Festival is an event, usually staged by a local community, which centers on some unique aspect of that community. Among many religions, a feast or festival is a set of celebrations in honor of God or gods. A feast and a festival are historically interchangeable. However, the term "feast" has also entered common secular parlance as a synonym for any large or elaborate meal. When used as in the meaning of a festival, most often refers to a religious festival rather than a film or art festival.
In the Christian liturgical calendar there are two principal feasts, properly known as the Feast of the Nativity of our Lord Christmas and the Feast of the Resurrection Easter. In the Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, and Anglican liturgical calendars there are a great number of lesser feasts throughout the year commemorate saints, sacred events, doctrines, etc.
In Ghana, there so many festivals across the length and breadth of the country. These festivals are celebrated to thank the supreme being or gods for bumper harvest; safe migration; first harvest and victory in battle. Names given to Ghanaian festivals depend on the ethnic group, language and the reason for the celebration. Akwasidae, Kundum, Damba, Hogbetsotso, Akwantukese, Akwantutenten, Bayeredi, Homowo, Frikoso and Gbi-dukoza are a few of the festivals in Ghana.
In recent times, OFORI-ASIEDU FOUNDATION, TAKE COOL TWO drinking water and Stelo jewelery have become a positive trio, making things happen for festivals with vision. Within the Biakoye constituency, no organization is as vibrant in event promotion, management and sponsorship as the trio. They make events happen. In October 2011, they made Ntsumuru yam festival extraordinary and Worawora Akwantutenten super; mega and are hoping to join wurupong in November.
Ghanaian culture is elegant in all aspect and similar in a lot of ways. Major differences in festivals are mostly names, patronage and themes. The more the patronage, the more colourful it looks. catchy themes attract patrons but must go with marketing; this is where OFORI-ASIEDU FOUNDATION, TAKE COOL 2 and STELO come in as great partners.
Ask me and my view is that all festivals in Ghana are same. Features are on pouring of libation, re-enacting the events of the past and sourcing for funds for development. Merry making is a key characteristic of festivals. From traditional dances to foreign music and dance. It is time for families to re-unite and settle dispute.Businesses also do well during this period especially food and alcoholic beverage dealers.
Sadly, some persons especially the youth use this period to engage in immoral acts. In 2003, it was reported that there was condoms shortage in a town during a festival. It was also reported at one festival review that, organizers have canceled a blood donation event because a similar exercise the previous year showed over 45% tested positive for HIV. It was rumoured that less than 10% tested HIV positive two years earlier. The suspicion further was that a lot of them engage in unprotected sex during these festivals.
Thing is whether the festival is for bumper harvest, battle victory or whatever, the benefits and problems are similar. The differences are even more similar.
Long Live Ghana, Long Live OFORI-ASIEDU FOUNDATION, Long Live Take Cool 2 Drinking Water.
Sunday, 30 October 2011
Wednesday, 26 October 2011
MY DAY OF PRIDE
Saturday October 22, 2011 was my day of pride as a citizen of Tapa-Amanya when in my over 35 years in life a good story was told about my little town in relation to education. A move away from the status quo. A great move away from those string of failures in BECE results.
I was a special guest at the Ntsumuru yam festival at Nkonya-Ntsumuru. Minutes after my short speech, the Director of Education's representative was invited to speak on the state of education in Biakoye. The speaker; one Apreko could simply be described as a great speaker. The man was up to the task. When he started speaking and giving the records, I was scared. When he mentioned Tapa-Amanya, I missed a heart beat but to my utmost surprise, he said, 'all students who wrote the BECE at Tapa Amanya passed and had schools, thus 100%'
Immediately, I was relieved of any pressure. Then I shouted, clap for my people. Fortunately, they responded with a thunderous clap. People from Amanya at the time with me at the festival were excited as well. BECE; 100%, we are excited. Why?
We are excited because events of the immediate past were not like this. Football matches stopped in the middle of the game because Amanya was losing. The flogging of friends because of games we lost and the acquisition of titles like 'patapaa', 'sheeshee' and the like as other neighbours usually refer to us give us cause to be excited about little things.
My joy grew bigger when I visited the wall of Tapa Nkosuo yesterday on facebook to read a discussion started by one Collins Dankwa. For another once, I think Collins touched on the right knob and all the contributors were excellent. What is missing in here is whether Collins and his friends meant what they were saying. It is hypocritical to preach virtue and practice vice. A call for a youth action requires youth support in endeavours that lead to the development of Tapa.
