Features
Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah remembered – 50 years after his death (Part Two)
TRIBUTES
On his death, many tributes were written by eminent personalities around the world to eulogise him. General Yakubu Gowon, himself a soldier heading a military Government in the Federal Republic of Nigeria wrote: “The news of the death of the First President of Ghana, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah has reached me with profound shock.
History will remember him for giving all he had in the best way he could do to his people and Africa”. Amilcar Carbral, his friend and Revolutionary Comrade of Guinea Bissau, wrote: “Nkrumah did not die of Prostrate Cancer. He did not die of cancer of the throat. He died of cancer of betrayal by his own people.”
It is of historical interest to note that at home the perpetrators of this bloody coup d’etat unashamedly eulogised him thus: “His name in history has been assured.” By this eulogy, it is palpably evident that they themselves appreciated the significant role Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah played in the socio-economic transformation of Ghana and the African liberation struggle.
The question that comes to the fore is: if they acknowledged this fact why then did they oust him from office? Could this be hypocrisy at its apogee? John Webster in his book Duchess of Malfi wrote; “Hypocrisy is woven out of a fine thread, subtler than vulcan’s engine, yet believeth it – your darkest actions, nay your private thoughts will come to light.”
Yes, their darkest actions and their private thoughts have come to light as classified information released by the CIA proves beyond all reasonable doubts that the perpetrators of this dastardly and condemnable coup d’etat were agents of the imperialists used to topple Nkrumah.
SOCIO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
It is an irrefragable fact that Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah contributed positively and tremendously to the infrastructural and industrial development of Ghana.
The Akosombo Dam, Tema Township, The Tema Motorway, the establishment of Ghana Medical School, built hospitals and clinics; built Aboso Glass Factory, Zuarungu Meat Factory, Wenchi Tomato Factory,
Others are: Akosombo Textiles Ltd, Kumase Shoe Factory, Kade Match Factory, Tarkwa Bonsa Tyre Factory, built Secondary Schools, Tema Secondary School, Mfantsiman Secondary School, Ghana National College, University of Cape Coast, just to mention a few.
Rather unfortunately, when he was overthrown his detractors engaged in a compendium of lies and palpable falsehoods with the obvious sinister motive of sinking his name into historical oblivion.
His detractors even composed offensive and derogatory songs which were intended to dent his political image. Through such songs they were able to win the minds of some Ghanaians who were gullible and manipulable to believe these wicked lies and vile propaganda.
One of such songs ran thus: Wɔ dze ewi ahεnkyew no asua Nkrumah Wɔ dze ewi ahεnkyew no asua Nkrumah Wɔ nhuro no wɔ Guinea kwan mu hɔ Saana εwia! εwia! εwia! Saana εwia! εwia! εwia! To wit: The crown of thievery has been placed on the head of Kwame Nkrumah.
Hoot at him in Guinea, for he is a thief! a thief! a thief! He was accused of embezzling millions of pounds, and left Ghana a debt of240 million pounds. Such an abominable miasma! Was Kwame Nkrumah a thief?
Did he steal our money and lodge it in foreign Bank accounts like some African Heads of State did? Did he build mansions? Did he plunder the resources of this country for his personal benefit?
An obvious no! And this was the noble, selfless and dedicated man who was vilified and demonised by his detractors to suit their whims and caprices. Dear reader, it will be surprising to learn that Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah did not even build one house for himself let alone his family.
Pathetically, when his wife, Madam Fathia Nkrumah came to Ghana with her children for the burial of her late husband at Nkroful in the Western Region, it was the then Head of State, General Acheampong and his government that housed her and the children in an estate house at Labone, Accra.
Responding to such vile propaganda and “stupid” lies, he stated in his last broadcast after the coup in 1966 thus:
“…………………open your eyes and look around you. See for yourselves the splendid New Town Harbour, the mighty Volta Dam, the fine roads which we have built under the leadership of the CPP and the government, the Schools, Colleges, the Universities, the Hospitals, Clinics, Health Centres and the facilities which are springing up. These are no debts; they are investments in our future as an independent nation…………..”.
It must be stated that Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah had an inextinguishable spirit of passion for the socio-economic development of Ghana. He was far ahead of his time, but we did not understand him. Today, history has absolved him.
“MAN OF THE MILLENUM”
It is, therefore, not surprising that in apparent recognition of his positive contribution to the African liberation struggle, in the year 2000 he was voted African “MAN OF THE MILLENUM” by listeners to the B.B.C World Service.
The BBC further described him as a “Hero of independence” and an “International Symbol of freedom and leader of the first black African country to shake off the chains of colonial rule”.
His philosophy, ideas and ideologies are still relevant to the political, social and economic development of Ghana and the entire black world. The greatest tribute that we can pay him is for us to imbibe the culture of discipline, patriotism and hardwork in the context of the realisation of our national aspirations. …to be continued
The writer is a Former Regional Director
Ghana National Service Scheme
Takoradi.
By Ken Gyenfi
Features
The Palestinian martyr-Little Hind Rajab
THE wickedness of some people in our world is gradually getting out of bounds. From local arena to international arena, reports of wicked acts that defies logic, is on the rise.
Russia has attacked Ukraine and as a result, the economies of many countries have been negatively impacted. Residential apartments which have no military purpose. Just sheer wickedness and cruelty.
