Ghana's Presidential Forum?

On Wednesday October 29, 2008, the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) orgainsed a Presidential Forum (debate?) for four of the eight Presidential candidates for Ghana's December 7 2008 presidential poll. What basis were the four selected? Is there bias in this programme? Was it a forum or a debate? Did it create an enabling environment for the electorates to make informed electoral decision? Was it useful to the country? Did they indicate the 'how' of their promises? Well, if you had the opportunity to either watch or listen, the ball is in your court.

Propaganda

"Propaganda is neutrally defined as a systematic form of purposeful persuasion that attempts to influence the emotions, attitudes, opinions, and actions of specified target audiences for ideological, political or commercial proposes through the controlled transmission of one-sided messages (which may or may not be factual) via mass and direct media channels, Richard Alan Nelson, (A Chronology and Glossary of Propaganda in the United States, 1996). Garth S. Jowett and Victoria O'Donnell on ‘Propaganda and Persuasion’ defined it as “the deliberate, systematic attempt to shape perceptions, manipulate cognitions, and direct behaviour to achieve a response that furthers the desired intent of the propagandist”. Propaganda is a concerted set of messages aimed at influencing the opinions or behaviors of large numbers of people. As opposed to impartiality providing information, propaganda in its most basic sense presents information in order to influence its audience. Propaganda often presents facts selectively (thus lying by omission) to encourage a particular synthesis, or gives loaded messages in order to produce an emotional rather than rational response to the information presented. The desired result is a change of the cognitive narrative of the subject in the target audience to further a political agenda. It carries a connotation of misleading information. In post-World War II usage, the word "propaganda" more typically refers to political or nationalist uses of these techniques or to the promotion of a set of ideas, since the term had gained a pejorative meaning, which commercial and government entities couldn’t accept. The refusal phenomenon was eventually to be seen in politics itself by the substitution of ‘political marketing’ and other designations for ‘political propaganda’. In English, "propaganda" was originally a neutral term used to describe the dissemination of information in favor of any given cause. During the 20th century, however, the term acquired a thoroughly negative meaning in western countries, representing the intentional dissemination of often false, but certainly "compelling" claims to support or justify political actions or ideologies. Etymology of Propaganda: The word originates from the Latin name Congregatio de Propaganda de fide ("Congregation for the Spreading of the Faith") of a congregation founded by Pope gregory XV in 1622. This department of the pontifical administration was charged with the spread of Catholicism and with the regulation of ecclesiastical affairs in mission territory. The modern sense dates from World War I when the term evolved to be mainly associated with politics. Types of Propaganda: Propaganda is a powerful weapon in war; it is used to dehumanize and create hatred toward a supposed enemy, either internal or external, by creating a false image in the mind. This can be done by using derogatory or racist terms, avoiding some words or by making allegations of enemy atrocities. Most propaganda wars require the home population to feel the enemy has inflicted an injustice, which may be fictitious or may be based on facts. The home population must also decide that the cause of their nation is just. The term propaganda may also refer to false information meant to reinforce the mindsets of people who already believe as the propagandist wishes. The assumption is that, if people believe something false, they will constantly be assailed by doubts. For this reason propaganda is often addressed to people who are already sympathetic to the agenda. This process of reinforcement uses an individual's predisposition to self-select "agreeable" information sources as a mechanism for maintaining control. Propaganda can be classified according to the source and nature of the message. White propaganda generally comes from an openly identified source, and is characterized by gentler methods of persuasion, such as standard public relations techniques and one-sided presentation of an argument. Black propaganda is identified as being from one source, but is in fact from another. This is most commonly to disguise the true origins of the propaganda, be it from an enemy country or from an organization with a negative public image. Grey propaganda is propaganda without any identifiable source or author. A major application of grey propaganda is making enemies believe falsehoods using straw arguments: As phase one, to make someone believe "A", one releases as grey propaganda "B", the opposite of "A". In phase two, "B" is discredited using some straw man. The enemy will then assume "A" to be true. In scale, these different types of propaganda can also be defined by the potential of true and correct information to compete with the propaganda. For example, opposition to white propaganda is often readily found and may slightly discredit the propaganda source. Opposition to grey propaganda, when revealed (often by an inside source), may create some level of public outcry. Opposition to black propaganda is often unavailable and may be dangerous to reveal, because public cognizance of black propaganda tactics and sources would undermine or backfire the very campaign the black propagandist supported. Propaganda Techniques: A number of techniques based in social psycholocal research are used to generate propaganda. Many of these same techniques can be found under logical fallacies, since propagandists use arguments that, while sometimes convincing, are not necessarily valid. Propaganda may be administered in insidious ways. For instance, disparaging disinformation about the history of certain groups or foreign countries may be encouraged or tolerated in the educational system. Since few people actually double-check what they learn at school, such disinformation will be repeated by journalists as well as parents, thus reinforcing the idea that the disinformation item is really a "well-known fact", even though no one repeating the myth is able to point to an authoritative source. The disinformation is then recycled in the media and in the educational system, without the need for direct governmental intervention on the media. Such permeating propaganda may be used for political goals: by giving citizens a false impression of the quality or policies of their country, they may be incited to reject certain proposals or certain remarks or ignore the experience of others. Here are a number of techniques for generating propaganda: Ad Hominem

A Latin phrase which has come to mean attacking your opponent, as opposed to attacking their arguments. Ad nauseam

This argument approach uses tireless repetition of an idea. An idea, especially a simple slogan, that is repeated enough times, may begin to be taken as the truth. This approach works best when media sources are limited and controlled by the propagator. Appeal to authoruty

Appeals to authority cite prominent figures to support a position, idea, argument, or course of action.

Appeal to fear Appeals to fear seek to build support by instilling anxieties and panic in the general population.

Appeal to prejudice

Using loaded or emotive terms to attach value or moral goodness to believing the proposition. For example, the phrase: "Any hard-working taxpayer would have to agree that those who do not work, and who do not support the community do not deserve the community's support through social assistance." Bandwagon

Bandwagon and "inevitable-victory" appeals attempt to persuade the target audience to join in and take the course of action that "everyone else is taking." · Inevitable victory: invites those not already on the bandwagon to join those already on the road to certain victory. Those already or at least partially on the bandwagon are reassured that staying aboard is their best course of action. · Join the crowd: This technique reinforces people's natural desire to be on the winning side. This technique is used to convince the audience that a program is an expression of an irresistible mass movement and that it is in their best interest to join.

