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Christmas and socio-economic growth
The season of Christmas is celebrated every year to signify peace, joy and prosperity for all men on earth. It is celebrated by Christians and non-Christians, making it one of the greatest events celebrated by everyone in the world.
The celebration of Christmas begins a few days before the actual event on December 25 when various preparations are made to get inputs for the celebration.
PLANS AND PREPARATIONS
During this preparation, plans are put in place to ensure that the celebration takes place in a peaceful and cordial manner. This is not only examined from the Christian perspective but from the perspective of non-Christians as well. The normal practice is to see people celebrating the occasion in joy and extending goodwill and happiness to people around them.
RELIGIOUS IN KIND
It must be noted, however, that Christmas is religious in kind because Christians believe that the Saviour of the world came to mankind to save him from misery and bring joy and happiness to mankind. Having celebrated Christmas for a long time, it will be difficult for this occasion to be wiped off, meaning that as a festival it ought to be celebrated in the expected religious way. The expected religious way is that man did not come into the world by chance but was created by God to enable him remember his Creator at all times. The Creator, therefore, brought His son to bring salvation to mankind irrespective of where they find themselves in the world. Christmas is, therefore, a season for peace and unity aimed at bringing together people who will unite and build societies in a positive manner for the good of mankind. The season signifies peace at all times that is why it must be marked by peaceful activities that ensure peace prevails in all communities, nations and the world as a whole.
ESSENTIAL INGREDIENT
One essential ingredient is unity so individuals are expected to show respect towards one another recognise their differences and misunderstandings as well as work towards improving upon relationship with one another in order to be able to live in harmony.
The purpose of the religious significance of Christmas is to bring together people in this way for them to show love towards one another and also live in peace irrespective of ethnicity, creed, race, colour and other beliefs.
For a nation like Ghana, the various political parties, individuals and interest groups are expected to work together in a meaningful manner so that national aspirations and development can be achieved within a very short time.
CHALLENGES
The world today is going through various challenges and so political actors and interest groups are expected to show respect towards one another, accommodate one another in terms of differences in views, and be prepared to cope with another for the common good.
National development brings on board the attainment of aspirations reflecting on every individual mind which can be galvanised together to push the entire nation forward and achieve the ultimate goal of all in terms of progress, development, prosperity, peace and better life.
The common interest of Ghanaians ought to be pursued in a positive way to bring about the kind of transformation needed for all Ghanaians to realise that, indeed, the country has been able to come together through and beyond the Christmas season in attaining what it has achieved for the good of all.
SIGNIFICANCE OF CHRISTMAS
Christmas, therefore, signifies peace and must be celebrated as such, avoiding needless merrymaking that will put lives in trouble or endanger properties in society. Similarly, goodwill messages must be genuine and extended to all irrespective of religious affiliation or beliefs so that mankind will embrace individuals in society and make them happy for our common national development in line with the purpose of Christmas.
As an occasion celebrated from time to time, the season of Christmas is celebrated to enable people make merry, sometimes forgetting about the religious significance of the occasion and its purpose for mankind. Christmas reflects the birth and purpose of Christ who came to save mankind and extend happiness and joy to every part of the world.
Many people take advantage of the season to organise transactions and economic activities that give them substantial rates of profit. Profit making here should not be condemned but it should be reasonable so that friends and neighbours cannot be seen to be over exploited. It is equally important for us to pay attention to the kinds or types of goods that are bought from the market. If Christmas is an occasion for peace and happiness, then people must refrain from exploitation of one another through deceitful transactions aimed at profiteering.
The quality of products and services offered for sale must be thoroughly examined so that only the best can be given out to customers who come into the market to buy to satisfy their needs. If the quality of products is satisfactory, the end result will be good for all and people shall celebrate the season without falling sick, or injuring themselves.
Good items offered for sale must be of high quality so that injuries to the body can be avoided. This way, we would be able to save money that otherwise would have been used into many forms of medication for the medical care of people who become subjected to injuries.
Similarly, non-food item such as electrical gadgets, clothing, leather materials and so on must also be made to go by standards and quality so that avoidable injuries will not be encountered before, during, and after the season. Furthermore, driving on the roads must be done with care to avoid needless accidents.
There is no doubt that the COVID-19 pandemic has brought with it unpleasant conditions to all parts of the world including Ghana. As we speak today, the fourth wave of COVID-19 infections has been detected at Kotoka International Airport in Ghana so we expect the health authorities to be up and doing as they have always done so as to be able to cater for the people of this country.
