Features

Water -H2O, Water- H20, Water -H20 …all over

Published

4 weeks ago

February 14, 2025

Despite Parliament and general concerns, there is countrywide cry for water. There was a celebrated Member of Parliament at the House along the then High street, now Prof. John Evans Atta Mills High Street. This member wanted to make a submission on the behalf of his constituency. Much as he tried, the Speaker was unmoved. The continued failure had passed the point of frustration. Those were the years the country marked their Representatives’ performances, part of the responsibility to participate questioning them from the inalienable grassroots participation in the whole processes of democratic governance.

That silent member could be withdrawn next time. It was post-budget debate. Other members stepped in appeals but the Speaker won’t be moved; until finally he had to succumb to the overpowering Legislature. He called: “Hon. X” He breathed “Thank you Mr Speaker; Y [the constituency] [the constituency] wants WATER.” He sat down. I shall keep the rest of the story. It hardly takes any search to realise that clean water is the scarcest among the legacy of the December 7, 2024 elections. Any moving vehicle prefers carrying empty gallons looking for water and wells. They are hired and it seems less hassling for the operators. Our elders defined water as “LIFE” .We regard this as a sacred legacy, culturally because water is a sine qua non in all of our physical and spiritual activities.

These refer to religious and traditional observances. I know this piece will not be read by the people who have caused the destruction denying themselves and country per se. But three groups share the burden. They are government, the Chiefs and the official (duty-security) and privately- hired persons to deter the pollution, allegedly. Whether the evidence is there or not it has always looked like authority had abnegated. This has happened affecting more populous needs, complaints which have dual ultimate reasons: health disasters and immediate personal domestic chores. We need urgent national repairs and restorations of the water bodies with Prof. Frimpong-Boateng’s Galamsey-Report for a crib among other credible leads to take actions for cash to pay up for the rehabilitations.

The last time I wrote about the development by the next government, current, I made a peripheral reference to examine our power situation. It was meant to later suggest looking at our water bodies and whether we could re-visit the hydro-power project to augment generation. It was a Policy discussed during the tenure of President Dr Hilla Limann [3rd Republic]. Indeed Vice-President J.W.S. de Graft Johnson was sent to India (1980) to study and assess help. He informed a news conference about the viability of the intention to explore further, stating government would not tolerate external interferences prosecuting the outcome. By then the US relations with India was not fine. Expect to imagine the pressure which led to abandoning eventually.

I probably have to state explanatorily that demonstrated a pillar in US Foreign Policy—NO PERMANENT FRIENDS. I also would think that the new government would be reshaping the country’s, not similarly but take greater notice of that—not necessarily tie our apron strings to any. With benefit of hindsight the Republic then appeared to be pro-US-dominated. Indeed, the US funded the first schooling of fresh and old MPs post-1992. It was a routine that could have helpful this time round. [Parliament was slated to have either the sort or functioning programme for it which received wide publicity, either pre-the 7th or 8th Parliament.] However, I should add that the Country’s (Third Republic’s) turn to India was plain man’s desperate window shopping to get cheaper sources of generating regular supply of electro-power. Firstly, the US case interpretively was not being privy and that might have moved the State Department to view it unfriendly or even treacherous.

The simple reason was we were budget- dependent. But the Ghanaian government thought it was an assertion of sovereignty. As a matter of fact, Vice-President de Graft Johnson was uncompromising in his comments at the return news conference. We did bruise things further, pursuant, boycotting the US Los Angeles Olympics instead of Moscow 1984—contiuing the Cold War. Next, the US hit the country and government with high voltage pressure and promises of goodies for Ghana. But Ghana displeased the US through a Diplomatic hiccup—President Dr Limann resisted either separating dates for US and Cuban Ambassadors to present their credentials at the Castle same day, as scheduled; or, the US first. In fairness, the Cuban had arrived here first. That controversy dates back to tenure US president Reagan, despite an apparent rapprochement following meeting at the White House with then Ghanaian leader Flt.Lt Jerry Rawlings. From mere history for background informatively only and back to water.

