Features

The aftermath

Published

2 months ago

February 7, 2025

DURING the transition in the aftermath of polls, three constants take centre stage: celebrations, recriminations and retributions. They last the period until the dusts settle. But these are succeeded by fault-finding which is, both narrow-minded parochialism, complaining almost ad infinitum and put distances not far off a ferocious syndrome. The country is a witness. The results are the audience get fed up to the gum of tooth and translated in Fantse, it is said “Aye tse”—‘you are hackneyed.’

The repercussion in political history is becoming a liability both to yourself and the cause you either, or, pretend to represent. That becomes an agonising albatross. Of all among the phenomena in post-ballot is the combination of joy and attrition flowing from the triumphal exuberance which develops into excess per se and has in its growth, the incidences of hard backlashes such as the Youth particularly have demonstrated, if un-sobered. The causes are pent up anger and tit-for-tat correspondingly. We are witnessing all as the hit-back assumes the fury of violence. As inevitably as there are, you would find that they are not necessarily planed— simultaneous eruption.

But everything about their inevitability should be anticipated to moderate or indeed pre-empt, because damage-repair is costly financially and image denting. Putting aside all that book-long, it is harsh for anyone to tolerate, let alone reconcile with the proven or the suspect and or even a mere connectible for a fall. This is driving force in the rows after the recent elections. But in a situation we become enemies, each of another, we set ourselves en route to ultimate perdition rather than preach ‘’now is the time ‘’ to unite, practicing the reality of ‘’audi alterem partem’’—‘listen to the other party’. It is recalled that the country had before 2000, hankered after what is called ‘’INCLUSIVENESS’’. The first publicly announced trial was un-successful under President John Kufuor2000-2008. Political leaderships had forgotten that Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah had given greater examples of appointing MERIT over party politics. I am reading signs of reinstatement of that preference wherever possible in the new administration, forming.

There are two considerations for what would be described as heresy, according to where we have driven our politics. Let it boldly accepted that one of the dangerous evils politics clothed was the POLITICISATION of state institutions. Firstly, enough bills have been paid to date for that crude side of partisanship in this country. My comment with hindsight schooling is that politics have undone this country caught itself believing that only our party’s brand of politics has the only think-tanks to deliver. I shall use a foreign and Home histories to make the point poignantly. British Prime Minister Harold Macmillan appointed Lord Robens to head the Coal Board. Harold was Conservative; Robens, a Labourite. This was the period of Britsh history the Unions powerfully controlled Labour. How dared Macmillan? but Robens’ record of great success remains.

He worked for his country and everyone acknowledged that scuttling politics of “Them” and “Us”, which for us here is a blocked separation. Then during the Third Republic, President Dr Hilla Limann (ruling PNP) appointed a Mr Richardson to head the Ghana Airways Board. The man was not CPP which the PNP was its incarnate. Richardson achieved the first-ever profit for the Corporation in years since its establishment.

Next, the whole mistake in business of only for the ‘’Party Boys’’ was ditched. In fact the PNP hierarchy addressed a protest news conference at Arden Hall old Ambassador Hotel. Likewise there being “Meritocrats” in other instances from between the Westminster Democracy 1957 to Republicanism 1960. In that same act, debauched until now, political leaderships might have been pressured by the literary meanings of the “50 plus one percentage- creed” could be faulted for the decades of leaving out to tap that field of ability. This omission counts as significant, as source of our slips, crept into a detriment against progress. Thus, gave birth to the split of the nation which has retrogressively turned an error into a norm today.

Historically the divide has only been widened down the middle and maybe became recently finessed. I imagine the Constitutional Review will take it seriously addressed. They have an extremely intricate subject to handle on its own. While I wish them well prayerfully confessing, it behoves to warn them to stand political interests et al blind befuddle them to acquiesce on issues which have come back to haunt and or physically raised ugly heads—Youthful rioting reportedly. The situation would not have deteriorated if the Constituent Assembly 1979 had not been overwhelmed by the Lobby of eager and would-be politicians within and without. With regard to specifically the spate of arsons breaks into and seizures attributed to political counter accusations,

I also would direct attention to the recent Bole-Bamboi -(Tatale ) initiative and solution. Behind that quelling are quiet engagements and hard work intelligence, a sine qua none. It is a model applicable— wherever during a wave of youthful exhibition of the three constants stated earler. It is pertinent to recall another sense, sui generis and opportunity lost by the same constitutional crafting body which I had referred previously. The heated arguments were about the position or, indeed the appointments of Deputy Ministers. Firstly, the Technocrats wanted the job done by then prove Techs corresponding to any particular ministry or in their absence by Principal Secretaries. That would either move lots of the purely administrative lot or even away from the centre. It is a pleasant observation that some non-MP Ministers shall have no Deputies. I hope the selection would be based on proven know-how to fit each ministry, a magnificent sideways walking to enable quicker and efficient work ethics that would, secondly, foster cutting out the passengers of visitors [the fixer group or brigades of connection persons] to ease out corruption and free the bureaucracy to deliver— cost-saving notion and speedy efficiency. I think there is plenty of knowledge to get round it in this country, not a copy of anyone else’s.

When all the dusts subside, there is a seasonal phenomenon that either competes with scientific psepsology in electioneering— punditry calls it opinion polling and prophesying which crosses the former without being so, it seems effectively. No other election in our democratic journey has been more than buffeted by prophecies. On the contrary, I recently heard Pastor Mensah Otabil critically speaking about the rise and frequencies of prophecies and I think he was showing concerns not about predictions not going impeccable; but I would believe in his reeling of old Testament Prophets warning of lest ‘’aye tse’’ ripples and wondering about present days’ sanctity. Without trying to match him, the scenario was pointing to St James’ “from whence cometh….” (Chap 3). I stand to be corrected.

Changing the gear towards conclusion, I had some three or four columns stated there will be all kinds of literature on the immediate past regime an old but perhaps obsolete English saying is “carrying coals to Newcastle” “obsolete because coal fuel is shut down. But its idiomatic meaning being repetition, would justify an embargo on relaying any of those words or sentences used to relay pouring blame and scorn; except to repeat what has happened and rest interpretation. But there is a veritable complaint buried in the bosom of the Ghanaian stoicism: that the political breed would heed to the people.

However, there would be some of more of such coming– no prophecy. It is a usual occurrence after ballots, which puzzles and makes good and bad guys. Historians though are able to decode them into fine or very rarely raw narratives for posterity. Some may distil or and others would keep the controversies. It’s not all over yet.

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