Features
Beggars in the City: Civic Responsibility vrs Religious Obligation
One cannot help but notice that in recent years there have been increased activities of beggars on the principal streets of major cities (Accra, Kumasi, Tamale etc.) in the country. Arguably Accra has been the leader in the activities of beggars in the country.
In Ghana begging is prohibited by law. Thus, Section 2 of the Beggars and Destitutes Act, 1969 (N.L.C.D. 392), makes begging a criminal offence. A person who is found begging, wandering, or who is on any premises or place to beg may be arrested by a police officer without a warrant. A person arrested for begging is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding GH₵1,800.00 or to a term of imprisonment not exceeding three (3) months or to both the fine and the imprisonment. However, the above prohibition does not apply to a person who is soliciting or receiving alms under a religious custom or the custom of a community or for a public charitable purpose or organized entertainment and a juvenile that is a person under the age of seventeen (17) years(Section 2(3)(4) of N.LC.D 392). Additionally, Section 6 of N.L.C.D 392 provides that a person found wandering about and unable to provide evidence of having a settled place of abode or employment, visible and sufficient means of subsistence, ora defective found neglected or abandoned shall be deemed to be destitute.
Notwithstanding the above express prohibition of begging in Ghana, the activities of beggars have gradually increased in some parts of the country over the period. Lead in this trend is the influx of migrant beggars from some parts of West Africa who most often uses children as their tool for begging. Due to the socioeconomic status of the country and the cost involved in enforcing this law on begging, the government of Ghana most often turns a blind eye to the activities of these beggars. This has emboldened these beggars to expand their activities as well as recruit more people into this venture.
Over the years, I have encountered these seven categories of beggars on the streets of Accra; I describe them by their status and the way they operate.
First is the “Professional Beggars”, these are mostly able-bodied people who have made up their minds they will beg as a source of livelihood. These people love begging, they enjoy begging, and they don’t want to do any other thing in life than to beg.I dare say that even if you attempt to help them secure decent jobs or set up businesses for them, they will still go back to begging. Some of these beggars believe their religion sanctions the giving of alms thus they must make themselves available for others to give the malms (one may argue that this is allowed under Section 2(3) of the Beggars and Destitutes Act).
The second is “Lying Beggars” this category of beggars may also be “Professional Beggars”. In addition to being “Professional Beggars”, they have mastered the art of begging by carefully crafting emotionally blackmailing stories full of lies. These beggars mostly come up with stories of needing financial assistance for medication, , hospital bills, food, and transportation among others. One will think that but for their needs, they wouldn’t be begging. However, this is just a scheme they use to solicit financial assistance from sympathetic people.
The third is “Circumstantial Beggars” these are mostly physically challenged people who due to unfortunate circumstances are unable to engage in any decent jobs or business ventures hence they resort to begging. Arguably if not for their physical challenges some of them may not be on the street begging.
The fourth is “Aggressive Beggars”.This category of beggars mostly resorts to the use of verbal or physical abuse to compel their targeted individual to give them money. Most often they get offended and use abusive words on an individual if they ask for money politely and the said individual refuses them. They may also physically restrain you in the street by grabbing your hand, holding your dress or bag among others just to compel you by the discomfort to give them money.
The fifth is “CasualBeggars” these are able-bodied people who are not Professional Beggars. However, from time to time these people resort to begging to augment their income from whatever business activities they may be engaged in. This category can also be referred to as “Occasional Beggars”.
The sixth category of beggars in the city is “Need-Based Beggars”. These are people that beg on the street because a need has arisen in their lives that they don’t have any means of taking care of the said need other than begging. These beggars usually have a genuine need that must be attended to, but they don’t have the financial muscle to do so all by themselves. Most often once the said need is met, they stop begging and undertake their normal activities devoid of begging on the street.
