Features
Gaining through the brain drain
A little over a decade past and attracted by the inspiring words of a popular Methodist hymn, I decided to take a quick glance through the Apocrypha.
It was during such a time that I discovered that the saying, “Travel and see” was boldly written therein. Today’s society often sees the idea of travelling as an issue that leads to a drain on one’s financial and human resources. But the very pertinent question is this; Could we gain through that drain?
If properly planned for, we can substantially gain good lessons as a result of much travelling. An overflow of travelling chances could be very useful as well as advantageous in terms of the wealth of experience an individual would acquire having made good use of such moments.
Presently, there are so many complaints of congestion on our roads as far as the capital city of Ghana, Accra, is concerned. Often there is congestion at our hospitals too and the case is similar at most public places. Our nation hitherto had been thinking about how to encourage its people about settling in less populated places, villages and towns in this country.
Organisational establishments could also serve as a catalyst in aiding this process by granting holiday benefits to their staff during their annual leave periods. The rationale behind this should be that of facilitating an easier means for various members of staff to travel outside the towns where they reside to spend their leave in unfamiliar regions of this country.
Someone has also said that our hospitals must not only be upgraded as concerns the existing infrastructure and amenities but should be expanded in terms of number. A blessed country like Ghana could be thinking of erecting an ultra-modern hospital facility close to the hub of the nation at a location like Berekuso (along the Accra-Aburi road), or possibly at an attractive position along the Accra-Nsawam road.
This project, if need be, would carry the prime objective of providing expert services to diplomats both foreign and national, the prominent people –VIPs- within this country whilst at the same time caring for the health needs of the townsfolk. Patients with less severe ill-health cases could obtain referral letters to such an institution.
The benefits of this design would be great not excluding lessening the burden on the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital and the 37 Military Hospital, attracting the country’s citizens in the urban areas to move and settle in any of these areas, combined with banking and financial institutions setting up offices there to boost businesses.
It is rather unfortunate that most influential people here with us in our society this very hour, allow the thought of placing blockades of discouragement in the paths of people with expert knowledge travelling beyond our dear nation to indwell their minds. They mostly call this idea “Brain Drain” and would, without hesitation, cite the health profession as an instance.
The expression “Brain Drain” should not be heard of or mentioned as far as Ghana in particular and Africa in general are concerned. It is true that the country spends so much training few medical professionals and is eager to earn adequate proceeds from this venture.
Never should we feel perplexed or extremely worried when, having trained experts in one profession or another, these people with expertise decide to travel outside our country to elsewhere with the good intention of working there to gain success or experience.
We must endeavour to make maximum use of all the experts we have in this country currently and go beyond this target to train and equip many more people who are yearning to learn to obtain reputable accreditation in a particular discipline or another. Have we ever wondered if it were feasibly possible to run a night shift in training medical students since some hospitals do work throughout the night?
Next, our educational system should be enhanced to attract many foreigners to come into our country to study and achieve international recognition should they plan to work after their studies in this nation or in any other nation.
Then, we must build in the hearts of our present youth a strong never-dying love for Ghana to such an extent that whether they go out of this country for further studies or to work, they would always be thinking of their possible return and how they could express their thanks to their motherland.
There is wisdom in doing good and in showing kindness to human. Let us therefore, continue to assist our people in any way we could.
By Ebenezer K N Baiden-Amissah
The Necessity, Wisdom, and Rewards of Fasting
FASTING is necessary in Islam because it purifies the soul, restrains base desires, and instills compassion for the less privileged. The Prophet (s.a.w.) said:
“Whoever fasts Ramadan out of faith and seeking reward, his past sins will be forgiven.” (Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī; Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim)
In a Hadith Qudsi, Allah states:
“Every deed of the son of Adam is for him—except fasting; it is for Me, and I shall reward it.” (Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī)
This exclusive attribution of fasting to Allah highlights its unmatched spiritual status.
