Features
Honourable Henry Quartey …Dynamic and effective
Some ministers in the Akufo-Addo-led administration are working hard and must be commended by Ghanaians but in the case of Honourable Henry Quartey, his commitment towards hard work, dynamism, effectiveness, zeal and achievement, among others are incomparable as regards what he is trying to achieve as Greater Accra Regional Minister.
His desire to transform the city of Accra into a clean one in line with the vision of the president, is a task that is not easy to achieve looking at the stubborn nature of many Ghanaians residing within the city.
SANITATION
Many people in Accra do not keep to sanitation guidelines, throwing rubbish into gutters and blocking the smooth flow of water in various parts of the city. Other people are also putting up structures in unauthorised places and making it difficult for the flow of water into demarcated drains especially after the rains.
It takes the boldness of a person charged with that responsibility of ensuring discipline in the city to be able to go about measures geared towards sanitising the area. Many people given the responsibility will not be able to perform creditably well due to a number of factors. In the first place, many of them wlll lack the boldness and alacrity to confront a task ahead and bring about the desired results.
The results will be admired by every person in Ghana but taking steps to achieve it is what will be difficult for many people to do. It is in the light of this that Hon. Henry Quartey, determined as he is, must be given every encouragement and support, to achieve the task we have all set for him.
SLOGANS
Slogans like “keep the city clean” have been exhibited in Accra for years yet people or residents never bother to give practical meaning to this slogan. Since the 1970s, when some of us were children and are now grown into old people, such a slogan had been displayed jn places such as Accra, Sekondi-Takoradi, Kumasi and a few other places. In spite of this, can we really say the desired purpose was correctly achieved by city authorities and the people of Ghana?
If the answer may be no, then we have all failed as a people and must, therefore, begin to change our lives for the better as far as cleanliness in our cities is concerned.
GENERAL COMPLAINT
Everyone in Accra complains about the chaotic situation in the capital yet no one is prepared to take up the task and help to solve the problem.
The time has, therefore, come for each and every one of us to recalibrate our minds not just once but on continuous basis so that our mental faculties as a people will start working again to put things in order for the capital so that it will look as one of the best cities on the continent of Africa as far as cleanliness is concerned.
One notable admirable thing about Hon. Quartey was his desire, at the initial stages to involve all stakeholders about keeping the city clean and making Accra work. He consulted all parliamentarians, those in government and in opposition, as well as District and Municipal Assemblies in the Greater Accra Region and also traders and their associations together with other people who operate businesses in the city of Accra.
THOROUGH DISCUSSION
The issue was thoroughly discussed for everyone to see the way forward. This approach is good because no one was left out as far as the entire programme is concerned. For this reason, it’s expected that all stakeholders will collaborate to ensure that the ultimate purpose is achieved.
The regional minister has used the right approach because all stakeholders have been consulted and this is what makes him as acceptable leader for greater Accra. It’s important that other regional ministers emulate him to bring sanity to their areas of control.
UNTENABLE ARGUMENT OF TOO MUCH POWER
The argument that he assumes too much power is untenable and what he’s involved in is in the interest of the entire nation. He is not self-centred, looking for glory for himself alone but collaborating with all entities to achieve the ultimate purpose in the interest of Ghana.
There is no doubt that the regional minister is dynamic. His approach to things is not static but keeps changing in a positive manner to ensure that his solutions become workable.
In spite of the obstacles confronting him, Hon. Quartey is ready to succeed. He has already attained considerable success and should be commended by all.
Seen in this way, we need to continuously support him so that at the end of the day, the national capital will work again as expected not only for him as a regional minister but for the nation as a whole.
HONOURABLE HENRY QUARTEY
Before the appointment of Honourable Henry Quartey, Member of Parliament for Ayawaso Central, little did we know about him as a committed and bold person who was prepared to hold the bull by the horn and work hard to transform Greater Accra into a sanitised area
So far, he has proved himself as a leader who is selfless and willing to serve his country to the best of his ability. Many people appointed into offices first think about their own comfort before creating subsequent impression that they are in to perform their duty.
In the case of the Greater Accra Regional Minster he has so far proved that he is selfless and even prepared to endure some hardships in the course of beautifying the city of Accra. He has often been seen standing in the sun and moving with certain individuals in dirty surrounding areas to get the job done. Some of us keep wondering how many Minsters or officials are prepared to go through such conditions. It is for this reason that the man Henry Quartey must be massively supported to complete the task.
Thus, instead of commending and encouraging him, we shouldn’t discourage and destroy him in a manner that will not get him to beautify the city with other officers. We will continue to support him until his job is done appropriately as expected in line with the interest of our dear nation
In 1 Samuel 8:1-4, we read of the leader of Israel at the time growing old and making his sons judges in Israel. These sons didn’t follow their father’s example but were only interested in making money, there by accepting bribes and going about their duties in a dishonest manner
Some people appointed to serve the people of this country have also succumbed to bribery and corruption but use the media to create the impression that they are working, though false.
