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It’s time govt officials got serious …and stopped that ‘loose’ and ‘reckless’ talks!
The term “loose talk” is used to describe talk or a statement that is made carelessly or recklessly without the speaker thinking of the ramifications of his or her statements. By definition, “loose talk” means inhibited and indiscreet talk or conversation, especially as might unintentionally lead to revealing private or sensitive information to others. Simply put, a loose talk has the potential or likelihood of offending or causing harm in the future,
LOOSE TALKS COST LIVES
History tells us that there is a popular phrase about loose talk which says, “Loose talk costs lives”. That phrase, we are told, came into being during the Second World War and now many decades after that, this phrase has been used extensively in movies, books and songs all over the world.
The reason loose talk costs lives is that one must not be reckless or careless with what he or she says because it can lead to unpalatable events that might end up claiming the lives of innocent people. Several instances of loose talks and their ramifications have been cited and for the handsight of this article and the benefit of my readers, I will like to mention two of them to keep them abreast of the dangers involved.
EXAMPLES OF WHAT LOOSE TALKS CAN DO TO SOCIETY
Let’s say a prominent politician mounts a podium and starts saying negative things and castigating a particular religion. In the politician’s loose talk, he totally condemns the religion much to the fury or anger of the millions of followers of that particular religion. This I believe, can lead to a chaotic situation that can claim a number of lives around the world. Another example of loose talk is an instance in which a country’s Defence Minister, goes on air and starts talking about the very sensitive issues about his country which are not supposed to be disclosed and heard by the public because it can greatly harm the security of his country.
I have taken my time to dwell into the issue of loose talk and the emerging consequences involved because of the recent pronouncement by the Minister of Roads and Highways, Mr Kwasi Amoako-Attah, about the fact that the toll booths which have been abandoned across the country because of the abolishment of road toll collection would be used to serve another public purpose.
ROAD MINISTER’S LOOSE STATEMENT
According to the minister, these toll booths are to be converted into public urinals. To quote him, “We even want to refurbish all the toll booth structures to provide proper and decent washrooms for the use by motorists so that we can advise them to desist from that practice where sometimes you see cars stopping on the highways and people getting down to ‘wee wee’ as we usually see”.
It is recalled that the government in its 2022 Budget and Financial Policy Statement, announced the removal and scrapping of toll collections across the country. A directive from the sector minister caused the cessation of tolls even before the budget was approved by Parliament, an act which many described as unlawful. These toll booths, since the abolishment, have been abandoned and that had raised concerns in many quarters with the National Road Safety Authority (NRSA), urging the government to demolish the structures for the sake of road safety. But it appears that the government has different plans for the abandoned structures.
For goodness sake, does it make sense to construct urinals at the middle of express roads for motorists to stop and ease themselves and what kind of purpose will such facilities serve to the Ghanaian public? It appears that Ghanaians are being taken for granted by some of our ministers and other public officials and that is most unfortunate.
MINISTER’S DENIAL IN PARLIAMENT
Recently, the Roads and Highways Minister was in Parliament denying that he had said the toll booths were to refurbished and converted into places of urinal and that he said many things and was quoted out of context by the media. His utterances in parliament sounded awkward and unfounded because his voice was recorded on tape and had been played many times by some radio and television stations in the country. The best thing to do by the minister is to accept his guilt and apologise strongly to the media and Ghanaians in general.
THE E-LEVY AND NEGATIVE UTTERANCES
There is another loose talk statement currently circulating on social media and attributed to the First Deputy Speaker, Mr Joseph Osei-Owusu, aka Joe Wise, alleging that “if Ghanaians do not support the introduction of the Electronic Transaction Levy (E-Levy), the various road construction work going on in the country will be stopped by the government.” This has generated a lot of fury or anger from a section of the public castigating and raising insults at him and the government. There are many instances of some of these loose and reckless statements and utterances from senior public officials including ministers of state, parliamentarians and people in positions of trust in the country, which space will not allow me to focus on.
GHANAIANS AGGITATED BY THESE LOOSE AND RECKLESS TALKS
Ghanaians are in fact tired and being agitated by some of these loose and reckless talks and utterances by high profile personalities at the helms of affairs in this country and they better watch out. These people should not feel and think that the people are ignorant and naïve and, therefore, they can pour all kinds of venom through their unguarded, irresponsible and reckless statements on them and run away. The people are wide awake and alert and whatever loose talks or negative things they say will be duly interrogated and used against them in future. They should not forget that first and foremost, they are politicians and, therefore, must know how to talk and communicate well with the people in whose hands power lies. If they don’t know, printed materials are difficult to erase once they are noted and can be easily revisited at the least opportunity and at any given time.
POLITICIANS MUST RESPECT THE PEOPLE
For goodness sake, people placed in positions of trust must learn to exhibit high level of professionalism and to respect the offices they occupy as well as Ghanaians whose mandates have placed them where they are at the moment. First and foremost, they must learn to control their impulses, think before they speak and above all work on their self-esteem. They have been chosen out of the lot to serve the interest of this country and the people in general but not for any selfish motives. They should not think that once they have been given the power to lead us, then we become stooges to them and, therefore, they can insult and pour all kinds of negativities on us and go scot free. When the need arises for Ghanaians to speak out, they will use the same power of the thumb to express their anger and throw them out of office.
This is the time for our politicians to demonstrate human feeling and show high level of respect to the electorate but not to turn their backs on them through some of these loose and reckless utterances that serve no useful purpose, otherwise they will regret their negative actions. They must accord the media the necessary respect at all times and watch their tongues when they mount platforms to talk. In the same vein, the media must also show professionalism in their work and do their work factually and diligently without fear or favour from any quarters in order to earn that crucial respect from the public.
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By Charles Neequaye
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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