Features
‘No nonsense’ Prof. Frimpong-Boateng spill the beans
Professor Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng
With the greatest respect and special permission from my colleague journalist and Member of Parliament for Sagnarigu Constituency in the Northern Region, Honourable Alhassan Bashir Alhassan Fuseini, popularly known as A.B.A. Fuseini, who is imbued with hilarious adages that can even resurrect the dead, I quote this adage from his repertoire to buttress my point and set the record straight. “When you have cotton wool on your anus, you don’t have to jump a fire; otherwise, you will set yourself in flames and burn to ashes”. Similarly, there is another saying that says, “When you stretch and push a person firmly to a wall, he will eventually explode when he manages to extricate himself “.
PROFESSOR FRIMPONG-BOATENG
Such is the case of a cool and collected Professor Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng, one of Ghana’s foremost and finest heart surgeons of international repute and the brain behind the establishment of the National Cardiothoracic Centre, situated at the country’s largest health facility, the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra. The learned professor was a one-time former Minister of Environment, Science and Technology in the first term of the current administration led by Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
I have known this great and knowledgeable professor for many years, dating back to the days when I was a senior reporter with the state-owned Ghanaian Times newspaper. Since I was then reporting and writing on health issues, I came into contact with this nice medical officer and international surgeon when he set foot in Ghana in 1992 to set up the prestigious Cardiology Centre at Korle-Bu. At that time, there was no such facility in the country, so his aim was to establish the centre to carry out various heart surgeries and also to train young surgeons in that particular field.
HOW PROF. CAME TO GHANA
Professor Frimpong-Boateng, as I know him, is such an objective and principled man who believes in the truth, abhors lies, is forthright and resolute in his actions and dealings with people and patients as well. He came to Ghana from Germany, where he had been practising medicine for many years, through the instrumentality of the late former President, Flt-Lt. Jerry John Rawlings. He performed the first open-heart surgery in Ghana using a heart-lung machine.
For the benefit of my readers, patrons, and the younger ones who do not know this great man who has a lot under his sleeves, I will like to use this medium to enlighten them on a little background of Professor Frimpong-Boateng, who has been my good friend for many years. We are still friends, although it has been a long time I came into contact with him.
WORKING EXPERIENCE OF THE LEARNED PROF
The learned professor joined the University of Ghana Medical School (UGMS) as a lecturer in 2000 and was promoted to Associate Professor the same year. He was made a full professor in 2002 and served as the Head of the Department of Surgery at the UGMS prior to his appointment as the Chief Executive of the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital in that same year. It may interest my readers to know that during his tenure at Ghana’s largest and foremost hospital, Professor Frimpong-Boateng, managed to transform Korle-Bu into a first-class and modern hospital in Sub-Saharan Africa. His greatest exploits encouraged patients from Africa and beyond to travel to Ghana to seek medical attention at Korle-Bu. This man was able to reclaim most of the Korle-Bu lands, including that of the medical school, which were encroached upon by squatters, and provided a fence around them. The entrance to the hospital was given a tremendous facelift by this man with offices and packing lots.
Professor Frimpong Boateng was elected to the Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences in December 2002 and he gave his inaugural lecture the following year. He was instrumental in the formation of the Ghana Heart Foundation, a charitable foundation which is responsible for paying for heart surgery for some indigent Ghanaians under his care. The finest surgeon felt that “he has what it takes to lead this country to the highest pedestal when it comes to politics” and, therefore, decided to offer himself in the presidential primaries of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
POLITICAL CAREER OF PROF
In March 2006, he announced his intention to seek the nomination as the candidate of the NPP for the December 2008 Presidential Election, but his hope was dashed as Nana Akufo-Addo emerged victorious in the primaries. When Nana Akufo-Addo finally became president in the 2016 General Election, he appointed Professor Frimpong-Boateng as a Cabinet Minister in charge of Environment Science and Technology. It was during the first term of President Akufo-Addo that the illegal small-scale mining popularly known as “galamsey” took on a different dimension, which led to the formation of a special inter-ministerial committee led by Professor Frimpong-Boateng to see how the situation could be brought under control.
