Features
Bawumia: Reflection of love
Many a time we boast to people that we love our neighbours but when we find ourselves in situations that expect us to prove this love beyond reasonable doubts, we are often found wanting, an indication that what many people boast of and describe as love does not come anywhere near true love but rather love that is fake.
Fake love abounds everywhere in this world and in every part of all the 16 regions in the country. This is very unfortunate but that is what is often found in this world.
True love can always be known when we carefully examine people‘s attitude and general behaviour in society. There are some people who pretend to love others even though this may not be true.
THE UNDERPRIVILEGED
In a situation where we come across the underprivileged who have suffered from diseases and have been rendered wretched through humiliation of suffering, such people, some of them, are found to be so disfigured that they appear unattractive to many people in society.
Such people can hardly attract love from members in their own community or from their own fellow citizens. It is for this reason that we need to be careful about those who profess to have love for such people when in fact they do not have any love in their heart for them.
The truth of the matter is that many underprivileged people in society are often ignored because of their miserable situation. Many people will not like to come close to them but may profess to love them just to impress society. Such outward show of love is fake, filthy or not genuine.
LOVE FOR LEPERS
How many people in Ghana today or many parts of this world can openly express love to lepers who dwell in the Weija Leprosarium in Accra?
The inmates in the leprosarium have been cured by the grace of God, but in spite of this, many people in society find it very difficult to associate with them. The lepers from Weija have been cured but their condition is such that they look very miserable and approaching them, therefore, is difficult for many people. It is, therefore, not surprising that these lepers are left to their fate without any warm interaction from those who claim to be lovers of God.
One person in this country who has proved to be the loving type for the cured lepers at Weija is H.E. Dr. Mahamadu Bawumia, Vice President of the Republic of Ghana, who has visited these underprivileged many times. His Excellency goes there to embrace, interact and share ideas with the inmates.
SHOW OF HUMILITY
Dr. Bawumia’s presence and interaction with them goes to show him as a humble man who does not place himself above the underprivileged in society but sees himself as the same with other persons who find themselves in such unfortunate situations.
Less than a fortnight ago, Dr. Mahamadu Bawumia celebrated his 59th birthday. To celebrate this birthday, he went to the Weija Leprosarium to bring inmates of the leprosarium to his Cantonments residence to celebrate the day with them. This goes to portray him as a man who does not regard himself as any special person from those who do not find themselves in a privileged position as him.
Many a time, our churches and mosques as well as other religious faiths teach us to love one another and to see ourselves as being the same as that person whose conditions are poor, miserable or unattractive. The man, Mahamadu Bawumia, has proven to be a true lover of God and his actions in society are far from pretence.
SELFLESS CHARACTER
Apart from the love he shows regularly to the inmates of the Weija Leprosarium, he is again known to share what he has with the poor in society, who find themselves in various parts of the country. He is known from time to time to be often sharing what he has with many orphanages in this country.
Dr. Bawumia’s family, including his wife and children, also ought to be commended for supporting their man to share what he has with the poor and needy as well as the underprivileged in society. It is in light of this that we pray to the Almighty God to shower more blessings on him and protect and guide him to enable him move from one level of victory to the other.
Anyone who has an objective mind will agree that Dr. Bawumia’s humility, kindness and respect for his fellow man is something that is genuinely true and beyond human comprehension. The Lord will continue to bless him to overcome all his enemies and rivals including all those who pretend to love him but dislike him in their hearts. In fact, he is known to be respectful, humble and loving to every person. Wherever he goes in this country, he does not carry himself high but is often seen to be bowing as a sign of respect and recognition to chiefs and all other people who come in contact with him. It is part of him, his behaviour and general attitude in life such that it flows naturally from him. He is not a pretender who does these things for votes.
UNIQUE PERSONALITY
All Ghanaians must, therefore, take note of his positive, unique and humble personality that he possesses to serve the people of this country. Many pretenders, both in government and opposition, may present themselves as good and influence people to accept them.
In all this, however, we need to open our eyes and siphon out the sheep from the goats. In this context, the sheep are the humble respectful entities that can truly serve our interests, not the goats who may be proud, pompous, victimising and destructive when given the chance to perform any function in this country.
True humility as we see in Vice President Mahamadu Bawumia comes from his inner spirit as a creation of God and it is this spirit of humility and love that is expressed to care for the cured lepers at Weija, going for them, and taking them back from time to time to the glory of God. He keeps saying that these lepers have been cured, so people should interact with them and show love to them at all times and on all occasions.
COMMENDATION
Dr. Mahamadu Bawumia is a devout Moslem who does not only respect Islam but also shows love and respect to people practising other religions including Christianity. Any time he’s invited by any church for a programme, he goes without hesitation to fraternise with his brothers and sisters in the church. It, therefore, came as no surprise when the king of Dagbon recently commended him and praised him for his wonderful way of life towards socioeconomic development.
Again, not long ago, the chiefs and people of Wa and surrounding areas in the Upper West Region also conferred on him a chieftaincy title, recognising his unique role as a wonderful citizen of Ghana. In all other parts of the country, people have seen his worth as a loving, respectful, humble and also someone who is always prepared to serve his country, Ghana.
UNFAIR ATTACK
Many people in opposition keep attacking him unfairly but had it not been him and his role in government, things would have been worse in the country, so let no one come and deceive us with atrocious lies.
God has blessed him so he will climb higher and higher as he is doing now to help this country to overcome its economic situation and be pushed into a higher level of socioeconomic development.
Email address/whatsApp number of author:
Pradmat201@gmail.com (0553318911)
By Dr. Kofi Amponsah-Bediako
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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