Now that you have started this debate, we can all call Tapaman to action and invite the youth to contribute meaningfully to the development of Tapa. I am all out for it what about you?
I was a special guest at the Ntsumuru yam festival at Nkonya-Ntsumuru. Minutes after my short speech, the Director of Education's representative was invited to speak on the state of education in Biakoye. The speaker; one Apreko could simply be described as a great speaker. The man was up to the task. When he started speaking and giving the records, I was scared. When he mentioned Tapa-Amanya, I missed a heart beat but to my utmost surprise, he said, 'all students who wrote the BECE at Tapa Amanya passed and had schools, thus 100%'
Immediately, I was relieved of any pressure. Then I shouted, clap for my people. Fortunately, they responded with a thunderous clap. People from Amanya at the time with me at the festival were excited as well. BECE; 100%, we are excited. Why?
We are excited because events of the immediate past were not like this. Football matches stopped in the middle of the game because Amanya was losing. The flogging of friends because of games we lost and the acquisition of titles like 'patapaa', 'sheeshee' and the like as other neighbours usually refer to us give us cause to be excited about little things.
My joy grew bigger when I visited the wall of Tapa Nkosuo yesterday on facebook to read a discussion started by one Collins Dankwa. For another once, I think Collins touched on the right knob and all the contributors were excellent. What is missing in here is whether Collins and his friends meant what they were saying. It is hypocritical to preach virtue and practice vice. A call for a youth action requires youth support in endeavours that lead to the development of Tapa.
Now that you have started this debate, we can all call Tapaman to action and invite the youth to contribute meaningfully to the development of Tapa. I am all out for it what about you?
Thursday, 20 October 2011
AFRICA WATCH PPI; MY VIEW
This familiar vendor walked to me with the October 2011 edition of Africa Watch magazine. I hurriedly took a copy and paid, looking for the obvious. The obvious are truths, half truths and untruths. These all depend on who is reading; I reject any attempt to rate people of NDC low. Same way, Bismark my NPP friend thinks low rating of NPP members of parliament is sycophancy at its best.
In my entire life, I have learnt that people who are tested are given the opportunity to have an outline to know and understand what they are tested on even though the marking scheme is hidden from them. In Africa watch's grading, not even the graded know what they are graded on. Whilst some MPs feel their works at committees level should push them up, others are of the view that their development drive in their constituency should do the trick. Nobody except Steve and his staff can tell how our members of parliament are graded.
No matter how bad the grading may be, it has some good sides and some bad sides. Given the right to review the grades, I will push some politicians up and others further down. Myjoyonline captured some F graded MPs complaining but the question I asked myself was; what were they expecting? I have monitored some of them and F is their lot.
A first timer in parliament is like an undergraduate and a second timer can only be a graduate student. Where as F at the undergraduate level is failure and given the right to resit, C is failure at second degree level and might not qualify one for resit if the credit falls below 21. Second and third timers in parliament who had below B- should be booted out if the PPI is anything to go by. The credibility of the PPI I can not ascertain because there are still a few questions.
Is tribal politics the best for Ghana? If not, what special traits has Jake Obetsebi Lamptey displayed in 2011 besides playing the Akan card which he is not part of, to put him ahead of all party chairmen? When the good people of Ghana are condemning tribal politics, Africa watch is rewarding it by putting Jake ahead of all chairmen for his infamous Akans should rise and fight statement.
Hon. Mike Oquaye is the 'best' MP in Ghana in 2011? How was this arrived at? Is it that the people of Dome-Kwabenya did not know so they reward this by electing his son? A man who wanted to creat a dynasty in his constituency suddenly becomes a hero for a wrong move? We live to see how it goes. As for Hon. "enya" I. C. Quaye, I would have given him F and added a 'g' (Fg). Thank God he is not coming to parliament again.
Hon. Didieye is one young parliamentarian I pity so much. His rise to parliament has been one hell of an experience from 'MPs are womanizers to I gave a woman money' I do not envy him at all. What is worst is that he is facing great heads like Betty Crosby in his constituency and this F grading is going to hit him like tsunami. Sorry oooo honourable.It's not your fault. Give yourself a break.