ILLEGAL SMALL-SCALE MINING
Tried as he could, the situation got out of hand because, as he alleged, certain personalities within the Akufo-Addo-led government were having underground dealings with faceless people involved in the galamsey business. At a point, he (Prof. Frimpong-Boateng), was implicated as having diverted some seized excavators and other machines that were seized by the taskforce. That, he flatly denied, and this had been a subject of contention until this time. He rather accused a number of high-profile personalities within government circles, including Gabby Otchere-Darko, a leading member of the NPP as those behind the illegal galamsey business in the country. He said Gabby interfered in his galamsey fight to rid the system of these nation-wreckers. Since then, there has been banter between Gabby and Professor Frimpong-Boateng on this thorny issue, which has polluted our water bodies, destroyed our forest cover, and had a devastating effect on the country’s ecology.
CALL FOR THOROUGH INVESTIGATION
Professor Frimpong-Boateng has since submitted a paper on his allegations to the Presidency for thorough investigations into the matter so that those mentioned in his report can be interrogated to establish the truth and deal with the matter accordingly. It is the hope of every Ghanaian that this particular case should be thoroughly investigated not swept under the carpet as in most cases.
This illegal small-scale mining issue has dragged on for some time now, and it looks as if there is no solution in sight. The eminent chief and traditional ruler, Asantehene Osei Tutu II, has been vocal about this unhealthy situation and has gone to the extent of warning some of his sub chiefs who are deeply involved in this treacherous and devasting business to refrain from the practice. Clearly, it is emerging that there are government functionaries who are deeply involved in this galamsey business, and we need to expose them.
POLITICAL OFFICE HOLDERS TO NOTE
Professor Frimpong-Boateng who is a staunch member of the ruling NPP administration as I know him, will not fabricate and peddle lies against his own party functionaries and appointees just for the sake of it. He is so principled and will never tread on that path of lies and untruth. That is why this matter should engage the attention of the prosecuting agencies to deal with the case independently for the truth to prevail.
This is a lesson to all political appointees and office holders in the country: they cannot suppress the truth and go scot-free because they will one day be exposed and dealt with accordingly.
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By Charles Neequaye
Introduction
In today’s fast-paced, high-achieving society, it’s common to glorify long hours and an unwavering commitment to one’s profession. However, when dedication turns into an obsession, it can have severe and far-reaching consequences.
Workaholism, a pattern of behavior characterised by excessive and compulsive work habits, is a complex and multifaceted issue that affects millions of people worldwide.
Defining workaholism: The Psychology behind the behavior
Workaholism is often driven by a combination of internal and external factors, including:
Internal Pressures:
Perfectionism: an unrelenting drive for flawlessness
Fear of failure: anxiety about not meeting expectations
Need for control: a desire to micromanage every aspect of work and life
External Pressures:
Job demands: high expectations from employers or clients
Organisational culture: a workplace environment that encourages or demands excessive work hours
Societal expectations: pressure to succeed and maintain a certain status
The health consequences: A growing concern
Prolonged workaholism can lead to a range of serious health issues, including:
1. Cardiovascular problems: hypertension, heart disease, and stroke due to chronic stress and neglect of physical health
2. Mental health concerns: anxiety, depression, and burnout, often exacerbated by lack of social support and self-care
3. Sleep disorders: insomnia, sleep deprivation, and related health issues, such as impaired cognitive function and mood disturbances
4. Immune system suppression: increased susceptibility to illnesses, such as colds, flu, and autoimmune diseases
5. Nutritional deficiencies: poor eating habits, weight changes, and related health problems, such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease
The lethality risks: A hidden danger
In extreme cases, workaholism can have lethal consequences, including:
1. Sudden cardiac death: increased risk due to chronic stress, hypertension, and neglect of physical health
2. Suicide: work-related stress and pressure can contribute to suicidal ideation, particularly in individuals with underlying mental health conditions
3. Accidents and injuries: fatigue and decreased cognitive function increase the risk of workplace accidents and errors
The social and emotional toll: Relationships and identity
Workaholism can also have devastating effects on personal relationships and overall well-being, leading to:
