Features

Dear President Mahama

Published

2 months ago

January 22, 2025

Congratulations on your resounding victory in this election. I am certain that many view this victory as a time for celebration, relishing the fruits of a hard-fought battle.

However, the nature of your victory brings with it an unprecedented responsibility that will require extraordinary talents to tackle and ultimately overcome the imminent challenges we all face. Mr President, your victory on 8th December 2024 has sparked a massive turnout from the youth, which makes this immense responsibility even more evident.

Mr President, may I take the liberty of drawing a connection between your extraordinary victory and the experiences of the people during your first term as President (2012–2016)? A direct comparison has made it easy for Ghanaians to swiftly recognise the difference between you and your opponent.

The title of this letter implicitly suggests solutions to some of the most persistent and chronic bureaucratic hurdles within Ghana’s governance structure. Mr Mahama, as Dr Kwame Nkrumah once said, “Unless Our Economic Development Is Rocket Propelled, We Risk Losing Everything We Ever Fought For.” He also remarked in several interviews, “You do not have to know how to do everything, but where to find what you need.”

Mr Mahama, the average Ghanaian wishes for your success, and it is for this reason that I write this letter. When we look around the industrialised world—especially in North America, Europe, and parts of Asia—and contemplate its entirety, we are likely to discover that it functions as one great machine, subdivided into countless smaller ones.

These machines, and their components, are structured, engineered, and adjusted to work in harmony with an accuracy that commands admiration. As we’ve all come to realise, the transformations in developed societies, particularly in Rwanda, South Korea, China, Singapore, and Malaysia, are no accident. They are the result of structured ideas based on the principles of pragmatic scientific socialism, fuelled by controlled capitalism and carried out by men of courage and action.

Whether or not we achieve success as a nation by the end of 2028 depends largely on those closest to you, hence the title of this letter. Mr President, one of the most striking observations from a two-year study of 10 emerging economies in the last three decades was Leadership Accessibility. Though your outstanding victory reflects the collective effort of the NDC party hierarchy, the ideas necessary to propel our country may not necessarily come from within the party. For us to succeed, we MUST ensure that there is an Access Window open to non-political Ghanaian talents.

The impenetrable barrier of concrete and steel around the presidency, with no bridge to the ordinary Ghanaian, is a major stumbling block that must be dismantled. This barrier prevents the discovery of homegrown innovations and transformational ideas, which have always been the reserve of the citizens. Mr President, I am greatly inspired by the humility you have shown in the aftermath of your emphatic victory, as well as the wisdom demonstrated since.

Sir, Ghana’s situation may be diagnosed as follows: we have a goal, but the challenge lies in how to achieve it. In Ghana and much of sub-Saharan Africa, we often attempt to adapt means to predefined ends (e.g., we want to build a house, a ship, or grow cassava).

While we may be skilled at these tasks, there is no single way of thinking that enables us to achieve every goal. The person who knows how to build a house does not necessarily know how to build a ship or grow cassava.

Mr President, I am deeply passionate about this because I believe our current socio-political structures and governance approach will undermine the efforts of any local genius attempting to succeed within Ghana’s boundaries. We may have our own Elon Musk within us, but whether or not he or she succeeds depends on the accessibility of leadership, as mentioned above.

Acknowledging that only God can be everywhere at once, it is clear that your ears cannot be everywhere at the same time. This highlights the necessity of surrounding yourself with the sharpest minds from all fields to help you navigate this era of socio-economic distress and crises.

Your Excellency, in 1980, as a 7-year-old boy at Airforce Primary School in Takoradi, my favourite teacher, Auntie Beatrice, did not return after vacation. I later learned that she died during childbirth while we were on break. Fast forward 45 years to 2025, and maternal mortality continues to be a rampant issue, with women dying needlessly during labour.

This tragedy can be stopped or significantly reduced, yet the idea to curb these maternal deaths may not necessarily come from your appointed cabinet ministers but from the general public. The problem, however, is that it is almost impossible for an unknown individual— no matter how brilliant they may be—to put forward an idea and see it implemented within our current governance structure.

Mr President, those closest to you should not fear new or unfamiliar ideas, for no nation has ever prospered without them. They must show their love for you by embracing new ideas that support your vision for socio-economic transformation.

