Nothing beats my imagination than all the times l have listened to interviews about accountability; that is when you will hear such things as “that doesn’t fall in within my duties, I will have to contact A or B to get that information for you.” Better still they will simply answer “sorry I am not in the right position to give that information.”

[contextly_sidebar id=”ELWlQMpDUXUOVhE5cIJCIjKHdi2vIonL”]On April 3, 2017, Citi FM launched the #StopGalamseyNow campaigns aimed at getting government to eradicate the menace of illegal mining.

The campaign among others demanded the following:

•Total cessation of all small and medium scale mining for a period of six months

•Seize the issuance of new mining licenses for a year

•Reclassify mining categories to reflect the use of new larger equipment

•Allow water bodies to regenerate their natural ecology

•Tree planting and land reclamation projects

I dare to say these goals are unfeasible if we fail to tackle the problem from its very core.

The video that went viral of the Youngman who claims to be an illegal miner and calls himself Bronzy (Bako Pe/ Bronzy One), is one of the numerous basis for my argument.

In that video clip, he audaciously cautioned the President not to attempt eradicating what he described as the only source of livelihood for a number of people. He also noted that, many started this fight before him [President Akufo-Addo] but to no avail. Initially, I found his submission very offensive only to see our point of agreement after a careful consideration.

The fact that Galamsey is the only source of survival for a good number of people who earn very meagre but have to survive; is just one of the arguments. What will compel an entire community to be actively involved in this canker is another. Why will a farmer give out his farmland with crops almost near harvest in exchange for a sum of money that is nothing compared to lifetime revenue from his farm?

In our debates regarding Galamsey, have we noticed that most of the mining companies have a reason to defend their operations? In a radio documentary by Umaru Sanda Amadu in Sunyani, the Land Access Control Manager for Newmont Ahafo said they compensate the communities they operate in both at the community level as well as individual land owners.

In brief, his argument was that, they have the consent of the natives to operate not leaving out the role of chiefs in this agreement.

“I am proposing that in future, chiefs in communities where illegal mining thrive communities should be destooled: appointment of District Chief Executives (DCEs) should be stopped and District Police Commanders also be sacked. Sometimes we have got to be very radical because they can’t say they don’t have idea about happenings in the communities.” – This was a submission from Professor Agyeman Badu Akosa on Abusua FM’s Abusua Nkomo on 22nd September 2016. (Ultimatefm online).

I love the Professor’s use of the word radical. Could this be our solution? Perhaps this is when we blame Political leaders but for how long? Is it not obvious the politicians have played with issues regarding our welfare? Never taking any radical steps for the fear of losing elections? From the days of Alhaji Inusah Fuseini to Nii Osah Mills and now John Peter Amewu, they have all used the phrase “I will” as Ministers for Lands and Natural Resources, but that pledge is backed with little to no action.

Is it not obvious that the interest of some selfish people is always protected at the expense of the rest of us; I call them wolves in sheep’s clothing? They will do all in their power to destruct or manipulate any process that will end their selfish gains.

Let me quickly add that, it cuts across different spheres of our development. Personally I think our solution should be more of orientation. Orienting the very people who give out their lands about the consequence of their actions.

Professor Chris Gordon, an environmental scientist in an interview with Bernard Koku Avle of Citi FM in September 2016, enumerated several health hazards on the whole country regardless of which part of the country one resides.

To end his submission, he acknowledged that solution to this canker is a bottom-up approach other than vice versa.

Yes; the solution lies with the very people giving out their lands. Let us not think that any government will solve this problem with ease; the least said about the bureaucracy in this country the better.

None of the people in authority may discourage any fight of this kind, but the troubles that one will go through seeking to stop the menace itself will deter them.
In saving mother Ghana; let us not underrate the capabilities of the wolves in sheep’s clothing.
–
By: Princella Selasi Yawa Amevor/Office of the HOD, Public Relations, University of Professional Studies, Accra.

