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‘Everyone will die some day so …’
As children at the Airforce Station in Takoradi, we were brought up to be disciplined, honest and truthful everywhere we found ourselves and people in leadership positions set good examples for the young and upcoming ones.
Religious believers such as Christians, Moslems and Traditionalists have reinforced this idea of good beliefs and practices so that after death we’ll be able to go to our Creator. Christians believe, for example, that we need to live good lives so that we can go to heaven where the Creator is. In the case of Moslems, they also believe that good behaviour as required by Allah, is what will take you straight into His bosom. These beliefs have influenced Christians and Moslems to behave well from time immemorial. When we come to Tradionalists, they also believe that to be able to get to the Creator, you need to be of good behaviour and refrain from sin or what is not good so that after death, you’ll become an ancestor or a living-dead, that is, people who though are dead, continue to live as good people who stay along with their Creator.
BELIEFS
These beliefs remind some of us as children when we were staying with our parents at the Airforce Station in Takoradi. The important caveat was a reminder to everyone that one day we will all move away from this earth and give an account of ourselves concerning the kind of life lived on this earth.
This belief is being taken for granted by the generation of today. The reason is not far-fetched. No one has come back from the dead to give an account of his or her experience on the other side of life. For this reason, people take it for granted that death is bound to come but forget that after death, there will be judgement.
One of the things we remember as children at the Airforce Station was that, behind that Station, there was one drunkard who often moved from a nearby village to the barracks, announcing from time to time in his state of drunkenness that “Obiara bewu but people don’t know” which simply means, “Everyone is bound to die one day even though people take it for granted.”
THE WORLD TODAY
In the world today, people forget about this advice and keep misbehaving, proving to be wicked to their neighbours and subordinates. In many workplaces, be it offices or workshops, many superior officers discriminate against their subordinates and suppress them in an unfair manner to such an extent that sometimes we wonder whether such people actually believe that there is a God somewhere who would expect judgement from us after death.
Many of these people in their wickedness only associate themselves with people who are prepared to toe their lines whether right or wrong in order to ensure that such people are given promotions even where this is not necessary or is needless. Such things go to show how unjust the world has become.
Sometimes those who are bold enough to cry out against such injustice are pushed somewhere else where they will not have any influence in social life. This behaviour must be stopped since all of us are bound to give account someday to the Creator.
It is also a well-known fact that many people today use charms and amulets as well as occultic powers to gain power into leadership positions using these powers to charm their own superior leaders, so that even when they go wrong it will never dawn on anyone to bring them to book. This is a very unfortunate and unpleasant situation, making us wonder whether, indeed, there is justice in this world.
INFLUENCE THROUGH MONEY
Many people have died from maltreatment. Where such maltreatment occurs, money is used to influence vociferous people in society, so that they will not speak about the evil they see.
The practice of journalism is a noble profession but some of the practitioners are easily influenced by money to turn a blind eye to what constitutes the truth.
Again, even though the law court system is supposed to render justice to all people irrespective of status, this does not often occur as expected, even though in some cases the law is given the appropriate interpretation by those expected to dispense justice.
In the legislature as we often see, many of our parliamentarians are so biased that they are not truthful to issues that come up for deliberation. If for example things are becoming tough for the country, and, therefore, should be helped to come up with generating more income, those in opposition for fear that the generation of more revenue may lead to massive development for people in society, may vehemently oppose such a move to the discomfort of everyone. The point must be made, however, it is not all parliamentarians who are so biased but that some of them try to be as honest and truthful as possible and pursue the national interest. These are the people we need in Ghana today. We hope the parliamentarians will stop fighting needlessly in the legislature, so as to earn the respect they expect as “Honourable Members”.
NEED TO CHANGE OUR LIVES
Many more people ought to change their lives for the better in society. Tailors and seamstresses must be truthful, so that they will be able to render quality customer service to those who come to them for their service, including delivering sewn items on time. In the same way, drivers and their helpers, often known as “mates”, should be polite to all manner of passengers. We also expect the passengers to behave well to these drivers and their “mates”.
Security officers like policemen and soldiers must be fair to all people in society. They should not allow themselves to be influenced by the rich in pursuance of injustice in society. We can go on and on but the list can never be exhausted, so the problems in society are caused by we ourselves.
We are always in love with the rich and those who can satisfy us with money, while the poor is allowed to suffer with no one caring for him/her. This trend of iniquity and bad behaviour cannot continue throughout this 21st century, so we need to put a stop to it without delay.
DISHONEST EMPLOYEES
It is important also to note that many individuals would want to set up businesses and employ people to work in them to earn their means of livelihood. Unfortunately, many people employed in this way are so dishonest that within a short time they collapse the business established by set ups in their own interest. So what a world do we find ourselves in? God has not created problems for the world but the problems and challenges we face are the creation of man himself.
Subordinates in organisations and workplaces must know that whatever they do in this world will be accounted for after death, so we all need to be careful and behave as honest people at all times. We should also learn to tell the truth even if we will be subjected to one form of victimisation or the other. This is how we can all make the world a better place for everyone and enjoy the fruits of happiness irrespective of where we find ourselves.
May God help us all. Amen.
Contact email/ahatsApp of author:
Pradmat2013@gmail.com (0553318911)
BY DR KOFI AMPONSAH-BEDIAKO
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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