For many years to come Honourable Henry Quartey will continue to be remembered for his principles, boldness, dutifulness and fairness to all in an effort to beautify Accra for all Ghanaians. May God bless him abundantly.
Contact email/whatsApp of author:
Pradmat2013@gmail.com (0553318911)
By Dr Kofi Amponsah-Bediako
THE state of feeling rejected, could be a terrifying experience especially for those who have become used to fame. If not properly addressed, it could lead to depression and the consequences, could be disastrous.
When you are on top of your game in whatever profession you find yourself such that you become famous, a lot of people try to associate with you. The phone never ceases to ring and one is tempted to feel loved and very important.
When a disaster strikes and the fame or the money which was the source of the attraction fades away, the circle of friends and fans begin to shrink and the phone will start to stop ringing until the call stops voting completely.
You will be shocked at how people you considered friends, will no longer be calling you or pay casual visits as they used to. You will begin to notice that messages you leave after calling them and not getting a response are not replied to and that is when you begin to know who your true friends are.
One of the most popular movie stars was an actress called Sharon Stone. In an interview with one of the media houses that was published, she spoke about how people who should have come around to encourage her in her moment of depression, shunned her. The calls stopped coming.
This is what the Bible admonishes that the arm of flesh will fail you and therefore we should put our trust in God. It could be a very frightening experience and can easily lead to depression.
Human nature being what it is, people will want to get close if things are okay. Everybody wants to associate themselves with interesting things, famous people, rich people etc for mainly selfish reasons.
We need to develop the habit of putting our trust in God and relying less on human beings. The lesson we have to take along in life is that, no one marries his or her enemy so how come people who took vows that they will love each other become so hostile to each other that they want to go their separate ways in life? Such is the reality of life.
It is therefore prudent for people to recognise that, life is full of uncertainties and so there is the need to prepare your mind for uncertainties so that when they occur, they do not disorganise your mental sanity.
A lot of people have experienced situations where people who they could have sworn will never betray their trust have disappointed them when they were through challenging moments.
If there is one thing famous people should desire, it should be the ability to identify who are true friends are. Countless stories abound regarding incidence of celebrities who have lost their shine and their wives divorcing them soon after.
It is sometimes useful as a famous or rich person to sign a prenuptial agreement before marriage to safeguard or protect yourself from any future unpleasant surprises.
People can be very pretentious these days, it goes both ways. There is this real life story where a man married a divorced wealthy woman and convinced her to sell her house so they could build a new one together, with the excuse that people are gossiping that he is being housed by a woman.
The woman agreed and they put up a new building. After a few years the man asked for a divorce, only for the woman to realise that the land on which the building was situated, was bought in the man’s name.
This can drive a person insane, if you are not mentally tough and this happens to you. When people hear that you are homeless, a lot of your so-called friends will stop calling, so that you do not become a burden on them.
By Laud Kissi-Mensah
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‘But, er …. I don’t even know your name’.
‘Paul. Paul Allotey. I’m Sarah, by the way. Paul, why don’t you leave me here, since this is the last important thing I’m doing today’.
‘Okay. Now Sarah. I was just thinking. You will be here at the cafe for about an hour. By then it will be about twelve thirty. Then, you would be thinking of buying yourself some lunch, to eat here or to take home. So if you would please allow me, I will take you to one of the nicest eating places in town, and after you have sorted that one out, then I can drop you home. Just that one errand, then I won’t bother you again’.
‘You are not bothering me at all. You are being very kind to me. And I just realised you are a mind reader too. The last item on my agenda was lunch’.
‘I’m so glad I appeared at your doorstep, just in time’.
‘Okay. Now Paul, since you say the cafe is a comfortable place, let’s go in together, and you can do your work while I get my application done’.
‘Okay, Sarah. Thanks. Let’s go’.
We got back in the car at eleven forty-five.
‘So where are we going, Paul?’
‘To Royalty restaurant. It’s a twenty minute drive away’.
‘So, do you enjoy your job?’
‘Most certainly. I won’t change it, not even to be President. And am I right to say that you are preparing to enter the university?’
‘That’s my plan. I hope it works’.
‘It will, if you are determined, and disciplined. You look very much like a disciplined person’.
‘Thank you very much’.
We arrived at Royalty in twenty-five minutes, ‘You are joining me for lunch, Paul’.
‘Thanks for the honour, Sarah. But the bill is on me’.
‘Aren’t you taking on too much for one day?’
‘I never do anything that is bigger than me, Sarah’.
Over the next hour and a half, we discussed fashion, local and international politics, and sports, as we ate and relaxed. Finally, he drove me to the shop.
‘I will never forget you, Paul’.
‘I’m glad to have been helpful. But if you don’t mind, I’ll say it again, your husband is extremely lucky. You are really beautiful’.
‘Thanks again. But do you mind if I call you sometime in the future?’