Black- and- White Fallacy

Presenting only two choices, with the product or idea being propagated as the better choice. (e.g., "You are either with us, or you are with the enemy") Beautiful people The type of propaganda that deals with famous people or depicts attractive, happy people. This makes other people think that if they buy a product or follow a certain ideology, they too will be happy or successful. (This is more used in advertising for products, instead of political reasons) Big lie The repeated articulation of a complex of events that justify subsequent action. The descriptions of these events have elements of truth, and the "big lie" generalizations merge and eventually supplant the public's accurate perception of the underlying events. After World War I the German Stab in the back explanation of the cause of their defeat became a justification for Nazi re-militarization and revanchist aggression. Common man

The "'plain folks'" or "common man" approach attempts to convince the audience that the propagandist's positions reflect the common sense of the people. It is designed to win the confidence of the audience by communicating in the common manner and style of the target audience. Propagandists use ordinary language and mannerisms (and clothe their message in face-to-face and audiovisual communications) in attempting to identify their point of view with that of the average person. For example, a propaganda leaflet may make an argument on a macroeconomic issue, such as unemployment insurance benefits, using everyday terms: "given that the country has little money during this recession, we should stop paying unemployment benefits to those who do not work, because that is like maxing out all your credit cards during a tight period, when you should be tightening your belt." Demonizing the enemy

Making individuals from the opposing nation, from a different ethnic group, or those who support the opposing viewpoint appear to be subhuman, worthless, or immoral, through suggestion or false accusations. Direct order

This technique hopes to simplify the decision making process by using images and words to tell the audience exactly what actions to take, eliminating any other possible choices. Authority figures can be used to give the order, overlapping it with the Appeal to authority technique, but not necessarily. The Uncle Sam "I want you" image is an example of this technique. Euphoria

The use of an event that generates euphoria or happiness, or using an appealing event to boost morale. Euphoria can be created by declaring a holiday, making luxury items available, or mounting a military parade with marching bands and patriotic messages. Disinformation

The creation or deletion of information from public records, in the purpose of making a false record of an event or the actions of a person or organization, including outright forgery of photographs, motion pictures, broadcasts, and sound recordings as well as printed documents. Flag-waving

An attempt to justify an action on the grounds that doing so will make one more patriotic, or in some way benefit a group, country, or idea. The feeling of patriotism which this technique attempts to inspire may not necessarily diminish or entirely omit one's capability for rational examination of the matter in question. Glittering generalities

Glittering generalities are emotionally appealing words applied to a product or idea, but which present no concrete argument or analysis. A famous example is the campaign slogan "Ford has a better idea!" Half-truth

A half-truth is a deceptive statement which may come in several forms and includes some element of truth. The statement might be partly true, the statement may be totally true but only part of the whole truth, or it may utilize some deceptive element, such as improper punctuation, or double meaning, especially if the intent is to deceive, evade blame or misrepresent the truth. Intentional vagueness

Generalities are deliberately vague so that the audience may supply its own interpretations. The intention is to move the audience by use of undefined phrases, without analyzing their validity or attempting to determine their reasonableness or application. The intent is to cause people to draw their own interpretations rather than simply being presented with an explicit idea. In trying to "figure out" the propaganda, the audience forgoes judgment of the ideas presented. Their validity, reasonableness and application may still be considered. Obtain disapproval or Reductio ad hitlerum

This technique is used to persuade a target audience to disapprove of an action or idea by suggesting that the idea is popular with groups hated, feared, or held in contempt by the target audience. Thus if a group which supports a certain policy is led to believe that undesirable, subversive, or contemptible people support the same policy, then the members of the group may decide to change their original position. This is a form of bad logic, where a is said to equal X, and b is said to equal X, therefore, a = b.

Oversimplification Favorable generalities are used to provide simple answers to complex social, political, economic, or military problems. Quote out of context

Selective editing of quotes which can change meanings. Political documentaries designed to discredit an opponent or an opposing political viewpoint often make use of this technique. Name-calling

Propagandists use the name-calling technique to incite fears and arouse prejudices in their hearers in the intent that the bad names will cause hearers to construct a negative opinion about a group or set of beliefs or ideas that the propagandist would wish hearers to denounce. The method is intended to provoke conclusions about a matter apart from impartial examinations of facts. Name-calling is thus a substitute for rational, fact-based arguments against the an idea or belief on its own merits. Rationalization

Individuals or groups may use favorable generalities to rationalize questionable acts or beliefs. Vague and pleasant phrases are often used to justify such actions or beliefs. Red herring

Presenting data or issues that, while compelling, are irrelevant to the argument at hand, and then claiming that it validates the argument. Labelling

A Euphemism is used when the propagandist attempts to increase the perceived quality, credibility, or creedence of a particular ideal. A Dysphemism is used when the intent of the propagandist is to discredit, diminish the perceived quality, or hurt the perceived righteousness of the Mark. By creating a 'label' or 'category' or 'faction' of a population, it is much easier to make an example of these larger bodies, because they can uplift or defame the Mark without actually incuring legal-defamation. Example: "Liberal" is a dysphamsim intended to diminish the perceived credibility of a particular Mark. By taking a displeasing argument presented by a Mark, the propagandist can quote that person, and then attack 'liberals' in an attempt to both (1) create a political battle-ax of unaccountable aggression and (2) diminish the quality of the Mark. If the propagandist uses the label on too-many perceivably credible individuals, muddying up the word can be done by broadcasting bad-examples of 'liberals' into the media. Labelling can be thought of as a sub-set of Guilt by association, another Logical Fallacy. Repetition

This type of propaganda deals with a jingle or word that is repeated over and over again, thus getting it stuck in someone’s head, so they can buy the product. The "Repetition" method has been described previously. Scapegoating

Assigning blame to an individual or group, thus alleviating feelings of guilt from responsible parties and/or distracting attention from the need to fix the problem for which blame is being assigned. Slogans

A slogan is a brief, striking phrase that may include labeling and stereotyping. Although slogans may be enlisted to support reasoned ideas, in practice they tend to act only as emotional appeals. Opponents of the US's invasion and occupation of Iraq use the slogan "blood for oil" to suggest that the invasion and its human losses was done to access Iraq's oil riches. On the other hand, "hawks" who argue that the US should continue to fight in Iraq use the slogan "cut and run" to suggest that it would be cowardly or weak to withdraw from Iraq. Similarly, the names of the military campaigns, such as "enduring freedom" or "just cause", may also be regarded to be slogans, devised to influence people. Stereotyping or Name Calling or Labeling This technique attempts to arouse prejudices in an audience by labeling the object of the propaganda campaign as something the target audience fears, hates, loathes, or finds undesirable. For instance, reporting on a foreign country or social group may focus on the stereotypical traits that the reader expects, even though they are far from being representative of the whole country or group; such reporting often focuses on the anecdotal. Testimonials

Testimonials are quotations, in or out of context, especially cited to support or reject a given policy, action, program, or personality. The reputation or the role (expert, respected public figure, etc.) of the individual giving the statement is exploited. The testimonial places the official sanction of a respected person or authority on a propaganda message. This is done in an effort to cause the target audience to identify itself with the authority or to accept the authority's opinions and beliefs as its own. Transfer

Also known as Association, this is a technique of projecting positive or negative qualities (praise or blame) of a person, entity, object, or value (an individual, group, organization, nation, patriotism, etc.) to another to make the second more acceptable or to discredit it. It evokes an emotional response, which stimulates the target to identify with recognized authorities. Often highly visual, this technique often utilizes symbols (for example, the Swastika used in Nazi Germany, originally a symbol for health and prosperity) superimposed over other visual images. An example of common use of this technique in America is for the President's image to be overlaid with a swastika by his opponents. Unstated Assumption This technique is used when the propaganda concept that the propagandist intends to transmit would seem less credible if explicitly stated. The concept is instead repeatedly assumed or implied.

