AFRICAN journalists have often criticised the people of the African continent for failing to give teeth to the various conventions to which they have voluntarily acceded, that osten­sibly aim at making Africa as hospitable to all its inhabitants, as can be found in some other continents.

Many African countries still demand visas from Africans who want to visit their countries (despite the fact that the African Union was born in Addis Ababa a good sixty years ago.

Trade between African coun­tries – even between the closest of African neighbours – often lags behind that which exists between African countries and European or American nations. Yes, some of these drawbacks were designed by Africa’s former colonialists to serve their own commercial interests. But how long will it take Africa to realise that they were conned by the colonialists and that they should now embark on an accelerat­ed programme of promoting intra-African trade?

Now, here I am, an African journalist, criticising the conti­nent’s political leaders, for failing to make African unity a real and tangible thing for me and my people. But how many journalists from other African countries do I know? Do I discuss Africa’s problems with them and work out common approaches by which to solve these problems? Do I become concerned when African journalists are maltreated in other African countries, as often happens? More important, if an African journalist is threat­ened with imprisonment or even death elsewhere on the conti­nent, do I organise my country’s journalists to try and save our colleague from harm?

I hang my head in shame, for I do none of the things I have mentioned here. And (I am afraid) if my colleagues of the Ghana Journalists Association are honest, they will share my shame.

For – alas – I cannot easily re­call any occasions when the GJA has called me to a meeting to discuss problems that have arisen between an African Govern­ment and its journalists. Indeed, neither can I recall a time when I have been asked to participate in a programme aimed at providing relief to Ghanaian journalists who have fallen foul of the boot of authority written big!

Thinking about these issues, it occurred to me that this was not always the case. One person attempted, long ago, to use his position as the then Secretary of the Ghana Press Club (later changed to the Ghana Journalists Association) to unite Africans on the continent in one “Pan-Afri­can Union of Journalists.”

His idea was to establish PAN­JUG as a “one-stop” continental mechanism, through which the concerns of African journalists could be made known to the African people and, in the final analysis, to the world.

That person was Henry Ofori, a humorist of the first order, who achieved fame as a major entertainer in the pages of three of the major newspapers in Ghana – the Daily Graphic, The Sunday Mirror and The Ghana­ian Times. (Incidentally, Mr Ofori was my immediate predecessor as editor of the Ghana edition of the Pan-African magazine, DRUM. But I write this not be­cause I have very warm feelings towards Mr Ofori personally, but I regard his example as one that should be tapped to serve the interests of the modern gener­ation of Ghanaian and African journalists.)

First, from his position as Sec­retary of the Press Club, Ofori initiated moves that enabled the Club to be affiliated to the Inter­national Organisation of Journal­ists (IOJ) based in Prague.

This was a brave move on his part, because in those days, an organisation based in Prague could easily be tainted with the notion that it was a “Commu­nist-front” body of some sort.

But Ofori was a fiercely in­dependent thinker and the idea that he could be dictated to by anyone – Communist or Capital­ist – would have made him break out in the uproarious laughter for which he was well known!

His hope was to use his seat on the IOJ to persuade his fellow African members of that body to form an African journalists unit­ed entity that would be wooed for membership by international journalistic organisations from all over the world.

Henry Ofori’s efforts at uniting African journalists did not yield the results he hoped for. The Convention People’s Party, then Ghana’s “One Party” that was supreme in everything, somehow got persuaded to back the efforts of Mr Kofi Batsa, editor of The Spark, to lead a rival Pan-Afri­can Journalists Organisation.

Ofori was a gentleman and did not fight back against Kofi Batsa and his supporters.

But Ofori’s efforts were acknowledged elsewhere in Africa: so much so that when he passed away in Ghana on September 4, 2013, at the age of 89, he received a lengthy obitu­ary, composed of no less than 1,000 words, from the leading newspaper in SOUTH AFRICA, the Johannesburg Sunday Times. Ironically, Ghanaian newspapers, on the other hand, gave scant attention to his passing, though this writer did give him a very good send-off in The Ghanaian Times.

Who was this Henry Ofori? He was a unique character in Ghana­ian and African journalism. His forte was his sense of humour, which he exhibited through articles so funny that they were received with warmth in both his native Ghana and elsewhere in Africa. Ofori was exposed to a huge African market through his connection with Drum magazine, which, from the late 1950s to the early 1970s, was publishing separate editions in South Africa, Central Africa, East Africa, Gha­na and Nigeria.

