give a BETTER GHANA in which education will be accessible to the poor and rich alike. The decision to increase the fees by this huge per centage is unacceptable.
The other universities should take a cue from this current happenings and avoid any such arbitrary increase in fees that will cause student agitation. Negotiate with your students and ensure acceptable per centage increase.
Wednesday, 13 July 2011
YOUNG MEN WITH BALD HEADS
Some old folks in society have taken the youth for granted for far too long. I will not be surprised if the youth wake up in arms very soon to protest against 'oppressors' rule'. The youth have displayed across board and across political parties that they are capable of handling every position handed them. A few abuses here and there can not be ruled out just as it is amongst the elders.
In Prof. J. E. A. Mills' government,the youth have not been left out. Their services have been utilized to the barest maximum. Kudos to the learned Professor for trusting in the youth; assuring up and coming ones to put in their best for recognition. Some of us have taken up the challenge to do our best for the development of mother Ghana. "We are all involved in building our motherland" In response to the call to Ghana youth to arise for their country which demands their devotion.
Those who have taken up positions at their early stages have not disgraced the youth of Ghana in any way at all. Talk about Child Rights International; a great organization for child right issues and you can only say the youthful Bright Appiah is not doing badly. Kafs Academy is another example where Kafui is not doing badly. In the NPP, Sammy Awuku, Sammy Jinapor and co are doing well. In NDC, Alex, Idaya, Betty Mensah, Hope and co are great guys. In government, Hon. Ablakwa, Agyenim-Boateng, Bissiw and a lot more are wonderful.
"Watch the young men with bald heads they are full of matured minds" Allotey Jacobs made this statement on Peace fm today and I was satisfied with myself because I fit into his expression. You can imagine how the feeling is when the reason for disqualification or attempted disqualification in any intellectual context is age. One MP asked his constituents; 'will you sit down for such a small boy to be your MP?' Imagine this, if the 'small boy' will perform better, why not?
I am calling on the youth who have coiled into their shells because some 'oldies' are not allowing them to prove their capabilities to come out of those shells to compete for their places in society. The world has moved from where uncles come to beg you for work to where you have to prepare a winning CV, search for vacancy and still pass an interview. Our uncles and aunties now have little or no influence. We must wake up from our slumber to face the world.
We are matching on to victory. Join us.
In Prof. J. E. A. Mills' government,the youth have not been left out. Their services have been utilized to the barest maximum. Kudos to the learned Professor for trusting in the youth; assuring up and coming ones to put in their best for recognition. Some of us have taken up the challenge to do our best for the development of mother Ghana. "We are all involved in building our motherland" In response to the call to Ghana youth to arise for their country which demands their devotion.
Those who have taken up positions at their early stages have not disgraced the youth of Ghana in any way at all. Talk about Child Rights International; a great organization for child right issues and you can only say the youthful Bright Appiah is not doing badly. Kafs Academy is another example where Kafui is not doing badly. In the NPP, Sammy Awuku, Sammy Jinapor and co are doing well. In NDC, Alex, Idaya, Betty Mensah, Hope and co are great guys. In government, Hon. Ablakwa, Agyenim-Boateng, Bissiw and a lot more are wonderful.
"Watch the young men with bald heads they are full of matured minds" Allotey Jacobs made this statement on Peace fm today and I was satisfied with myself because I fit into his expression. You can imagine how the feeling is when the reason for disqualification or attempted disqualification in any intellectual context is age. One MP asked his constituents; 'will you sit down for such a small boy to be your MP?' Imagine this, if the 'small boy' will perform better, why not?
I am calling on the youth who have coiled into their shells because some 'oldies' are not allowing them to prove their capabilities to come out of those shells to compete for their places in society. The world has moved from where uncles come to beg you for work to where you have to prepare a winning CV, search for vacancy and still pass an interview. Our uncles and aunties now have little or no influence. We must wake up from our slumber to face the world.
We are matching on to victory. Join us.
Monday, 11 July 2011
SIGHTS AND SOUNDS OF SUNYANI
Sunyani was the best place for the NDC congress. I do not know what went into the selection of the venue but I am very satisfied with my experience that it was the best decision for the party.
The clean nature of the capital city made me wonder if the place was polished for the congress. Trusted Mr Asabi-Boakye of Afrisipa told me NO! Sunyani is always neat. There was some issue though; maintenace or lack of it on the Sunyani Polytechnic GETFUND Hostel. Bad sight; torn nets; bushy surronding with very beautiful ladies and good looking young men moving in and out of the hostel.
Security was tight yet friendly. Supporters well behaved and observers very careful. These put together gave a peaceful celebration before, during and after the congress outside the park. At the park itself, everything was orderly with commitment to an incident free congress. It came to pass; INCIDENT FREE CONGRESS IT WAS.
The women in party colours were there in their numbers and those in very HOT dresses were there too. Great sight. Stanford Bridge and Tyco were the places to be after each day's struggle. For the ordinary party man the duo were entertaining enough. There was fun all night. Chessville and Eust Burg were also in another class. Their food was just ok. PATASE provided fufu with akrantie, )twe and aponkye nkrakra on Thursday; Idaya. Ohene. Betty and Tess can testify. One can still smell the flavour on his fingers today. We will be back again some day because we have some unfinished business.
