Features

The street narrative

Published

2 months ago

March 12, 2025

The idea of “starting on the streets” often serves as a compelling hook for these business moguls. It connects them with the everyday struggles of the average Ghanaian, creating an image of relatability and resilience. However, my late grandmother’s wise words remind me to approach such stories with caution. “Ghanaians talk and are observant,” she would say. “They know your true story better than you do, so be mindful of what you say and do.” This insight has shaped my understanding of the narratives we accept and perpetuate.

Many of these street-start stories may contain some truth, but they are often exaggerated or selectively told to craft a rags-to-riches image. The danger lies not just in the potential inaccuracy of these stories but in their impact on the perceptions of success among Ghanaian youth.

The factors that contribute to wealth or success in business can be attributed to several key elements. One of these is “Divine Intervention,” where an individual is blessed by the grace of God. Another crucial factor is networking and connections—being exposed to the right people and engaging with a network of well-connected business individuals. These elements play a significant role in achieving success and cannot be overlooked.

The Reality of Street

Life

Through my two decades of interactions with some street hawkers and hustlers, I’ve seen firsthand the stark contrast between these romanticised tales and the grim realities of street life. Many individuals who began their journeys on the streets 20 years ago are still there today, selling the same goods and battling the same hardships. They embody discipline, diligence, and hard work, yet their circumstances have not changed.

This disparity raises critical questions: If success were merely a matter of hard work and resilience, why do so many street hustlers remain trapped in poverty? The reality is that success often hinges on more than just perseverance. Access to resources, education, mentorship, helper, and sometimes sheer luck play pivotal roles. For many street hustlers, these opportunities are simply beyond reach.

The glorification of street beginnings sends a dangerous message to young Ghanaians. It suggests that formal education, mentorship, and family support are not essential for success. Consequently, some youths are abandoning their education or stable environments, drawn to the illusion of a street hustle as a shortcut to greatness.

However, the harsh truth is that the streets offer limited opportunities for upward mobility. They are often rife with exploitation and crime, trapping many in a cycle of poverty and diminishing their dreams. For most, the streets are not a launching pad for success but a barrier to it.

As a society, we must scrutinise the narratives that successful individuals promote. While resilience and hard work should be celebrated, it’s equally important to present a balanced view of success. The stories we share must reflect the role of education, mentorship, family support, and even privilege in achieving success.

Too often, we venerate the wealthy without questioning the sources of their riches, praising them solely for their success. In contrast, those who struggle are often overlooked or dismissed. This skewed value system further perpetuates harmful myths about the path to success.

Successful businesspeople have a responsibility to share the complete scope of their journeys. By acknowledging the multifaceted nature of success, including the support systems and opportunities that played a role, they can inspire young people in a more authentic and empowering way.

Not every journey starts on the streets, and not every street hustler becomes a success story. As a society, we owe it to the next generation to offer a more accurate, holistic view of what it takes to achieve greatness. Only then can we truly empower them to navigate their paths with realistic expectations and informed choices.

The writer is a media

consultant

BY FIIFI NETTEY

Features

Carcinoma: A comprehensive overview of the disease

Published

6 days ago

May 3, 2025

Net News Ghana

Carcinoma is a type of cancer that originates in epithelial cells, which are the cells that form the lining of organs and glands.

It is the most common type of cancer, accounting for approximately 90 per cent of all cancer cases. Carcinoma can occur in various parts of the body, including the skin, lungs, breast, colon, and prostate.

Types of Carcinoma

There are several subtypes of carcinoma, each with distinct characteristics and prognoses. Some of the most common types of carcinoma include:

1. Squamous cell carcinoma: This type of carcinoma originates in the squamous cells, which are the flat, thin cells that form the lining of organs and glands.

2 : This type of carcinoma originates in the glandular cells, which are the cells that form the lining of glands and organs.

3. Basal cell carcinoma: This type of carcinoma originates in the basal cells, which are the cells that form the lining of the skin and other organs.

4. Transitional cell carcinoma: This type of carcinoma originates in the transitional cells, which are the cells that form the lining of the bladder, ureters, and renal pelvis.