Email: [email protected]

The post The wolves in sheep’s clothing; Citi FM’s galamsey campaign in retrospect appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

I stared at the fellow who uttered those words; I was not surprised at all, but I wondered how it’s been possible for us to have such “Psychologists or Archimedes” in our country and yet every now and then, somebody takes his or her life.

I dare say that, it is hypocritical when we carry ourselves about as though we have never experienced one form of excruciating pain or the other.

The Akans say “ento wo a da”, which literally means experience is the best teacher.

You may want to try wearing a shoe that fits too tight on your legs, and yet you have to use it for some time because you do not have any other – The pain it causes your toes is unbearable, and no other can best understand that pain no matter how you describe it to them unless they wear those shoes.

It is a different thing if you do not know pain or have never experienced pain, that, I can understand; but if you know pain, then you must be a hypocrite to judge acts of suicide.

No; I am not in any way endorsing acts of suicide; but I have been there before and I know the extent to which one can be pushed to want to think death is an escape route.

Maybe it is time people, especially role models stop painting to us that life as all beautiful, a bed of roses, and all the fantasies young ones see on social media and think it is all about life.

Our role models should be brave enough to share their darkest moments when it felt all was lost and “ending it” was the only option one could think of.

I have become really uncomfortable with the so called inspirational books that tell us how it became rosy living out the narrow-slippery road that led to the bed of roses.

Cowardice is thinking death is the way to end your troubles, actually you may forever be remembered as the coward who could not fight on.

Oh again, the Akan say “Obra ye oko” meaning life is a battle; and the early we get that into our heads that God is the only one who doesn’t disappoint, we may face an early grave putting our trust in humans.

Well, it takes a lot of grace to even arrive at this reality, the more reason I don’t just judge these acts because a good number of them even go beyond frustration to manipulations. Each human being has an extent to which they can take and handle pain. The fact that you survived yours does not give you the guts to condemn others.

I think we take for granted a number of things in this country. We can talk, and really a lot of times I am amazed at the level of analysis people can put across.
But on a more serious note, very few of such analysis are channelled into tangible results. People are scared to confide in even religious leaders because your pain may be a topic for discussion and ridicule when you least expect it.

In modern Ghana, a problem shared is no more half solved; but a problem complicated, no such thing as a brother’s keeper; everyone for himself God for us all. A good number of deaths are as a result of frustration and pain, instead of finding a long-term solution to our problems, we think it is stupid for people to end their lives and it ends there.

Instead of parents teaching their children self-love and respect, they prefer to set strict boundaries in the name of “protecting you” and the minute these children get the least chance outside these boundaries they misbehave. Parents have left their parental roles to friends and housemaids.

Maybe if we teach our young ones to love God, have self-respect, love themselves and their neighbours, we will keep them away from taking their lives.Let us teach the young ones to appreciate who they are and the fact that everyone is unique, none is better than the other.

Let us teach the young ones that romantic relationships most likely end in marriage, and so there is no sense in being in a romantic relationship if you are not ready for marriage. Let us tell the young girls every now and then how much we love them, and how precious they are so that no irresponsible boy can lie to them.
Let us not be ashamed to share our darkest moments with our young ones; for if they know you survived it, they will appreciate the virtue “Patience”. They will know that with determination and positive energy, they can break through the odds of life.

Let us create a problem solving environment where people can share their pain knowing it will get solved and not complicated. Let us bring people to the understanding that there is no ordeal they are going through that is new under the sun.

Finally, let us bring people to the understanding that problems only come to bring the best out of you; God said He will not let that which is more than you befall you. May I use this opportunity to appeal to the Ministry of Gender and Social Protection, to find a long-term solution to these acts of suicide.

My humble appeal to the media which is supposed to play a watchdog role is that, in discussing issues such as suicide, they should be extremely circumspective and sensitive instead of being sensational.

The media should also be interested in sustaining such discussions for the benefit of society since it will save many lives from being destroyed.
It breaks my heart how we discuss issues of this kind in the media for a couple of days and it ends there till there is another occurrence, where is that spirit of advocacy?