Virtue Words These are words in the value system of the target audience which tend to produce a positive image when attached to a person or issue. Peace, happiness, security, wise leadership, freedom, "The Truth", etc. are virtue words. In countries such as the U.S. religiosity is seen as a virtue, making associations to this quality affectively beneficial.

Credit: Wikipedia.

Thinking of parting ways?

When I got home that night as my wife served dinner, I held her hand and said, I've got something to tell you. She sat down and ate quietly. Again I observed the hurt in her eyes. Suddenly I didn't know how to open my mouth. But I had to let her know what I was thinking. I want a divorce. I raised the topic calmly. She didn't seem to be annoyed by my words, instead she asked me softly, why? I avoided her question. This made her angry. She threw away the chopsticks and shouted at me, you are not a man! That night, we didn’t talk to each other. She was weeping. I knew she wanted to find out what had happened to our marriage. But I could hardly give her a satisfactory answer; she had lost my heart to a lovely girl called Dew. I didn’t love her anymore. I just pitied her! With a deep sense of guilt, I drafted a divorce agreement which stated that she could own our house, our car, and 30% stake of my company. She glanced at it and then tore it into pieces.

The woman who had spent ten years of her life with me had become a stranger. I felt sorry for her wasted time, resources and energy but I could not take back what I had said, for I loved Dew so dearly. Finally she cried loudly in front of me, which was what I had expected to see. To me her cry was actually a kind of release. The idea of divorce which had obsessed me for several weeks seemed to be firmer and clearer now. The next day, I came back home very late and found her writing something at the table. I didn't have supper but went straight to sleep and fell asleep very fast because I was tired after an eventful day with Dew. When I woke up, she was still there at the table writing. I just did not care so I turned over and was asleep again.

In the morning she presented her divorce conditions: she didn't want anything from me, but needed a month's notice before the divorce. She requested that in that one month we both struggle to live as normal a life as possible. Her reasons were simple: our son had his exams in a months time and she didn’t want to disrupt him with our broken marriage. This was agreeable to me. But she had something more, she asked me to recall how I had carried her into out bridal room on our wedding day. She requested that everymorning for the month's duration I carry her out of our bedroom to the front door. I thought she was going crazy. Just to make our last days together bearable I accepted her odd request. I told Dew about my wife's divorce conditions. She laughed loudly and thought it was absurd. No matter what tricks she applies, she has to face the divorce, she said scornfully.

My wife and I hadn't had any body contact since my divorce intention was explicitly expressed. So when I carried her out on the first day, we both appeared clumsy. Our son clapped behind us, daddy is holding mummy in his arms. His words brought me a sense of pain. From the bedroom to the sitting room, then to the door, I walked over ten meters with her in my arms. She closed her eyes and said softly; don’t tell our son about the divorce. I nodded, feeling somewhat upset. I put her down outside the door. She went to wait for the bus to work. I drove alone to the office. On the second day, both of us acted much more easily. She leaned on my chest. I could smell the fragrance of her blouse.

I realized that I hadn’t looked at this woman carefully for a long time. I realised she was not young any more. There were fine wrinkles on her face, her hair was greying! Our marriage had taken its toll on her. For a minute I wondered what I had done to her. On the fourth day, when I lifted her up, I felt asense of intimacy returning. This was the woman who had given ten years of her life to me. On the fifth and sixth day, I realized that our sense of intimacy was growing again. I didn't tell Dew about this. It became easier to carry her as the month slipped by. Perhaps the everyday workout made me stronger. She was choosing what to wear one morning; she tried on quite a few dresses but could not find a suitable one. Then she sighed, all my dresses have grown bigger. I suddenly realized that she had grown so thin, that was the reason why I could carry her more easily. Suddenly it hit me. She had buried so much pain and bitterness in her heart.

Subconsciously, I reached out and touched her head. Our son came in at the moment and said, Dad, it's time to carry mum out. To him, seeing his father carrying his mother out had become an essential part of his life. My wife gestured to our son to come closer and hugged him tightly. I turned my face away because I was afraid I might change my mind at this last minute. I then held her in my arms, walking from the bedroom, through the sitting room, to the hallway. Her hand surrounded my neck softly and naturally I held her body tightly, it was just like our wedding day. But her much lighter weight made me sad. On the last day, when I held her in my arms I could hardly move a step. Our son had gone to school. I held her tightly and said, I hadn’t noticed that our life lacked intimacy.

I drove to office... jumped out of the car swiftly without locking the door. I was afraid any delay would make me change my mind... I walked upstairs. Dew opened the door and I said to her, sorry, Dew, I do not want the divorce anymore. She looked at me, astonished. Then touched my forehead. Do you have a fever? She asked. I moved her hand off my head. Sorry, Dew, I said, I won't divorce. My marriage life was boring probably because she and I didn't value the details of our lives, not because we didn't love each other any more. Now I realise that since I carried her into my home on our wedding day I am supposed to hold her until death do us apart. Dew seemed to suddenly wake up. She gave me a loud slap and then slammed the door and burst into tears. I walked downstairs and drove away. At the floral shop on the way, I ordered a bouquet of flowers for my wife. The salesgirl asked me what to write on the card. I smiled and wrote, I'll carry you out every morning until death do us apart. The small details of your lives are what really matter in a relationship. It is not the mansion, the car, property, the money in the bank, blah .. blah .. blah. These create an environment conducive for happiness but cannot give happiness in themselves. So find time to be your spouse's best friend and do those little things for each other that build intimacy. Do have a real happy marriage! If you don't share this lesson with someone, nothing will happen to you, but if you do, you just might save a marriage/relationship. God richly bless you as you participate in the sustenance of his first ever establish institution.