Causes and risk factors

The exact causes of carcinoma are not fully understood, but several risk factors have been identified. These include:

1. Genetic mutations: Carcinoma can be caused by genetic mutations, which can be inherited or acquired.

2. Environmental factors: Exposure to environmental carcinogens, such as tobacco smoke, radiation, and certain chemicals, can increase the risk of developing carcinoma.

3. Age: The risk of developing carcinoma increases with age.

4. Family history: A family history of carcinoma can increase an individual’s risk of developing the disease.

Symptoms and diagnosis

The symptoms of carcinoma can vary depending on the location and type of cancer. Common symptoms include:

1. Unexplained weight loss

2. Fatigue

3. Pain

4. Changes in bowel or bladder habits

5. Unusual bleeding or discharge

Carcinoma is typically diagnosed using a combination of imaging tests, such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRI scans, and biopsy, which involves removing a sample of tissue for examination under a microscope.

Treatment Options

The treatment options for carcinoma depend on the type, location, and stage of the cancer. Common treatment options include:

1. Surgery: Surgery is often used to remove the cancerous tumor and surrounding tissue.

2. Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy involves using medications to kill cancer cells.

3. Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy involves using high-energy rays to kill cancer cells.

4. Targeted therapy: Targeted therapy involves using medications that target specific molecules involved in cancer growth and progression.

Prevention and early detection

Preventing carcinoma involves avoiding known risk factors, such as tobacco smoke and environmental carcinogens, and getting regular cancer screenings. Early detection of carcinoma can significantly improve treatment outcomes.

Conclusion

Carcinoma is a complex and multifaceted disease that requires a comprehensive approach to diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. By understanding the causes, risk factors, symptoms, and treatment options for carcinoma, individuals can take steps to reduce their risk of developing the disease and improve their chances of successful treatment.

References:

1. “Carcinoma” by the American Cancer Society

2. “Carcinoma: A Review of the Literature” by the National Cancer Institute

3. “Carcinoma: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention” by the World Health Organization

Features

Carcinoma: A comprehensive overview of the disease

Published

6 days ago

May 3, 2025

Net News Ghana

Carcinoma is a type of cancer that originates in epithelial cells, which are the cells that form the lining of organs and glands.

Types of Carcinoma

There are several subtypes of carcinoma, each with distinct characteristics and prognoses. Some of the most common types of carcinoma include:

1. Squamous cell carcinoma: This type of carcinoma originates in the squamous cells, which are the flat, thin cells that form the lining of organs and glands.

2 : This type of carcinoma originates in the glandular cells, which are the cells that form the lining of glands and organs.

3. Basal cell carcinoma: This type of carcinoma originates in the basal cells, which are the cells that form the lining of the skin and other organs.

4. Transitional cell carcinoma: This type of carcinoma originates in the transitional cells, which are the cells that form the lining of the bladder, ureters, and renal pelvis.

Causes and risk factors

The exact causes of carcinoma are not fully understood, but several risk factors have been identified. These include:

1. Genetic mutations: Carcinoma can be caused by genetic mutations, which can be inherited or acquired.

2. Environmental factors: Exposure to environmental carcinogens, such as tobacco smoke, radiation, and certain chemicals, can increase the risk of developing carcinoma.

3. Age: The risk of developing carcinoma increases with age.

4. Family history: A family history of carcinoma can increase an individual’s risk of developing the disease.

Symptoms and diagnosis

The symptoms of carcinoma can vary depending on the location and type of cancer. Common symptoms include:

1. Unexplained weight loss

2. Fatigue

3. Pain

4. Changes in bowel or bladder habits

5. Unusual bleeding or discharge

Treatment Options

The treatment options for carcinoma depend on the type, location, and stage of the cancer. Common treatment options include:

1. Surgery: Surgery is often used to remove the cancerous tumor and surrounding tissue.

2. Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy involves using medications to kill cancer cells.

3. Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy involves using high-energy rays to kill cancer cells.

4. Targeted therapy: Targeted therapy involves using medications that target specific molecules involved in cancer growth and progression.