When we sit aloof thinking “STUPIDITY is when somebody commits SUICIDE”, it is only a matter of time and we will understand the adage that when a neighbours’ beard is on fire, you don’t fetch water and put by yours, rather you help them put out their fire.

For if I can take my own life; then taking another’s life shouldn’t be a problem.
–
By: Princella Selasi Yawa Amevor/Office of the HOD, Public Affairs, University of Profesional Studies, Accra
Email: [email protected]

The post Pushed to die; not because I’m stupid [Article] appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

I say this because when you decide (decision) to love (a state of vulnerability) a person or people, you must give it your all so that when you lose them (death) either per they walking away or dying, you would have lived the rest of your life fulfilled knowing you left a mark other than regret.

Lose in my opening statement has a dual meaning; the first is “Death” and the other “Separation”.

One will agree that most often we lose our loved ones either through they walking away from our lives or in the event that they die.

Interestingly; we are in the best position to tell if we really loved them only when they are gone; so in most cases you can tell the intensity of love when people grieve over their lost loved ones.

May I take this opportunity to applaud all who ever dared to love because it takes a lot of courage and in the event that you lost a loved one; my heart goes to you.
Growing up; I thought death was the scariest thing in life but now I know that Love is.

‘It is love that requires courage, because the people we love most may die before we do. Dare to and we instantly become vulnerable, love another with all our heart and we place our hearts in jeopardy.’ These are words of Forrest Church one of my favorite authors and a theologian. Let me also state I am inspired to write this piece after reading his book ‘Love and Death’.

In the month of love, I pray that all hearts that are being tempered with and those that are broken receive strength to love more. The hard truth is we pay for love with pain, the only consolation however is love is worth the cost and we can only be grateful if we are fortunate to receive love from those we give it to. We may protect ourselves from being hurt by not loving but that is cowardice and will restrain the very thing that makes our lives worth living.

Are you a man? Have you ever cried because somebody broke your heart? You may just be the bravest in the world of love, for it is only those who have great hearts that demonstrate pain because a loved one hurt them.

Yes our culture may depict bravery and maturity as those who pretend not to be hurt even when they can feel their hearts aching; nothing kills me than the numerous times I heard people say “Men don’t cry”.

Meaning what? A man doesn’t have feelings? Oh please, no wonder people die these days and we exclaim; but he wasn’t sick….!!!! And to anyone who ever broke a heart, you may say sorry if you wish but God is a just man.

As we celebrate love may; I warn that it is unwise to play with any female’s heart because of your libido, if it is not Love don’t you dare use the word love because it does not only become an assault on a fellow man; but an insult to God who is the exact definition of love.

Our elders say ‘when you warn the cat, you should as well warn the fish’; to all ladies who are in relationships for the wrong reasons, please counsel yourselves. If you don’t love a man; it is only ideal to let them know than lie for the benefits you may get; truly, everything that goes round will come right back round.

Let me put it right that, when one cries over those they love, it is not because they are weak; neither is it how much they spent on them; but the fact that somebody saw their vulnerability (love), and took advantage of it.

Truth is when we love; we lose our self-esteem to those we love; be it family, colleagues or strangers. In other words; you give up yourself to make others. I am uncomfortable what some people call love these days.

If you take the decision to love someone, you should know you are making a sacrifice, the minute you attach conditions, you may as well call it a contract.

Let us love right without fear because it is rewarding. My auntie once said; when you keep letting go when people offend you; you may one day have to let go of yourself (die).

But I think it is rather when you let go of yourself (Love); that you can let go when people offend you.

To all the brave ones who ever dared to love, my heart goes out to you; and trust me when I say you are my heroes.

Life is full of risks, the decision to love is one of them; do not be too careful, before you die, dare to live.
–
By: Princella Selasi Yawa Amevor/Office of the HOD, Public Affairs, University of Profesional Studies, Accra
Email: [email protected]

The post Love and death; a ‘romantic’ union [Article] appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

I had to walk miles to get water so I could wash that morning, clean the house, cook for the family and serve my younger ones – Yes I am the eldest child; and God knew why I came first so I was always cheerful to serve.