Who Is Obliged to Fast in Islam?
Fasting Ramadan is obligatory upon every Muslim who is:
- Bāligh (has attained puberty),
- ‘Āqil (mentally sound),
- Mukallaf (legally responsible),
- Physically capable,
- Not exempted by valid Sharī‘ah reasons.
Exemptions and Concessions in Fasting
Islam, being a religion of mercy, provides exemptions for:
- The sick, whose condition may worsen by fasting,
- Travellers undertaking permissible journeys,
- Pregnant and breastfeeding women if fasting poses harm,
- The elderly who are permanently unable to fast.
Allah says:
“And whoever is ill or on a journey – then an equal number of other days. Allah intends for you ease and does not intend for you hardship.” (Qur’an 2:185)
Acts That Nullify the Fast
The fast is invalidated by:
- Intentional eating or drinking,
- Sexual relations during fasting hours,
- Intentional vomiting,
- Menstruation and postnatal bleeding,
- Deliberate apostasy (renouncing Islam).
Laylat al-Qadr: The Pinnacle of Ramadan
Laylat al-Qadr, the Night of Decree, occurs within the last ten nights of Ramadan and surpasses a thousand months in virtue. Allah says:
“The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months.” (Qur’an 97:3)
Worship on this night yields immense reward, forgiveness, and divine mercy.
I‘tikāf: Retreat for Spiritual Renewal
I‘tikāf is a Sunnah practice observed in the last ten days of Ramadan, involving seclusion in the mosque for worship, reflection, and supplication. Its essence lies in detaching from worldly distractions and devoting oneself entirely to Allah.
Zakat al-Fitr: Completing the Fast
Zakat al-Fitr is a mandatory charity paid before the Eid prayer. Ibn ‘Abbas (r.a.) reported:
“The Messenger of Allah prescribed Zakat al-Fitr to purify the fasting person from idle talk and obscenity and to feed the poor.” (Abū Dāwūd)
Conclusion
Ramadan is truly the month of mercy, forgiveness, spiritual elevation, and social responsibility. Welcoming it with knowledge, preparation, sincerity, and discipline enables Muslims to transform not only their individual lives but also their families and communities. May Allah allow us to reach Ramadan, benefit from its blessings, and accept our fasting, prayers, and good deeds.
I wish every Muslim “RAMADAN KAREEM, RAMADAN MUBARAK.” Āmīn
By Imam Alhaji Saeed Abdulai
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‘But, er… I don’t even know your name.’
‘Paul. Paul Allotey. I’m Sarah, by the way. Paul, why don’t you leave me here, since this is the last important thing I’m doing today?’
‘Okay. Now Sarah. I was just thinking. You will be here at the café for about an hour. By then it will be about twelve thirty. Then, you would be thinking of buying yourself some lunch, to eat here or to take home. So if you would please allow me, I will take you to one of the nicest eating places in town, and after you have sorted that one out, then I can drop you home. Just that one errand, then I won’t bother you again.’
‘You are not bothering me at all. You are being very kind to me. And I just realised you are a mind reader too. The last item on my agenda was lunch.’
‘I’m so glad I appeared at your doorstep, just in time.’
‘Okay. Now Paul, since you say the café is a comfortable place, let’s go in together, and you can do your work while I get my application done.’
‘Okay, Sarah. Thanks. Let’s go.’
We got back in the car at eleven forty-five.
‘So where are we going, Paul?’
‘To Royalty Restaurant. It’s a twenty-minute drive away.’
‘So, do you enjoy your job?’
‘Most certainly. I won’t change it, not even to be President. And am I right to say that you are preparing to enter the university?’
‘That’s my plan. I hope it works.’
‘It will, if you are determined and disciplined. You look very much like a disciplined person.’
‘Thank you very much.’
We arrived at Royalty in twenty-five minutes.
‘You are joining me for lunch, Paul?’
‘Thanks for the honour, Sarah. But the bill is on me.’
