Features
Of prophets, prophesy and doomsayers
First of all, I confess that I do not know what goes into being called a Prophet; especially with what I have come to see of so-called men of God who run one-man ownerships as churches wearing such a title as an armour in our parts of the world.
On occasions such as Christmas and Easter, these people, in order to attract followers, put up billboards with their photographs instead of any symbol representing Christianity. It is easy to identify many ‘serious’ churches by their emblems or symbols, but not these one-man ownerships: they simply advertise the owners. And it is at some of these events that these prophets spew out all manner of prophesies that have become nauseating, to say the least.
Sadly, the prophesies only forecast doom and gloom. The watch night of the last day of the year provides fertile grounds for these prophets. Prominent people in society are said to die in the course of the New Year. A former President will die. A popular actor will pass away this year. A prominent traditional ruler will die in the year. There will be a huge funeral in Ghana in the New Year.
Some specifics are that the Finance Minister will die this year. Meanwhile, Ken Ofori Attah is yet to bury his Dad who passed on only recently. Another said the Asantehene will pass away this year. Someone prophesied last year that President John Mahama would die in 2020. The former President is very much alive, yet another has forecast his death this year.
It has become a contest of which of these people churn out more prophesies than the others. And they claim to have gone to the spirit realm and had such revelations from God. This is where I get confused. God almighty, the compassionate Father, the giver of Life only gives messages of doom and gloom to people who claim to be His men to deliver to the world? If God loves His people as the Holy Bible claims, why can He not use His men to tell us what to do to get out of our economic and financial mess as a country? Can He not give His people messages of hope? What kind of God is He? Nothing is adding up.
I want to hear something like, “God says if your leaders eschew corrupt practices, He would grant us His grace so we can find more oil, more minerals so galamsey can leave the surface of Ghana’s earth.” Why can’t God tell His men to tell us Ghana will be a great nation so we should do A, B or C to get there? I hear one such fellow saying that there will be a curse on anyone who criticizes God’s anointed. My question is how I will know that God anointed these people; some of them, that is.
Does it mean God has abandoned or neglected the more established churches like the Catholic, Methodist, Presbyterian, Anglican, Zion and many others and would not speak through their leaders? It has become fashionable to get an online portal and claim to be receiving messages from God; to the extent that it is becoming increasingly difficult to determine the genuine from the fake.
One glaring phenomenon is that these characters are intolerant of other people’s views on the things they preach. Some could be seen openly insulting and cursing their perceived ‘detractors’ with such venom that they make a mockery of the Christian Faith. The Christ Jesus, acclaimed as the Ideal for Christians was not known to be quick to anger. Apart from being reported to have taken a whip to people using the Synagogue as a marketplace, Jesus is reported to have rebuked Simon Peter on only one occasion.
As if their behavior is not abhorrent enough, these prophets turn the vitriol on one another in reckless abandon. They accuse one another of going for voodoo to prop up their churches and increase their memberships. They even threaten to kill one another. Of course, miracles are not supposed to be within human understanding, but neither are they meant to be absurd. One cannot but be amazed at the calibre of people who congregate to listen to these people. And they abound.
Freedom of religion must not descend into absurdity. I am aware that the path to spiritual attainment is not a cold intellectual process, but humanity has evolved to a state where illiterates who cannot even read a letter in the Bible must not be allowed to take people for granted. Today in Rwanda, you can only be allowed to open a church if you have a Diploma in Religious Studies. A recent BBC survey shows that Ghana, with a population of just thirty million people, has over sixty thousand churches and still counting.
We are turning our warehouses into churches only to go there and pray for jobs and miracles to take us out of poverty. Something must definitely be wrong somewhere. The easiest way of making money is to establish a miracle-working group and fleece poor people of what is left for their economic survival. Are we serious? .
By Dr. Akofa K. Segbefia
Writer’s email address:
akofa45@yahoo.com
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I experienced something on Monday, June 15, that really frustrated me. I had to go to the ministries but I could not get up early that day so I decided to pick a taxi and get to the Tuba Junction.
When I got there I realised that Traffic had built up from the Toll Booth towards Accra. After a while I got a Taxi and it was when we got to a certain spot on the road, that I realised why there was a traffic jam.
There is a short stretch of the road where each time it rains heavily, loose material run down the hill onto the road, blocking one side of the road. Vehicles from Kasoa to Accra are then forced to move into one of the lanes of those going towards Kasoa from Accra.
