Features
Interesting happenings in these latter days
When Papa Mintah was born into the world of today, some 70 years ago he was faced with a number of problems, which made it difficult for him to achieve his aim in life, thereby making him lose hope as a person who is determined to succeed, no matter what.
His children are in their 40s, since he did not give birth to them early, even though he married at an early age of 25. His first wife could not give birth until she met her untimely death in a motor accident from Kasoa market where she had gone to buy a few things for the house. The death of Naa Akorkor made Papa Mintah very sad and disorganised, vowing to himself not to marry again, because of his special love for his late wife.
However, pressure was put on him by family members who thought that he was still a young man to take on a new wife, because of temptations in the world. To avoid needless and irresponsible amorous relationships with some of the women around, his brothers and sisters as well as some cousins and friends counselled him to change his mind and take on a wife, since he was very responsible, hardworking and respected by residents in and around the community.
Positive results
This pressure yielded positive results, so at the age of 30, Papa Mintah took on a new wife, known as Abena Serwaa, a juicy young lady who was very beautiful in the eyes of many men. She grew to be a good wife and was liked very much by Papa Mintah’s families. Papa Mintah himself also proved to be a darling husband, and he was prepared to do all he could to make his darling wife happy.
In the evenings, Papa Mintah will have some sweet words for his new wife, Abena Serwaa, stating that, “I love you dearly, Abena, and I have not regretted changing my decision on marriage to settle down with you as my wife”. Abena would also look at him and say, “I am all for you at any time, that is, day and night”. This went on for days, weeks, months and years until God blessed them with three children, two boys and a girl. The eldest son, Kwaku Nimoh, decided to marry at the age of 35, but could not do so, because the person he wanted to marry left him, making it difficult for him to understand the difficulties encountered in his personal life. He had to wait till age 41 before meeting another lady, but just as he was preparing to marry, this lady also lost her life in a motor accident.
Bitter experience
This bitter experience dampened the hopes of Kwaku Nimoh who, like his father, also decided not to marry at all. He had to wait till he was 43 before being fortunate enough to meet another lady in the nearby town. The two of them agreed to marry, but they were also faced with some obstacles.
It was becoming very difficult to understand all these happenings, because Papa Mintah’s families, after praying and praying for their lives, seem to be encountering obstacles in their lives. Remembering his own personal experience before marriage, Papa Mintah advised his son, Kwaku Nimoh, not to lose hope, but know that life is not always easy, especially getting the right person to marry.
For Papa Mintah and his children, life has not been pleasant with them, especially in the area of marriage, even though, business wise, they have been successful.
Good and successful business
In the area of farming, for example, they have had large farms, and shops. They were also engaged in retailing activities. Even though, they were from the Akuapem area their success in business made their neighbours think that they were Kwahu people, since people from Kwahu area are noted for good and successful business.
“Eii, you Kwahu people are good at business oo”. Some of the neighbours would say to them. One of them, Kwaku Giushie, would say that “Eii, I wish I were you, but each time he says this Kwaku Nimoh would reply: “Never say that, because we also have our own problems”. And, indeed, they were faced with their own problems, when it comes to marriage. Apart from marriage, they were also faced with problems relating to safety and insecurity in their personal lives. It is for these reasons that no one is supposed to compare his/herself to another person. As it is often said in Akan, “Mi nya wo ay, έyέ mu suo”, meaning, “You should never wish to be like someone since all people have their peculiar problems in life”.
Achieving a purpose in life
These problems were encountered by Papa Mintah’s families, each time they were on the verge of achieving a purpose in life. This situation is similar to a group of people in political parties and even government. In the case of NPP government, for example, having ruled so well and impacted the economy with many economic programmes and policies, a number of issues, though false and misleading, have been emerging to disturb the good works being done, and, if the President and the government do not stay focused, they would be derailed from their good intentions.
Examples of the disturbing issues are the outbreak of fire in market places believed to be related to the work of some political elements in the country as well as senseless attacks on government officials by some opposition members, and also the resignation of the Special Prosecutor as well as matters arising from it. These are events that are well known to all Ghanaians, so the government should remain focused, since these are dangerous days prior to the conduct of the upcoming elections.
There used to be a teacher who always advised his students that, “last days are dangerous”. By this, he meant that any time you get closer to achieving a purpose in life such as going through elections, especially when the electorates are likely to vote for you, or when as a student you are assiduously preparing for exams that you are bent on passing, you need to be extremely careful and feverishly pray for success, since the enemy can use spiritual tentacles and other physical tricks to thwart your good efforts.
Political players
We all need to learn from this and know that as political players and responsible government “the last days will always be dangerous”. Within this context, the ruling government and the majority of Ghanaians ought to note that these are interesting happenings, especially taking place just before the upcoming elections.
I hope Mr President and his team of officials are listening attentively and picking lessons from this. Please never panic, because truth will always prevail in these difficult times, since interesting happenings will always take place in these “latter days”.
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
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