God's Instrument

We see the hands that hold God's word and fold in prayer to seek His will We see the feet that walk the path and offers of praise as from lofty hill We see the mouth that speaks truth and wisdom We see the heart that is willing and yielding as a humble servant to the gospel call An instrument through which God speaks the words of wisdom, of love and peace, to lead and guide all those lost souls whom God seeks You work vigorously, often neglecting personal needs to give us comfort and direction. You do so much, yet you receive so little in return. On this Minister’s Appreciation Day, we take time out to acknowledge and celebrate the efforts of your leadership.

"Ban funerals in Ghana on the eve of December polls"

Kumasi (Ashanti Region) – 20 Oct 2008 - A retired military officer has suggested to traditional rulers to place a temporal ban on all funeral activities on the eve of the December 7 elections. Major Veronica Rita Akosua Nsafoah (rtd) told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) that such a measure was crucial in ensuring that the citizenry had ample time to prepare to exercise their franchise without any hindrances. She said it was unfortunate that funeral activities in recent times had come to be associated with all sorts of challenges such as distance travelling, excessive drinking and merry making, which had its own negative effects which could prevent eligible voters from casting their ballots. “We should therefore find appropriate measures to curtail the disruptions that go with such funeral activities and that placing a temporal ban on such activities especially on the eve of the elections was significant in putting Ghanaians in the best of psychological and physical conditions for successful elections,” Major Nsafoah observed. She added her voice to calls on religious bodies especially the Christian community to suspend church activities on the elections day to enable their members to participate in the elections to choose a government of their choice, since government policies affect all Christians.The retired military officer charged leaders of political parties to lead exemplary lives by avoiding provocative statements that could inflame passions. Source - gna

The doyen of Ghana culture

The great Ghanaian Teacher/Musicologist/Agriculturist/Art Carver and Designer/Inventor was born Ephraim Kwaku Amu affectionately called Tata Amu to Stefano Amu Yao and Sarah Akora Amma on 13th Septemebr, 1899 at Peki Avetile, his home town in Peki District of the Volta region of Ghana. Due to his achievements, he has been described as a man of many parts. He was the last child in a family of 8;vizly: Yawa Koko-(1880), Celestine Adzebia- (1883), Joana Amuyao [Mrs. Joana Koekpo]- (1886), Manasseh Amuyao -(1890-1910) and Theophilus Amuyao- (1894-1926). He had his primary education from May 1906 to 1912 at Bremen Mission School at Peki Avetile and moved on to Bremen Mission Central Boarding School at Peki Blengo between 1912 and 1915 for his Middle school education before going to Kwahu Abetifi Basel Mission Seminary to be trained as a Catechist-Teacher from January 1916- 1919. The last lap of his formal education took him to the London Royal College of Music in the UK to learn Music Education between 1937and 1941. A patriotic African, he believed in African cultural values, and the preservation of her rich heritage through music and education. He was also a teacher, musician and disciplinarian, and taught African choral music from Akropong Teachers Training College and Achimota College, through Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, University of Ghana and beyond, to Great Britain and the United States of America.

Dr. Ephraim Amu married Nee' Yao now Mrs. Beatrice Martina Amu a.ka. Nanaa in 1942 and had five children; Mrs.Ameewu Atiase (Nee' Amu), Mr. Kwasi N. Amu, Miss Misonu Amu (Music Lecturer, IAS, Legon), Mr. Kwadzo A. Amu, and Mrs. Emefa Atiase (Nee' Amu). The multilingual composer of numerous Twi, Ewe, Ga and English songs has 14 grandchildren between the ages of 34 and 7 years. Dr. Ephraim Amu, a versatile musicologist was one of the pillars in the contemporary Ghanaian Music with 200 compositions. Dr. Amu's unusual gift for awakening consciousness especially in respect of ethical, social and political values and assertion of identity made him a national symbol of cultural activism and creative patriotism. His great contributions to both Ghana and African culture has earned him a permanent place in the history of Ghana. Even before political activism reached its zenith in the then Gold Coast now Ghana, Dr. Amu had nearly two decades earlier composed and circulated the patriotic song Yen ara asase ni (This land is ours) to help reawaken the consciousness of the people and galvanise them into action for their freedom. His rejection of western church music led to the creation of a new style of African Music which became the foundation for the development of a choral music tradition that combines indigenous African melodic, rhythmic and textual resources and western harmonic techniques. Other great memorable compositions of both secular and sacred nature by Dr. Amu include Yaanom Abibirima, Onipa da wo ho so, Abosomakotre nam brebre, Mawu do na Yesu, (I shall work for Jesus), Hadzidzi amefe gbogbo (Singing the soul of man) and Yehowa nye sitsofe (the Lord is my refugee). Dr. Amu developed a new phase of music at Akropong Presbyterian Training College in 1927 where he was first posted to served upon successful completion of his vocational training as Teacher-Catechist. It was here that his conversion to African music began. His way of thinking was shaped more at this place by his encounters with traditional musicians and cultural specialists. The reactions of his generation as has always been was conversative and therefore it was no wonder that when disagreement with the authorities of the Presbyterian Church on some cultural issues and his resolve to preach in the pulpit in traditional attire led to his dismissal. Dr. Ephraim Amu also devoted time to learn to play and construct Akan musical instruments like seprewa, atenteben, fontomfrom, and odurugya as well as Ewe musical instruments such as tumpani. His musical prowess began unravelling in 1926 when he started what has been termed as ''Cultural Renaissance'' when he translated Presbyterian Hymns into local languages especially Twi and Ewe after realising that the indigeneous members of his congregation could not singing along the hymns.In 1933, an introduction of the Study of African Rhythms in the educational system popularly became known as ''Twenty-Five African Songs. Then in 1949, Dr. Amu established and directed what is now the National Academy of Music, at Achimota. Significantly, this school as well as cllege were transferred from Achimota to form the nucleus of the Kumasi College of Arts, Science and Technology in 1952. Consequent to a memorandum he submitted to the then Prime Ministerof Ghana, the late Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, another music school was established as part of the Institute of African Studies at the University of Ghana (now International Music Centre). Tata Amu's awards/honours for his lifetime achievements included;Saturday 27 March 1965, the first ever Doctor of Music degree by University of Ghana, 1976; an Honorary Doctorate degree in recognition of his outstanding services to KNUST and Ghana. In 1972 Dr. Amu was given the Grand Medal of the Republic of Ghana posthumously by NLC govt of 1966 to 1969, an award and citation by the Arts Council of Ghana in 1972, January 1973, he was made a member of the Order of the Volta by the NRC govt of I.K. Acheampong, National award of ¢500.00 cum citattion for contributions towards development of Ghanaian art and culture in 1976 as well as the International Music Council awarding him the UNESCO Music Prize in Bratislava. He also celebrated his 95th birthday at the National Threater in Accra, a great honour. Among other awards he got were the Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences posthumously instituting the "Ephraim Amu Memoria l Lectures" 1998, incorporation of the "Ephraim Amu Foundation" to fulfil vision for the promotion of music making in Ghana, building a fitting concert hall in his honour at Peki Avetile, and preserving, producing, promoting, protection and marketing the rights to Dr. Amu's works 2003. More recently, the Government has engraved his effigy on the new twenty thousand cedi note (the highest denomination), a first ever for a musician in Ghana.The ardent believer of the power of music gave up his ghost on Monday January 2, 1995 at the ripe age of 96 years in his sleep in his house at Peki Avetile and was buried in a graveyard at the forecourt of House at Peki Avetile according to his wishes. Reflecting his simple way of life even at death, Dr. Amu prepared his own funeral programme which included a short life history for his internment service and a wish to be buried immediately after his death at the forecourt of house. the room in whic h he was laid in state was equally refllective of his simple way of life. His corpse was dressed in ''adwene asa kente'' cloth over a white jumper with his palms resting on two white handkerchiefs. In his memory, all national flags were hoisted at half mast on the Saturday of his funeral. Tata Amu would forever stand tall in the memory of Ghanaians and Pan Africanists for the pride, honour and dignity he so admirably dedicated his long life to attaining for the African in particular and humanity in general. Though he has been dead and gone for nearly ten years, his patriotic compositions particularly yen are asase ni (this land is ours) often hailed as the "unofficial national anthem" continues to inspire and kindle nationalism in Ghanaians daily as the closing song for Ghana Television (GTV).