The seventh is “ChildBeggars”.These are children below the age of seventeen (17) years that are mostly used by “Professional Beggars” as a mechanism to undertake their begging activities. This category of beggars has been introduced in recent years by the influx of migrant beggars from some parts of West Africa. These children cling on to individuals on the street just to collect money from them whilst their parent/guardian relaxes under a shade supervising their activities. Most children under Section 2(4) of the Beggars and Destitutes Act and Section 18(g) of the Children’s Act, 1998 (560)(as amended) would not be held criminally responsible for begging. However, it is a criminal offence to use children as a mechanism to undertake begging activities. Such an act is deemed as exploitative child labour under Section 87 of the Children’s Act.
Note that the above categories of beggars are not mutually exclusive as there may be some beggars that fall within two or more of the above categories. There may also be another group of beggars I have not encountered who may operate differently from the ones I have identified above.
Section 5 0f the Beggars and Destitutes Act provides that a person who permits or encourages another person to commit an offence under Section 2 may be arrested by a police officer without a warrant. The person is liable on conviction to a fine not exceedingGH₵1,800.00 or to a term of imprisonment not exceeding three (3) months or to both the fine and the imprisonment. The question is does an individual commit an offence of encouraging another person to beg by giving alms to a beggar?if so, why do a lot of people still gives to beggars despite the possibility of suffering these penalties if arrested?
Most religions globally believe in giving to the needy in society. Also, our sociocultural orientation as Ghanaians encourages the giving of alms to the needy in our communities. As such it is not surprising that a lot of people give to these categories of beggars identified above when they encounter them on the street without hesitation. If you are a Christian believer like me, you might seek solace in Mathew 5:42 ESV which admonishes us to “Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you”. If you are a Muslim, you might draw inspiration from one of Islam’s pillars, Zakat which is alms giving or charity. Whatever your reason for giving to those who beg on the street, there is always a contrast between adhering to your religious beliefs and your civic duty not to encourage beggars on the street by giving alms to them.
Let me conclude with my most recent encounter with a beggar: on 25th May 2022, I went to Madina (a suburb of Accra) in the morning to purchase some items. I had to use the footbridge at Madina Zongo Junction to crossover to the other side of the street because the store I was going to was on the opposite side of the direction I came. Midway through my journey on that “anaconda size” footbridge, I was approached by a decently dressed fair lady. She had in her hand a placard with the inscription “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew11:28-30NIV. When we got close to each other, she asked me to read the inscription on the placard which I did. Under normal circumstances, I would have ignored her, but as religious as I am, I had to respect the carrier of the gospel of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. So, I paused and decided to listen to her share the gospel with me.
What was she trying to do? your guess is as good as mine.She was not trying to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ to me but only to use the inscription on the placard as a means to get my attention. She started with a story about how she inadvertently stepped into someone’s “black magic” at Takoradi, which got her leg swollen, because of that, she was bedridden for six(6) months and had to undergo a series of surgical operations before she got back on her feet. Since the incident, she had lost her job and she had to undergo the final surgical procedure to bring her leg back to normal. She then proceeded to say she was raising money for the surgery, and I should give her GH₵20.00 to support her cause. I told her I didn’t have a GH₵20.00 note to give to her. From the inconsistencies in her storyline, I could sense she was lying. Also, she was wearing a long skirt, and clearly, I wouldn’t even dare to ask to see the leg. She then negotiated downward and said I could give her any amount, even if it was GH₵5.00 or GH₵1.00. For her not to waste my time further, I gave her a GH₵10.00 note.
After this encounter with this lady, who is a “Professional Lying Beggar”, I met her at that same spot on the Madina Zongo Junction footbridge attempting to catch my attention with the same strategy. That was a couple of weeks after my first encounter with her.
In light of the above encounter, I leave you with these questions: How do we religious people balance our beliefs in giving alms on one hand? On the other hand, as patriotic citizens, our civic duty is not to encourage this social nuisance that is gradually taking over the principal streets of our major cities. What must the government working through its ministries, departments and agencies do to reduce, if not irradicate this social nuisance that is engulfing our major cities.
Autor:
The writer is a Legal Practitioner
Email: barnabas.abisa@gmail.com
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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