As if Afram Plains is cursed with this pair of non performing MPs, Hon. Ahaligah who has been considered as untouchable in some circles has also scored F in the face of a stiff challenge from one Kevor; a tutor at Presby University College and the youth organizer of Abetifi. I pray for Afram Plains. This Honourable is so unlucky because second timers like him can not be spared on a C let alone an F. Good bye honourable.
My MP has moved from a D+ to C. Second timer C? Failure! The move is more annoying than the grade. 0.5 points is no movement at all in grading. I am asking just like all other constituents are asking what he did differently to merit the minute move? I remember now; he shared welligton boots, cutlasses and mats. He met branch executives and insulted his challengers and deepened wounds. Biakoye constituency is divided now than ever before. If this is why an MP should be better of then Hon. 'wofa pa ye' the Akan MP, a first timer should have done better. I rest my case.
Any attempt to talk about the grading of 'all die be die' and 'Asomdwoe hene' will rubbish the whole money hunting exercise by Africa Watch. When it suits us, we will refer to it but when it does not, we will ignore or rubbish it. Well done; skew the last in 2012 to include DCEs and regional/constituency party chairmen. That will give 939 politicians without CPP and PNC who will by then have presidential candidates. As3m s3b3!!!!!!!!!!!
In my entire life, I have learnt that people who are tested are given the opportunity to have an outline to know and understand what they are tested on even though the marking scheme is hidden from them. In Africa watch's grading, not even the graded know what they are graded on. Whilst some MPs feel their works at committees level should push them up, others are of the view that their development drive in their constituency should do the trick. Nobody except Steve and his staff can tell how our members of parliament are graded.
No matter how bad the grading may be, it has some good sides and some bad sides. Given the right to review the grades, I will push some politicians up and others further down. Myjoyonline captured some F graded MPs complaining but the question I asked myself was; what were they expecting? I have monitored some of them and F is their lot.
A first timer in parliament is like an undergraduate and a second timer can only be a graduate student. Where as F at the undergraduate level is failure and given the right to resit, C is failure at second degree level and might not qualify one for resit if the credit falls below 21. Second and third timers in parliament who had below B- should be booted out if the PPI is anything to go by. The credibility of the PPI I can not ascertain because there are still a few questions.
Is tribal politics the best for Ghana? If not, what special traits has Jake Obetsebi Lamptey displayed in 2011 besides playing the Akan card which he is not part of, to put him ahead of all party chairmen? When the good people of Ghana are condemning tribal politics, Africa watch is rewarding it by putting Jake ahead of all chairmen for his infamous Akans should rise and fight statement.
Hon. Mike Oquaye is the 'best' MP in Ghana in 2011? How was this arrived at? Is it that the people of Dome-Kwabenya did not know so they reward this by electing his son? A man who wanted to creat a dynasty in his constituency suddenly becomes a hero for a wrong move? We live to see how it goes. As for Hon. "enya" I. C. Quaye, I would have given him F and added a 'g' (Fg). Thank God he is not coming to parliament again.
Hon. Didieye is one young parliamentarian I pity so much. His rise to parliament has been one hell of an experience from 'MPs are womanizers to I gave a woman money' I do not envy him at all. What is worst is that he is facing great heads like Betty Crosby in his constituency and this F grading is going to hit him like tsunami. Sorry oooo honourable.It's not your fault. Give yourself a break.
As if Afram Plains is cursed with this pair of non performing MPs, Hon. Ahaligah who has been considered as untouchable in some circles has also scored F in the face of a stiff challenge from one Kevor; a tutor at Presby University College and the youth organizer of Abetifi. I pray for Afram Plains. This Honourable is so unlucky because second timers like him can not be spared on a C let alone an F. Good bye honourable.
My MP has moved from a D+ to C. Second timer C? Failure! The move is more annoying than the grade. 0.5 points is no movement at all in grading. I am asking just like all other constituents are asking what he did differently to merit the minute move? I remember now; he shared welligton boots, cutlasses and mats. He met branch executives and insulted his challengers and deepened wounds. Biakoye constituency is divided now than ever before. If this is why an MP should be better of then Hon. 'wofa pa ye' the Akan MP, a first timer should have done better. I rest my case.
