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Arise Ghana youth for your country
“If ever we needed such a call for our youth,
This is the time, this is the hour…”
The records show that the song or ‘call to arms’ – “ARISE GHANA YOUTH FOR YOUR COUNTRY” was composed by Jonathan Michael Teye (JMT) Dosoo of Ada, a writer, composer and songwriter and recorded by Flash Don and Fori, whilst featuring such artists as Gosh Mello and Kojo Bills as part of the album by the same title in 2020.
The lyrics for the song are:-
“Arise Ghana youth for your country
The nation demands your devotion
Let us all unite to uphold her
And make her great and strong
Refrain;
We are all involved
We are all involved
We are all involved
In building our motherland
Arise Ghana youth for your country
The nation demands your devotion
Let us all unite to uphold her
And make her great and strong
Refrain;
We are all involved
We are all involved
We are all involved
In building our motherland
A funny story is told of how slave trade started on our coasts.
The slave masters berthed their vessels just off-shore and then paddled their boats to the shores with the goods of whiskeys, rum, colourful apparels,guns and ammunitions; negotiated for the purchases of captive Gold Coasters as slaves from the tribal chiefs or local leaders.
Invariably, these tribal leaders always traded or sold off those captured through wars or the strength of their people, both male and female, whilst also offering their own male children to be educated outside in the countries of the slave owners.
This funny story is a reflection of what we are witnessing now amongst the modern-day leadership of this nation – be it politics, tradition or religion, same template. Thus, the crisis that we are faced with and gradually becoming an albatross, a source of frustration or guilt or an encumbrance for the youth, is how do we re-engineer a new culture of leadership – selfless, dedicated, loyal, patriotic, and nationalistic?
How do we go back to the days of yore, when CORRUPTION was so frowned upon in our society and culture, when a GOLDEN BED by a Minister of State under a past dispensation became front-page news in the dailies; as against now when a driver of a CEO of a state institution can brazenly flout cash on social media or young political appointees, can within a short-time in office showcase such wealth; in turn making the older generation think that they made wrong decisions by choosing honesty in public service?
Funny life that now ‘inside trading’ is no crime but purely an issue of equal opportunities, not even when one is in a privileged to know all the facts and opportunities to set up a firm to take advantage and secure contracts?
How can we get it so wrong that we will accept two thousand Ghana Cedis (Gh₵2,000.00) during national elections to vote people into office who would only come to ignore and abandon us after getting elected, until another four (4) years of one thousand, four hundred and sixty (1,460) days –putting this into perspective, the equivalent of one Ghana Cedis, thirty-seven pesewas (Gh₵1.37) a day, taking into account the money taken as ‘vote-for-me-bribe’.
What are you worth as a person, with no dignity, no self-value nor self-worth? Is this how you value yourself?
The future of any nation and a people, belongs to her youth, meaning that whatever investments into development, irrespective of field, be it education, infrastructure, or health, any government undertakes, the real beneficiaries are the youth. Therefore, if you know your real wealth as the INHERITORS OF THIS NATION, GHANA – justified to receive the resources and or properties by legal descent or succession, genetically as a right from one’s ancestry or as an heir – why on earth would any youth of this nation settle for less, especially when the leadership is only holding their positions in trust for the youth?
This is why the song “ARISE GHANA YOUTH FOR YOUR COUNTRY” is such a profound call for a time and period such as now.
It is most important for me to make you understand WHO YOU REALLY ARE AS A GHANAIAN YOUTH and as a CITIZEN of this great nation, Ghana, knowing that CITIZENSHIP carries with it rights and responsibilities as well as mindful of the seven litmus tests for citizenship as (i) loyalty, (ii) patriotism, (iii) nationalism, (iv) character, (v) identity, (vi) culture, and (vii) allegiance.
Now permit me to tell you the story or parable of the ‘PRODIGAL SON’ (also known as the parable of the Two Brothers, Lost Son Loving Father, or of the Forgiving Father) in the Book of Apostle Luke 15:11-32.
