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Principles of ‘New Start’: Air Continued from previous edition
Did you ever stop to think that we live at the bottom of an ocean of air that surrounds the earth? We could live a few weeks without food and a few days without water, but how long do you think we would live if we had no air?
In one or two minutes, we would all become unconscious and within five or six minutes, we would all be dead. We need a constant supply of pure air into our bodies to keep our blood pure and healthy, to soothe our nervous system and fill our lungs and keep our voices speaking clearly.
The first thing a baby needs when it is first born is to breathe air. Air is “life” to a new born baby and that air is essential to that little one right through life. Children should run and play in the fresh air every day if possible. This will help them to be more cheerful, healthier, and happier.
Pure, fresh air gives a good appetite, helps improve the blood flow, purifies the blood, refreshes the body, helps digestion of food, helps us sleep soundly and helps to heal the sick.
Our homes should be kept clean as well as well ventilated with fresh air. Curtains and drapes should be open to allow sunshine and air to fill the rooms with life-giving elements. We should also sleep with windows open at night where possible.
The fresh air will help our sleep to be more relaxed and restful. If there are sick in the home, the room should not be shut for them to breathe the same air over and over again. The oxygen in the fresh air will help bring a quicker recovery, help the blood to cleanse and purify, resulting in greater strength and health – sooner.
AIR THAT REFRESHES
There is a kind of air that can energise and relax the mind and body within minutes. It is found near waterfalls, in forests, at the beach and after a rainstorm. However, there is another kind of air that can bring on anxiety, depression and even suicidal feelings.
WHAT MAKES THE DIFFERENCE?
Air contains positively and negatively charged molecules called ions. These ions become electrically charged as a result of gaining or losing an electron. Air containing an abundance of negative ions is refreshing, as found in the bush, or by river, lakes, waterfalls and at the beach.
On the other hand, air containing mostly positive ions as found in city centres, airports, poorly ventilated rooms and on crowded motorways, is associated with headaches, anxiety, insomnia and depression.
The blend of exercise and fresh air is important, as good active exercise increases the demand for fresh air and we naturally breathe more deeply.
Take time out of the busy day to take a walk in the bush or some other quiet place and do some deep breathing. It will not only lift your chest, but lift your day.
REST
In the hustle and bustle of our busy modern lives, most of us keep going until we finally drop at the end of the day from exhaustion.
We have all heard of the saying “burning the candle at both ends” to describe a person who is always going full speed, borrowing from the store of energy and robbing themselves of needed rest to let body and mind rest up and refresh.
This is not the best way for us to live. Being moderate, even in creative and productive work is what is best for our health. The first place we think of when we speak of rest is in our beds for the evening sleep. We should get into a regular pattern.
Going to bed at 8:30 – 9:00pm is a good time for settling down to sleep and 5:00 -6:00am is good for rising. This pattern brings a good night’s rest and unloads pressure in the morning to beat the clock before work starts.
Quiet reading, some exercise and family time at the breakfast table brings a sweet start to the day. This may be the ideal, but not always practical for certain lifestyles, but if one is able, the pattern soon starts getting easier and life is enjoyed more fully.
It may be hard to sleep the first few evenings at the earlier time, but upon rising at the earlier time of 6:00am approximately, one will soon be looking for sleep by 8:30 – 9:00pm.
Other places of rest, rather than sleep, is out in the beauty and quietness of nature. If possible, it is good to leave the busy cities behind and seek that rest in the quietness of a country setting, beside a river, or lake, in a grove of trees, or in the mountains.
Other ways can be in a good book, giving good counsel and guidance, talking to a friend, quietly taking a walk, and taking time to be with the family.
The Bunbong community in the Northern Region was filled with excitement over the weekend as residents gathered at the forecourt of the Bunbong Chief’s Palace to celebrate the annual Linujil festival.
The festival, hosted by the Chief of Bunbong, Uborr Wumbe Dawuni, brought together different tribes including Konkomba, Dagombas, Gonjas, Fulbes, and the Anufus from neighbouring communities to celebrate culture, unity, and tradition through dance, drumming, and colourful performances.
In his address, Uborr Wumbe Dawuni expressed gratitude to the people of Bunbong and surrounding communities for their continuous support. He said the Linujil festival was not only a moment of celebration but also a time to reflect on the community’s values of peace, unity, and respect.
“The Linujil festival reminds us of who we are and where we come from. It strengthens our bond as one people and encourages the younger generation to preserve our cultural heritage,” he said.
The Northern Regional Minister, Ali Adolf, commended the Chief and people of Bunbong for keeping their cultural heritage alive and praised the hardworking farmers for their dedication to yam production.
Mr. Adolf further emphasised that health and education remain key pillars for building stronger communities, assuring the people that government would continue to support them in achieving their developmental goals. He also applauded Rocky Dawuni for his outstanding performance and for promoting the image of Northern Ghana on the international stage.
Mr. Angelo Yossi Dogbe, representative of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, commended the people of Bunbong for using the Linujil festival to promote cultural tourism and community pride.
Mrs. Cary Sullivan, co-producer of the event and founder of Afro Funke, described the Linujil festival as an inspiring cultural experience that reflects the heart of Ghana’s creative energy.
A major highlight of the event was an electric live performance by Ghanaian music star and son of the land, Rocky Dawuni, whose vibrant show captivated the audience. He was joined on stage by Alidu Mohammed of Playing for Change fame, adding even more excitement to the night.
By Geoffrey Buta, Bunbong
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A new policy from the Ministry of Education (MoE) about the compulsory use of Ghanaian languages as the medium of instruction in basic schools has stirred controversy among the populace, especially parents.
The announcement, made last month by the Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, aims to improve foundational learning and preserve Ghana’s rich linguistic heritage.
The move has been welcomed by some parents, applauding the efforts to keep the local language alive and help children learn and speak them. However, several concerns have been raised in opposition, forcing the ministry to clarify certain parts that seemed not to have been understood.
While some welcomed the move, citing better comprehension and cultural connection for young learners, others raised concerns about its practicality in diverse classrooms.
In a swift reaction, the MoE, through its Deputy Minister, Dr. Clement Apaak, clarified that the new directive issued by the sector minister was strictly limited to the earliest stages of basic education and does not extend across all levels.
In separate interviews conducted by The Spectator, parents remained divided on the policy and proffered diverse solutions to ensure its effectiveness.
“My daughter speaks Twi at home, so learning in Twi will help her grasp concepts faster,” said Mrs. Efia Asante, a mother of two. In her view, since her daughter already has a good grasp of the Twi language, it would be easier for her to understand the teachers.
Mrs. Rebecca Asare told The Spectator she shares the ministry’s explanation, saying that it is important to adopt measures that encourage young children to speak the native languages.
In sharp contrast, Mr. Albert Agyekum from Ablekuma commended the idea but questioned: “Can one teacher speak all the languages in a diverse classroom?”
Mr. Amoako Mark, whose child attends a school without a Ga teacher, wondered how his ward, who speaks only the Ga language, would cope under such circumstances.
Nii Amui also questioned how teachers in a class with children speaking different languages would manage if they cannot speak more than one local language.
Other parents also raised issues about regional language adaptation. Miss Eliza Vikporho argued that children naturally learn the dominant language of their environment. “If you live in the Volta Region, you learn Ewe. That’s how it has always been. Why make it compulsory?” she asked.
Still, others believe the policy could foster unity and elevate lesser-known Ghanaian languages.
By Beatrice Wonovi Kpeglah
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