Emerging leaders showed what they have up their sleeves. Sharing rooms for the Eastern Region team was a task but Betty, Kamel and Dennis were up to the task but not without difficulties. Some praised while others complained; such is life.
The people of Biakoye were there as delegates and observers. We interacted and shared ideas before and after voting. They are safe and sound back home.
I am a proud AKATAMANSONIAN. 3y3 zu, 3y3 za; emefa mia mia mia mia mia mia. NDC and SUNYANI dey biiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii k3k3.
The clean nature of the capital city made me wonder if the place was polished for the congress. Trusted Mr Asabi-Boakye of Afrisipa told me NO! Sunyani is always neat. There was some issue though; maintenace or lack of it on the Sunyani Polytechnic GETFUND Hostel. Bad sight; torn nets; bushy surronding with very beautiful ladies and good looking young men moving in and out of the hostel.
Security was tight yet friendly. Supporters well behaved and observers very careful. These put together gave a peaceful celebration before, during and after the congress outside the park. At the park itself, everything was orderly with commitment to an incident free congress. It came to pass; INCIDENT FREE CONGRESS IT WAS.
The women in party colours were there in their numbers and those in very HOT dresses were there too. Great sight. Stanford Bridge and Tyco were the places to be after each day's struggle. For the ordinary party man the duo were entertaining enough. There was fun all night. Chessville and Eust Burg were also in another class. Their food was just ok. PATASE provided fufu with akrantie, )twe and aponkye nkrakra on Thursday; Idaya. Ohene. Betty and Tess can testify. One can still smell the flavour on his fingers today. We will be back again some day because we have some unfinished business.
Emerging leaders showed what they have up their sleeves. Sharing rooms for the Eastern Region team was a task but Betty, Kamel and Dennis were up to the task but not without difficulties. Some praised while others complained; such is life.
The people of Biakoye were there as delegates and observers. We interacted and shared ideas before and after voting. They are safe and sound back home.
I am a proud AKATAMANSONIAN. 3y3 zu, 3y3 za; emefa mia mia mia mia mia mia. NDC and SUNYANI dey biiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii k3k3.
Sunday, 3 July 2011
BUSINESS DESTRUCTION
When I complained a few months ago about how bogus Barclays Bank Ghana has turned, many are those who called to ask why. I simply told them how I suffered to get an ATM card, having to visit six different branches before finally getting and ATM card at Legon Main Branch. Even my own branch could not offer that service.
In 1994 when I first opened an account at the Nsawam branch of Barclays Bank Ghana, the latest time I ever had my salary was 23rd of the month. After a while, the elitist attitude to banking was introduced in Barclays where customers with minimum balance below GHc 50.00 (500.000.00 Cedis) had their accounts closed. Barclays lost customers.
Barclays was sent to the markets, workshops, homes, schools, hostels etc for people to open accounts without cash or with as LOW as GHc 5.00. A lot of customers reluctantly joined the drive. This was not without expression of mistrust for the Barclays TRADITION.
Today, things are worst. Minimum balance at GHc 200.00, ATM acquisition difficulty, customer relations so bad in some branches and persistent breakdown of ATMs..
On Tuesday, the ATM at Avenue Central branch was down and no one in the branch had any idea when it will be repaired. On the same day, one of the three ATMs at the Circle branch was down. A check on these machines the next day gave the same result. On Saturday, the ATM at Hohoe was down and on Sunday the one at Somanya was also down. Why? Is the ATM service free because Barclays can not operate a first class ATM service? Who cares about 25Gp if the service is of high quality?
Poor service, high service charges and unsustainable new services introduction. Somebody has to be responsible to bring Barclays back on track. The downward slide is unacceptable. Who is in charge?
In 1994 when I first opened an account at the Nsawam branch of Barclays Bank Ghana, the latest time I ever had my salary was 23rd of the month. After a while, the elitist attitude to banking was introduced in Barclays where customers with minimum balance below GHc 50.00 (500.000.00 Cedis) had their accounts closed. Barclays lost customers.
Barclays was sent to the markets, workshops, homes, schools, hostels etc for people to open accounts without cash or with as LOW as GHc 5.00. A lot of customers reluctantly joined the drive. This was not without expression of mistrust for the Barclays TRADITION.
Today, things are worst. Minimum balance at GHc 200.00, ATM acquisition difficulty, customer relations so bad in some branches and persistent breakdown of ATMs..
On Tuesday, the ATM at Avenue Central branch was down and no one in the branch had any idea when it will be repaired. On the same day, one of the three ATMs at the Circle branch was down. A check on these machines the next day gave the same result. On Saturday, the ATM at Hohoe was down and on Sunday the one at Somanya was also down. Why? Is the ATM service free because Barclays can not operate a first class ATM service? Who cares about 25Gp if the service is of high quality?
Poor service, high service charges and unsustainable new services introduction. Somebody has to be responsible to bring Barclays back on track. The downward slide is unacceptable. Who is in charge?
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