For me, it was a normal routine, though my chest and back ached occasionally, I knew it was my duty as a child, and out of love I tell mummy – don’t worry I will do it, you should rest.

However, that Saturday, I didn’t have to fetch water, God opened the heavens so I cheerfully fetched the rainwater to fill the containers in our room, and then the unfortunate happened.

I slipped; but before I landed, I was sure to protect the bucket in my hand, and I hurt my ankle in the process. The pain was unbearable; but what hurts most was the pain of not being able to save the bucket. I limped and slowly reported myself, first the attention was on my wounded ankle; but quickly without any sign of concern, I was beaten and showered with all manner of insults for breaking the bucket.

Then I was reminded that I was a burden, and was told how they are struggling to provide for me, pay my school fees and all that.
In fact, all manner of soul poisoning insults were heaped on me.

My disappointment at that moment was the fact that the injury on my ankle received no attention; but I was even shocked nobody ever asked, let alone looked at the wound till it healed, but I understood. The long and short of it all; I was a burden.

One question kept ringing in my mind growing up, and that was ‘where did I go wrong’? Why am I treated like a nuisance, why am I called useless? In school, my colleagues are always eager to go home, but for me, every single closing bell was a nightmare, I could not just imagine going back home; back to the slaps, insults and all manner of assaults.

I became very timid and was even called a fool, I always saw colleagues better off than I was; and I could go the extra mile to love my neighbour more than myself.
There was no such thing like why did you do this or that, I was always a sheep led to the slaughter without questioning.

My grandmother always said the elderly is always right, and I will be referred to Proverbs 13:24 and Ephesians 6:1-2, but I always took the pain to read even further; then I discovered how impartial God is – because the same chapter says in verse 4, ‘Parents do not provoke your children to anger, but rather bring them up in the fear of the Lord’- So I wondered why my parents and many others always engage in selective reading of the Bible.

If only our Parents will take the pain to read their own verse in Ephesians 6, they will understand that to bring up children in the nurture and admonishing of the lord comes with unconditional love and constructive discipline.

The good book says in proverb 22:6, ‘Train up a child the way they should go that when they grow they will not depart from it’.
My parents always complained how those days of their lives as children were awful, they never liked it; but little did they know they have become just the replica of the parents they hated.

A little bit of psychology has thought me that, children learn mostly by modelling their parents consciously or unconsciously, and whatever a person becomes in future can be traced back to his or her upbringing.

Psychologists say scarcely do people grow up not having traces of how they were brought up, even that, there is still the sub-conscious man that depicts attributes of childhood upbringing once a while.

Dear Mum and Dad, under no circumstance should you make your child feel like a burden else they are tempted to question God about their very existence.
A home without unconditional love and proper upbringing is a breeding ground for destruction.

A lot of individuals today are suffering from all manner of traumas. What is even more suicidal is when parents vent their anger and frustration on innocent children.
I am sure if these children were asked if they wanted to be born, the answer would have been “NO”.

A lot of children today are on the road to destruction always seeking counsel from the wrong people because the homes they come from are not conducive for a proper parent-child relationship.

All manner of social vices are on the increase because we have little to no homes. Some have resorted to alcoholism, others commit suicide, and some have resorted to early marriages as an escape route – so they run in and run out. There is no such thing like time with family; children are dying slowly inside out of frustration.

According to Katherine Kipp and David R. Shaffer in the book Development psychology, almost all behaviours can be traced to an individual’s upbringing, except for some that the individual picks from the society as a result of socializing.

The possibility that a child will learn from peers and confide in them other than parents is very high when there is no home.
According to Katherine and David, the most appropriate way to bring up a child is the authoritative style having examined the authoritarian, permissive and neglectful, and realized they have loopholes.

