Features
COVID-19: My layman’s take

I am not a scientist. Indeed, many things in science make little sense to me but once I trust Research Scientists to be doing the right things for humanity, I am minded to accept their findings and live by their recommendations. I remember one advert on television in London in late 1975 which said, “An egg a day keeps the doctor away.” Now, years later, we are told eggs contain such cholesterol levels that they must be taken in moderation.
What might have happened to those who took an egg a day for many years? Were the doctors kept away all those years? It looks like our scientists cannot easily make up their minds. Then comes the dreaded COVID-19. Again, our scientists are struggling to make up their minds on what this pandemic presents. They cannot agree on the distance between people so as not to get infected or infect. Some even say one does not need to get close to another to get infected and that the virus is in the air.
Sadly, the virus does not come like ‘kakai’ where one could parry it away. However, the conspiracy theories seem to gather more currency than the scientific ones. No sooner had the virus broken than we were told some 5G masts were said to be responsible. Another had it that some devilish individuals want to control the minds of all humanity and put us under their spell. Yet some say Bill Gates and his wife, Melinda, want to use the virus as a ruse to get blacks vaccinated so they cannot have babies to populate the world anylonger. They say there is no truth in this COVID thing at all.
I am made to understand that the corona virus is not a living organism and so can only linger on certain surfaces for a certain number of days or hours and die. Only on copper surface can the virus die instantly. Granted that this is true, we are not told how long it will linger in the system of a person who dies of the virus. I state this because bodies of those who die of the virus are not released to their families for fear of infection. My layman’s question is: if I am dead and cannot breathe, cough or sneeze, how do I get my handlers infected? Or does this virus stay in the corpse till it decays?
I hope my dear readers are not getting more confused than me. Granted that all the conspiracy theorists are up to some mischief, there is one fact that I know; and that is Nature does not forgive. I will explain this shortly.
I had gone shopping at a supermarket in the Bronx area of New York City in July of 2012, and at the vegetables section I saw the labels stating which were organic and which were genetically modified. The labelling was to allow the customer a choice. In fact, the GM ones looked more lush and appealing than the organic ones which, to all intents and purposes, were more expensive. By reflex, I muttered under my breath, “Are we safe?” A baritone voice responded behind me, “We aren’t safe, brother.”
I turned to face a hulk of a bearded giant staring down into my face. With a hand like the paw of a bear, he took mine and introduced himself as a Professor of Biochemistry in one university and had been researching into certain organisms I cannot readily recollect now. He stated that genetically modified (GM) foods are so pure that the natural antibodies that help to boost our immune system to fight ailments are eliminated. The effect, therefore, is that absolute dependence on GM foods exposes us to infections unless immune boosters are produced for regular consumption. This information, to me, was as frightening as it was revealing.
I told my Professor friend that I was a trainer of Journalists in a university in Ghana and promised to spread his word. He was grateful as I was as we parted company and I picked my organic foods and went my way.
It was clear to me from then on that because of profit and the desire to rake in megabucks, people set out to use technology to create ‘problems’ for humanity. These GM organisms do not have the natural seeds to grow, so the farmer is compelled to buy the seed from these biotech firms for planting all the time. This is a total dependency syndrome.
Now, back to COVID-19 and Nature’s Law: Have we noticed that there are more reported cases of the virus and deaths in the advanced societies? Their scientists cannot understand why Africa has rather low case levels and deaths. We are made to understand that this virus attacks the immune system, not so? So, here comes my “Layman’s Take.” Because majority of those out there live on GM foods, their immune system is compromised and cannot combat the effects of the virus; death is inevitable.
However, here in our parts we cannot afford to even buy the GM seeds so we depend on the organic farming methods to feed our population, thus building the antibodies to fight the virus. Therefore, it is highly likely that more people in Africa have had the virus than anywhere in the world but are not showing symptoms at all, which makes it probable that I might have contracted this deadly virus many times over and recovered without even knowing that I contracted it in the first place. This may be because we do not as yet have the capacity to mass-test our populations. This is possible, isn’t it?
I am of the conviction that nature is only exacting its ‘punishment’ on mankind for using technology to violate its laws. Of course, the question will arise as to how come Africa has recorded deaths from COVID-19. Could the answer simply be that those are people with underlying conditions? As I stated earlier, I am no scientist and cannot propound scientific theories to support my thinking, but if I have by this article touched on why Africans are not dying in the streets as predicted by Melinda gates, I guess scientists and their technology partners are hereby challenged to look at our food and food sources the world over.
Only recently, about a dozen players and officials of Kumasi Asante Kotoko Football Club were said to have tested positive for the virus in Sudan. They looked healthy while training with no symptoms. Even after the positive tests, none has shown signs of illness. They are back home doing as well as they left. That’s the point I seek to make.
Is Africa doing something right?
However, Ghanaians seem to take the risk lightly and are going about their duties as if nothing ever happened. The country might face another lockdown if stringent measures are not taken to enforce safety protocols.
PS: I wish it is just a plain rumour that testers are charging GH¢500.00 to declare otherwise infected people negative. Else I will appeal to National Security to conduct an investigation into the claim making the rounds.
By Dr. Akofa K. Segbefia
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Features
Traffic jam on Weija-Kasoa highway
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
Features
Understanding mortality: Exploring the complexities of human existence
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