While the health authorities are working hard to monitor the situation and bring it under control, we expect each and everyone in the country to play his or her part in ensuring that we all keep to the COVID-19 prevention safety protocols.
The safety protocols include regular wearing of nose masks, avoiding overcrowding in places while keeping to social distancing during events. It is equally important to pay attention to regular washing of hands, use of alcohol based sanitisers and keeping to general safety protocols as announced by government and health authorities. If these measures are rigidly kept by individuals and also enforced by the authorities, it will make it possible for people in this country to live meaningful lives before, during and after the Christmas season.
It is also important for everyone to get vaccinated so that when the enforcement of the vaccination order begins early next year, we would all be able to show evidence of compliance. If we all come together with this common understanding, the country will move forward in great leaps and bounds for the good of everyone.
There is no doubt that the Christmas season provides for countries and communities to undertake various socio- economic activities that help to promote the welfare of their people. This ensures the dignity of quality life to everyone in the country or community.
This is pleasant socio- economic development that must be encouraged everywhere in Ghana and elsewhere.
Examples include improvement in the health sector, successful fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, trade, quality life and unity as well as respect for one another and general progress in society.
This is what Ghana needs as a country to progress to the next level.
Contact email/ahatsApp of author:
Pradmat2013@gmail.com (0553318911)
In the pursuit of nurturing healthy, fulfilling relationships, we often focus on understanding our partners, communicating effectively, and navigating conflicts. However, a crucial element is frequently overlooked: self-awareness.
Understanding ourselves is the foundation upon which successful relationships are built. Imagine being in a relationship where every conversation feels like a minefield, and every disagreement leaves you wondering if you are truly understood.
Now, picture a relationship where you feel seen, heard, and valued—not because your partner has magically figured you out, but because you have taken the time to understand yourself. This is the transformative power of self-awareness in relationships.
What is Self-Awareness?
Self-awareness is the ability to recognize and understand our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. It is the capacity to reflect on ourselves, acknowledging our strengths and weaknesses, and taking responsibility for our actions. With self-awareness, we are better equipped to manage our emotions, respond to situations more thoughtfully, and make informed decisions that align with our values.
How Self-Awareness Impacts Relationships
- Improved Communication:
When we are aware of our own emotions and needs, we can communicate them more effectively to our partner, reducing misunderstandings and conflicts. By recognising our tendency to become defensive in certain situations, we can take a step back, breathe, and respond more constructively. - Increased Empathy:
Self-awareness allows us to recognise and manage our own biases, enabling us to be more empathetic and understanding towards our partner’s perspective. By acknowledging our own emotional triggers, we can respond to our partner’s needs with more compassion. - Healthier Boundaries:
By understanding our own needs and limits, we can establish and maintain healthy boundaries, preventing codependency and resentment. Self-awareness helps us communicate our boundaries clearly and respectfully, fostering mutual respect in relationships. - Personal Growth:
Self-awareness fosters personal growth, enabling us to work on our flaws and become a better partner, friend, and individual. As we develop self-awareness, we become more resilient, adaptable, and better equipped to navigate life’s challenges with confidence and purpose.
Cultivating Self-Awareness
- Mindfulness and Reflection:
Regular mindfulness practices and self-reflection can help you develop a deeper understanding of yourself. Schedule time for reflection, whether through journaling, meditating, or simply taking a quiet walk in nature. - Journaling:
Writing down your thoughts, feelings, and experiences can provide valuable insights into your motivations and behaviors. Reflect on your journal entries to identify patterns, gain clarity, and develop a greater understanding of yourself. - Seek Feedback:
Ask trusted friends, family, or a therapist at Counselor Prince & Associates Consult (CPAC) for feedback on your strengths and areas for improvement. Be open to constructive criticism and use it as an opportunity for growth and self-awareness. - Embrace Imperfection:
Recognise that nobody is perfect, and it is okay to make mistakes. This mindset allows you to approach self-awareness with kindness and compassion, fostering a more positive and growth-oriented relationship with yourself.
As we cultivate self-awareness, we embark on a journey of growth, discovery, and transformation. By understanding ourselves, we can build stronger, more resilient relationships, and live a more authentic, meaningful life. Self-awareness is not a destination; it is a continuous process of learning, growing, and evolving—and one that requires patience, kindness, and compassion towards ourselves and others.
In conclusion, self-awareness is the cornerstone of healthy, fulfilling relationships. By understanding ourselves, we can communicate more effectively, empathise with our partner, and cultivate personal growth. As we strive to build stronger relationships, let us prioritise self-awareness, embracing our true selves, and loving ourselves for who we are. By doing so, we will become better partners, friends, and individuals—capable of building more profound, lasting connections with others, and living a life that truly reflects our values and aspirations.