(In any case, Bui Dam was meant specifically to aid-create the Savannah Region as a granary). That would bolster-hold agriculture—food production as the third of the urgent needs—education, health and agriculture which a fresh government, following the elections (Dec. 7, 2024) would have to address as a foremost. In retrospect within eight to ten years in this country authority and people took the progression of illegal mining as passing by; then the pollution had a license. Our attitude shrugged shoulders. The “haves” allegedly with in situ political Biggies reportedly whispered as complicit apparently cashed in as long as it seemed they had chiefs and politics’-backing. Each produced authenticated papers. And each denied doing wrong.

Free for all took charge and has visibly dumped galamsey into crises of dangerous small-scale war Lords, health hazards and financial resources in a country that is broke. It is going to take a coalition of governmental and private institutions to imperatively clear up the legacy of the mess. I have read several proposals latterly; but a blanket national solution is remiss due to topography of locations with one exception—public drainages in neighbourhoods. You wonder a re-installations of the districts, metropolitan assemblies’ health Inspectorates without being corrupted. Even that, regulations may not succeed to insulate it. Our cultivated golden preference seems to be “get rich quickest”. A short while ago, Parliament’s vetting committee forced a show down for proof on an alleged bribery. (Something similar had seized a predecessor committee).

The country is, in the present most thirsty for clean water rather than the creeping scarcity from failing to stop galamsey ab initio many years ago when households begun to dump garbage in gutters flowed into the seas and rivers. There is no need to cite-single out for proof. The authorities looked and licensed constructions of homes and kiosk-shops on the drainages. These became politicised and permits were granted according to which party reigned. These multiplied the pile and flooding and political leaders were rushed to the seriously affected places to promise state support for restorations—“Abban beboa”-the state will help’.

This has been applauded as a sign of caring government. It is very colonial. No one cared about the next tragedy and indeed the advantages that were taken to expand; the clogging and reportedly the non-questioning was based on the weight of party-influence that existed. Then, galamsey arrived. Its havoc has vastly polluted water bodies, displaced residential areas or neighbourhoods and arable lands. These have deteriorated in less than a decade to become politically intractable –who to blame and which and how to resolve first.

I believe the stanching of the haemorrhage of yet indeterminate variety of infections is an unopposed option. It is easiest to pinpoint to alleged culprits without thinking about the law. Strict deterring orders can work ad hockery, lest it becomes “who watches the watchmen”–uncorrupted. For the moment, the Water Company is in trouble on two counts: not providing cut off schedules and their billings to consumers. I stood at a payments office recently and heard a messing of a Manager. It turns out [i] that the Bills are becoming higher monthly, or stagnant. [ii] Irate numbers of household point that the water supply is bothersome and drop drips are irregular for greater part of any month. The find out: official meter readers are accused for merely ditto-fills for the offices to write – demand payments, challenged daily or routinely.

Question: Is the Company short of trained meter-readers? It does seem too cheeky to refer to computerisation. I won’t refer to the illiterate left-alone male or female at home; but I invite a visit to the nearby ECG offices after the changes of electricity light meters—burdening those who work in there. The stark absentee is the human face and in spite of empirical evidence of there being largely unread lonely Oldies to cope and that is the huge spanner in all the rush for full digitalised policy yet.—the rumour or suspicion that someone had gotten rich and gotten away, notwithstanding, our collective national fault being complacent previous decades since independence 1957.

By Prof Nana Essilfie-Conduah

Features

Preventing fire disasters

Published

14 hours ago

March 15, 2025

Net News Ghana

I got a phone call a couple of weeks ago and when I picked up my phone to see who was calling me, I saw it was my sister. When I responded, I heard to my surprise the voice of my brother-in-law who had returned to Ghana and was calling to say hello.

This man’s voice immediately reminded me of the June 3 fire disaster near Kwame Nkrumah Circle. It was just by God’s grace that he escaped that unfortunate incident that has severely impacted many lives in the country.

I recently watched a heart wrenching spectacle of a woman wailing uncontrollably on TV, because of the calamity that has befallen her as a result of a fire disaster. When interviewed, her predicament was revealed regarding how she was going to pay for a loan she had just contracted when the stock of items she had invested the funds in, had all been destroyed by fire.

Still on the subject of suffering as a result of fire disasters, I could hardly hold my tears as I heard the moanings of agony from a patient who had received severe burns covering almost 90 per cent of his body.

