FORBIDDEN FRUIT- The Truth Behind Our Identity

 So I walk towards the gate of the school
 campus and see the security man smiling as I
 approached him. Unlike most of my friends, I
 am endeared to all the minor staff (cleaners,
 security men, and drivers). I always believe they
 are somewhat the real role players who deserve
 the best treatment in life for their hard work.
 Though I never bothered to ask his name, I
 always stopped to ask how he and his family
 were faring. If I had something for him, I
 willingly gave out. That day, I brought him
 apples. He received the gift with gratitude and I
 hurried off to class.
 
After school, I came pass the gate and this man
 stopped me to have a word with me. At first I
 thought he was trying to woo me. But I offered
 him a little of my time.
 The gate keeper pulled out something from his
 pocket and asked me to have a look. Lo and
 Behold, I had in my hands pictures of a fine
 gentleman. Obviously the pictures were taken
 overseas. "Whose image are in these photos", I
 asked anxiously.
 That was the unkempt old security man in his
 prime age having his fun times in Paris to be
 precise. I could not believe it. He looked well
 built and very (and I mean very) handsome at
 the time. He further told me he was poisoned
 through an apple and almost died.
 I felt bad for him, because the effects of the
 poison had him brought back home to Ghana.
 He even lost his strength and voice in the
 process but got better after a period of years.
 He returned my apples after explaining these to
 me, I understood.
 He taught me that the events of our life can
 change. As humans we should always try not to
 underestimate anyone because we feel we are in
 a much better place than them. Never look
 down on anyone. I never stopped giving him
 gifts though, but this time not apples.

KEEPING A NATION CLEAN

It is no more news that our beloved nation Ghana has been adjudged one of the most filthy nations in the whole of Africa. It is mostly in the densely populated areas in the country that poses the problem of pollution that we face presently. Singapore, one of the cleanest nations in the world is known to have initiated a policy that brought about a turn-about in the country's sanitation. The Keep Singapore Clean Campaign in 1968 was dubbed, "Do the right thing, let's bin it", as their national anti- littering initiative. Ghana can also rise to the problem at hand with certain enforced initiatives and campaigns (some of which are so far being sensitized) in order to curb the situation.

In the days of Salifu Amankwah, Accra was clean but today, the city cannot boast of any policies to keep the city clean. If there are any then its truely not effective. The former Vice President of the Republic of Ghana, the late Aliu Mahama, did his best to campaign against indiscipline in the country but all fell on dead ears. The solutions to this appalling situation for which we have been noticed world wide are simple and minimal than we may think of. The most important of all the solutions are by providing waste bins and cans, enforcing laws to be adhered to, and educating the people on why they should avoid littering. These solutions are further explained below.

Providing waste bins at vantage points is a very vital check on littering. The average percentage of Ghanians feel the urge to throw their rubbish into waste bins. It is rather discouraging to find out that there are not provisions for them to do so. The level of education of most people in Ghana today is high (except for the remaining percentage of illiterates). A typical scenario can be assessed through a drive around some suburbs of Accra, a densely populated area. From Kaneshie through to Circle into Labone will show the absence of waste bins for rubbish disposal. This is very disheartening, especially for a country which aims at attracting more investors into its economy.

What this absence attracts is the huge pollution that we see, and the subsequent floods that resurfaces after every downpour. Government in association with some stakeholders such as Zoomlion can come together to fix waste bins at vantage points, especially in market places, towns and cities where a lot of people mostly converge for various purposes. These litter bins can be designed in a way that, it will be fixed and static in the position that it is placed.

This means that noone can easily carry them away with the intention of keeping them for their own interests. Waste vans and cans will also be needed to convey and store the rubbish which have been kept in the bins. This whole new project could create job opportunities for the youth, since the waste carriers will also have their fair share of employment. Street sweepers who complain of low wage salaries will be cleared from the streets little by little as the rubbish will be drastically reduced through this initiative. This shall be the first step towards a cleaner Ghana.

Again, the law making bodies should rise up to the cause and identify the current filthy situation as a serious rather than normal routine. There should be strict and enforced laws put in place to control the situation. It is of no news that this problem is the main root of all the many diseases that we face in the country. Cholera, Malaria, Tuberculosis, Typhoid, lung cancer, just to mention but a few, are some diseases that we attract as a result of our negligence to do the right thing.

What the legislature and judiciary must do is to make and interpret laws to the people for its strict observance. For instance, people can be made to pay fines for littering the environment otherwise, they can be made to face serious charges for such an offense. This will serve as a deterrent to other recalcitrant citizens. The nation will be on the headway to becoming assessed as one of the cleanest with this being instituted. Also it shall minimize, if not eradicate, the many diseases that we face (with much emphasis on children who are exposed to the dirt and filth).