To be continued …
By Counselor Prince Offei
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ONE profession which society has battled with is prostitution. Prostitutes can’t be stopped in their tracks. Soldiers have tried, policemen have doubled and redoubled to keep them off the streets. But the prostitute is like the cockroach. Sack it from the kitchen and it moves to the toilet where it can enjoy self-contained facilities. Drive it away from there and it scurries to the bedroom to become the landlord.
Prostitutes can live on land and sea. They are mysterious and defy gravity, a feat—even birds of the air have not successfully accomplished. They can change form and appear as bar girls; they dress like students; act like scholars and speak Oxford English. They are also like the chameleon but once their clients can identify them, no problem. The Sikaman prostitute normally enters the business as an amateur, having been introduced by a professional or a caricature of a pimp. But she learns quickly.
In a short time, she is able to take any size without wailing, unless of course the size is “international”.
Prostitutes are of every tribe, height, weight, colour and notoriety. These days, some are well-schooled with diplomas and degrees. They enter into the world’s oldest profession due to factors ranging from poverty to nymphomania.
Most prostitutes in Sikaman are often not sophisticated in outlook and modus operandi. Often, they easily betray themselves with their gaudy appearance, over-painted faces, skimpy skirts, cigarette in hand, walking with that kind of bottom-wriggling gait that can instantly turn a devoted clergyman into a he-goat.
In developed countries like Spain, prostitution takes different forms. Apart from those you can grab from the cheap bars and ghettos for single night stands and those managed by shameless pimps, there are some who are organised by well-established syndicates and specialised agencies.
If you need a girl for the night, you only have to telephone an agency, describing the kind and breed you want—race, height, size, colour (chocolate?), rudeness, smoking type, strip-teasing, shyness, whatever.
You give your address and the girl on time. You pay by the hour and cost per hour can make you feel dizzy without falling down. You’ll still be steady for the showdown.
The girls have been trained to use tricks and communication skills to make their clients spend several hours without really doing anything. A typical prostitute will make you drink, chat at length (they are very knowledgeable), cook for you, bathe you and breast-feed you. That takes some three hours and you have to pay if you still want her services.
If you grow a bit wiser and protest, and insist vehemently that you are tired of being babied and want some real action now, she’ll do another hour of strip-tease and belly-dance by which time you’re either bored or charged to bursting point.
And finally you will do it but never without a condom. And the kind of condom she’ll give you can’t be torn by any knife around the globe, not even okapi. Before you’re finally through, you’ve got some five-hour helluva bill to pay. Next time round, you’ll think twice and go in for the cheap-side who’ll even allow you to do it without condoms if you are tired of living and want to die of AIDS.
In Sikaman, apart from those who operate from hotels and bars, some operate in private homes. The clients come and line-up, each with a hard-on. When the queue is not moving fast some begin to sweat because they have a very low sexual boiling point. If they are not ushered in quickly they can cause problems.
They’ll start grunting and stamping and can disrupt the peaceful and orderly procedure. As it were, such clients need priority attention so that they do not cause a riot and disturb the public peace.
Incidentally, prostitutes don’t like dealing with such clients because they are bad business. They have no biblical patience at all. They rush too much, and that was why a prostitute once asked a client whether he was a Russian because he rushed a bit too much and messed up things.
Prostitution in Sikaman has taken a new turn. Girls as little as sixteen are selling their bodies sometimes with the passive connivance of their mothers. When the girls go out at 9.00 p.m. and return at 3.00 a.m, their mothers let them in without asking questions. Next day, the house is properly fed from the proceeds of the night adventure and everybody is happy and nobody talks. If you talk, no breakfast for you tomorrow morning.
The police are doing quite a job trying to get them off the streets but they go and return just like the cockroach. Many of them are surely agents for the transmission of the AIDS virus because they permit clients to forgo the condom. They only have to pay extra for the “raw” service.
Now, the idea of legalising prostitution has been a very controversial one. If prostitutes can hardly be gotten off the streets since they are defiant and are now very many, why not legalise the profession, issue licences (not to kids), offer them health services and health education, teach them how to protect themselves and others from sexually transmitted diseases and then compel them to pay tax?
That would force children out of the trade because the legal operators will themselves force out the kids who will be competing with them. They would even assist the police to kick out the 15 and 16 year olds.
If a bad phenomenon cannot be wiped out, a way must be found to make it less and less harmless, so that while it doesn’t benefit society in any grand way, it does not also harm it.
Any suggestions?
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