PS:

Authentically researched profile and biography of this Ghanaian eminent personality and cultural icon Dr. Ephraim Amu I wrote and was first published in The Leading Magazine on Ghana- Ghana Review International (GRi) – Ghana: Travel and Tourism 2004 – Issue No.108 pages 71-72 http://www.ghanareview.com/

Fact about men inside women

This is very interesting fact about men and women that would astonish you. Believe it or not: Woman has Man in it; Mrs. has Mr . in it; Female has Male in it; She has He in it; Madam has Adam in it; No wonder men always want to be inside women! Men were born between the legs of a woman, yet men spend all their life and time trying to go back between the legs of a woman.... Why? BECAUSE THERE IS NO PLACE LIKE HOME Okay, Okay, it all makes sense now... I never looked at it this way before: MENtal illness MENstrual cramps MENtal breakdown MENopause AND .. When we have REAL trouble, it's a HIS terectomy. Ever notice how all of women's problems start with MEN?

Is tithing still relevant in our days?

There is an ongoing debate as to whether Christians are obliged to pay a tenth of their income as tithes. Some people including Christians view the practice as having outlived its usefulness and went away with the Old Testament and therefore could be called “a spiritual 419” being orchestrated by churches that still mandate its collection from their members. It is thought tithe has outlived its usefulness. The reason being that the origin of tithing it is believed was to do with the need to make provision for the Family of Levi who were made priests without land for cultivation. Hence the Levites had no inheritance when the Israelis returned from bondage in Egypt. Ten percent each of the other eleven tribes of Israel was therefore to be apportioned to carter for the needs of the Levites who dedicated all their efforts and time serving and doing the things of God. Today, however priests work and earn very huge income so is necessary for them to continue to tax each church member extra ten percent to take care of their needs?

Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness

A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him. When the class began, he wordlessly picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls. He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was.

The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls. He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was. The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else. He asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with a unanimous 'yes’. The professor then produced two cups of coffee from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar effectively filling the empty space between the sand. The students laughed. 'Now,' said the professor as the laughter subsided, 'I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. The golf balls are the important things--God, your family, your children, your health, your friends and your favourite passions---and if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full. The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, your house and your car. The sand is everything else---the small stuff. 'If you put the sand into the jar first,' he continued, 'there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls. The same goes for life. If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff you will never have room for the things that are important to you. 'Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness. Spend time with God. Spend time with your children. Spend time with your parents. Visit with grandparents. Take time to get medical checkups. Take your spouse out to dinner. Play another 18. There will always be time to clean the house and fix the disposal. Take care of the golf balls first---the things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand. 'One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the coffee represented. The professor smiled and said, 'I'm glad you asked.' The coffee just shows you that no matter how full your life may seem, there's always room for a couple of cups of coffee with a friend. When things in your life seem almost too much to handle, when 24hours in a day are not enough, remember the mayonnaise jar and the 2cups of coffee.

Contest of Manifestoes in Ghana'08 Polls

As election 2008 in Ghana draws near, the battle to capture the hearts and minds of Ghanaians rages on largely between CPP, NPP & NDC both at home and internationally. To help make your choice easier for you if you choose to base your decision on the promises made in their various manifestoes, I have attempted to outline their agenda for you. By the way, a manifesto is a public written declaration of principles, policies, and objectives, especially one issued by a political movement or candidate. Below is the summary of the manifestoes of the arguably the three strongest political parties going into the December 7, 2008 general polls. Please make time to read them carefully so as to make the right judgment when called upon to do so in the coming days.

CPP MANIFESTO Ninety-six page manifesto with the theme: "New Dawn. New Vision" It focuses on four thematic areas: · Social policy · Economic policy · Responsive governance · International relations. Priority areas: •Improvements in public and community safety. •Free basic education up to secondary school. •Creating an attractive environment for both domestic and foreign investment to flourish. •Access to modern, decent and affordable accommodation. •Access to essential social services such as water, electricity and sanitation irrespective of income. •To combat infant mortality, eradicate malaria, and tackle HIV/AIDS, with everyone having free access to modern standards of healthcare regardless of means. NPP MANIFESTO Sixty-four page manifesto with the theme "Moving Forward". "The goal is to get to a first class country and be able to stand with other nations with dignity." It will also submit, within 100 days in power, the Northern Affirmation Bill to parliament to promote and speed up the development process in the three northern regions. It focuses on four thematic areas: · Strengthening the country's democracy. · Structural transformation of the economy and industrialization. · Regional and continental integration. · Modernization of the Ghanaian society. Priority Areas: • Strengthening the NHIS and investing in sanitation. •Transforming the North. • Making secondary education free and putting the teacher at the centre of our education. • Expanding the National Youth Employment Programme to cover 500 thousand people. • Doubling the police force to protect people. • Providing retirement security through housing and other benefits. NDC MANIFESTO 97-page manifesto dubbed "A Better Ghana: Investing in People, Jobs and the Economy". The first 100 days of an NDC government would establish a lean but effective and efficient government by cutting out ostentation and profligate expenditure; rationalizing ministries and ministerial appointments; and promoting service, humility and integrity as cannons of government. It focuses on four thematic areas: · Transparent and accountable governance. · Building a stronger economy for real jobs · Investing in people. · Expanding infrastructure for economic growth. Priority Areas: •Initiate democratic stakeholders’ discussion on the functions of parliament to develop firm proposals for reforming the legislature. •A middle-income economy that registers in the lives, livelihoods and incomes of ordinary people by the year 2020 •Human settlement policy and strategy for urban development. •Slum upgrading and rural housing. •Sustaining water and sanitation infrastructure and transportation •Science and technology for development

Now do you have time?

