Features
Hajia Mariama Bawumia, rest in peace!
From experience in life, we know for sure that death is inevitable for everyone but the passing away of Hajia Mariama Bawumia, mother of our current Vice President, Dr. Mahamadu Bawumia, came as a shock to everyone in Ghana, members of both government and opposition, sending sorrow to everyone who heard of the unfortunate news on Monday, September 13, 2021.
At the birth of a new baby when a new life is encountered or experienced, everybody expresses joy but when this life goes through the rigours of life and must return to the Creator, we all become sad at the loss of this life. This is not surprising because having lived closely with such life, we become so familiar with this life that when the time for departure comes at the point of death, it saddens our hearts.
Familiarity with a Person on Earth
Once we become familiar with a person, it becomes almost unacceptable for such a person to move on from this life and when this happens, we know for sure that we will not see him/her again in this life hence, the pain and grief that come over everyone in society. Matters even become worse when the person concerned is good and lived an exemplary life worthy of emulation by others in society. Once this is the case, we always find it difficult to forget about such a good person. This deepens the grief and pain that we encounter in the world.
It is this experience that has come over the people in Ghana including officials of political parties and government thereby making it difficult to accept that Hajia Mariama Bawumia has, indeed, left us behind. At this time, even though what has happened is true, it will be difficult for Ghanaians to forget entirely about this unfortunate event. Our hope is, however, in God who made the heavens and the earth and all the things that dwell in them. These bitter experiences, that occur from time to time to mankind, tend to go beyond human comprehension. But our faith in God encourages us to accept things as and when they happen to us in this way.
Departure of Loved Ones
From time to time, we experience this situation when we lose dear ones in our communities, societies, or nation. The departure of such people from us cause devastation to us and sometimes it calls for the grace of God to be able to stand firm and control ourselves. No matter who you are, the loss of a dear one always brings a devastating blow to society and our close associates, and this explains why the loss of our precious mother, Hajia Mariama Bawumia, came to us as a shock even though death, as we know, is inevitable.
Our mother was a devout Muslim who never joked with her religion and for this reason, we will make some attempt at what the Holy Qur’an says about death. There is one most frequently quoted verse in Qur’an about death which states that “Every soul shall taste death, and only on the Day of Judgement will you be paid your full recompense.” This shows that death is inevitable. The same Qur’an emphasises that mankind “Should not die except in a state of Islam” because “Truly, the religion in the sight of Allah is Islam”. Since our mother died in her religion, we believe, (both muslims and non-muslims), that Allah will embrace her into His kingdom and show mercy to her.
Death and Life
There is no doubt that it is God or Allah who created death and life. If this is the case, then we cannot blame Him for death that comes to us. Being the Most Merciful, Most Forgiving and Almighty, we pray to Him at this time to have mercy on our mother who we believe has been received into His kingdom.
The way numerous tributes poured in for our late mother shows that she was not only a mother to the Vice President and his siblings but to all Ghanaians who believe that we should care for one another in this world. People who testified about her, pointed out that she was a kind and lovely person who mingled with any other people she encountered. The presence of the Chief Imam at Kperiga, Walewale, as well as many other dignitaries including the various political parties shows that people saw her as a dependable mother who cannot be easily forgotten in this life.
Delightful Lady
Hajia Mariama Bawumia was a delightful lady who catered for all the people she met at Walewale for which reason we ask for God’s mercy for her. As was pointed out by President Akufo-Addo and the First Lady Mrs Rebecca Akufo-Addo, we ask for God’s blessings for her. We believe that she will have a peaceful rest in the bosom of God. In the same way as was pointed out by the President and his wife, we want to urge Vice President Bawumia to be firm to beat the challenges in the days ahead. At this time, the Vice President and his siblings will need to be encouraged for strength so that they can stand firm in the challenges ahead. People from all over the country have been touched by the death of Hajia and expressed their condolences to the family and the Government of Ghana.
For the people of Ghana, if there is nothing to remember at all, we need to know that it is Hajia who gave birth to Dr. Bawumia and together with other members of the family nurtured him to grow up and become a responsible citizen, shooting up in life across all challenges and difficulties to become the Vice President of the Republic of Ghana. The good virtues seen in the late Hajia – her beautiful temperament, smiles, laughter, friendliness, kindness, warm attitude towards others etc. – have all been exhibited by the Vice President and this shows why Dr. Bawumia is always smiling and caring for people in need.
Motherly Figure to All
The late Hajia Mariama has not only been a motherly figure, but also a great source of inspiration to her children and to all members in the country. It is not possible for mankind to bring her back to life otherwise many people would have struggled to do so. As has been pointed out, death is inevitable, so God knows why He allowed it at this time. May we continue to follow her life exhibited not only in the northern part of the country but in all parts of the country where she stayed so that as much as possible, people will follow her and do what is right as they encounter other people on this planet.
May the soul of our mother, Hajia Mariama Bawumia, rest in perfect peace. Amen!
Contact email/whatsApp of author:
Pradmat2013@gmail.com (0553318911)
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
SKIP THE QUEUE, TAP THE NEWS
You can now read the Ghanaian Times and The Spectator newspapers from the comfort of your device via TimesNewsPlus.
Join our WhatsApp Channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbBElzjInlqHhl1aTU27
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
SKIP THE QUEUE, TAP THE NEWS
You can now read the Ghanaian Times and The Spectator newspapers from the comfort of your device via TimesNewsPlus.
Join our WhatsApp Channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbBElzjInlqHhl1aTU27