The articles for each edition of Drum were compiled locally, but many articles were shared by all editions. Usually, the most important common commodity in all editions was the beautiful cover girl, photographed in full colour. But Henry Ofori’s hu­morous pieces, written under his pen-name, Carl Mutt, were also often printed in other editions. This helped to give the lie to the erroneous notion that Africans from different parts of the continent are indifferent to what made the people of other areas of Africa laugh or smile.

Henry Ofori’s writing life began in an exceptional manner. He was teaching at the Gov­ernment Secondary Technical School at Takoradi (then one of the most prestigious educational institutions in Ghana) when the newly-established Daily Graphic, set up by the Mirror Group in London, made him an offer to leave teaching and become an in-house “off-beat” columnist.

Despite his popularity, no priz­es have been established in his name to honour journalists who show exceptional promise in dif­ferent aspects of the profession. Have Ghanaian journalists heard of, say, the “Pulitzer Prize”? Why can’t one be established in Ofori’s name?

Such a shame.

By Cameron DUODU

Introduction

Geothermal energy is an abun­dant yet underuti­lised resource in Africa, primarily concentrated in the East African Rift System (EARS). Countries such as Kenya, Ethiopia, Djibouti, Tanzania, and Uganda have significant geothermal potential. Besides energy generation, geothermal resources—including hot springs, mineral-rich waters, and volcanic muds—offer tremendous opportunities for medical tourism and naturopathic health practices.

With the global medical tourism market valued at over $100 billion, Africa has a unique opportunity to position itself as a leading destina­tion for geothermal-based healing tourism. Countries that success­fully integrate geothermal therapy into medical tourism can generate millions in revenue while boost­ing employment, infrastructure, and alternative healthcare sectors. Additionally, countries with active and dormant volcanoes stand to benefit the most, as their geothermal resources are naturally replenished, providing long-term sustainability.

Geothermal energy and countries leading the way

1. Kenya – Africa’s geothermal leader

• Kenya is the top producer of geothermal energy in Africa, with over 950 MW generated.

• Major geothermal sites: Olkaria, Menengai Crater, and Ebur­ru.

• The Olkaria Geothermal Spa attracts both tourists and well­ness seekers due to its healing hot springs rich in sulfur and minerals.

The hot, geothermic water rises to the surface it carries dissolved minerals with it. In modern times, when vitamin supplements are rou­tine, in part due to soil depletion and environment factors… the healing minerals in hot springs are a natural way to revive those that soak in the warmth. There are many benefits:

 Lithium

Lithium naturally enhances mood, promoting feelings of calmness, happiness, and overall well-being. Your body contains small amounts of lithium, which play a vital role in brain health and the growth and resilience of neurons. One of the most distinctive elements of our hot springs is their lithium content. The rare concentration of lithium in our mineral waters is particularly valued for its uplifting and restorative effects, complementing the other therapeutic minerals.

 Magnesium

Magnesium helps reduce inflam­mation, soothe the nervous system, and support restful sleep. It also accelerates muscle recovery, making it especially beneficial after activities like hiking, biking, or travel.

 Bicarbonates

Bicarbonates improve circulation and aid in flushing out lactic acid from muscles—the primary cause of soreness, fatigue, and spasms after intense physical exertion. This makes bicarbonates particularly valuable after a challenging hike or a demanding adventure on the Via Ferrata.

 Sodium

Sodium supports joint health and helps alleviate arthritis symptoms while maintaining the body’s fluid balance. The sodium in our waters binds with sulfur, allowing you to enjoy the skin-enhancing benefits of sulfur—such as relief from eczema, psoriasis, and acne—without the typical sulfuric odor.

 Calcium

Calcium is crucial for muscle function, bone strength, and the regulation of vital organs, includ­ing the heart. It plays an essential role in maintaining overall physical well-being.

• The Kenyan government has projected that investments in geothermal energy and wellness tourism can contribute up to $2 billion annually to the economy by 2030.

• Number of volcanoes: Five (including Mount Longonot, Menengai Crater, and Suswa).

2. Ethiopia – Rapid Geo­thermal Expansion

• Ethiopia has an estimated 7,000 MW of geothermal potential.

• Active sites: Aluto-Langa­no, Tendaho, and Corbetti.

• Aluto-Langano’s hot springs are used for traditional heal­ing practices and could be developed into a full-fledged medical tourism destination.

• Ethiopia’s geothermal tourism industry could generate over $500 million annually if infrastruc­ture is developed effectively.

• Number of Volcanoes: 61 (including Erta Ale, Dabbahu, and Fantale).

3. Djibouti – Emerging Geothermal Hub

• Djibouti plans to generate 100 per cent renewable energy, with geothermal playing a major role.

• The Lac Assal and Ardou­koba geothermal zones have hot springs that can support hydrothera­py treatments.