Any attempt to talk about the grading of 'all die be die' and 'Asomdwoe hene' will rubbish the whole money hunting exercise by Africa Watch. When it suits us, we will refer to it but when it does not, we will ignore or rubbish it. Well done; skew the last in 2012 to include DCEs and regional/constituency party chairmen. That will give 939 politicians without CPP and PNC who will by then have presidential candidates. As3m s3b3!!!!!!!!!!!
Sunday, 16 October 2011
IT'S FESTIVAL TIME AGAIN
On Friday 14th october 2011, I went to Akropong Akuapem for a seminar at the District Assembly and that environment was enough to notify you of great happenings in the town. I did not even attempt to enter the town because the stress one has to go through in order to penetrate the human and vehicular traffic was beyond imagination. I left for Accra thinking of what to do next to get a thing like that going in my constituency if not my traditional area.
On Saturday, the next day after the experience at Akropong I decided to use the same route on my way to Biakoye; my dear constituency. The traffic jams at Amanokrom, one way and Akropong, Akuffo road which were both diversions to ease traffic made me aware of how the Odwira festival has come to stay. It is one of the festivals of Ghana. No doubt about that. In my 6 years stay in Amanokrom, the only times the town was packed as it was yesterday were the burial and final funeral of the late Oyeeman.
One question kept running through my mind; when will there be a festival like this in my constituency? Almost immediately, I recalled how attempts by Ogrohwe Anyenam Kwaku Boateng to develop Frikooso had died after three years due to pettiness on the part of his organizing committee. That festival was promising and the people were enthusiastic but the leaders disappointed them. YES! AKWANTUTENTEN of Worawora also came to mind. It nearly suffered the same fate but thanks to the exuberant youth led by Gyamfi, it is back and bigger. Ntsumuru Yam festival also came to mind; it is small, steady and picking up. Thanks to Sir Carlos and his team.
One name that has come to stay and synonimous to the growth of Biakoye through festivals is the OFORI-ASIEDU foundation. This foundation is ably managed by me; Dennis Ofori-Asiedu. This foundation seeks to combine the exuberance of the youth with the experience of the elderly to the benefit of all. Formal, Non-formal and informal educational techniques will be adopted through integration to achieve this "POSITIVE MISSION" This foundation will seek to maximize the little contribution of every person to his or her own life and community accruing essentially to the total growth of the whole constituency. Interdependence at least if not independence through profitable skills acquistion and quality education is the goal.
Already, the foundation has worked under household names such as 'Visionaries Keep Fit Club', Visionaries Club and YPI all to the benefit of the people of Biakoye. It has also partnered TAKE 2 WATER and BUFFALO BITTERS to engage in festival promotions. Last year 2010, We were there for Ntsumuru and Worawora with packages that might not appear big but made a lot of impact on the events. The package included; 45 minutes on Lorlornyo fm, T shirts, seedlings for tree planting exercise, used cloths for a deprived community of choice,free water for health walk and medical screening for residents.This contribution changed the face of both festivals completely and has encouraged organizers to do it again this year.
Thankfully, this year 2011, COWBELL has joined AKWANTUTENTEN and organizers have shown gratitude by standing by us; OFORI-ASIEDU foundation and TAKE 2 WATER the OFFICIAL water supplier for AKWANTUTENTEN 2011. We are proud to announce our package for this year and the ushering in of our new name; "OFORI-ASIEDU FOUNDATION" A name that will change a lot and impact a lot more. Be part of this foundation, contribute to it and move Biakoye to the next level.
Today 16th October 2011, 14.30GMT (2.30pm), Rashid will host the team from Nkonya Ntsumuru to give the line up of events for Ntsumuru Yam Festival 2011 and fall out from festival 2010. The package will include water from TAKE 2, Jewellery from STELO JEWELS for all beauty contestants and 1st prize from STUWEB TOURS LTD your surest and cheapest way to Israel on christian pilgrimage. The people of Agyamansu will also benefit from this year's used cloth donation.
Sunday October 23 2011 14.30GMT (2.30pm) is for the people of Worawora to give a run down of events of 2010 and up coming events for 2011. Be part of us this Sunday and next Sunday on Lorlornyo fm in Hohoe. Watch out also for the biggest programme on Lorlornyo ever to hit your airwaves. "Time with Rashid - Biakoye mpontuo"
Ladies and Gentlemen, it's festival time all over Ghana. What is your festival? How big or small is your festival? I now remember this hymn; Oh when the saints go marching in ...... (Oh when the festivals are listed what will mine be?)