The essence of this parable for the new ‘Ghanaian Youth’ is not to become like the ‘younger son’, who said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of the property that falls to me.’
I expect the new ‘Ghanaian Youth’ not to gather everything (that he had by way of asking for his share from his father – Ghana) and travel to a distant country, and there wasted his fortune on reckless and immoral living.
“Remember that when he had spent everything, a severe famine occurred in that country, and he began to do without and be in need. So he went and forced himself on one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed pigs. He would have gladly eaten the (carob) pods that the pigs were eating (but they could not satisfy his hunger), and no one was giving anything to him.
But when he (finally) came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired men have more than enough food, while I am dying here of hunger! I will get up and go to my father, and I will say to him, “Father (Ghana) I have sinned against heaven and in your sight. I am no longer worthy to be called your son (Ghanaian); (just) treat me like one of your hired men.”
So he got up and came to his father (Ghana). But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was moved with compassion for him, and ran and embraced him and kissed him”.
I have gone to this extent to quote the passage because what has been happening to our youth since the advent of the 4th Republican Dispensation in 1993, the tendency for the socio-religious-political class to take them for granted – not taking their education, health, job opportunities, facilities for recreation, mentorship, and advancements of all sorts seriously; as the advancements of their own children is what is of utmost importance for these classes so that their lineage will continue to rule and lord over the rest of the Ghanaian Youth.
The Ghanaian Youth shall always look up to the clarion call for action: “Arise Ghana youth for your country; The nation demands your devotion; Let us all unite to uphold her; And make her great and strong – We are all involved in building our motherland – Ghana”.
Ghana can only fail if the youth, our youth give up their dreams, their aspirations, their future and ask for their share of the inheritance to travel out for strangers to take over their place and RE-WRITE the history and legacies of their forebearers – a great abomination because they will, like Okonkwo, wonder what will happen to their father’s house when they transit into the unknown.
The time to act is now for the Youth of Ghana as the nation, Ghana demands their devotion and they cannot afford to travel out like the ‘Prodigal Son’ and leave the land desolate for strangers to occupy same.
The writer is a land economist & appraiser, sports business consultant and author – (excerpt from manuscript “NATION ADRIFT AT SEA – Ghana In Search of Her Soul, Identity & Values”)
By Magnus Naabe Rex Danquah
The driver stopped the vehicle at the gate of the large, fenced property along the Nsawam Highway, and Kakraba stepped out to meet the several workers who had gathered to wait for him.
He greeted them and went straight to the point.
“Gentlemen, I am glad to see that you have almost completed the clearing of the land. I’m happy to report that we have concluded all arrangements with Nana Serebour, and construction of the palace will start in a few days.
“I will need you to go and level the ground, and then come back to start this project. Some workers from a construction company will come and join us.
“My plan is to build twenty houses in four months. Then we will do twenty more until we reach two hundred.
“I am relying on you to help me deliver good-quality work to satisfy our clients and, as I have already indicated to you, I will reward you for your work.”
After an hour’s discussion, he closed the meeting and moved to drive away. Wofa Yaw drew closer.
“Director, can you please spare me five minutes? I would like to discuss a small issue.”
“Why, Wofa Yaw? Your wife has threatened to leave you?”
“No, Director. My wife will never leave me. This concerns a young niece of mine.”
“I hope it’s something I can help with. Please sit in the car and let me hear you.”
“Boss, my niece, Beesiwa, is a polytechnic graduate, very beautiful and with very good character.
“Unfortunately, her parents virtually forced her into a relationship with an idiot based in the US, which affected her badly. She has now recovered from that experience and, Boss, I am respectfully asking if you would find a job for her.
“I promise you that you will never regret it.”
“Well, Wofa Yaw, let me meet her and speak with her. I may be able to help, maybe not in the way you expect, but let me meet her.