It was indeed a terrible sight and it reminded me of another fire disaster that led to the burning to death of a former work colleague when his house caught fire. A policy of dealing with fire disaster prevention, must be established immediately or the existing ones improved to take care of the current challenges of fire disasters.

As someone who comes from an industry where safety cannot be compromised, I take special interest in safety issues. Watching the news on TV last week, a nurse narrated how most of the burns cases that were brought to the hospital involved children, who were burned as a result of hot water splashing on someone through horse play, fighting etc.

These are cases that could have been avoided, if parents had been a bit more careful in taking care of their children. Apart from the pain that patients suffering from burns endure, the psychological trauma that the scars resulting from their injuries creates, in some instances, they cause mental challenges like schizophrenia, suicidal tendencies etc. What has to be done to prevent fire disasters must seriously engage the attention of policy makers.

An educational drive of fire prevention must be established so every Ghanaian will begin to appreciate the hazard fire poses and what can be done to prevent fires in our homes, workplace, schools, offices etc.

This education must start from the kindergarten level right up to the tertiary level. The good book says train a child the way he should go and when he grows, he will not depart from it. Government organisations like the Information Services Department under the Ministry of Information and Nation Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) as well as National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), should be encouraged to execute a concerted effort to ensure a successful educational programme for fire prevention.

The first thing that needs to be done is to implement enforcement of fire extinguishers being present in every house, being of the right type and the right capacity. Basic things like switching off the main power source in the event of electrical fire in the house must be taught.

I believe the outreach programme should involve churches, various women groups, various departments and organisations both private and public and finally various associations.

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

Features

Preventing the brain’s melting point with BOS

Published

14 hours ago

March 15, 2025

Net News Ghana

The human brain is a complex and delicate organ, susceptible to damage from various factors, including extreme temperatures.

The brain’s melting point, also known as the temperature threshold beyond which brain tissue begins to degrade, is a critical concern for individuals seeking to maintain optimal cognitive function.

Fortunately, the Brain Operating System (BOS) offers a revolutionary solution to prevent the brain’s melting point.

Understanding the brain’s melting point

The brain’s melting point refers to the temperature threshold beyond which brain tissue begins to degrade, leading to irreversible damage.

This temperature threshold varies depending on individual factors, such as age, health, and environmental conditions. However, research suggests that the brain’s melting point is approximately 104°F (40°C) to 107°F (42°C).

The role of BOS in preventing the brain’s melting point

BOS, a cutting-edge technology, plays a crucial role in preventing the brain’s melting point. By leveraging advanced neural interfaces and artificial intelligence, BOS monitors and regulates brain temperature, ensuring that it remains within a safe range.

How BOS prevents the brain’s melting point

BOS prevents the brain’s melting point through several mechanisms:

1. Temperature regulation: BOS continuously monitors brain temperature, adjusting neural activity to maintain a stable temperature.

2. Heat dissipation: BOS enhances heat dissipation through increased blood flow and sweating.

3. Neuro protection: BOS protects neurons from heat-induced damage.

Benefits of BOS in preventing the brain’s melting point

The benefits of BOS in preventing the brain’s melting point are numerous:

1. Prevents brain damage: BOS prevents brain damage caused by excessive heat.

2. Maintains cognitive function: BOS ensures optimal cognitive function by maintaining stable brain temperature.

3. Enhances brain resilience: BOS enhances brain resilience to temperature fluctuations.

Real-World applications of BOS

BOS has various real-world applications:

1. High-performance computing: BOS enables high-performance computing by maintaining optimal brain temperature.

2. Medical applications: BOS has medical applications, such as treating heat-related illnesses.

3. Space exploration: BOS is crucial for space exploration, where extreme temperatures pose a significant risk.

Conclusion

BOS is a revolutionary technology that prevents the brain’s melting point, ensuring optimal cognitive function and overall well-being. By leveraging advanced neural interfaces and artificial intelligence, BOS monitors and regulates brain temperature, protecting against heat-related damage.