I knelt to pray but not for long, I had too much to do. I had to hurry and get to work For bills would soon be due. So I knelt and said a hurried prayer, And jumped up off my knees. My Christian duty was now done My soul could rest at ease..... All day long I had no time To spread a word of cheer No time to speak of Christ to friends, They'd laugh at me I'd fear. No time, no time, too much to do, That was my constant cry No time to give to souls in need But at last the time, the time to die. I went before the Lord, I came, I stood with downcast eyes. For in his hands God! held a book; I t was the book of life. God looked into his book and said Your name I cannot find I once was going to write it down... But never found the time' Now do you have the time to pass it on? Too bad that the person who wrote this did not; Know at least ten people who would admit to knowing the Lord

Black Stars poise to top qualifying group

Opinions, they say, are like noses, everyone has one especially when it comes to the issue of football in Ghana. All the twenty-two million Ghanaians are known to be coaches expressing preferences over one player to the other featuring in any particular match. When it comes to international competitions, Ghanaians are noted for their mathematics. The statistics come to the fore when qualification to the next stage of the competition or tournament is indeterminate. The national teams are especially found in this situation often because those in charge fail to put in place adequate preparation either due to ineptitude or sheer negligence. And because nobody is held accountable for their stewardship over national assignments, the people put in charge walk away scot free and even delude themselves of false achievements. Ghana is once again at the crossroads in the ongoing CAF/FIFA 2010 World Cup (WC) and African Cup of Nations (CAN); South Africa 2010 and Angola 2010. This weekend (10-12 October 2008) will witness the ultimate matches played across the breadth and length of the African continent to decide which nations progress to the next phase of the competition. Usually considering the opponents in Ghana’s group, Libya, Gabon, and Lesotho, Ghana should not by now being relying on the result from Libreville where Gabon face it out with Libya. We should have qualified with a match to spare like Benin which does not even come near Ghana in terms of football pedigree. I am not a prophet of doom but it would be better if we fail to qualify so that Nyantakyi's GFA should leave office. Unfortunately, any forceful removal from office would attract FIFA warnings and later punishment. If the Black Stars qualify now to the next stage and even to the CAN and WC, it may look as if the current GFA is very good. We may not see their incompetence and weak sides so it would be better we don't qualify. Look at how the whole of England felt when the team failed to qualify for Euro '08. Though it is very early, theirs is a revival in the English team as evidenced in their 4-1 demolition of their bogey side Croatia. Something of that nature should happen now to Ghana soccer to evoke revival because everything has gone down significantly. Irrespective of my feelings about the current crop of managers, I have the firmest confidence yet that by the last whistle on Saturday October 12, 2008, the Black Stars of will not just progress to the second phase of the competition, but rather emerge winners which will help ward off stiff opposition in the next grouping. My optimism stems from the fact that Gabon also badly needs a win to advance to the subsequent round and this alone will serve as enough motivation for them to win. At the same time, the opposition from the Greens of Libya would be so keen that many goals are not likely to be conceded on either side. Fortunately, for the Black Stars of Ghana, their opponents, the Crocodiles of Lesotho can be described as the whipping boys of the group hence on a good day, a determined and purposeful attacking team should be able to score descent and reasonable goals at home. The expectation, all things being equal, is that the Black Stars in their usual element must proceed to the second phase along with Gabon after Saturday’s round of matches. Good luck to better teams and better preparation for the losers next time ahead. I assure you that there will be no disappointment this time and so you can even start your jubilation on Friday ahead of Saturday kick off in Sekondi. Caution though, do not over indulge.

Monday 13th October 2008

I got it all right. My prediction came true. Black Stars topped Group 5 of the 2010 joint World Cup/African Cup of Nations qualifying series played at Essipong Sports Stadium in Sekondi, Ghana. See the scores and the final standings League Table below:

Ghana Black Stars 3 - Lesotho Crocodiles 0

Gabon 1 - Libya 0

Team MP W D L GF GA Pts

Ghana 6 4 0 2 11 5 12

Gabon 6 4 0 2 8 3 12

Libya 6 4 0 2 7 4 12

Lesotho 6 0 0 6 2 16 0

The proverbs quiz

A proverb is a short popular saying of unknown authorship, expressing some general truth or superstition embodying commonly held ideas and beliefs. Proverbs are found in most cultures, and are often very ancient. Proverbs are part of every spoken language and folk literature, originating in oral tradition. Often a proverb is found with variations in many different parts of the world. Literate societies dating to the ancient Egyptians have collected proverbs. It was in this vein that some Nigerians decided to find out how abreast the citizenry were with common English proverbs. The organisers unfortunately forgot to realise that every African has a dual identity. The African is first a native of his African ethnic group and secondly an European via whichever language bequeathed by colonialism. Therefore, in whichever endeavour, the conception originates from the mother-tongue experience before they are expressed in foreign languages where and when applicable. Hence in this proverb contest in Nigeria, the contestants completely confounded organisers with their pretty intelligent responses. Here is what one of the contestants' responses were when asked to complete the following proverbs during the quiz show. Trust Nigerians as smart and aggressive people. They are practical and straightforward hitting the nail on the head. A rolling stone .......................Na person push am. A stitch in time......................Dey prevent further tear tear. Birds of the same feather.....Na the same mama born dem. One good turn.......................Na power steering be that. A bird in hand.......................Na Christmas chicken food be that. He who laughs last........ ......Na 'mumu'. Why him no catch the joke at the

first time and laugh when others dey laugh? The patient dog...................Na hunger go kill am.

If the bird does not fly.........Na it dey standstill

What will be the score? Grade here [………………………………….]