This is fundamentally important, as modern economic progress relies on innovation and pragmatism, not solely on old fiscal policy strategies. The success of Lee Kwan Yew in Singapore, who adapted many of Dr Nkrumah’s ideas—even though he did not acknowledge it in his book From Third World to First World—focused on what worked, not on what appeared to work elsewhere, especially in the West.

While capitalism is beneficial, it is seldom achieved by governments leaving local businesses and entrepreneurs to survive on their own in today’s fiercely competitive marketplace. It is the primary responsibility of governments, especially those of post-colonial countries, to deliberately create wealth and transfer it into the hands of indigenous businesses, rather than the reverse, as has been seen in recent times.

The government of Singapore, under Lee Kwan Yew, established several state-owned construction companies to address major national projects. These companies were designed to build world-class infrastructure—such as roads—at a cost far lower than international rates.

Mr President, as strategic as the Ghana Oil Company (GOIL) has been, revamping and modernising the State Construction Corporation (SCC) to address Ghana’s major infrastructure deficits, such as the nationwide drainage problem, could be a worthwhile idea to consider.

We could transform agriculture in Ghana into a multibillion-dollar industry, but this will depend on the sector’s minister’s willingness to embrace new ideas. Likely, the people with the necessary ideas may not be within your government, which is why access to those closest to you is so critical.

Finally, I humbly ask that you introduce the study of Slavery, Colonialism, and Philosophy into the JHS and SHS curriculum. Since the collapse of Osagyefo’s Young Pioneers, there has been no concerted effort to instil meaningful nationalism in the hearts of our youth.

I believe that the introduction of these subjects would instil steadfastness and determination in young Ghanaians, providing them with a greater sense of purpose in protecting their motherland.

Thank you, Mr President. I sincerely wish you great success for the common good of every Ghanaian and the Pan-African Movement as a whole.

By Kofi Annor

Features

Urgent need for formalisation of Pastoral group

Published

4 days ago

March 22, 2025

Net News Ghana

We find ourselves in a country where respect for the clergy is part of our culture. Religious leaders are therefore held in high esteem. This has led to a situation where certain unscrupulous people, people I refer to as criminally minded, take advantage of this almost unreserved obedience to the clergy, to exploit innocent Christians and society at large.

Recent happenings is giving credence to the call for formalisation of the clergy or the pastoral practitioners. Incidents of clear manipulation of church members to give out offerings, is becoming a serious societal issue.

We hear of reports of Pastors or so called Prophets indulging in all manner of unscrupulous and disgusting behaviour that brings the name of God into disrepute and makes Christianity unattractive.

Thank God there are still some men of conscience in the clergy fraternity, who have taken it upon themselves to right the wrong, by opening the eyes of the public to what is right and what is wrong as far as Christianity and the scriptures are concerned.

This has brought about an avalanche of attacks on one such leading Pastor of conscience in my beloved country called Ghana. He boldly pointed out the falsehood being perpetrated by some pastors either ignorantly or deliberately to draw attention to themselves as some highly anointed and men or women, instead of focusing their members attention on Jesus, the real deal, author and finisher of our faith as Christians, according to Hebrews 12:2.

These self-seeking Pastors espouses doctrines which has no basis in the Bible. This man, who is a General Overseer of one of the leading Charismatic churches, is enlightening the mind of believers that, there is no power in a pulpit or an altar and that teachings calling on believers to trust in such things are not Biblical.

He further went on in videos gone viral that statements like “I tap into the anointing of Pastor…”, “by the grace upon this house”, “by the grace on this altar”, are all false teachings and ignorant declarations.

These teachings of his, have drawn the ire of the Pastors who are benefiting from these erroneous teachings and as you can imagine, have started criticising him but the funny thing is that those who are criticising him are not basing their criticism on the Bible and some of them even have credibility issues, on top of it all.

The cause of their anger obviously is that, such teachings will deprive them of the control they have over their members, when they become enlightened. In other words it will spoil their business because they are clearly in the Pastoral fraternity for selfish reasons, basically pride and desire to accumulate wealth.

This man of God who is under attack from some of the clergy said, when a person wants to be a Doctor, he goes to medical school, a Pilot goes to an aviation school, a teacher goes to a training college, a Lawyer goes to Law school, an Engineer goes to an engineering school but when it comes to the Pastor, someone who is supposed to shape the moral character of society, then we say he does not need any training.