Glossary:

1. BOS: Brain Operating System.

2. Brain’s melting point: Temperature threshold beyond which brain tissue begins to degrade.

3. Neural interface: Connects human brain with digital devices.

Contact Information

virginvtech@yahoo.com

Additional resources:

1. BOS research: Explore scientific studies.

2. Neural interface resources: Discover books and articles.

3. Brain-computer interface communities: Join online forums.

Future directions

As BOS technology continues to evolve, we can expect:

1. Improved temperature regulation: Enhanced temperature regulation mechanisms.

2. Increased cognitive enhancement: Advanced cognitive enhancement capabilities.

3. Expanded applications: New applications in various fields.

By harnessing the power of BOS, individuals can safeguard their brain health and maintain optimal cognitive function, even in extreme environments.

Features

The Prophet part 8

Published

1 day ago

March 14, 2025

Net News Ghana

‘Suzzie and Mary, I want to speak with you about a dream I had about the two of you last night. You seem to be in some relationship that will bring serious problems in the near future. I won’t ask you what relationship it is, because I know you won’t tell me.

But I must tell you what I have been telling you for quite some time now. The only One who has real solutions to problems or needs is Jesus Christ, and whatever your problems or needs are, you must seek Him, His way. Whatever business or personal relationships you are entering into, I advise you to be careful, because it will bring problems in the near future. That will be all for now’.

‘Listen, Elizabeth’, Mary started. ‘What do you take us for? Do you think we are stupid, dumb girls who don’t know what is good for us? We are highly intelligent girls, who are trying to use our minds to establish something by way of business. It just happens that our stepping stone to capital is a so called man of God.

We are providing a service to him, and he is rewarding us well. There’s no question of our doing anything else with him. So if you don’t mind, spare us the preaching, at least for a while. You know the struggles we have been going through lately.

Things are tough. We have made several attempts at getting decent jobs, but all the people we meet want to sleep with us before helping us. And we’ve promised ourselves that we will never give ourselves to any man for a job, no matter how attractive. Just wait and see. In only a short while you will see us running decent businesses, making decent money. And I can assure you, we will help family members and anyone we meet, who needs help’.

‘But if I may ask, the one for whom you are providing the service, this Antubam guy, isn’t he just a crook, a fraud? What’s wrong with you two? This guy is just taking advantage of gullible people, especially women. He defrauds them of their money, and he sends you to perform errands for him, and you say you are performing a service?

Are you not simply helping him to commit fraud? You may not face any consequences today for your actions, but you cannot avoid punishment one day. Please, Mary and Suzie, stay away from this man. Be patient and pray, sooner or later you will find something rewarding to do’. ‘You know how patient we have been’, Mary said. We’ve prayed. We have gone out of our way to help people in need. And we have gone job hunting days, weeks and months on end. Nothing.

Something promising has come up, and here you are asking us to stop it and go back to the gutter. Sorry my sister. No way’. ‘By the way’, Suzie said, ‘Pastor Antubam thinks you are really beautiful. He’s always asking about you, he says he wants to meet you. Would you like to meet him?’ ‘Of course I would like to meet him. Bring him here. I would certainly like to meet him’. ‘And you won’t be rude to him?’

‘Of course not. Have you ever seen me behave rudely towards anyone or insult anyone? He’s a human being like all of us, and you say he wants to meet me. Let him come, and I will certainly have a discussion with him’. ‘Okay then’, Mary said. ‘We will tell him. He will certainly be glad to hear that. Actually Elizabeth, he’s not a bad guy. You may not agree with his stand on religious issues, but you can have a decent exchange with him’. ‘Exactly. I will have a decent exchange with him, so bring him he re’. ‘So what if he offers you some money? Will you accept it?’ ‘Why must he offer me money, when I have not sold anything to him, or performed any service to him as you say you have been doing. I hope he doesn’t offer me money because I won’t accept it, and I may not be very polite if he does’.

Antubam was excited to hear the news. So Elizabeth was willing to see him. After what he had heard about her, she was one of those with their noses stuck in the Bible, praying at dawn and at night. But there seemed to be hop. The girl was naturally beautiful.

And her confidence, instead of frightening him, rather attracted him. There was not way he would leave all his women and stick to only her, but he would give her some priority. He would buy her some nice dresses, and show her off in restaurants and public places.

He could even marry her. He would make her such a big offer that she would consider leaving her job. So he arranged the time. The two ladies were going to be in town running various errands for him. So he would go alone, just when she returned home from work. It was going to be brutally nice, he told himself.

By Ekow de Heer