The authoritative style is both high on demand and warmth.
Parents discipline and correct children when they are wrong, involve them in making decisions that concern their well-being, encourage them as well as reward them when they do what is right.

Let us not forget children are a blessing and not a burden; and for that matter upbringing should be seen more of a privilege by God to nurture his creation. Almost anyone is in the position to reproduce, but few people possess the gift to nurture.

I plead with all future mothers and fathers not to be under any compulsion to reproduce. Let us be sure we want to have children having understood what it means to be parents.

Let me quickly add that, parenting is not just about providing a child’s needs; but everything else that has to do with an individual’s development. I am really uncomfortable what parenting has been reduced to.

Almost all, if not all of the social vices today; can be traced to upbringing. There is no such thing as ‘each other’s keeper’- something definitely is wrong somewhere.

A number of children with traumatic upbringing like mine are out there. When a tree starts to wither suddenly, there is a need to check its roots.
I want to use this opportunity to appeal to the Ministry of Gender, Women and Social protection, to put measures in place to find out how children are being brought up.

This is because not all children who are hurting can tell their stories; since they will be tagged as reporting their parents.
Let us check our roots; I pray we soon have a generation of parents who will see upbringing as a call and do things right, until then; the stab in my heart remains fresh.
–
By: Princella Selasi Yawa Amevor/Office of the HOD, Public Affairs, University of Profesional Studies, Accra
Email: [email protected]

The post Tales of painful upbringing; a stab in my heart [Article] appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

The orthodox thing was the arrival of a 31st of December and off we go to church, for hours we pray, cast out demons, enter into family houses to break generational altars, claim our riches, claim our marriages and crown it with resolutions, I just can’t say much for our Muslim brethren, and others of different beliefs.

Honestly at a certain age, not only did this act become boring but disappointing because nothing really changes after the 31st of December, it has always been the same ‘me’, same environment and frustrating of all is the fact that the so called New Year sometimes become worst of than the previous ones.

Truth is I almost questioned my pastor’s position as a man of God and what he meant each time by ‘This year is your year’.

However, I have always been grateful for one thing; life, and that’s my only consolation.

I must confess my gratitude to God in the past year 2016, not only for life; but also the understanding of a New Year.

The Bible says ‘as a man thinks so he is’. So a new year is not the ritual observation of a 31st of December to cross into the another year, neither is it the celebration of a 1st of January, but rather a total renewal of the mind; appreciating life as a gift, a conscious analysis of how we perceive things, doing well in the things we can, loving genuinely, embracing who we are and self-discipline.

Every day of our lives should be celebrated as a miracle other than wait for the end of the year.

Once our eyes are opened to this fact, we will learn that every day is an opportunity to become a better person, right our wrongs, and take advantage of the opportunity life presents us.

Truth is, the Monday or any other day of the old year and the New Year are not different, it is what you do differently on the New Year’s Monday from the old year.
Many have suffered disappointments and are frustrated because their prophesied new year didn’t turn out to be what they expected.

The truth is that, much is dependent on the individual than perceived miracles.

I am a bit uncomfortable what Christianity has been reduced to in recent times, maybe it is time our religious leaders teach us certain principles such as attitudinal change and God, a principled Man.

Actually, a prophesy is only a confirmation that God knows what your plans are and approves them; so ideally you work at those plans and he blesses, but you do not sit and expect a miracle.

Nothing good or bad happens just by chance, they are as consequence of a certain action, let’s be responsible enough not to think the answer to every predicament is ‘God knows best.’

As a nation, a good or bad year has just little to do with the government in power, the greater work lies with the individual, the floods are likely to sweep us off our feet again if we still throw rubbish indiscriminately about and we will continue marking time for as long as we don’t practice any such thing as ‘maintenance culture’.

A newness of a year is relative; depending on every individual and what you make of life each day.
–
By: Princella Selasi Yawa Amevor/Office of the HOD, Public Affairs, University of Profesional Studies, Accra
Email: [email protected]

The post Has there ever been a new year? [Article] appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.