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
On Sunday, October 11, 2026, it was the turn of Ghanaian Catholics in Finland to lead the singing in the church service of the African Catholic Chaplaincy in Finland (ACCF).
It was indeed a spirit-filled feeling for worshippers present. And for the Ghanaian migrants, the occasion also brought back to them memories of church services in their home country, Ghana.
The ACCF has a roster for each country/community to sing from time to time. Next Sunday will be the turn of the Nigerian community. Other communities that usually sing are the Kenyan/Tanzanian community, the Cameroonian, the Ugandan, group, etc.
A powerful religious experience
The mass services of the Chaplaincy usually give a powerful religious experience and a display of cultural diversity, especially in occasions such as when the Bishop of Helsinki, Bishop Raimo Goyarrola, celebrated mass with the Chaplaincy on Pentecost Day, May 24, 2026.
There was a similar time of spiritual joy last month (September 27, 2026) when Emeritus Bishop Teemu Sippo, former Bishop of Helsinki, visited the Chaplaincy. Bishop Teemu was the main celebrant, assisted by the Chaplain, Reverend Father Thomas Otieno.
Last Sunday, Reverend Father Bernard Sor, a Ghanaian Catholic priest based in Austria, was the main celebrant in the mass service where he performed a rite of baptism. Fr Bernard had celebrated mass a few months ago when he visited his sister and her husband in Helsinki. 
All these well-attended religious occasions indeed leave lasting memories. The homilies (peaching) by the priests usually emphasize religious tenets such as the importance of loving and serving God in truth, existing in peace with our fellow humans to promote unity in diversity, etc.
Unity in diversity and a colourful display of cultures
The African Chaplaincy church services usually produce impressive displays of diverse cultures from different parts of Africa and elsewhere. The events are often spiced by rich cultural displays of dances and colourful attires which are a delight to watch.
On special occasions, members of the Ghanaian Catholic community, in their gay and colourful kente attire and with adowa dance and music, usually lead the procession into the church. Other communities such as the Cameroonian, Nigerian, Kenyan and Tanzanian as well as Sudanese/South Sudanese groups also put up well-choreographed performances from their cultures.
The African Catholic Chaplaincy in Finland
The African Chaplaincy was founded on June 4, 2017, which was a Pentecost Sunday, in a Pontifical High Mass celebrated by Monsignor Emeritus Sippo S.C.I., the then Bishop of Helsinki, at the St. Mary’s Catholic Parish Church in Helsinki.
The Chaplaincy was created by Bishop Teemu in collaboration with the Diocesan body when they detected a great flocking of African immigrants to Finland, the majority of whom were Catholics. This was to give the immigrants a possibility to integrate into the Finnish society by worshiping as Catholics and in their African cultural identity.
The responsibility of the Chaplaincy was given by Bishop Teemu to Father Dr Leonard Wobilla Shwei, who is thus the first Chaplain and ably led the Chaplaincy. He was succeeded a few years ago by Father Thomas Otieno, who continues to move the Chaplaincy forward. Thank you!
GHANA MATTERS column appears fortnightly. Written in simple, layman’s terms, it concentrates on matters about Ghana and beyond. It focuses on everyday life issues relating to the social, cultural, economic, religious, political, health, sports, youth, gender, etc. It strives to remind us all that Ghana comes first. The column also takes a candid look at the meanings and repercussions of our actions, especially those things we take for granted or even ignore. There are key Ghanaian values we should uphold rather than disregard with impunity. We should not overlook the obvious. We need to search for the hidden or deeply embedded values and try to project them.
With Dr Perpetual Crentsil
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
She did not find out he was cheating. She found out he was drowning.
It was two weeks after their beautiful wedding. The jollof was still in the fridge. A loan officer called her number-not his-and politely asked, “Madam, please tell your husband to pay his overdue loan. We have been calling him.”
That was how she discovered her new husband had entered their marriage with a hidden debt of over GH¢ 40,000. No cheating. No other woman. Just a financial secret.
And that is how many Ghanaian marriages begin to die. Not with a shout, but with a secret alert on a phone.
We prepare for the wedding. We do not prepare for the wallet.
What is money honesty?
Let me define it simply. Money honesty is not that you both earn the same. It is that you both know the same. It is the ability to sit down and say without fear:
“This is how much I earn.”
“This is how much I owe.”
“This is how I was raised to see money.”
“This is what scares me about money.”
Financial transparency is not about control. It is about clarity. You cannot build trust on top of secrets.
Many couples tell me, “Counsellor, we love each other, love will handle money.” I always answer, “Love is the car, but money honesty is the fuel. Love without honesty cannot move.”
How To Buy Your Marriage Insurance Today – My 5-Step Protocol
If you are engaged, newly married, or even 20 years in marriage, you can still fix this. At Counsellor Prince & Associates Consult—CPAC, this is what I give couples:
Step 1: The 90-Minute Money Naked Session.
No phones, no blame. Each partner writes down on paper: Monthly income, monthly debts, monthly family obligations, savings, and your biggest money fear. Then you exchange papers. Read it. Don’t react for 24 hours. Just absorb.
Step 2: Create OUR Money, YOUR Money, My Money.
You need three pots. OUR money for rent, food, school fees, utilities, properties, and the like— joint contribution. YOUR money and MY money—a small agreed allowance no one questions. This stops the feeling of being controlled.
Step 3: The No-Secret Debt Rule.
Agree from today: No new loan, no new hire purchase, no new family financial commitment above GHS 500 without telling each other first. Not permission, but information.
Step 4: Talk About Your Money Personality.
Are you a Spender or a Saver? Are you Risky or Safe? Most Ghanaian marriages are a Spender married to a Saver. Neither is wrong. But if you don’t understand your partner’s personality, you will call his saving “stinginess” and her spending “wastefulness.”
Step 5: Do a Monthly 30-Minute Money Date
Not an argument date. Light, with tea. “How did we do this month? What worried you? What should we plan for next month?” Couples who do this divorce far less.
My Final Word
Before you say “I Do” at the altar, have pre-marital counselling and also have the money talk on the sofa.
Ask your partner:
“If I lost my job today, how long can we survive?”
“What debt are you bringing into this marriage?”
“How much do you send to your family monthly and will that continue?”
If he or she gets angry that you asked, don’t get married yet. A person who is angry about accountability will be abusive about money.
Marriage insurance is not bought at Star Assurance or Enterprise. It is bought in honest conversations when no one is watching.
The wedding costs one day. The marriage costs a lifetime. Don’t enter a lifetime contract and covenant with hidden costs.
You can still insure your marriage today.
Source:
Counselor Prince Offei, CPAC’s founder, is a leading Mental Health Professional, Marriage Counsellor, Author, ADR Expert/Arbitrator, and Spectator Newspaper Columnist. He writes on relationships, marriage, parenting, special needs support, and their connection to mental health. For therapy, counselling, or enquiries, contact Counselor Prince & Associates Consult (CPAC) in Accra on 0559850604 / 0551428486.
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