The two lane road from Accra to Kasoa becomes a single carriage way. That was the reason for the traffic jam from the toll booth onwards.
This has been a perineal problem and yet, no permanent solution has been found till date. The area falls under Ga South and even though, a new MCE has taken over, the technocrats are still there and so the problem is not new to them.
There is therefore no excuse for the inability of the Ga South Metropolitan Assembly to resolving the problem on that stretch of the road. Apart from the Ga South Metropolitan Assembly, another institution that must be held accountable is the Ghana Highways Authority.
The Highways Authority cannot say they are unaware of this issue. The fact that the problem falls within the area of responsibility of the Ga South Assembly, does not relieve the Ghana Highways Authority, of their responsibility of ensuring that our highways are maintained in a motorable state at all times.
A collaboration between the Ghana Highways Authority and The Ga South Municipal Assembly is required for a permanent resolution of the problem.
There was another traffic jam at a place called Atala about 250 metres to the traffic light at Old Barrier as a result of an issue similar to the one close to the toll booth, that I talked about earlier.
When we got to Weija junction, we encountered another traffic jam. The cause of this jam was a bad condition of road about 80 metres from the traffic light at Ga South Hospital heading towards Accra.
Due to the bad nature at that section of the road, vehicles are compelled to slow down resulting in a traffic jam stretching all the way to Weija Junction.
I started wondering if that short stretch of road cannot be sorted on one Sunday when traffic is usually light. When we got to the traffic light at Odorkor, there was another issue.
When the traffic light shows green, there is a slow down because there is a big pothole or should I say manhole in the outer lane, right at the traffic light. Vehicles in the outer lane are compelled to swerve into the second lane thereby causing a traffic to slow down and resulting in a traffic jam.
It is very important to take into account the effect of traffic jam on the national economy. If we are able to assess the value of the loss to the economy of the nation, I believe the issue of traffic jam will be prioritised.
Imagine persons working at various Government Organisations like Registrar General’s Department, Ghana Ports and Habours Authority, Ghana Revenue Authority, CEPS etc. and lives at Kasoa and whose job is to collect revenue for the state and is held up in traffic.
Just imagine the effect their lateness to work will have on the economy if you consider the delays in say clearing of goods at the port and as a result traders cannot sell their goods for government to generate the required taxes.
Let us deal with the traffic jams on our streets to promote economic growth. God bless.
By Laud Kissi-Mensah
Mortality is an inherent aspect of life, a universal experience that has sparked philosophical, theological, and scientific inquiry throughout human history.
This article aims to provide a comprehensive and nuanced exploration of mortality, acknowledging the complexity of the topic and the diverse perspectives surrounding it.
The biological imperative
From a biological standpoint, death is a natural part of the life cycle. It serves as a mechanism for the evolution of species, allowing for the passing on of genetic material and the adaptation to environmental changes.
Evolutionary perspective: Death allows for the recycling of resources, promoting the survival and adaptation of species.
Life span and senescence: Cellular aging and the limitations of biological systems contribute to mortality.
Philosophical and existential perspectives
Existentialism: Emphasises individual freedom and responsibility in the face of mortality.
Meaning and purpose: The finite nature of life can prompt individuals to seek meaning and purpose.
The human condition: Mortality is a fundamental aspect of the human experience, shaping our perceptions and values.
Cultural and spiritual views
Afterlife and spirituality: Many cultures and religions believe in an afterlife or spiritual continuation.
Rituals and mourning: Cultural practices surrounding death reflect the significance of mortality in human experience.
Legacy and remembrance: The impact of one’s life can transcend mortality.
Ethical considerations
End-of-life care: Ethical debates surround issues like euthanasia, assisted dying, and palliative care.
Quality of life: Balancing the value of life with the quality of life is a complex ethical issue.
Resource allocation: Societal decisions about healthcare and resource distribution involve considerations of mortality.
Psychological impact
Grief and loss: The experience of mortality can evoke profound emotional responses.
Fear and anxiety: The awareness of mortality can lead to existential anxiety.
Appreciation and gratitude: Recognising mortality can foster appreciation for life.
Conclusion
Mortality is a multifaceted aspect of human existence, influencing how we live, relate, and find meaning. Understanding and acknowledging mortality can prompt deeper reflections on life and our place in the world.
By Robert Ekow Grimmond-Thompson