• The government aims to create a world-class geothermal wellness hub, potentially attracting thousands of international tourists annually and generating $200-$300 million in revenue.

• Number of Volcanoes: 2 (Ardoukoba and Manda-Inakir).

4. Tanzania – Volcanic and Geothermal Potential

• Ol Doinyo Lengai (active volcano) and Lake Natron have geothermal resources.

• Hot springs in Rift Valley and Arusha are traditionally used for skin healing and arthritis relief.

• Tanzania has the potential to generate $400 million per year through geothermal wellness tour­ism by leveraging its rich volcanic heritage and attracting eco-conscious travelers.

• Number of Volcanoes: 10 (including Ol Doinyo Lengai, Meru, and Kitumbeine).

5. Uganda – Potential for wellness tourism

• Uganda has geothermal sites in Kibiro, Katwe, and Buranga.

• The Buranga hot springs are high in sulfur, silica, and min­erals, beneficial for skin and joint conditions.

• Developing Uganda’s geothermal wellness industry could bring in $250 million annually, sig­nificantly boosting the economy and creating thousands of jobs.

• Number of Volcanoes: 7 (including Mount Elgon, Virunga Volcanoes, and Fort Portal volcanic field).

Skin rejuvenation benefits of geothermal therapy

One of the key advantages of geothermal medical tourism is its skin rejuvenation benefits. Miner­al-rich geothermal waters, especially those containing sulfur, silica, and magnesium, have been proven to:

• Improve skin hydration and elasticity.

• Reduce acne and eczema due to their antibacterial properties.

• Detoxify the skin by draw­ing out impurities.

• Stimulate collagen pro­duction, reducing wrinkles and fine lines.

Naturopathic practitioners can incorporate geothermal skin treat­ments into their practice, offering therapies such as mineral baths, geothermal mud masks, and hydro­therapy sessions to promote overall skin health.

Pros and cons of geothermal medical tourism

Pros:

✅ Renewable & sustainable: Geothermal resources are natu­rally replenished, making them a long-term solution for energy and wellness tourism.

✅ Health Benefits: Hot springs and volcanic mud provide natural remedies for arthritis, skin condi­tions, and chronic pain.

✅ Economic growth: Wellness tourism can generate billions in revenue, creating jobs, infrastructure, and business opportunities.

✅ Minimal environmental impact: Compared to fossil fuels, geothermal tourism has a low carbon footprint.

✅ Enhances Naturopathic Prac­tices: Aligns with holistic healing principles, strengthening the appeal of naturopathy.

Cons:

• High Initial Costs: De­veloping geothermal resorts and wellness centers requires significant investment in infrastructure.

• Geographical Limitations: Only countries with geothermal activity can benefit, limiting access for non-volcanic regions.

• Lack of Awareness: Many potential tourists are unaware of Af­rica’s geothermal healing potential.

• Regulatory Challenges: Inconsistent policies and regulations may slow down the development of geothermal wellness tourism.

Economic Viability & Financial Impact

Revenue Streams from Geother­mal Medical Tourism

1. Geothermal Spa Visits – Tourists pay between $50-$300 per session for hydrotherapy treatments.

2. Therapeutic Mud Prod­ucts – Volcanic mud packs sold for $20-$100 per unit.

3. Luxury Wellness Retreats – High-end geothermal spa retreats charge $3,000-$10,000 per stay.

4. Export of Herbal Supple­ments – Herbal products grown in volcanic soil can fetch millions in export revenue.

5. Government Tax Reve­nue – Increased tourism leads to higher tax collection, estimated at $500 million annually across multiple countries.

By integrating geothermal well­ness tourism into their economic plans, African nations can diversify their economies, create thousands of jobs, and increase GDP growth through natural health-based tour­ism.

Conclusion

Africa’s geothermal energy resources can play a pivotal role in naturopathic medicine and medical tourism. By developing hydrotherapy centers, mud therapy treatments, and volcanic mineral-based herbal medicine, the continent can position itself as a leading natural healing destination. Countries with volca­noes stand to benefit the most, as their geothermal resources are natu­rally replenished, ensuring long-term sustainability.

With proper investment and pro­motion, geothermal sites in Kenya, Ethiopia, Djibouti, Tanzania, and Uganda can attract global health seekers while boosting naturopathic practice and economic growth. The geothermal wellness market in Africa could generate over $5 billion annu­ally, creating sustainable jobs and po­sitioning Africa as a leader in natural and holistic medicine tourism.