1. Strained relationships: family, friends, and colleagues may feel neglected, abandoned, or resentful
2. Loss of personal identity: over-identification with work can lead to a loss of interests, hobbies, and sense of purpose outside of work
3. Decreased productivity: burnout and decreased motivation can result in reduced job performance and satisfaction
4. Impaired cognitive function: decreased creativity, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities due to chronic stress and fatigue
Breaking the cycle: Strategies for recovery
Recognising the signs of workaholism is crucial to preventing its negative consequences. Strategies for overcoming workaholism include:
1. Setting boundaries: establishing a healthy work-life balance and prioritising self-care
2. Prioritising self-care: engaging in activities that promote physical and emotional well-being, such as exercise, meditation, and social connections
3. Seeking support: therapy, support groups, and social connections can provide emotional support and guidance
4. Re-evaluating priorities: reassessing values and goals to align with a more balanced and fulfilling life
Conclusion
Workaholism is a serious issue that can have severe and far-reaching consequences for individuals, organisations, and society as a whole. By acknowledging the risks and taking proactive steps to maintain a healthy work-life balance, we can mitigate the negative effects of workaholism and promote overall well-being.
By Robert Ekow Grimmond-Thompson
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How many times have we not made New Year resolutions but have not been able to achieve them?
When we are unable to achieve them we vow to ourselves that at the end of the year, we shall make proper New Year resolutions and this time we will make it happen only for the New Year to travel on and close to the end the story repeats itself.
A lot of people find themselves in this situation and if they were to rate their success, it may hover around 48 per cent. There is a popular quote that is generally attributed to Einstein that” Insanity, is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result.
“A careful analysis will most likely reveal that, the discipline required to put in the required effort and the consistency required is absent in the execution phase of whatever plan has been put in place to realise the objectives.
Discipline according to the Oxford Dictionary is the practice of training people to obey rules or a code of behaviour, with punishment or other undesirable consequences for those failing to comply.
When we say someone is disciplined, what can be observed in his behaviour is consistency whether it is in connection with reporting for events on time, providing a particular service as promised on schedule etc.
In other words, that behaviour has become routine or has become a habit. If 2026 is going to be different from the previous years, as far as the achievement of New Year’s resolutions are concerned, then things must be done in a routine manner which will then ensure consistency.
If the resolution is say a closer walk with God by the end of the year for example, then the plan may be to sleep early enough and be able to wake up at say 5:00 am and pray and meditate on the Word of God.
This must be done every day, that is, you should have the discipline to make this routine behaviour which some people refer to as habit and that is what would ensure the realisation of your objective by the end of the year.
The question of how did you arrive at your new year’s resolution becomes very important. It brings in the God factor, which for me as a believer is very important because if you are say an Entrepreneur, then innovate ideas are what you need and according to Deuteronomy 8:18, innovative ideas to get wealth comes from God.
I believe that to be able to achieve our new year’s resolutions, we must approach them with a project management mindset. We should break the year into periods, either quarterly or monthly and evaluate our performance.
The end of the periods we have chosen should mark the achievement of certain goals or key milestones. This will reveal to us whether we are on track, whether we need to double up or there is the need to adjust certain things.
This year start looking at potential hindrances to the achievement of your resolutions. Check how much time you spend on social media for fun, like following the Akosua Serwaa and Odo Broni story and not for learning something useful that can add value to your life.
On a personal level, I have started cutting the time spent on listening to news and debates on various media platforms and using the time to polish my German and French as one of my resolutions.
Yours may be the time you spend on the phone chatting with friends, so please watch it and adjust especially as a child of God, so you too can have a testimony to share on December 31, 2026, to the glory of God. God bless.
NB: ‘KOTOKA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT TO KOFI BAAKO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT’
By Laud Kissi-Mensah
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