I am associating and waiting for you to join me make it bigger and better. People of Tapa; Tapa Amanya especially, we are full of so much energy and talent. We need to redirect our energies into positive missions devoid of petty squabbles. It's on my knees add your hand no just a finger and let's get it up the roof.
I rest my case. I will be in the studio at 2.30pm today you listen if you can.
On Saturday, the next day after the experience at Akropong I decided to use the same route on my way to Biakoye; my dear constituency. The traffic jams at Amanokrom, one way and Akropong, Akuffo road which were both diversions to ease traffic made me aware of how the Odwira festival has come to stay. It is one of the festivals of Ghana. No doubt about that. In my 6 years stay in Amanokrom, the only times the town was packed as it was yesterday were the burial and final funeral of the late Oyeeman.
One question kept running through my mind; when will there be a festival like this in my constituency? Almost immediately, I recalled how attempts by Ogrohwe Anyenam Kwaku Boateng to develop Frikooso had died after three years due to pettiness on the part of his organizing committee. That festival was promising and the people were enthusiastic but the leaders disappointed them. YES! AKWANTUTENTEN of Worawora also came to mind. It nearly suffered the same fate but thanks to the exuberant youth led by Gyamfi, it is back and bigger. Ntsumuru Yam festival also came to mind; it is small, steady and picking up. Thanks to Sir Carlos and his team.
One name that has come to stay and synonimous to the growth of Biakoye through festivals is the OFORI-ASIEDU foundation. This foundation is ably managed by me; Dennis Ofori-Asiedu. This foundation seeks to combine the exuberance of the youth with the experience of the elderly to the benefit of all. Formal, Non-formal and informal educational techniques will be adopted through integration to achieve this "POSITIVE MISSION" This foundation will seek to maximize the little contribution of every person to his or her own life and community accruing essentially to the total growth of the whole constituency. Interdependence at least if not independence through profitable skills acquistion and quality education is the goal.
Already, the foundation has worked under household names such as 'Visionaries Keep Fit Club', Visionaries Club and YPI all to the benefit of the people of Biakoye. It has also partnered TAKE 2 WATER and BUFFALO BITTERS to engage in festival promotions. Last year 2010, We were there for Ntsumuru and Worawora with packages that might not appear big but made a lot of impact on the events. The package included; 45 minutes on Lorlornyo fm, T shirts, seedlings for tree planting exercise, used cloths for a deprived community of choice,free water for health walk and medical screening for residents.This contribution changed the face of both festivals completely and has encouraged organizers to do it again this year.
Thankfully, this year 2011, COWBELL has joined AKWANTUTENTEN and organizers have shown gratitude by standing by us; OFORI-ASIEDU foundation and TAKE 2 WATER the OFFICIAL water supplier for AKWANTUTENTEN 2011. We are proud to announce our package for this year and the ushering in of our new name; "OFORI-ASIEDU FOUNDATION" A name that will change a lot and impact a lot more. Be part of this foundation, contribute to it and move Biakoye to the next level.
Today 16th October 2011, 14.30GMT (2.30pm), Rashid will host the team from Nkonya Ntsumuru to give the line up of events for Ntsumuru Yam Festival 2011 and fall out from festival 2010. The package will include water from TAKE 2, Jewellery from STELO JEWELS for all beauty contestants and 1st prize from STUWEB TOURS LTD your surest and cheapest way to Israel on christian pilgrimage. The people of Agyamansu will also benefit from this year's used cloth donation.
Sunday October 23 2011 14.30GMT (2.30pm) is for the people of Worawora to give a run down of events of 2010 and up coming events for 2011. Be part of us this Sunday and next Sunday on Lorlornyo fm in Hohoe. Watch out also for the biggest programme on Lorlornyo ever to hit your airwaves. "Time with Rashid - Biakoye mpontuo"
Ladies and Gentlemen, it's festival time all over Ghana. What is your festival? How big or small is your festival? I now remember this hymn; Oh when the saints go marching in ...... (Oh when the festivals are listed what will mine be?)
I am associating and waiting for you to join me make it bigger and better. People of Tapa; Tapa Amanya especially, we are full of so much energy and talent. We need to redirect our energies into positive missions devoid of petty squabbles. It's on my knees add your hand no just a finger and let's get it up the roof.