The author is a Professor of Naturopathy, Lawyer (Gambia Bar) and Chartered Health Econ­omist . e-mail: professor40natu­ropathy@gmail.com

BY PROF. RAPHAEL NYARKOTEY OBU

The Journey to London is not an easy one when you’re carrying a pot-belly.

And, if the pot-belly is a fake one, then the carrier must face indictment and explain why his protruding belly must not be properly examined to de­termine the degree of genuine cargo in it.

As it were, some pot-bellies have been carefully cultivated through regular beer quaffing, reinforced by the evil of indulging in khebab chomp­ing. When you drink beer every day for five years, you are bound to lose your soul, and in its place will be a brewery installed in your belly. It is, however, an honour to have a brewery as a body-part.

And when you are going to London, the immigration officer can readily recognise your belly as one that has either a bubra-background, a star-ori­gin or a club-destination. Immigration officers are now trained to prophesy.

The immigration man is generally interested in bellies, not for the sake of it, but because stomachs have be­come multi-functional these days.

Yes, the immigration officer is often curious why a belly well examined does not bear the tell-tale marks of beer ad­diction and yet, the belly carrier also doesn’t sound a likely host to refugee worms. So what is in the belly? Five months pregnancy?

SUSPICION

Normally, a suspicious immigration officer must be careful how he handles the belly of travelling men. With some men, their pot-bellies are their only treasure. So they tell you to handle with care!

“Don’t mess up with my belly, men!” a traveller would say. “Do you know how many goddamn years it took me to build this?”

Apart from belly size, immigration capos also use a bit of psychology. When a man comes by unduly agitated and wants to hurry small through, he is a likely candidate for close exami­nation. His huge belly has no guilder antecedents! What he has inside is dangerous cargo- cocaine or heroin carefully packaged and swallowed.

If the plane doesn’t land quickly at Heathrow for the carrier to discharge, then an obituary becomes inevitable. The digestive juices in the belly and ensymes might be strong enough to di­gest the covering and leak out cocaine. Death is assured!

So the agitated traveller is chap­eroned into a little side room and questioned. The officer would like to know whether there is any drug in his alimentary system.

“Nonsense!” the traveller would cry out. “I am a final year doctorate student in Law. To suggest that I’m a cocaine smuggler is an affront to my noble academic pursuits. It is blasphe­mous to the God I worship. I am going to see my lawyer to deal with you…”

LABOUR

When the man mellows down, he is given something small to drink to cool his heart. Sooner than expected he be­gins behaving like a woman in labour, He dis-charges pellets of cocaine, 60 or more.

So suddenly, a man studying for his doctorate in Jurisprudence at Oxford suddenly admits that he is a cocaine courier extraordinaire.

Sometime past, drug smuggling was at its real peak and cocaine seized on couriers suddenly turned into sugar when it came back from forensic ex­amination. So you would wonder why any person in his right senses would either be stuffing his rectum with sugar packages or swallowing pellets of sugar.

Many drug barons were released because cocaine suddenly became granulated sugar, heroin became cocoa powder and various drugs miraculously assumed harm-less chemical formulae. Today, I do not think such miracles are still happening.

However, there are miracles as far as drug smuggling is concerned. First, the baby nappy method of the early 1980s is still in operation. A baby is carried with a wet napkin that im­migration officers would not suspect contains coke. Sometimes it is not only wet, but the baby’s pooh-pooh also shows.

Now, the new trick is with snails, a delicacy that people need in Britain. They are stuffed with coke and ex­ported. The yam formula has outlived its usefulness. So people have gone back to the late 1970 crude method of stuffing female genitals and taflatse rectums with coke.

This has necessitated the forcible examination of the orifices of the human anatomy in any event of suspi­cion.

Now if the stuff is not detected at Kotoka International Airport that might not be the end of the story. When the courier gets to Britain and he is or she starts dancing without being asked to, the immigration guys know that there’s “something in the soup.”

Fact is, every item or substance introduced into the human body must evict after some hours. That is why human waste doesn’t stay in there forever. It must exit compulsorily.

After flying for six hours the swal­lowed cargo in the belly starts to exit and it must be pushed back, a task that is well-nigh impossible under immigration scrutiny. So the courier becomes overly agitated and starts hissing like a snake. Soon he (or she) must start dancing, hoping that it would prevent the capsules from drop­ping out.

TRUTH

The African belly dancer is politely invited to enter into small room to free himself from further alimentary torment. That is the moment of truth.

There is no easy way to making money. With drugs, you could earn 30-years in jail. Saudi Arabia, you’ll be beheaded. In Singapore, you’ll be in for life just like in Thailand where Ghanaians are languishing today. Be­ware of drugs!

This article was first published

on Saturday August 6, 2005