Finally, the people need more sensitization on the need to keep a cleaner community. The target for this education should be the children between three to fourteen years, and the illiterates made up of traders and low income earners. This education should be run in schools and public places by the unemployed young graduates. This venture will presumably provide the needed education to children of school going ages and the non-schooled. It will also create employment for the people who shall convey the message to the aforementioned groups.

Education which plays a vital role in every nation building, be it formal or non-formal, can be the long lost tool for this worrying social canker. In the end, the targeted groups will be sensitized on the need to keep their communities clean, dispose off rubbish at the appropriate places, and report any case of violation of the laws underlying littering to the authorities. The basis of all the problems we are currently facing boils down to the fact that there is little or no education on the subject matter. Fact is, by the time these targeted children grow up, they will be very much accustomed to doing things the right way. When this happens, there is a greater chance of cleanliness in the now filthy nation that we see ourselves in.

When it comes to education, religious leaders also play a major role in carrying out information to the people. All heads of religious denominations can come together to plan how they can be of help to the situation at hand. People generally look up to these people as opinion leaders and their participation will be much of help. They can talk to their members about the need to obey and adhere to cleanliness and the use of the appropriate measures in place (such as waste bins). This could be one of the easiest ways that the message can be put across to the people, especially the targeted groups.

It is with deep concern that this alarming issue has been critically observed with its possible solutions. The greater appeal goes to government and other distinguished stakeholders to help bring this vision into reality. As patriotic citizens, we could also put to play our little efforts to help reduce the many associated problems that come with littering and dumping of refuse. The floods alone are claiming many lives and properties due to our refusal to observe simple rules and practices. Great felicitations and applause goes out to the Okyehene and his "Cleaner Ghana Campaign". Ghana can see a change, its all in our hands.

Justica Anima.

switstica@gmail.com

THE PERFECT NIGHT

Cliiiiiing.... Cliiiiiiiiiing, the alarm clocked sounded. It was morning, 9.40am to be precise. "OMG!", Claudia yelled as she looked at the clock. She was going to be late for the day's activities. She had asked her employer for a day off just to make this special day a memorable one. She had the day's schedule skeptically planned out and was sure there was not going to be any mix up. Adoley, her bosom friend, had called earlier on but she missed her calls. The previous night was so stressful at the supermarket where she worked which made her so tired before she retired to bed. Claudia called her friend back. They agreed to meet at the market as earlier planned the previous day.

Quickly, Claudia came out of the shower and slipped into some fresh clothes which had been ironned and hanged, waiting to be worn. She chose some wrist beads to match her orange blouse and set off for the market after locking all doors and windows. Getting a car at the junction seemed a bit frustrating for a while. Soon, a taxi pulled up and they sped off. It was 12.15pm when she moved.Adoley was becoming infuriated at her friend's delayance. Claudia was becoming fond of this habit. At the ninth or so glance at her wrist watch, she saw a cab pull before her. Her friend came out with a broad smile. "I'm so sorry for keeping you waiting", Claudia said while hugging Adoley. The two mid twenties walked through the market choosing and buying all the items they will be needing to prepare french fries for the dinner ahead.

At 3.56pm, they were at Ephyex Restaurant to take some snacks before going home. Claudia had not eaten anything yet since morning so they took the chance to grab something to eat. Soon, they were headed for Adoley's home to cook the meal they had planned to serve as dinner. By the time they were done, Claudia had eaten half of the fries due to hunger. She rushed to the bathroom for a quick shower. When she was done, she set off to Jeff's house to invite him over for dinner. Adoley would however send the prepared meal to Claudia's house and set the table ready for her friend's arrival.

By the time the cab stopped in front of Jeff's gate, it was 8.05. There was loud music coming from the house, an unusual thing about Jeff. Her boyfriend kept a gentle nature at all times, unlike most guys. Probably there was a party going on, she thought. After several minutes of ringing the bell and not getting any response, she opened the door. It was not locked, rather unusual. She went in. The hall was all messed up and yet there was no party. She began to worry when no one responded while she called out his name. Gradually, but with fear, she moved towards the kitchen, then to the washroom. Finally, as she approached the bedroom she realized the door had been left open. She was shocked at what met her eyes.