I rest my case. I will be in the studio at 2.30pm today you listen if you can.
Thursday, 6 October 2011
30% FOR GOOD OR BAD INTENTIONS?
Folks, I am back to your walls after a very long break. Whether I am welcome or not is another matter. Taking into account the number of calls and messages I had from friends and cherished readers, the obvious is a warm welcome. Enjoy this first piece which will touch on a few issues hammering more on the use or misuse of the 30% of placement in Senior High School for 10km radius catchment area.
During the break, a lot of things happened including the brawl between hon. Cobby Acheampong and L/Cpl Annan. Hmmmmmmmmm! I could not comment on this matter at Sena Radio 104.7fm because the two parties involved in this matter are all not worth defending. Three months ago, I went to the Ministry of Interior with two cadres of the NDC; well known hard working members of the party to see the minister. We were told upon arrival that the minister was out of town with the Chief Director but the deputy minister was in the office. The problem on hand was one that could be handled by the top 3; Minister, deputy minister and Chief Director; so we asked to be allowed to meet with the deputy minister. We filled a form which was delivered to him but he declined to attend to us. What impudence!
All three of us at the ministry had huge hearts that could accommodate his rubbish. He did not work any harder than any of the folks I went there with to bring the NDC to power in 2008. He was an office, TV and radio soldier who could not be compared to the hardworking foot soldiers. Every contribution matters and should be respected. None of us is a beggar. We needed vital information for the good of our party. Cobby was disrespectful to us and does not deserve my respect and defence in anyway. My personal experience aside, he should learn to be man enough and stop this insulting behaviour. What kind of honourable is this?
Whilst advicing the cat, it is appropriate to also advice the mouse. Bringing out the insulting behaviour of Cobby does not in anyway vindicate the police. The police have in the past acted in criminal fashion in order to extort cash from innocent citizens of our motherland. Hiding in curves, valleys and uphills is no longer secret. You can only be saved if a fellow driver signals you that the police is ahead. Surprisingly, most of their guns will get you moving at 75km/hr. On the Takoradi road, that was the speed; Goviefe on the Hohoe road, it was the same speed; at Sarpeiman on the Nsawam road, it was at that speed and at Peki Adzokoe it was the same speed. Why?
My experience at Nungua barrier with L/Cpl Forkuo should be mentioned. This policeman thought that any civilian driving a soldier's car should remove the army stickers even if he is doing so at the instance of the soldier. To get me to succumb and part with some cash, he asked three unnecessary questions in a row without waiting for an answer. I had to restrain myself from engaging in a scuffle with this policeman. He actually told me that I was talking rubbish; can you imagine? A young ugly looking and disrespectful policeman. If it was his kind that met Cobby, then it serves them right.
In my earlier write ups, I remember mentioning that I was an average student sometimes, 'shark' sometimes and block headed some other times. It was catchment area concession that helped me to gain admission into my alma mater. Some students were entering with aggregate 6 when I was perambulating schools with aggregate 20+. The 30% also gave students within the catchment to enter with higher aggregates. Fortunately, I did well and even better than some of those who entered with single digits. Thanks to the decision maker. My daddy did not want to be part of any bribery to get his son into school. My poor mother did the 'carrying around' of her son without a dime. Thank God she succeeded in securing a school at last.
Why am I revealing what you will consider a secret? I am telling you because I have out grown it. I have learned beyond that and today, I have a second degree. That near failure did not cripple me into quiting. It strengthened me to work harder. My family and friends were by me in prayers and finance. Since then, I have pledged to support others who find themselves in my old shoes. No wonder I led Ataa to secure admission in a good school with a near aggregate 30 result and kwabie with aggregate 30.
The announcement of the controversial 30% concession for students in certain catchment areas came to me as a re-opening of a window of opportunity for my kind of students. I agreed to send this student with aggregate 17 to benefit from the opportunity but to my surprise, teachers are selling the 30% for cash between GHc 100.00 and GHc 400.00. The use of 'some teachers' is not an option here because, out of the six schools we visited yesterday, all the 24 teachers we spoke to demanded money within the stated range. Finally, I could only say; God, teachers too? On teachers' day when the state was honouring teachers, such a crime should not be committed by teachers.
