Features
All is not gold that glitters
A song writer wrote a song which sought to advise people not to stress themselves when they see others who appear to be doing very well, compared to their own lives.
It is one of my favourite songs in Ga and the part I remember due to its moral value is “…hyɛn hyɛn jeee shika, jeee hyɛn hyɛn fɛɛ ji shika…” meaning all is not gold that glitters.
Human beings have a natural tendency to compare their lives with others. It could be their classmates, their neighbours, their church members, their siblings or others.
This tendency has been exacerbated by a social system where respect for a person is accorded based on the area within which one’s house is located, the size of the house, the car one drives or the school your children attend.
These things can put enormous pressure on individuals who do not have the moral fortitude for rejecting wrong things to engage in immoral behaviour to become accepted in society.
Some ladies have had the shock of their lives after giving themselves to men they met and thought they were rich, only to realise to their utter disappointment later on that the men were not as rich as they portrayed.
There are men who are specialist in this con job activity. They portray themselves as well-to- do and keep changing vehicles they borrow from friends to attend various functions.
Out of envy some ladies have tried to take their friends’ boy friends from them only to realise to their shame and regret that the men had nothing to their names. The fancy cars, the clothes and the display of affluence were all a farce. All is not gold that glitters after all.
Stories abound of some crazy bahaviour of some students who were willing to go to whatever extent possible to portray themselves as being from affluent background. The story was told of a guy I knew back in school, who pulled one of such stunts.
The story has it that one day, he was among a group of students who sneaked into town and when they were returning to school they had to use the main road.
Along the way, they saw a nice car approaching and this guy shouted “hey that is my father” and quickly jumped and hid behind some flowers. Later on, the truth became known that his father did not even have a vehicle.
I heard a sad story from my sister about her classmate who introduced her own mother as her grandmother when she paid a surprise visit to her in the school. They later also got to know that the woman their classmate introduced as her grandmother was indeed her mother and that she lied as a result of a façade she had put up as a girl from a rich home.
The question is, are you aware of the experiences that the person or people you find so admirable—and to what degree you wish you were like them—have in their lives? I once heard about a man whose wife filed for divorce from him a few months into their marriage because he was consistently wetting the bed at night.
If you envy such a man because he drives a nice car and everything seems fine with him, will you be prepared to endure the anguish he goes through each night? I also listened to the testimony of a 32-year-old lady who had a similar bed wetting problem and the terrible times she went through until she received deliverance from God.
The key to happiness in life is learning to be happy with what you have and putting your daily trust in God to improve your circumstances rather than worrying about your problems, as the Bible plainly warns in Matthew 6:27, “which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature.”
By Laud Kissi-Mensah
I experienced something on Monday, June 15, that really frustrated me. I had to go to the ministries but I could not get up early that day so I decided to pick a taxi and get to the Tuba Junction.
When I got there I realised that Traffic had built up from the Toll Booth towards Accra. After a while I got a Taxi and it was when we got to a certain spot on the road, that I realised why there was a traffic jam.
There is a short stretch of the road where each time it rains heavily, loose material run down the hill onto the road, blocking one side of the road. Vehicles from Kasoa to Accra are then forced to move into one of the lanes of those going towards Kasoa from Accra.
The two lane road from Accra to Kasoa becomes a single carriage way. That was the reason for the traffic jam from the toll booth onwards.
This has been a perineal problem and yet, no permanent solution has been found till date. The area falls under Ga South and even though, a new MCE has taken over, the technocrats are still there and so the problem is not new to them.
There is therefore no excuse for the inability of the Ga South Metropolitan Assembly to resolving the problem on that stretch of the road. Apart from the Ga South Metropolitan Assembly, another institution that must be held accountable is the Ghana Highways Authority.
The Highways Authority cannot say they are unaware of this issue. The fact that the problem falls within the area of responsibility of the Ga South Assembly, does not relieve the Ghana Highways Authority, of their responsibility of ensuring that our highways are maintained in a motorable state at all times.
A collaboration between the Ghana Highways Authority and The Ga South Municipal Assembly is required for a permanent resolution of the problem.
There was another traffic jam at a place called Atala about 250 metres to the traffic light at Old Barrier as a result of an issue similar to the one close to the toll booth, that I talked about earlier.
When we got to Weija junction, we encountered another traffic jam. The cause of this jam was a bad condition of road about 80 metres from the traffic light at Ga South Hospital heading towards Accra.
Due to the bad nature at that section of the road, vehicles are compelled to slow down resulting in a traffic jam stretching all the way to Weija Junction.
I started wondering if that short stretch of road cannot be sorted on one Sunday when traffic is usually light. When we got to the traffic light at Odorkor, there was another issue.
When the traffic light shows green, there is a slow down because there is a big pothole or should I say manhole in the outer lane, right at the traffic light. Vehicles in the outer lane are compelled to swerve into the second lane thereby causing a traffic to slow down and resulting in a traffic jam.
It is very important to take into account the effect of traffic jam on the national economy. If we are able to assess the value of the loss to the economy of the nation, I believe the issue of traffic jam will be prioritised.
Imagine persons working at various Government Organisations like Registrar General’s Department, Ghana Ports and Habours Authority, Ghana Revenue Authority, CEPS etc. and lives at Kasoa and whose job is to collect revenue for the state and is held up in traffic.
Just imagine the effect their lateness to work will have on the economy if you consider the delays in say clearing of goods at the port and as a result traders cannot sell their goods for government to generate the required taxes.
Let us deal with the traffic jams on our streets to promote economic growth. God bless.
By Laud Kissi-Mensah
Mortality is an inherent aspect of life, a universal experience that has sparked philosophical, theological, and scientific inquiry throughout human history.
This article aims to provide a comprehensive and nuanced exploration of mortality, acknowledging the complexity of the topic and the diverse perspectives surrounding it.
The biological imperative
From a biological standpoint, death is a natural part of the life cycle. It serves as a mechanism for the evolution of species, allowing for the passing on of genetic material and the adaptation to environmental changes.
Evolutionary perspective: Death allows for the recycling of resources, promoting the survival and adaptation of species.
Life span and senescence: Cellular aging and the limitations of biological systems contribute to mortality.
Philosophical and existential perspectives
Existentialism: Emphasises individual freedom and responsibility in the face of mortality.
Meaning and purpose: The finite nature of life can prompt individuals to seek meaning and purpose.
The human condition: Mortality is a fundamental aspect of the human experience, shaping our perceptions and values.
Cultural and spiritual views
Afterlife and spirituality: Many cultures and religions believe in an afterlife or spiritual continuation.
Rituals and mourning: Cultural practices surrounding death reflect the significance of mortality in human experience.
Legacy and remembrance: The impact of one’s life can transcend mortality.
Ethical considerations
End-of-life care: Ethical debates surround issues like euthanasia, assisted dying, and palliative care.
Quality of life: Balancing the value of life with the quality of life is a complex ethical issue.
Resource allocation: Societal decisions about healthcare and resource distribution involve considerations of mortality.
Psychological impact
Grief and loss: The experience of mortality can evoke profound emotional responses.
Fear and anxiety: The awareness of mortality can lead to existential anxiety.
Appreciation and gratitude: Recognising mortality can foster appreciation for life.
Conclusion
Mortality is a multifaceted aspect of human existence, influencing how we live, relate, and find meaning. Understanding and acknowledging mortality can prompt deeper reflections on life and our place in the world.
By Robert Ekow Grimmond-Thompson
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