On her way home, she cried her heart out. What was she going to tell her bosom friend? How could this happen to her at this very hour? The driver constantly asked her what had gone wrong but she kept mute. As soon as she reached home, she ran out of the cab, forgetting to pay the driver. The annoyed man came out of his car and chased after her. He was peacefully settled at the gate by the security man who wanted to avoid any scandal. She opened the door and suddenly, a loud uproar came from the room, "SURPRISE!". There was Jeff and Adoley and a few other friends. "You coward!", Claudia shouted and ran to her room, leaving everyone in astonishment. The embarassed Claudia could not hide her shame after she had been clarified of the whole incidence. Jeff had been in her home all afternoon preparing dinner for the special night. She went to meet his room mate Paul who had just arrived from his three weeks holiday in UK; and she mistook him for Jeff who was making love in bed with another lady."A toast to a lasting relationship" shouted Jeff. "CHEERS!", came from the guests.

After all the noise had died down and everyone had departed, Jeff sat beside her in the garden. She stared into the clouds, humming her favorite love song. He took her left hand and started playing with them, then she felt him slide something into her middle finger. It was beautiful. As tears began rolling down her cheeks, he whispered softly, "Happy Valentines Day my love".

CIRCLE OF FRIENDSHIP

Just recently, my mom called me to the kitchen and asked, "Anima, do you have friends atall? Apart from Efia, I hardly know most of your friends." I smiled at this rather funny question and had a tangible reply for my mom, who seemed to be scared about the kind of people I might be associating with. Most often, as is the norm, parents are supposed to be protective and I understood her perfectly. Funny but true enough, I do not have alot of friends and that was why laughed over mama's words. Many know me to be outgoing, friendly and warm hearted, which is supposedly the characteristics of one that has many friends. All these aside, I have very few friends and I am picky about choosing them.

Over time, I have learnt to be very careful when it came to friends due to certain experiences. Let me share with you some reasons why I have such lifestyle against many friends... One reason is that I realised some people are with you because of what they want to benefit from you and not what they have to share. Also some associate with you so that it can be easier for them to stop you from reaching the peak of your life. Again, some are with you only because they see that you will be a great person and yet they are not willing to play any role in your life; neither adding nor subtracting from you. These three types persons are definitely not worth having as friends and they are the exact people I am mostly drawn away from. Indeed, true friends are hard to find.

Here are three friends you would never want to miss in your life: the elderly, the knowledgeable and the godly. The elderly are ones that are ahead of you in life. They are mostly wiser than you in a wide range of issues and experiences that you would want to know about. They mostly add up to your life by giving you sound moral advice and sometimes support when the need arises. What you have to do to keep such relationships is to stay humble and also be interested in what they have to teach you. The knowledgeable may not be older than you. They normally have a wide range of information and intelligence base than you do. You must often yearn to tap into their knowledge for the betterment of your life. Do not act jealous over their achievements and mostly shower them with praise, compliments and encouragement. This way, they are sure that you mean good and you are happy with their presence in your life. The godly are ones that have a religious lifestyle and are always active with the things of God. Such people cannot be wiped from our circle of friends because like the elderly and the knowledgeable, the act as a rod of guidance in our lives. They sometimes help us grow spiritual in order to get closer to God. They are also very trustworthy people and are honest with their judgements over some things they think are wrong about you. These groups of people add up to my circle of friends.

I also love the computer(internet), music, inspiring books and the Bible. The computer connects me to a whole new world. Music soothes my soul and mostly gives me joy. Inspiring books teach me most things that the elderly and knowledgeable may not uncover to me. The Bible is my rod and staff which comforts me in my darkest moments. Friends are worth having and keeping. True friendship is what everyone needs in their lives. However, if one does not choose the right friends, they are mostly headed for doom. You might want to think through before making the wrong choice. Remember that being selective with friends is never a sign that you are unfriendly but that you are a strong and wise person. Keep Loving!

Justica ANIMA.

switstica@gmail.com

DEAR NEW YEAR

2013 set in somewhat as fast as you are trying to come. We all anticipated it, expecting big things and goals. When we rolled into that year, things began rolling as people worked tirelessly towards their goals. Everyone wanted to pluck the first fruits and of course the best ones. Let me share with you my outlook of the coming year.
I think 2014 is going to be good and bad depending on how one approaches it. For whatsoever reasons, it doesn’t come with a lot of fears as the previous year did. People seem rather positive and optimistic about it. Friends and families hope to get better relationships while enemies have resolved to stay best of allies.