This clearly does not make sense and that is why I agree with the call for formalisation of the clergy so they appreciate the need for them to become examples of moral uprightness just like Jesus that they profess to follow.

Your Pastor or Prophet or whatever Bishop ends his prayer in the name of Jesus and not in his own name, so he can never be equal to Jesus, so please wise up. God bless.

NB: ‘CHANGE KOTOKA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT TO KOFI BAAKO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT’

By Laud Kissi-Mensah

Features

Toothache: Understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options

Published

4 days ago

March 22, 2025

Net News Ghana

A toothache is a painful sensation in or around a tooth, which can be caused by a variety of factors.

It is a common dental emergency that can affect anyone, regardless of age or oral health.

Toothaches can range from mild to severe and can be accompanied by other symptoms such as swelling, sensitivity, and difficulty chewing.

Causes of toothache

There are several causes of toothache, including:

1. Tooth decay: Tooth decay is the most common cause of toothache. It occurs when bacteria in the mouth break down the enamel of the tooth, creating a cavity.

2. Gum disease: Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, can cause toothache. It occurs when bacteria in the mouth infect the gums, causing inflammation and pain.

3. Cracked tooth: A cracked tooth can cause toothache. This can occur due to biting or chewing on something hard, or due to a blow to the mouth.

4. Dental abscess: A dental abscess is a pocket of pus that forms in the gum tissue. It can cause severe toothache and swelling.

5. Grinding or clenching: Grinding or clenching the teeth can cause toothache. This can occur due to stress, anxiety, or a misaligned bite.

6. Loose or broken filling: A loose or broken filling can cause toothache. This can occur due to wear and tear, or due to a blow to the mouth.

Symptoms of toothache

The symptoms of toothache can vary depending on the cause and severity of the condition. Common symptoms include:

1. Pain: A sharp, stabbing, or dull ache in the tooth or surrounding gum tissue.

2. Sensitivity: Sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, sweet or sour tastes, or pressure.

3. Swelling: Swelling of the gum tissue or face.

4. Difficulty chewing: Difficulty chewing or biting due to pain or discomfort.

5. Bad breath: Bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth.

Diagnosis of Toothache

Diagnosing toothache typically involves a combination of:

1. Visual examination: A visual examination of the tooth and surrounding gum tissue.

2. X-rays: X-rays may be taken to check for signs of tooth decay, abscesses, or other problems.

3. Percussion test: A percussion test, which involves tapping on the tooth to check for sensitivity.

Treatment options for toothache

The treatment options for toothache depend on the cause and severity of the condition. Common treatment options include:

1. Fillings: Fillings may be used to repair a tooth that has been damaged by decay or trauma.

2. Extractions: In some cases, a tooth may need to be extracted due to severe decay or damage.

3. Root canals: Root canals may be performed to remove infected pulp from the tooth.

4. Crown or bridge: A crown or bridge may be used to repair a damaged tooth or replace a missing tooth.

5. Pain relief: Pain relief medication, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, may be prescribed to manage pain and discomfort.

Home remedies for toothache

There are several home remedies that can help to alleviate toothache, including:

1. Cold compress: Applying a cold compress to the affected area can help to reduce pain and swelling.

2. Salt water rinse: Rinsing the mouth with warm salt water can help to reduce pain and inflammation.

3. Cloves: Applying a clove to the affected tooth can help to numb the area and reduce pain.

4. Over-the-counter pain relief: Taking over-the-counter pain relief medication, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help to manage pain and discomfort.

Prevention of toothache

Preventing toothache involves maintaining good oral hygiene habits, including:

1. Brushing and flossing: Brushing and flossing regularly to remove plaque and bacteria from the teeth.

2. Regular dental check-ups: Regular dental check-ups can help to identify and treat oral health problems early on.

3. Avoiding sugary and acidic foods: Avoiding sugary and acidic foods and drinks can help to reduce the risk of tooth decay and erosion.

4. Wearing a mouth guard: Wearing a mouthguard can help to protect the teeth from injury during sports or other activities.

Conclusion

Toothache is a common dental emergency that can be caused by a variety of factors.

Understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for toothache can help individuals to seek prompt treatment and alleviate pain and discomfort.

By maintaining good oral hygiene habits and avoiding sugary and acidic foods and drinks, individuals can reduce their risk of developing toothache.

