Features
Social Media, a powerful tool for dispelling misconceptions surrounding GMOs
Since social media has revolutionalised our way of communicating, access to information and how ideas are shared as compared to the past has changed completely. In today’s digital age, we cannot underestimate the power of promoting a good cause on the internet via social media handles such as Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Tik tok and You tube.
With features such as instant sharing, global reach, and diverse perspectives, social media platforms have become vehicles for sharing messages and promoting various agendas.
With social media’s immense influence and ability to connect millions of people, using it as a tool to increase awareness about Genetically Modified Foods and also to dispel the misconceptions about Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) would be a move in the right direction.
Social media interactions expose people to diverse perspectives and challenge their preconceived notions, leading to a greater understanding and recognition of different viewpoints, this open exchange of ideas on social media can tremendously help in dispelling misconceptions about issues, including GMOs.
Lots of negative reactions arose after Ghana approved its first GMO food known as the Bt Cowpea. Even before the approval, many individuals and groups such as the Food Security of Ghana (FSG) in May 2020 called on the government of Ghana to permanently ban GMOs and ensure it never gets introduced into the country’s food chain. According to FSG’s communications’ director, Mr Edwin Kweku Andoh, the organics of GMO had very harmful effects on humans, animals and farm lands and called on the public to reject it.
Considering how fast negative information travels, the message of GMOs supposed danger quickly went viral and has since put some fear in some members of the public who keep spreading the wrong message.
Some of the misconceptions about GMOs include the belief that consuming such foods could cause cancer and also misconceptions that farmers cannot save GMO seeds.
It is therefore important for all Ghanaians and organisations who mean well to leverage social media to increase awareness about the safety of GMOs. Due to the high number of young people on social media, educating the masses on GMO and Agricbiotechnology in general, will also contribute to the promotion of agriculture literacy in the country and Africa at large.
Promoting GMO education via Vlogs and films
Vlogs, the short terms for video blogs are online video content created and shared by individuals or groups to document their experiences, opinions or share information with their audience on the internet. With the advent of social media platforms and video sharing websites, vlogs have become easily accessible to people using the internet, therefore using this opportunity to share indepth factual knowledge about GMOs as often as possible, Agriculture enthusiasts, agronomists and any other person or group interested in educating the public on Genetically Modified crops will go a long way in changing the negative mindsets of people about GMO, which came about as a result of wrong messages being put across by some conspiracy theorists kicking against GMO. Ghana has around 8.8 million social media users, a number expected to increase in the coming years. Besides the growing usage of social media, the platforms, especially whatsapp, Twitter and Facebook are the most preferred by the country’s population. Also, most users are on the platforms primarily to keep in touch with friends and family, fill their spare time, get informations about happenings in the world or make new connections. For these reasons, they follow different kinds of accounts. Businesses and professionals also pay for their accounts to be promoted, when this is done, the accounts appear on the timeliness of people who do not even follow them and if a person finds any of these sponsores pages and develops interest in the messages being portrayed, they might decide to follow the account for more information. For this reason Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs), individuals and Corporate bodies who believe in the significance of GMOs must join in the good cause of using social media and the internet at large, to dispel all misconceptions surroundingGenetically Modified Foods. Traditional media must also join the good cause by publishing and sharing more stories on the enormous benefits of Genetically Modified crops on all their social media handles especially. In Ghana for instance, leading media houses in the country like the Ghanaian Times, Daily Graphic, Ghana News Agency (GNA), Daily Guide, Ghana Web, Joy News, Citi Fmand Televisioj, TV3, United Television and TV Africa have alrge following on their social media handles therefore if such media houses decide to promote agricultural literacy with more focus on the safety of GMOs on their channels and handles, it will also help counter the wrong claims groups such as the FSG are spreading about GMOs to create fear and panic among the public. A social media campaign on any activity needs much dedication amd consistency therefore leveraging social media to promote this cause with all the seriousness it deserves will produce expected positive results.
Some research findings on the relevance of GMOs
The major technologies that have an impact on pesticide use are genetically modified crops with insect resistance and herbicide tolerance, according to a study on the worldwide environmental effects of genetically modified crops by famous agricultural economist Graham Brookes. Since these technologies have been widely used for more than 24 years, the study found that the amount of active component used in pesticides has decreased by 748.6 million kg. The environmental impact of using insecticides and herbicides on these crops was further decreased by a more substantial 17.3% between 1996 and 2020, according to the report, as a result of this decline.
The study’s findings also demonstrated that farmers were able to transition from plow-based systems to lower fuel usage systems thanks to the widespread use of genetically modified crops.
In addition to the advantages for the environment, Brookes reported on the economic effects of genetically modified crops, stating that from 1996 to 2020, farmers who adopted such crops saw an increase in agricultural revenue of US$261.3 billion.
Given the significant economic progress being made in other regions of the world, Ghana may concentrate on actively promoting the use of genetically modified crops to boost its economy.
How the public influences policy implementation
Resistance from the public on certain policies could make governments reluctant to introduce certain initiatives that could better the lives of the populace therefore we must not sit back and allow a section of the public to keep using every means they have to send negative comments about GMOs when we can use social media to debunk such rumours
There are many positive facts about GMOs that could be disseminated on social media to downplay the misconceptions, therefore greater public sensitisation, using such platforms will undoubtedly help increase awareness about the safety GM crops.
BY RAISSA SAMBOU
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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