            Here are three things I expect to see in 2014, thus, in the 12 months of the coming year and in its 365 days:
A positive people. I wish that people around me will be more encouraging and positive towards what they think, say and do. I hate to see people who are naysayers. People who take pride in dampening other people’s spirits are actually not work being with. So to speak, in 2013, most people around me tried to shut down quite alot of my dreams. Others also ended their goals with their actions and speech. It baffles me how some people are just pessimistic about a whole lot of things. They just cannot believe in themselves not to think of others. I hope and pray that people will just stand up to the reality of life and try to tackle each situation with all positivity in this coming year.

Easy flow of money. Hey let’s face it, this year was not a financially sound one (well, atleast for me), so I hope the coming year will be better. People even perceived that the monetary state of the country had dropped making it difficult for money to be “pumped into the system”. As funny as it may sound, it was rather a difficult situation for most of us. We all know how money is an integral part of our lives. For that matter, may the New Year present us with more cash and opportunities that will redirect us to getting something into our pockets.

Dreams come true. Many goals have been set to be achieved this coming year. 2013 left most goals unattained and unfulfilled. I was quite lucky to have just one of mine achieved (not so good). People want to get married, others get admitted in schools and some to probably travel outside of the country to seek greener pastures elsewhere. Wherever you and I belong is for the coming year to grant us luck to get there. Best wishes that were sent out by well wishes during the Yuletide must come to pass. However it might need hardwork and diligence to get us there. For sure we will get there if we put our best to it.

                To the New Year, I say welcome. May you be packed with all the experiences, lessons, opportunities, and memories. We will be expecting all the big surprises that you may come up with, and not forgetting those amazing goodies. Please get along friendly. Be kind and gentle. At each time when we get off track, alert us, counsel us and get us back on track. Bring us new relationships and stir up the greatness within us. Remember, you are even (number 14) so act even.

FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF A "GHANABA"

The year 2013 began with a lot of misconceptions and fear about the unlucky number 13. Though much went on, a lot seem unachieved. Various drama unfolded, lives gained and some lost, heads of states and leaders died and some assigned into power. Indeed, there were many events that were displayed in the year all thanks to the Giver of life. However, much is needed to be done on the African continent and as a matter of fact, Ghana especially. A drive around town in the nation’s city leaves a lot of questions in one’s state of mind. In this article, I shall attempt to draw focus on a few assets that the nation is lacking.

                 Children playgrounds seem a thing of the past. It is rather appalling that children, the future leaders of the nation, do not have a place in the country prepared specially for them at vantage points. Just a few places have been marked as playgrounds for our children for instance, the Efua Sutherland Park in Accra. However, these places lack recreational facilities that may catch the eyes of the children who visit there. Also, before children could gain access to such places, they mostly have to pay which should not always be the case. A suitable place for children is also well established at the Accra Mall around the Tetteh Quarshie round- about but as usual and typical of Ghana, it is luxurious and rather expensive for parents and children to afford. So what can be done to ensure that children have fun and build their physical and mental well being in the coming years? I leave that to you and I to answer.

                Cinemas are places where good films are showcased for public viewing. It is indisputable that televisions and video electronic gadgets are in use in our homes. However, cinemas will be centers for socialization, outdooring and dissemination of good movies for audiences. Again, the well known cinema house in Ghana, Accra to be precise, is the Silver Bird Cinema located inside the Accra Mall. This place is the maiden name on most minds in the city of Accra. My questions then are, what about those in the rural areas? How many people can the Silver Bird house? Do patrons need to pay large sums to watch a movie which mostly lasts in a short period of time? Ghana needs to rise up in this aspect of entertainment and recreation for its people to enjoy. More cinemas must be built especially in rural areas to showcase educative and cultural movies to citizens, and to provide an avenue for socialization among people.

                Waste bins are an answer to our filthy state. Ghana is noted to be among the filthiest places in the world today. It is not surprising why this is so if you live in a country where little or no waste bins is found in town. Waste bins are seen mostly at homes where individuals have a sense of ownership for the rubbish they make and collect. The case is therefore different when you reach the towns and cities, even sometimes the communities lack waste bins at regular check points. Again, I ask myself why that is so. This condition leaves citizens no choice than to drop waste materials on the ground. The only accessible waste disposal joints are in heaps alongside roads, and are mostly stinky and unhygienic. I strongly believe that this could be resolved quickly to promote a healthy and filth-free environment in the coming year. Zoomlion is making great efforts but they could extend their litter bins into the towns and cities and markets where people mostly meet for transactions, travelling and other purposes.