By Robert Ekow Grimmond-Thompson

Features

World Kidney Day: Theme: Early detection for a healthier future

Published

1 week ago

March 17, 2025

Net News Ghana

Wednesday, March 13, 2025, marks World Kidney Day, an annual event aimed at raising awareness about the importance of kidney health and reducing the impact of kidney diseases worldwide. This year’s theme, “Early Detection for a Healthier Future!”, emphasizes the significance of early identification and management of kidney diseases to prevent complications and ensure long-term health.

Functions of the kidneys

The kidneys are vital organs responsible for several critical bodily functions:

Waste Excretion: They filter waste products and excess fluids from the blood, excreting them as urine.

Fluid and Electrolyte Balance: They regulate the body’s fluid levels and maintain the balance of electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, and phosphate.

Blood Pressure Regulation: They produce hormones like renin that help control blood pressure.

Red Blood Cell Production: They release erythropoietin, a hormone that stimulates the production of red blood cells.

Bone Health: They activate vitamin D, which is essential for maintaining healthy bones. Vitamin D from the sun cannot be useful if not activated by the kidney.

Causes of kidney

diseases

Kidney diseases can result from various factors, including:

Diabetes: High blood sugar levels can damage the kidneys over time.

Hypertension: Elevated blood pressure can cause damage to the blood vessels in the kidneys.

Glomerulonephritis: Inflammation of the kidney’s filtering units can impair function.

Polycystic Kidney Disease: A genetic disorder characterized by the growth of cysts in the kidneys.

Repeated Urinary Infections: Chronic infections can lead to kidney damage.

Obstruction: Conditions like kidney stones or an enlarged prostate can block urine flow and harm the kidneys.

Other conditions are

#Low birth weight

# Obesity

# Abuse of painkillers

# Aphrodisiac/ bitters

# Some herbal medicine

# Prolonged use of prescriptions drugs

Stages of kidney disease

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is categorised into five stages based on the glomerular filtration rate (GFR), which measures kidney function:

Stage 1: Normal or high GFR (≥90 mL/min/1.73 m²) with some signs of kidney damage.

Stage 2: Mild decrease in GFR (60-89 mL/min/1.73 m²) with evidence of kidney damage.

Stage 3: Moderate decrease in GFR (30-59 mL/min/1.73 m²). This stage is often divided into:

3a: GFR 45-59 mL/min/1.73 m².

3b: GFR 30-44 mL/min/1.73 m².

Stage 4: Severe decrease in GFR (15-29 mL/min/1.73 m²).

Stage 5: Kidney failure (GFR <15 mL/min/1.73 m²), often requiring dialysis or a kidney transplant.

Early stages (1 and 2) may not present noticeable symptoms, making early detection through regular screenings crucial. As the disease progresses to stages 3 through 5, symptoms become more apparent, and the risk of complications increases.

Prevention of Kidney

Disease

Preventing kidney disease involves managing risk factors and maintaining a healthy lifestyle:

Control Blood Sugar: Proper management of diabetes can prevent kidney damage.

Manage Blood Pressure: Keeping blood pressure within the normal range reduces the risk of kidney disease.

Maintain a Healthy Weight: Obesity increases the risk of conditions that harm the kidneys.

Avoid Smoking: Smoking can impair blood flow to the kidneys and worsen existing kidney disease.

Stay Hydrated: Adequate water intake supports kidney function. Drink between 2.5L -3.5Litres of water daily.

Limit Over-the-Counter Painkillers: Excessive use of NSAIDs can cause kidney damage.

Regular Check-ups: Routine screenings can detect early signs of kidney issues, especially in individuals with risk factors.

Healthy Lifestyles Promoting Proper Kidney Function

Adopting certain lifestyle practices can enhance kidney health:

Balanced Diet: Consuming a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins supports overall health and kidney function.

Regular Physical Activity: Engaging in exercise helps maintain a healthy weight and blood pressure, reducing the risk of kidney disease.

No Alcohol Consumption: Eliminating alcohol intake prevents additional strain on the kidneys.

Stress Management: Chronic stress can negatively affect blood pressure and kidney health; practices like meditation can be beneficial.

By understanding the functions of the kidneys, recognizing the causes and stages of kidney disease, and adopting preventive measures and healthy lifestyles, individuals can significantly reduce their risk of developing kidney-related health issues.Source—www. worldkidneyday.org/www. verywellhealth.com