Ghana Redesignates job titles

The Labour Department of the Ministry of Manpower, Youth, and Employment of Ghana is to introduce 'new job titles' to remove inferiority complex and stereotypes associated with these positions so that workers could gain their self-confidence and feel comfortable with their professional titles. The change is also aimed at making the titles more gender-neutral to reflect current global trends following the Beijing conference in 1990 which sought to empower women. So far they have polished fifteen. These are: 1. Garden Boy ----------------Landscape Executive and Animal Nutritionist 2. House Maid /House Boy- ---Domestic Operations Specialist 3. Typist - --------------------Printed Document Handler 4. Messenger - ----------------Regional Business Communications Conveyer 5. Window Cleaner ------------Transparent Wall Technician 6. Temporary Teacher - -------Associate Tutor 7. Tea Boy - -------------------Refreshments Overseer 8. Garbage/Refuse Collector - -Public Sanitation Technician 9. Watchman/ Securityman - -Area Theft Prevention and Surveillance Officer 10. Thief ---------------------Wealth Redistribution Officer 11. Driver --------------------Automobile Propulsion Specialist 12. Receptionist --------------Office Access Control Specialist 13. Cook ----------------------Food Technician and Preparation Officer 14. Hairdresser----------------Cosmetology Consultant 15. Tailor/Seamstress---------Fashion Designer

Don't try to sneak in on your partner

A couple was invited to a masked/masquerade costume (ankoss/kakamotobi) party. The wife got a terrible headache and told her husband to go to the party alone. He, being a devoted husband, protested, but she argued and said she was going to take some aspirin and go to bed, and there was no need for his good time to be spoiled by not going. So he took his Batman costume (mask) and away he went. The wife, after sleeping soundly for about an hour, awakened without pain, and, as it was still early, decided to go to the party. In as much as her husband did not know what her costume was, she thought she would have some fun by watching her husband to see how he acted when he was not with her. She put on a Goldilocks costume (mask). So she joined the party and soon spotted her husband enjoying himself on the dance floor, dancing with every nice woman. He cuddled and occasionally gave a little kiss here and there. His wife went up to him and being a rather seductive woman herself, her husband left his new partner and devoted his time to her. She let him go as far as he wished, naturally, since he was her husband. After some more drink, he finally whispered a little proposition in her ear and she agreed, so off they went to one of the cars and had quick sex in the back seat. She slipped away before unmasking herself or her husband and went home and put her costume (mask) away and got into bed, wondering what kind of explanation he would make up for his outrageous behaviour. She was sitting up reading when he came in, so she asked what kind of time he had. "Oh, the same old thing. You know I never have a good time when you’re not there. ”Then she asked, "Did you dance much?" He replied, "I tell you what, I never even danced once. When I got there, I met Pete, Bill Brown and some other guys, so we went into the spare room and played darts all evening." "You must have looked really silly wearing that Batman costume playing darts all night!" she said with unashamed sarcasm. To which the husband replied, actually, I gave my Batman costume to your Dad who seemed to have had a jolly good time on the dance floor. I am told that he was seen by Frank taking a prostitute in a Goldilocks outfit out for a few minutes. Don’t ask me what they did; you know your dad still wants to behave like a kid. The question is: was it dad that she had slept with believing it was her husband or her husband who made up the story. The moral of the story is don't try to sneak up on your partner because it was terrible in the end for her conscience.

Milking NHIS dry and bankrupt

Introduction The malfeasance, corruption and maladministration bedeviling the operations of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) continue unabated. The technique adopted by some health officials is hurting the NHIS’ finances so badly and leaking away millions of new Ghana Cedis to line up pockets of these nation wreckers. In fact the very survival of the scheme is under threat and public especially the over eleven million subscribers’ confidence in the scheme is seriously dinted. Abuse and Naked Corruption This time the culprits are not the NHIS administrators but health officials. According to information received from a reliable source in the Brong Ahafo Region the new method being employed by the officials are milking the NHIS bankrupt and if not checked immediately, would result in its imminent doom. Field monitors discovered in the Nkoranza District (paradoxically it is where NHIS started in Ghana) that the review system and types of health problems were being inflated thrice. A member of the Field Monitoring team sent out to verify returns by the health centres told yours truly that there were unusually high review cases which aroused suspicions. No figures were provided but the numbers involved were quite substantial. Upon “ground truthing” missions to the residences of the subscribers/patients in question, it established an abuse by healthcare providers. What was being done was that officials surreptitiously recorded three visits by NHIS subscribers. The audit found that the abuse was based on the principle that each subscriber is allowed up to two reviews after initial visit to a health care provider. Many subscribers were fully cured after the initial visits and never went back for a follow up. Sensing a loophole, some providers recorded themselves review visits on subscribers cards with the intention of creaming away the difference derived from their claims. Another aspect of the malfeasance being perpetuated has to do with the type of illnesses reported to health centres. Nkoranza being predominantly peasant farming district, health centres reported so many panga cuts or 'accidents' as health incidents. Further follow ups to the subscribers/patients again failed to reveal any scars or even explicit admission of any kind of medical treatment over last six months or more. Most of the subscribers are said to have expressed shock at the news of their injury and 'strange' visits to hospitals for treatment. Measures Armed with this fact, the Nkoranza District Mutual Insurance Scheme instituted investigations at the affected health centres where the culprits have since been expelled. The scheme also refused to pay review and panga cuts visits claims. Recommendations · “Ground thruthing” exercise should be extended to cover the whole country with extended mandate · The culprits identified including those found by the Auditor General’s report for the period January 2005 to September 2005"and dismissed should be prosecuted to serve as deterrent to would-be perpetuators. [CJA charged government to act on NHIS Report]. · Administrators of NHIS should consider Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) to incorporate all current public and preventive medicine approaches such as immunizations, maternal and child health into an active health promotion effort. · A Medical Intelligence Unit should be established to assess the national health and predict emerging disease patterns, yearly physical examinations for the detection of early silent disease like hypertension, diabetes and cancer. [PNC to review implementation of NHIS] · There must be rigorous and unscheduled audits of claims and payments made on and by NHIS to keep stakeholders confident and certain future of the scheme. · The drug list should be published at the point of delivery especially within the public health institutions to allow subscribers the opportunity to satisfy themselves whether prescriptions are on the exempt or not. · Procurement procedure should not just be followed by closely monitored as it is well known across the globe that is a major source of leakage in many institutions where figures are either under or overstated. [Billions Looted At NHIS]

United Nations Online Course on "International Players in Public Finance and Debt Management" (October 20 to November 21, 2008)

The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) is pleased to announce its e-Learning Course on "International Players in Public Finance and Debt Management" which will be conducted from October 20 to November 21, 2008. UNITAR offers this course as a FREE course with limited slots. Priority will be given to finance-sector officials from government institutions from developing countries. The course aims at developing awareness and understanding of organizations which operate internationally as well as regionally in dealing with finance and debt management issues through short case studies, group discussions, expert input and peer-to-peer contacts. Using an approach grounded in institutional analysis and political economy, the course gives participants a thorough understanding of the institutional structure, purpose and functions of these different institutions together with their achievements and latest initiatives. UNITAR should be most grateful if you would draw the attention of your colleagues and other interested parties to this course. Course Title: International Players in Public Finance and Debt Management Course Dates: October 20 to November 21, 2008 Course Outline: Week I: The World Bank Group and the International Monetary Fund Week II: Bank of International Settlements (BIS) and the Organisation of Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Week III: United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) and the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) Week IV: United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Week V: Course completion and wrap-up Registration procedure, comments from past participants and other course details can be viewed from our website at: http://www.unitar.org/pft/elearning As you may already know, UNITAR courses are based on a decade-long experience in public debt management training. Over the past five years, thousands of finance-sector and trade officials have already benefited from our e-Learning courses. Thank you for your indulgence in this regard.

