Features
The outcome of the NPP National Executives Election and the daunting or difficult task ahead of the party
As a normal routine, every Tuesday of the week which is a market day at the Korle-Gonno Tuesday Market in Accra in my vicinity, I never missed going there myself as a bachelor to buy my assorted fruits such as oranges, water melon, pineapples, sugarcane, apples, mangoes among others which I normally relied upon to keep my body fresh, lively and active. Trust me, ever since I started consuming these fruits, I hardly complained of sickness, even though I regularly visited my health providers for routine check-ups.
SHORTAGE OF FOOD ITEMS AND WHAT IT MEANS TO GHANAIANS
The last time I went to this market to buy my fruits, I had the shock of my life, as this market which was normally booming with fruits, foodstuffs and other assorted wares, was completely short of these items with some market women around, complaining bitterly about how things were negatively going on in this country and how their families were affected in their daily living conditions.
Being a senior and experienced journalist who was curious to know more, I spoke to a few of them around to know what had necessitated the shortage of these items on the market this time round. As if they were trained economists, they told me bluntly that the general bad economic conditions that had affected petroleum products, had prevented most of the people who transported these foodstuffs and other food items from the hinterland to the marketing centres for sale to consumers. It will interest my readers to know that I spent thrice more than what I normally used, to purchase these fruits which were dear to me in my routine daily meal. I can tell you that the situation I met at the Korle-Gonno Tuesday Market, will definitely cut across the various markets in most cities of the country.
RELATING THE EMPTY MARKET TO THE STATE OF THE ECONOMY
Such is the terrible economic challenges in which Ghanaians find themselves at the moment with the terrible high cost of living, shortage of goods, services and food items, constant depreciation of the cedi against the dollar, high inflation, excessive borrowing and spending, debt ratio escalating, opulence and extravagant way of living by government appointees among others. No doubt we are in difficult times in the history of our country and we have to run to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to seek a bailout. But all is not lost yet, with the Almighty God on our side, we have to fight and extricate ourselves from these economic challenges and together, help build our dear nation into a formidable force for generation unborn.
I have decided to deviate a bit from the topic I have chosen to write on just to let my readers understand the arduous task ahead of the new national executives elected by the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) who are expected to be in office for the next four years to help the Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo- Addo/Alhaji Mahammadu Bawumia administration to move the country out of the present economic challenges in order to position the party to fight for the next election to fulfil the party’s much touted agenda, “Breaking the Eight”.
The NPP on Saturday, July 16, 2022. came out from a successful National Delegates Conference at the Accra Sports Stadium which saw the party electing a new crop of officers to steer it affairs for the next four years. God being so good, there was no nasty incident to mar the beauty of the conference which was attended by delegates drawn from all over the 16 regions of the country. It was a nice display of party paraphernalia with President Akufo-Addo and his Vice, Alhaji Bawumia in attendance.
NEW NATIONAL EXECUTIVES OF NPP
By midnight, the over 6,000 delegates had cast their ballots to elect new executives they think can help propel the party to greater heights. Those elected are, Mr Stephen Ntim, National Chairman, Mr Danquah Smith Buttey, First Vice Chairman, Madam Rita Asobayire, Second Vice Chairperson, Alhaji Masawudu Osman, Third Vice Chairman, Lawyer Justin Frimpong Koduah, General Secretary, Lawyer Henry Nana Boakye (Nana B), National Organizer, Ms Kate Gyamfua, Women Organiser, Abdul Aziz Haruna Futah, Nasara Coordinator, Mr Salam Mohammed Mustafa, Youth Organizer and Dr. Charles Dwamena, Treasurer.
It was a tough contest, especially, in the case of the national chairman and the general secretary positions. Mr. Stephen Ntim, after five attempts within 20 years has finally won the chairmanship, having defeated strong contenders such as Mr Stephen Asamoah Boateng, Mr Kwabena Abankwa-Yeboah among others. The former General Secretary, Mr John Buadu, who was tipped to retain his position, lost painfully to Lawyer Justin Frimpong Koduah.
AMENDING THE CRACKS AND DIVISIONS WITHIN THE PARTY
Now that the elections are over and the executives have been sworn-in, it is the wish and desire of many Ghanaians and, indeed, the ardent supporters of the NPP that the cracks and divisions that have been created as a result of the elections which did not favour supporters of some of the contestants, will be amended to unite the rank and file of members to prosecute the agenda the party has set for itself. It is so painful to lose your candidate considering the amount of campaign you have put in for that person. However, in every election, there is bound to be a winner and a loser and that has been the beauty of the game. No one can cry over spilt milk and in every human institution, there are some of these infractions that is why the losers must quickly put the past behind them and team up with the winners for the progress of the party.
It is a fact that the new executives have a difficult task of healing the wounds created as a result of this election by uniting the rank and file of the party members and supporters alike. They have to support the government to put in place sound and pragmatic economic policies within the shortest possible time to restore the loss of confidence most Ghanaians have developed for the Akufo-Addo- led administration as the country prepare for the 2024 general election. The government is also expected to open its doors to the new executives for dialogue and consultation because they are on the ground and, therefore, feel the pulses of the grassroots who will in the future, determine the fate of the party come 2024.
ENSURING THAT THE RIGHT LEADER IS CHOSEN
It is also a paramount duty of the new executives to ensure that the right of person is chosen to lead the party in the 2024 presidential election. Already, names are being bandied around for the leadership position. That is very important because any attempt to compromise their position on the flagbearer, will deepen the woes of the party and affect it badly in the next election. They have to ensure a fair playing ground in the parliamentary primaries to choose competent and well- groomed candidates for the general election in 2024.
The year 2024, is a bit far from now to assess the chances of any political party in the upcoming election, but the various afrobarometer surveys by research institutions and pollsters so far conducted across the country, indicated that the majority of Ghanaians were not comfortable with the ruling NPP when it came to the next election. According to findings from some of these researches, “the economy is not moving in the right direction, hence the high cost of living and general economic hardships among the people.” They claimed the fact that we had run to the International Monetary Fund for a bailout, clearly indicated that the Akufo-Addo/ Bawumia-led administration had disappointed Ghanaians and that they could not manage the country well. To the majority of Ghanaians, if election is to be conducted today or anytime soon, the NPP will lose massively.
AFROBAROMETER REPORT AND REACTION FROM PRESIDENT
However, President Akufo-Addo in his address to the NPP National Delegates Conference, dispelled the claim that the party was not doing well. According to him, the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine accounted for the present economic challenges in the country. He said the party was going to negotiate a good deal with the IMF,a deal that would allow the government to build a sound economy that would take the country out of the difficult economic challenges.
Time is, indeed, running fast and we are just a little over two years to our next general election to elect a new President since the mandate of President Akufo-Addo is coming to an end. He has a difficult task to leave a good and sound legacy to his successor in view of the present state of the economy. However, we hope that things will change rapidly in the shortest possible time.
BY CHARLES NEEQUAYE
Contact email/WhatsApp of author:
0277753946/0248933366
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