“I will not be back here for another week, but I will be at the office throughout next week. You can come with her.”
On Monday morning, Wofa Yaw and Beesiwa were seated at the office by nine o’clock. Three young ladies welcomed them warmly, offered them soft drinks and assured them that Kakraba would be there shortly.
They then returned to their desks and sat behind computers with large screens displaying various building designs.
Kakraba walked in and greeted them warmly. After chatting briefly with the three ladies, he ushered Wofa Yaw and Beesiwa into his office.
“Director, this is my niece, Beesiwa. I mentioned her to you when you came to Nsawam.”
“Yes, indeed. Madam Beesiwa, you are very beautiful, just as your uncle said. Wofa Yaw is my colleague.
“We have just started a building project that will take about three to four years. He mentioned that you have a small problem, so I said I would like to meet you and see how I can help.
“So, Beesiwa, please tell me a little about yourself.”
Beesiwa described her childhood, her school experience, her brief work at the bank and the nasty episode with Sammy Abrokwa, which shattered her peaceful life. She also explained how she had been recovering from the experience.
“I am really sorry to hear this,” Kakraba said. “Now, here is what we are going to do.
“We are a small but very busy company. The three ladies out there spend most of the day on site and come back to report on their work in the morning.
“I have three main projects. The big one is an estate project in Nsawam, where your uncle is one of my main colleagues. I need a personal assistant who can take care of my activities, especially when I am not in town.
“Now, we will have to start with trust. Based on what I know about Wofa Yaw, and based on what you yourself have told me, I think we can start on a sound basis.
“So, Wofa Yaw will take you to my home. You can move into one of the four guest rooms.”
“Sir, I have taken some computer lessons, and I have even done graphics and web design,” Beesiwa said.
“Fantastic! I will give you a good phone and a laptop. I will also arrange computer lessons for you.”
“Now, Wofa Yaw, take her home. My sister, Kuukuwa, will meet you and show you around, and then you can return to Koforidua.
“When would you like to start work?”
“Sir, I would like to start today, but I would need to go and bring my things.”
“No problem. Take a taxi to my house, meet my sister, and let me know what you decide.”
Later that day, Kakraba and the three ladies met with some bank officials to conclude the sale of the three buildings at Adabraka.
They closed at five-thirty and, after rewarding the ladies for their hard work, Kakraba got home just after dark.
He was surprised to find Kuukuwa and Beesiwa sitting at the table enjoying supper.
“What’s happening here?” he asked. “Beesiwa, I thought you would return to Koforidua.”
“She changed her mind,” Kuukuwa said. “We went to the mall and bought a few things for her. Then we came back to cook. She has made some nice changes to your bedroom and cooked a couple of interesting dishes. Sit down; we will serve you.”
“Well, I certainly can’t refuse that. It’s been a busy day.
“So, what’s the plan now? Will Beesiwa go to Koforidua tomorrow, gather her things together and come down?”
“No, I will stay here for a while,” Beesiwa replied. “Kuukuwa bought me the things I need, so I may go back next week. I’m ready to start work. What would you like me to start with?”
“Well, you can come to the office tomorrow morning, meet the three girls and get a feel for what we do.
“Since you are living here, at least for now, we can discuss the plans for the next few weeks.
“Sometimes there are gaps when I travel up north. You can take care of things from now. I think the girls would like having someone like you around.”
By Ekow de Heer
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A frequent question following breast surgery is whether human tissue possesses the regenerative capacity to restore an excised organ.
From a strict physiological standpoint, a completely removed breast cannot regrow. Unlike certain organisms that can regenerate complex limbs or organs, adult human tissues—particularly specialised glandular structures—lack the cellular machinery required to rebuild an entire organ after its total surgical removal.
Instead, the body heals the surgical site through processes such as scar tissue formation and re-epithelialisation rather than complete cellular regeneration.
What a mastectomy actually removes
To understand why natural tissue regeneration does not occur, it is important to examine the surgical scope of a mastectomy.