Yours sincerely, The e-Learning Team United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) Public Finance and Trade Programme Geneva, Switzerland

Learn the language of HIV/AIDS

Introduction Good communication on HIV/AIDS requires everyone to understand the facts about HIV/AIDS. It is also crucial to ensure that the language use in relating HIV/AIDS stories is accurate. This is to get across to the audiences in ways they can understand. Stigma, prejudices, fear, and misconceptions surrounding HIV/AIDS are only too abundant. The language we use to conceptualize and talk about HIV/AIDS reflects our personal biases and particular understanding or lack of understanding. At the same time, this language also helps shape our own and others’ attitudes about HIV/AIDS. One cannot overemphasize therefore the ethical importance in using appropriate language on HIV/AIDS discourses. Appropriate language is constructive, does not fuel stereotypes, and does not cause prejudice. There are three main points to consider about language: (a) HIV/AIDS terminology fluency It is essential to use language appropriate to one’s audience. The use of language is not just the question of whether to use a local dialect, but how to phrase concepts, and what type of vocabulary to use. To find the appropriate language, we need to build our understanding of the audience and to become ‘fluent’ in HIV/AIDS terminology. (b) Neutral and non-sensitive Language has strong influence on attitudes towards HIV/AIDS and people affected by HIV/AIDS. It can be damaging or it can be non-judgmental, positive, and constructive. Good communication of HIV/AIDS uses neutral, gender-sensitive language. (c) Translate terminology HIV/AIDS involves highly technical terminology. It is imperative to ‘translate’ this terminology into ideas and terms that their audiences can readily understand. It is also crucial to ensure that the language used is accurate. Language to avoid and recommended AIDS scourge/plague: These imply that HIV/AIDS cannot be controlled. These are sensationalist terms which can fuel panic, discrimination, and hopelessness. Instead say HIV epidemic/pandemic. AIDS Test: This does not exist. AIDS is diagnosed according to specific medical criteria that identify the symptoms of AIDS. Instead HIV Test is conducted to determine whether a person has HIV or not. These tests look for antibodies to HIV present in a person’s blood. To catch AIDS: AIDS cannot be caught or transmitted. People can become infected with HIV or to become infected with HIV. Transmission of HIV is also correct, but it puts the emphasis on whom and how the virus is transmitted. Very often, individuals with HIV do not know when they became infected with HIV so specialists in the HIV/AIDS field suggest not dwelling on this rather say to contract HIV or to become HIV-positive. AIDS sufferer: Many people with HIV/AIDS can have relatively good health for years. They can lead happy lives so refer to them as HIV-positive persons. AIDS victim: Victim suggests that the person is powerless. It is best to call then person living with HIV or person living with HIV/AIDS, or person living with AIDS. Innocent victim: Nobody chooses to have HIV. ‘Victim’ and ‘innocent’ suggest that there is someone who is guilty. Speak of them as person with HIV or person with HIV/AIDS, or person with AIDS. Safe sex: No sex with a partner is ever completely risk-free, even when using a condom which can greatly reduce but never fully eliminate the risk. Instead emphasize safer sex. Promiscuous: This is accusatory and derogatory rather say having multiple partners. Prostitute: This is a derogatory, insulting, value-laden word instead say sex worker, or commercial sex worker. Drug abuser/addict: Many people who use drugs consider that they are in control of their use of drugs and that they are not abusing them and are not addicted to them. Calling them abusers or addicts alienates them which serves no good purpose. It is the act of injecting with a contaminated needle, not the use itself that can transmit HIV. It is preferable to call them intravenous drug user. Homosexual: It is not appropriate in the African context. This is a Western idea of one’s identity. In different regions of the world, men who have sex with men do not necessarily have a gay or homosexual identity. They are men who have sex with men. To die of AIDS: AIDS is not a disease. It is a syndrome or a group of illnesses resulting from a weakening of the immune system. This weakening is caused by HIV and opens the body to ‘opportunistic’ diseases. That is illnesses that take advantage of weak immunity. It is preferable to speak of to die of a specific illness such as tuberculosis or cancer or to die of an AIDS-related illness. credit: African Women Media Centre

Fear

‘Hurt’ portrait by Jonesy- Pencil

FEAR

Invade me now, my ruthless friend,

And make me cower in the dark

Remind me that I’m all alone

And draw upon my face your mark.

How is it that you capture me,

When all my thoughts deny your force?

Is it the reptile in my brain

That lets your terror run its course?

Baseless fear undoes us all

Despite our quest for lofty goals.

We would-be Galahads don’t die,

Fear just freezes all our souls.

It keeps us mute when feeling love,

Reminding us what we might lose.

And if by chance we meet success,

Fear tells us which safe route to choose.

Source: Rama Revealed p.30

By Arthur C. Clarke & Gentry Lee

(Bantam Spectra books)

Human Resource Planning

Definition

Human Resource Planning (HRP) is the process of anticipating and making provision for the movement of people into, within, and out of an organization.

Purpose

The purpose of Human Resource Planning (HRP) is to deploy human resources as effectively as possible, where and when they are needed in order to achieve organizational goals. (Bohlander, Snell, & Sherman, 2001. p. 122).

Reasons for Human Resource Planning

The major reasons for planning formally for human resources are to achieve:

(a) More effective and efficient use of people at work. Without advance planning, an organization is not likely to do recruitment, selection and training of employees effectively. Similarly, without advance planning, an organization is not likely to use the human resources it has efficiently. Without Human Resource Planning, an organization can find itself having more employees in a particular area than it needs while having fewer than needed in other areas.

(b) More satisfied and better developed employees. Human resources planning gives a better chance to employees to participate in planning their own careers, and also in training and development. Advance planning also gives employees a better chance to utilize their talents. Employees are more likely to have greater satisfaction with their jobs, and there will be lower absenteeism, lower turnover, fewer accidents, and higher quality of work.

(c) More effective equal employment opportunity (EEO) planning. Advance planning enables the organization to take EEO requirements into account in making recruitments, selection, training and development. Without advance planning, an organization can be violating EEO requirements without knowing.