After this came the Brutal attack on Gaza by the Israel Defence Forces. Hospitals were bombed, buildings were razed down and civilians were deliberately targeted which is a war crime according to the Geneva Convention.
The IDF will release pamphlets in the skies informing them to move to certain specified areas. They move there with their families only to be bombed again without warning.
It was one of such movement from one place to another that, the family of a 5 year Palestinian girl called Hind Rajab and her family, travelling in a vehicle, were shot at by an IDF Tank.
This wounded girl managed to call emergency services to come and save them.
The sad thing is that while this brave little girl kept talking to the emergency response person on the phone, telling them that they should come quickly and that she was afraid.
She further told the response team on phone that any time she tries to speak, blood comes into her mouth and it soils her dress and she dies not want her mum to scold her so they should come quickly.
The response team rushed as usual to her location but they were also shot and killed, the driver and his assistant, in a vehicle clearly marked as an ambulance. Ten days later when they got to her location, Hind Rajab and her family were dead and their vehicle was riddled with 335 bullets.
The wickedness with which the IDF waged the war against Hamas, the administrative authority in Gaza, was unbelievable, given the damage to civilians both collateral and in most cases deliberate.
There are reports of some Doctors from the US and other countries, who have described how children they attended to, who were brought in dead, had evidence of sniper bullets.
A report by one of the media platforms, indicated that one of the IDF snipers who died recently, had bragged about shooting children in the abdomen so they will suffer before dying.
What baffles me in all these atrocities, is why Jews who have been saved by a collective action of the world, from Hitler and his Nazis from destruction, infamously known as the Holocaust, is now visiting mayhem on others, namely the Palestinians.
One begins to wonder if Hitler was right after all and that he saw something that the rest of the world did not notice about the Jews. I must admit that it is not all Jews that are racist. It is the Zionist who are the problem with their Talmud which teaches that Jesus is burning in hot feaces.
They deliberately teach their children to hate other people who are not Jews especially the Palestinians. They do not consider the Palestinians as humans and therefore they believe they have the God given right to treat them anyway anyhow.
Hind Rajab’s death has pricked the conscience of the world and countries which used to blindly support Israel, are now putting pressure on them to observe a ceasefire as part of a peace negotiation.
Let the world through the UN show that it does not support barbarism and that the illegal occupation of Palestinian lands by Israel, must come to an end.
NB: ‘CHANGE KOTOKA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT TO KOFI BAAKO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT’
By Laud Kissi-Mensah
Features
Angioplasty: A comprehensive overview of the procedure and its applications
Angioplasty is a minimally invasive medical procedure used to widen narrowed or blocked arteries or blood vessels. The procedure involves the insertion of a catheter, a small tube, into the affected artery, followed by the inflation of a balloon to widen the artery. In some cases, a stent, a small mesh tube, may be placed to keep the artery open.
Indications for Angioplasty
Angioplasty is often used to treat conditions such as:
1. Coronary artery disease: Narrowing or blockage of the coronary arteries, which supply blood to the heart.
2. Peripheral artery disease: Narrowing or blockage of the arteries in the legs or arms.
3. Atherosclerosis: Buildup of plaque in the arteries, which can lead to narrowing or blockage.
The Angioplasty Procedure
The angioplasty procedure typically involves the following steps:
1. Preparation: The patient is given local anesthesia and may be sedated to help them relax.
2. Insertion of the catheter: A small incision is made in the skin, and a catheter is inserted into the affected artery.
3. Guidance: The catheter is guided to the affected area using imaging techniques such as fluoroscopy or angiography.
4. Inflation of the balloon: The balloon on the catheter is inflated to widen the artery.
5. Stent placement: A stent may be placed to keep the artery open.
6. Removal of the catheter: The catheter is removed, and the incision site is closed.
Benefits of Angioplasty
Angioplasty offers several benefits, including:
1. Improved blood flow: Angioplasty can help improve blood flow to the affected area, reducing symptoms such as chest pain or leg pain.
2. Minimally invasive: Angioplasty is a minimally invasive procedure, which means that it requires only a small incision and can reduce recovery time.
3. Reduced risk of complications: Angioplasty can reduce the risk of complications associated with more invasive surgical procedures.
Potential Risks and Complications
While angioplasty is generally a safe procedure, there are potential risks and complications, including:
1. Bleeding or hematoma: Bleeding or bruising at the incision site.
2. Artery damage: Damage to the artery during the procedure.
3. Restenosis: Narrowing or blockage of the artery again after the procedure.
Conclusion
Angioplasty is a highly effective procedure for treating narrowed or blocked arteries or blood vessels. While it carries some risks and complications, the benefits of improved blood flow and reduced symptoms make it a valuable treatment option for many patients.
References:
1. American Heart Association. (2020). Angioplasty and Stenting.
2. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. (2020). Angioplasty and Stent Placement.
3. Mayo Clinic. (2020). Angioplasty: What You Need to Know.
4. Journal of the American College of Cardiology. (2019). Angioplasty and Stenting in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease.
This article provides a comprehensive overview of angioplasty, including its indications, procedure, benefits, and potential risks and complications.
By Robert Ekow Grimmond-Thompson
Join our WhatsApp Channel now!
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbBElzjInlqHhl1aTU27