Depending on the type of procedure and the medical reason for surgery, a mastectomy may involve the removal of:
Glandular architecture: The milk-producing lobules and ducts that form the functional core of the mammary gland.
Adipose tissue: The fatty tissue that contributes to breast volume, projection and contour.
Other breast tissue: The extent of tissue removal varies according to the type of mastectomy and the need to achieve appropriate surgical clearance.
Because specialised breast structures are physically removed, the body does not rebuild a complete mammary gland. Instead, healing occurs through tissue repair and scar formation.
Distinguishing residual tissue from “regrowth”
Patients or observers may notice changes in the chest area after surgery, sometimes leading to misconceptions about tissue regeneration.
Skin- and nipple-sparing procedures
Modern breast surgery may preserve the outer skin envelope or, in selected cases, the nipple-areola complex. Small amounts of breast tissue may remain depending on the surgical technique. Any changes in remaining tissue due to hormonal fluctuations represent residual tissue responding to the body, rather than the regrowth of a completely removed breast.
Adipose accumulation
Weight gain after surgery can increase the amount of subcutaneous fat across the chest wall. However, this is part of general body fat distribution and does not represent the regeneration of a mammary gland.
Modern reconstructive pathways
Because a completely removed breast does not naturally regenerate, modern medicine offers reconstructive options aimed at restoring physical symmetry, contour and body image.
The two main approaches are implant-based reconstruction and autologous, or tissue-based, reconstruction.
Implant-based reconstruction
Implant-based reconstruction uses synthetic medical devices, typically filled with silicone gel or saline, to rebuild the breast mound following a mastectomy.
The two-stage process: This approach may begin with the placement of a temporary tissue expander to gradually create space and stretch the surrounding tissues. A later procedure may then be performed to place a permanent implant.
Recovery profile: Implant-based reconstruction generally involves a shorter initial surgery and recovery period compared with procedures that require tissue to be harvested from another part of the body.
Long-term considerations: Breast implants are not lifetime devices and require ongoing medical monitoring. Some patients may need additional procedures over time because of complications or changes in the implant or surrounding tissue.
Autologous or tissue-based reconstruction
Autologous reconstruction uses the patient’s own living tissue to create a new breast mound. Tissue may be transferred from another part of the body, commonly the lower abdomen, using procedures such as a DIEP flap.
Natural look and feel: Because the reconstruction uses living tissue, it can provide a natural warmth, texture and softness. The tissue may also change with the patient’s body weight over time.
Long-term durability: Once healing is complete, autologous reconstruction can provide a long-lasting result without the need to replace an implant. However, some patients may still require further procedures.
Complex surgery: This option usually involves a longer operation and recovery period. In microsurgical procedures, surgeons may need to reconnect tiny blood vessels to establish blood flow to the transferred tissue.
Direct comparison
When choosing between these two reconstructive pathways, patients and their surgical teams must consider several physical, medical and lifestyle factors.
Surgical burden: Implant surgery is generally less invasive, while flap reconstruction involves surgery at both the chest and the donor site.
Foreign material versus native tissue: Implants involve the use of a medical device, while autologous reconstruction uses the patient’s own tissue.
Recovery: The recovery timelines and rehabilitation requirements differ significantly between the two procedures.
Recovery and physical rehabilitation
Recovering from breast reconstruction requires patience, careful pacing and, in some cases, structured physical rehabilitation.
Because implant-based and autologous tissue-flap procedures involve different surgical techniques, their healing timelines and physical therapy milestones can vary considerably.
Understanding these differences is important for patients considering reconstruction, as the choice involves more than restoring physical appearance. It also requires careful consideration of recovery, long-term monitoring, lifestyle and individual medical needs.
Part 2 will examine recovery timelines, physical therapy milestones and other factors patients should consider when choosing between reconstructive options.
By Robert Ekow Grimmond-Thompson
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