                Community libraries would not be a bad idea at all. Lack of effective reading and comprehension is killing the current Ghanaian, specifically the child. Ask Ama, a primary three pupil to read a simple sentence and that may be a very big problem. This stems up to the fact that the necessary resources to improve the child’s reading is lacking. Story books and other reading materials are not much available for keen readers because they are either stuffed in the book shops for sale or are just sitting on shelves unannounced about their existence. What I mean is that, quality books must consistently be announced and reviewed to students during forums and conferences. Teachers can also deliberately recommend books such as the African Writer’s Series to their class during lessons. One library I still remember and hope to be checking up on is the George Padmore Library somewhere in Ridge, Accra (though I think it needs some restructuring and restocking). How many books are advertised through our media these days as compared to the liquors and condoms? Is that a mark of a nation seeking after a Better Ghana? Wonderfully, all the answers to our miseries are hidden in these books that we fail to read as citizens.

                Science laboratories and workshops will be another step to greatness. This can be set up atleast in the capital towns of each region. By this, people can visit at their own convenience (especially science lovers) so that they can be trained in the practical application of science and experiments involving our physical world. The level and pace at which science is evolving is fast and must be tackled with a lot more experience and research. A resourceful science centre accessible by the large portion of the people may serve a good purpose. Timely workshops can also be set up to educate the people on the usefulness of science and its application in the country. A lot more hands can be pushed into our manufacturing, mining and agricultural industries with the introduction of this initiative. Also, more minds will be broadened to introduce great inventions and to explore unique opportunities in and around the nation.

                I could have gone on and on if only time was on my side. All these notwithstanding, we are making great efforts in other areas such as sports, education, tourism and culture and agricultural development that are highly commendable. A lot more work however needs to be done to relieve ourselves of the greater stress that we are lashed with currently. I take this time to congratulate Ghanaians on their peace and stability, Mr. President for his effortless governance, the Black stars on their remarkable performance, the Miss Ghana on her outstanding qualification, and you reading for your time and interest in this piece. I wish to continue some other time. Kindly leave your comments and opinions (or visit switstica@gmail.com).

               

STRIKE ACTIONS IN GHANA

                                    Today in Ghana, most government workers, I must say, are too money conscious. True, hardwork needs to be rewarded but in the case where workers expect huge rewards for every work they do, there will be clashes. Strikes are indeed one way by which workers, mostly in the government sectors, put their grievances across to be addressed. The strike actions are mostly to seek redress of their salaries. For some reasons, I really wonder why it always has to do with money. Could it be that these workers are generally corrupt or that they are just discontent with the salaries they receive?

                                 

                                 Recently, the National Security Advisor, Brigadier-General Joseph Nunoo-Mensah, reacted towards the nearly insane strike actions. I cannot agree less with his suggestion that, whoever is not satisfied with the salaries should pack their bags and go to a country where their needs will be met. Why should workers constantly embark on strike actions when some salaries have been increased to a double or more of what they used to receive? Even the Single Spine Salary Structure addresses the issue of salaries to some extent that it makes these actions among workers rather irritating. I agree that, when salaries are not quantitative enough they need to be redressed. However, at the point where workers use that as a platform to drain money from the nation’s coffers is an area of concern.

                                   For Christ’s sake, Ghana is a developing nation and she needs a lot of money and dedicated workers to push her forward. In the case where workers seem to be so much interested in money and are unwilling to work, even under harsh conditions, will not set us at the pace that we have targeted to be. Workers in various sectors should have in mind that there are indeed so many ways of killing a cat. If the government is failing to pay enough monies to us as salaries, we must not use that as grounds to temporarily stop work. That attitude shows unprofessionalism and less dedication tone’s field of work.

                                The way forward is that, workers can set up small or large scale businesses that could support them financially without having to solely depend on government for monies most term as “peanuts”. Aside that, we should have the zeal to leave a legacy in our field of work by being dedicated, hardworking, service-oriented, and reliable. The issue that has to do with money all the time only generates bad working practices such as, bribery and corruption, pilfering, poor attitude towards work and low productivity in our work places.

                               Strikes are necessary but not when they become persistent and hinder national development. Government already owes huge debts. Where then do we expect the huge sum of monies we demand to come from? This scenario can be likened to that between a poor parent and the child. The child, when he over burdens his parent with a lot of demands, will either push the parent into debts, or draw him eventually to his early grave. What the child can do is to support the parent through menial jobs (if the child is matured enough), or reduce his level of demands so as not to over burden the parent.

                              In conclusion, I am trying to say that money should not be the prime objective for our actions. Whatever we do, we must think of humanity first and ways by which we can provide our services whole-heartedly and genuinely for the betterment of those around us. Ghana would be a better nation when it devoid of all the numerous strikes and unnecessary demands from her own workers and professionals.

switstica@gmail.com