‘Certainly not. Let me write it here. I will not ask for your number, for obvious reasons. But I will be looking forward to hearing from you. And hopefully, I will see you next month, when I call to drop your bill’.
‘Okay Paul. See you then’. What a lovely day, I said to myself as I opened the front door. I closed the shop and got home by seven. I went straight to the bedroom, stood in the mirror and took a good look at myself. ‘You are a very beautiful woman, Sarah. Never forget that’. I will not forget that, again.
Over the next several weeks, Martin and I had very little to do with each other. In the morning he ate his breakfast and after a shabby ‘I’m going’, he left. He came home around eight at the earliest, ate his dinner and, already soaked in beer, went off to sleep.
He spent the greater part of the weekends at the club house with his friends, playing tennis and partying. My mind was focused on furthering my education, so I didn’t complain to him, and didn’t bother to inform my parents about what was happening. I had decided that I would only take action if he lifted his hand against me again. I spent my free time reading all manner of interesting stuff on the internet, and chatting with my sister on WhatsApp.
One evening, he came home at about eight, rushed to the bedroom and rushed out. An envelope, obviously containing money, dropped out of his pocket, and I picked it up and followed him. I was going to call him and give it to him, but I noticed that there was a young woman in the car, so I went back in, counted it and put it in a drawer in the hall. He came back after some ten minutes.
‘Excuse me, I dropped an envelope containing money. You must have seen it’.
‘Yes, I saw it. Actually, I followed you, and was about to call you and hand it over to you when I realised that there was a woman in the car, so I came back in. I counted it. One thousand cedis.
‘Well let me have it. I have to be going’.
‘I will let you have it if you will tell me who the woman in the car is, and why you are going to give her that amount of money’.
‘Listen, if you waste my time, I will teach you a lesson you will never forget. Give me the money now!’
‘Here’s what we will do, Martin. I know you will give money to her anyway, so I will give it to you, if you will withdraw the threat you just issued. But I want you to know that I will be taking some steps from tomorrow. Things are getting out of hand’.
‘Okay, I’m sorry I threatened you. Can you please give me the money’. I handed it over to him, and he ran out’.
The following morning, I waited for him to finish having breakfast, and told him I wanted to have a word with him urgently.
‘You better be quick. You know I’m going to work’.
‘Well, I want to inform you that I will inform my parents, and your parents, about the situation in this house. As I said yesterday, things are getting out of hand. You spend most of your time drinking. You get drunk every evening, and through the weekend. And you are also spending your time and money on a prostitute’.
‘How dare you? One more stupid word from you …’
‘Am I lying, Martin? You have just started life, yet you are behaving like a rich, elderly man who has already seen his children through university, and can afford a life of fun. As I said, I’m going to inform our parents. Maybe your parents can straighten you out before it is too late’.
‘Look, we can talk this evening. It’s nothing like what you are saying’. He walked away, shocked.
That evening, I was expecting to have a meaningful discussion with him, but his mother called early in the evening to offer me some ‘advice’. Her son had called to say that certain developments at home were disturbing him so much that they were beginning to affect his work.
And, ‘as a loving mother to her daughter’, she was advising me to submit to my husband, and support him in prayer, and not ‘drive him from home’. Men would always be men, and she was telling me ‘from experience’ that no matter how much time Martin stayed away from home, he would always come home to me.
She had been a young wife before, so she understood the challenges I was facing. So I could be assured that if I followed her advice, all would be well. And, of course, she didn’t allow me to tell my side of the story.
Martin came home very late, and very drunk. And from the next morning, he carried on as before. With some hesitation, I called my dad and told him all that had gone on.
‘Well, my daughter. I’m not going to say “I told you so”. I was only trying to protect you. So here’s what we’ll do. Continue doing the best you can, and try not to give him any excuse to harm you, but if things continue to deteriorate, I will take you back.
A couple of days later, my cousin Dinah arrived in Accra from Brussels, having completed her medical course. With Martin’s agreement, I went to Koforidua and spent a couple of days. I spent most of the time chatting about her experiences in the US, but we also discussed my relationship with Martin, and she endorsed Dad’s decision to take action if Martin’s behaviour did not change after two weeks Elaine informed Mom and Dad. We endorsed Dad’s decision to take action if there was no change in two weeks.
Dinah returned with me to Takoradi. Her plan was to spend a couple of weeks, and return to Accra to be posted. I called Paul Allotey, and asked if he would meet her for lunch and, if possible, show her some interesting spots. Delighted, he suggested that we meet at Royalty the next day.
I told Martin about it, to remove any possibility of future disagreement over ‘going out with men’.
‘It’s fine with me’, he said, ‘if, of all the people who could show your sister round this town, you chose a borla man. Doesn’t that indicate the kind of person you are?’
‘ First of all, Martin’, I’ve spoken to him a few times, and he comes across as a decent guy, so I think it is rather unfortunate that you are writing him off when you don’t know him’.
By Ekow de Heer
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