Features
Do not let the pressure get to you
Recently one of the topical issues being discussed on various media platforms is the infamous act of one Chef Smith that led to his arrest by the police.
Shortly after the public event patronised by the media, that Chef Smith had won a cook-a-thon contest, news quickly circulated that he had been arrested for fraud.
Rumours were rife that he had perpetrated fraud on Ghanaians and the world at large, regarding his claim that he had officially been recognised as the new cook-a-thon record holder by Guinness book of records.
Couple of days ago in his own words and on live TV, he confessed that it was all a hoax and that he engineered the whole thing. Asked by the host why he did what he did he initially said he did not know.
Then upon further probing he confessed that he was pressured by economic circumstances to indulge in that deceptive act. He explained that he could hardly take care of his bills and that sometimes it was difficult for him to pay his children’s school fees.
He then apologised profusely to some individuals he had hurt by his actions, the people of Ghana and the world in general that he deserve to die and all should forgive him, amidst weeping.
It was sad to witness a young man weeping uncontrollably, all because he allowed the current economic pressure to get to him and therefore cloud his judgement.
There is a twist to this issue regarding the person who was interviewing Chef Smith and the question of hypocrisy given the rumours surrounding the person who was doing the questioning on grounds of morality.
This was a person who had been mired in allegations of immorality and there she was asking someone why he scammed a whole bunch of people? Let us leave this for another day.
When a person becomes desperate, common sense flies out the window and actions that one will not usually carry out, gets executed. People usually blame the devil when caught in the web of bizarre acts which dents the reputation.
As the Chef was being pushed to the wall to tell why he orchestrated that charade, I was saying to myself not again, not again, thinking he was going to say “it was the devil who made me do it.”
Fortunately, this time, the chef took responsibility and said economic pressure pushed him to commit that grand deception. I might have taken a decision to go to court to sue the chef on behalf the devil if he had laid the blame at the devil’s doorstep.
It was becoming too much for me to bear to hear of people always blaming the devil for things they and they alone are responsible for.
The underlying causes of some of the wrong actions are a combination of economic pressures and selfishness or economic pressures and greed or a combination of all three.
It is therefore important to deal with selfish tendencies or greed so as to minimise the potential for problems in our lives.
The embarrassment caused by Chef Smith to his family, friends, and his extended family is huge. This could all have been avoided if greed had been dealt with in his life and had exercised patience as well.
The idea of doing more than one job should be something that the crop of young people in the country now and even older folks should consider. It reduces the economic stress people often go through and therefore the potential for temptation to engage in risky behaviour.
Nobody should think that the cost of living is going to reduce drastically as time goes on. Climate change is affecting food production to some extent and resources like water are gradually diminishing so things are not going to be cheaper as the years go by.
Population is increasing year after year and so in our part of the world, innovation, prudent financial management and self-discipline are required, to be able to overcome the stress.
By Laud Kissi-Mensah
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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