The 30% per cent concession is not a bad idea but its implementors will surely make it bad. The intention is not bad but the children are not watching the father. Teachers, watch your father and make it good for those it is meant for.
I still haven't got admission for the poor girl so if anyone has a free admission, inbox me. Admission for aggregate 17 without bribe is what I am asking for.
During the break, a lot of things happened including the brawl between hon. Cobby Acheampong and L/Cpl Annan. Hmmmmmmmmm! I could not comment on this matter at Sena Radio 104.7fm because the two parties involved in this matter are all not worth defending. Three months ago, I went to the Ministry of Interior with two cadres of the NDC; well known hard working members of the party to see the minister. We were told upon arrival that the minister was out of town with the Chief Director but the deputy minister was in the office. The problem on hand was one that could be handled by the top 3; Minister, deputy minister and Chief Director; so we asked to be allowed to meet with the deputy minister. We filled a form which was delivered to him but he declined to attend to us. What impudence!
All three of us at the ministry had huge hearts that could accommodate his rubbish. He did not work any harder than any of the folks I went there with to bring the NDC to power in 2008. He was an office, TV and radio soldier who could not be compared to the hardworking foot soldiers. Every contribution matters and should be respected. None of us is a beggar. We needed vital information for the good of our party. Cobby was disrespectful to us and does not deserve my respect and defence in anyway. My personal experience aside, he should learn to be man enough and stop this insulting behaviour. What kind of honourable is this?
Whilst advicing the cat, it is appropriate to also advice the mouse. Bringing out the insulting behaviour of Cobby does not in anyway vindicate the police. The police have in the past acted in criminal fashion in order to extort cash from innocent citizens of our motherland. Hiding in curves, valleys and uphills is no longer secret. You can only be saved if a fellow driver signals you that the police is ahead. Surprisingly, most of their guns will get you moving at 75km/hr. On the Takoradi road, that was the speed; Goviefe on the Hohoe road, it was the same speed; at Sarpeiman on the Nsawam road, it was at that speed and at Peki Adzokoe it was the same speed. Why?
My experience at Nungua barrier with L/Cpl Forkuo should be mentioned. This policeman thought that any civilian driving a soldier's car should remove the army stickers even if he is doing so at the instance of the soldier. To get me to succumb and part with some cash, he asked three unnecessary questions in a row without waiting for an answer. I had to restrain myself from engaging in a scuffle with this policeman. He actually told me that I was talking rubbish; can you imagine? A young ugly looking and disrespectful policeman. If it was his kind that met Cobby, then it serves them right.
In my earlier write ups, I remember mentioning that I was an average student sometimes, 'shark' sometimes and block headed some other times. It was catchment area concession that helped me to gain admission into my alma mater. Some students were entering with aggregate 6 when I was perambulating schools with aggregate 20+. The 30% also gave students within the catchment to enter with higher aggregates. Fortunately, I did well and even better than some of those who entered with single digits. Thanks to the decision maker. My daddy did not want to be part of any bribery to get his son into school. My poor mother did the 'carrying around' of her son without a dime. Thank God she succeeded in securing a school at last.
Why am I revealing what you will consider a secret? I am telling you because I have out grown it. I have learned beyond that and today, I have a second degree. That near failure did not cripple me into quiting. It strengthened me to work harder. My family and friends were by me in prayers and finance. Since then, I have pledged to support others who find themselves in my old shoes. No wonder I led Ataa to secure admission in a good school with a near aggregate 30 result and kwabie with aggregate 30.
The announcement of the controversial 30% concession for students in certain catchment areas came to me as a re-opening of a window of opportunity for my kind of students. I agreed to send this student with aggregate 17 to benefit from the opportunity but to my surprise, teachers are selling the 30% for cash between GHc 100.00 and GHc 400.00. The use of 'some teachers' is not an option here because, out of the six schools we visited yesterday, all the 24 teachers we spoke to demanded money within the stated range. Finally, I could only say; God, teachers too? On teachers' day when the state was honouring teachers, such a crime should not be committed by teachers.
The 30% per cent concession is not a bad idea but its implementors will surely make it bad. The intention is not bad but the children are not watching the father. Teachers, watch your father and make it good for those it is meant for.
I still haven't got admission for the poor girl so if anyone has a free admission, inbox me. Admission for aggregate 17 without bribe is what I am asking for.
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