Features
Stop milking the dead!
The famous President Nelson Mandela of South Africa once said, “Death is something inevitable. When a man has done what he considers to be his duty to his people and his country, he can rest in peace.” These are words from a man who surely knew his purpose in life. Nobody on this earth created by the Almighty God will live forever. At a point in time, you will be called to eternity to give an account of your stewardship on this earth. This, therefore, presupposes that when you are alive, you have to be righteous and committed to the Almighty God, the Creator and Maker of heaven and earth who our lives depend on.
TREATING THE DEAD WITH DIGNITY
The lexicon explains that death is an inevitable universal process that eventually occurs in all living organisms including humans and it generally applies to whole organisms such as cells and tissues. The overriding duty to treat the dead with dignity is by ensuring that the body of the dead person is well preserved in the mortuary, while preparations are made to provide a befitting burial to the deceased in a way that may not lead to serious life threatening conditions to the people.
KEEPING DEAD BODIES IN MORTUARIES FOR YEARS
In the Ghanaian setting, most of the dead bodies, especially traditional leaders and other influential personalities in the society are usually not buried for months and sometimes up to so many years by their families for inexplicable reasons. Sometimes, these dead bodies are kept in the morgue for a very long period with some families contemplating over who should be appointed as chief mourners or organisers to handle the funeral arrangements or due to disputes over when and where to bury the corpses. In most cases, these litigations finally end up in law courts with injunctions preventing families from moving their dead bodies from the mortuaries. Some elders will even go to the extent of ensuring that new buildings are put up to lay their deceased relatives. These unnecessary litigations over funeral and burial arrangements, often put financial burdens on the children of the deceased persons who have to move heaven and earth to raise the needed funds to pay for the mortuary fees. The inconveniences placed on their children are outrageous and unimaginable. The sad situation is that the families who are litigating over the funeral arrangements will never contribute a dime to support the children of the deceased
PERSONAL EXPERIENCE OF A RENOWNED JOURNALIST
This piece will not end properly without taking some extracts from the thoughts of the renowned veteran BBC journalist of high repute Madam Elizabeth Ohene about the era before the emergence of mortuary in our country. According to her, before mortuaries became popular in this country, we buried our dead bodies within two or three days and then set a date for the final funeral rites. Now the regular period in which dead body is kept in the mortuary before being buried ranges from three to six months. Ten months to a year is not unheard of. When you try to bury someone within a period that is regarded as “too early”, you are certain to invoke outrage, the veteran prolific writer concluded. She recounted her own experience involving the death of her 90-year- old mother who was buried after three weeks of her death and that was regarded in her village as sacrilege and lack of respect to their beloved mother and blamed the Ghanaian funeral madness on refrigeration saying, “Without fridges, we would not be able to keep bodies for ludicrously long period we currently do”. We need to shake ourselves from the brainwash of the white man and do things that will minimise cost and burden of handling the dead so that we can use our money wisely and judiciously. Indeed, there is dignity after death and we have to jealously and modestly protect the sanctity of the human remains.
parents.
LAVISH TREATMENT OF DEAD BODIES AND COST INVOLVED
This lavish treatment of some of these dead bodies by some families has given room for the handlers, both at the mortuaries and the cemeteries, to also charge exorbitantly to preserve the bodies well for a very long time in the fridge before their removal. The grave diggers also demand their share before covering the dead bodies properly. If you cannot afford, then your corpse will be put aside to rot. The fact is that our mortuaries and cemeteries have been turned into commercial entities by workers of these places who engage in dubious undercover deals at the expense of the dead and the bereaved families. Passing through the right channels in these places means you don’t want your deceased relatives to get the necessary attention. The sort of corrupt practices at our mortuaries and cemeteries, especially in our major towns and cities are, indeed, unbearable and disgraceful. The state is being denied huge sums of money through these illegal practices at the final resting places of the dead.
WORK OF MORTUARY ATTENDANTS
It is a fact that not everyone can work at our public mortuaries and those working in these places deserve some sort of recognition and better remuneration and other service conditions. However, because the state is
not providing them with that kind of support, they have, therefore, capitalised on the situation to do their own thing at the place and nobody can begrudge them for the back-door treatment. But some families are suffering due to their inability to pay for these illegal charges from these mortuary attendants. The problem can also be blamed on families who decide to keep their dead bodies for a very long time in our mortuaries while they litigate on the funeral arrangements. Their unnecessary actions of delaying their corpses in the morgue, have placed heavy burden on those who cannot afford these illegal charges. They have the means to pay anything through the back-door and don’t care what happens to anybody.
EMERGENCE OF COVID 19 AND HANDLING OF DEAD BODIES
With the emergence of the Corona Virus Disease in the country which had claimed the lives of innocent people and had brought miseries to many families, the thinking was that people would capitalise on the situation to bury their dead bodies in good time so that the funeral could be scheduled for a later date. However, the situation has rather worsened. As the disease rages on, people continue to keep their deceased relatives in the fridge for a very long time and that has not been a good sign at all. Ghanaians in general revere their dead persons. However, the way and manner we spend huge sums of money on funerals in this country is not healthy and uncalled for. The so-called ‘gbonyo’ party which runs from the day of the burial up to Sunday, the day of the thanksgiving and memorial service is something we need to take a second look at. Families and children of deceased persons without the means to organise such hilarious and lavish funerals often go and borrow money and eventually become debtors after the funeral. It will be of interest to know that when the person was sick or ill nobody offered the necessary funds to cater for his or her medical expenses, however, money can be raised to organise such glamorous funeral. It is a question of encouraging people to die so that people can be happy and rejoice?
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
SKIP THE QUEUE, TAP THE NEWS
You can now read the Ghanaian Times and The Spectator newspapers from the comfort of your device via TimesNewsPlus.
Join our WhatsApp Channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbBElzjInlqHhl1aTU27
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
SKIP THE QUEUE, TAP THE NEWS
You can now read the Ghanaian Times and The Spectator newspapers from the comfort of your device via TimesNewsPlus.
Join our WhatsApp Channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbBElzjInlqHhl1aTU27