‘Aren’t you taking on too much for one day?’
‘I never do anything that is bigger than me, Sarah.’
Over the next hour and a half, we discussed fashion, local and international politics, and sports, as we ate and relaxed. Finally, he drove me to the shop.
‘I will never forget you, Paul.’
‘I’m glad to have been helpful. But if you don’t mind, I’ll say it again, your husband is extremely lucky. You are really beautiful.’
‘Thanks again. But do you mind if I call you sometime in the future?’
‘Certainly not. Let me write it here. I will not ask for your number, for obvious reasons. But I will be looking forward to hearing from you. And hopefully, I will see you next month, when I call to drop your bill.’
I got home by seven. I went straight to the bedroom, stood in the mirror, and took a good look at myself.
‘You are a very beautiful woman, Sarah. Never forget that.’ I will not forget that again.
Over the next several weeks, Martin and I had very little to do with each other. In the morning he ate his breakfast and after a shabby, ‘I’m going,’ he left. He came home around eight at the earliest, ate his dinner, and, already soaked in beer, went off to sleep.
He spent the greater part of the weekends at the clubhouse with his friends, playing tennis and partying. My mind was focused on furthering my education, so I didn’t complain to him, and didn’t bother to inform my parents about what was happening. I had decided that I would only take action if he lifted his hand against me again. I spent my free time reading all manner of interesting stuff on the internet, and chatting with my sister on WhatsApp.
One evening, he came home at about eight, rushed to the bedroom, and rushed out. An envelope, obviously containing money, dropped out of his pocket, and I picked it up and followed him. I was going to call him and give it to him, but I noticed that there was a young woman in the car, so I went back in, counted it, and put it in a drawer in the hall. He came back after some ten minutes.
‘Excuse me, I dropped an envelope containing money. You must have seen it.’
‘Yes, I saw it. Actually, I followed you, and was about to call you and hand it over when I realised there was a woman in the car, so I came back in. I counted it—one thousand cedis.’
‘Well, let me have it. I have to be going.’
‘I will let you have it if you tell me who the woman in the car is, and why you are going to give her that amount of money.’
‘Listen, if you waste my time, I will teach you a lesson you will never forget. Give me the money now!’
‘Here’s what we will do, Martin. I know you will give money to her anyway, so I will give it to you if you withdraw the threat you just issued. But I want you to know that I will be taking some steps from tomorrow. Things are getting out of hand.’
‘Okay, I’m sorry I threatened you. Can you please give me the money?’ I handed it over to him, and he ran out.
The following morning, I waited for him to finish having breakfast and told him I wanted to have a word with him urgently.
‘You better be quick. You know I’m going to work.’
‘Well, my daughter. I’m not going to say “I told you so.” I was only trying to protect you. So here’s what we’ll do: continue doing the best you can, and try not to give him any excuse to harm you. But if things continue to deteriorate, I will take you back.’
A couple of days later, my cousin Dinah arrived in Accra from Brussels, having completed her medical course. With Martin’s agreement, I went to Koforidua and spent a couple of days. I spent most of the time chatting about her experiences in the US, but we also discussed my relationship with Martin, and she endorsed Dad’s decision to take action if Martin’s behaviour did not change after two weeks.
Dinah returned with me to Takoradi. Her plan was to spend a couple of weeks and return to Accra to be posted. I called Paul Allotey, and asked if he would meet her for lunch and, if possible, show her some interesting spots. Delighted, he suggested that we meet at Royalty the next day. I told Martin about it, to remove any possibility of future disagreement over ‘going out with men.’
‘It’s fine with me, if, of all the people who could show your sister round this town, you chose a borla man. Doesn’t that indicate the kind of person you are?’
‘First of all, Martin, I’ve spoken to him a few times, and he comes across as a decent guy, so I think it is rather unfortunate that you are writing him off when you don’t know him.’
By Ekow de Heer