Prevention and early detection

Conclusion

References:

1. “Carcinoma” by the American Cancer Society

2. “Carcinoma: A Review of the Literature” by the National Cancer Institute

3. “Carcinoma: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention” by the World Health Organization

By Rober Ekow Grimmond-Thompson

Features

A focus on Mrs Adjoa Brewu, the first Ghanaian migrant to be elected in Finland

Published

2 weeks ago

April 26, 2025

Net News Ghana

I continue with my narration of personalities and their accomplishments as members of the Ghanaian Diaspora in Finland, with a focus on Mrs Adjoa Brewu.

Mrs Brewu won in the Municipal elections in Finland four years ago. She is the daughter of the late Sir Wilberforce Essandor, the versatile elder in the Ghanaian community in Finland, who died in Finland in 2021.

Accomplishments and honours

It is important to recount accomplishments as part of the success stories of the personalities of Ghanaian descent in Finland to highlight their exploits both within the Ghanaian migrant community and in the wider Finnish society.

Mrs Brewu was the first Ghanaian migrant to be elected as a Deputy Councillor in the Finnish elections in 2021. Recently, another Ghanaian migrant, Lukumanu Iddrissu, has become the first Ghanaian to be elected as a Councillor in this month’s (April 2025) elections. This feat thus goes a step further. I hope to do a write-up on his story in due course.

Even so, in terms of the achievement of being elected in elections in Finland, Mrs Brewu is arguably a trailblaser within the Ghanaian migrant community. She however did not stand in this April 2025 elections.

Education and employment exploits

In Ghana, Mrs Brewu went to Fijai Senior High (then Secondary School) in Takoradi, and graduated from the Central University with a Bachelor of Sciences in Business Management and Administration, Human Resources Management (from 2000 to 2004). She then did national service in one of the banks in Ghana.

After that, Mrs Brewu came to Finland in 2007 and did a Master’s degree in Economics, obtaining an MSc Econs with International Management as her major.

She learned the Finnish language and undertook an internship position at the HR Department of the Espoo City Central Administration.

Mrs Brewu later worked at the Education sector of Espoo City and also at the Finnish Elementary Education Unit as an Assistant in the Language and Culture department, which is in charge of the placement of foreign students arriving in Finland as well as native language training for those who speak Finnish as a second language.

From there, she became the Coordinator of multicultural affairs in the Youth and Sports unit at Espoo City as part of integrating immigrants and helping them to actively participate in the Finnish society. In what can be seen as a two-way affair, she helped to introduce the Finnish culture to immigrants (foreigners) while introducing immigrants’ original cultures to the Finnish audience.

Political interests and achievements

Mrs Brewu was long harbouring the desire to enter into politics in Finland but did not give it any strong thoughts until around 2017. As she told me, in 2017 someone contacted her to stand in the Finnish Municipal elections. She obliged and stood, but she lost in that elections.

She stood again in 2021, encouraged by her father, Mr Essandor. She won this time around and became a Deputy Councillor. The victory was unique and hard won on the ticket of the relatively small and conservative Christian Democrats Party (Suomen Kristillidemokraattinen Puolue, KD).

The victory was also a huge consolation not just to herself and family, but also to the entire Ghanaian migrant community as her father, Mr Essandor, a Patron of the Ghana Union Finland as an association representing Ghanaian immigrants in Finland, had died a few weeks earlier in May that year.

Religious life

Mrs Brewu is a prominent member of the Methodist Church in Finland. She plays an active role in the church as the National Head of the Youth Ministry.

Mrs Brewu also coordinates international work in her local congregation and serves as an interpreter in church events as well as sings in the choir.

Her role in the Ghanaian community

As mentioned earlier, Mrs Brewu is very active in the Ghanaian community. She is almost always seen in events organised by the Ghana Union Finland, the non-governmental organisation for the Ghanaian migrant community in Finland.

She is no doubt a role model for many within the Ghanaian migrant community in Finland, especially the young ones. She has passion for empowering young people of immigrant descent and promoting the integration of adult immigrants through work.

Mrs Brewu lives in Espoo, a part of the larger Helsinki Metropolitan area, with her husband and children.

In conclusion, I would say Mrs Brewu has succeeded in embossing her name among the firsts in Finnish politics and within the Ghanaian community.

Email: perpetual.crentsil@yahoo. com

By Perpetual Crentsil