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Spatial and Cultural Ramifications of HIV and AIDS

Abstract title:  
Spatial and Cultural Ramifications of HIV/AIDS in Manya Krobo District of Ghana  
Author:  
K.O.Y. Gyabaah  
Institute:  
Department of Geography and Resource Development, University of Ghana, Legon (Accra). This thesis is submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the award of M.Phil degree (June 2005).  
Background:
The focus of the study is an examination of the magnitude of the HIV/AIDS problem in Manya Krobo with reference to the extent of spatial, cultural and socio-economic factors affecting the spread. The chosen area, the Manya Krobo District of Ghana, is one with very high prevalence of HIV/AIDS. Since the identification of the problem of HIV/AIDS in the district, most studies have linked the disease to poverty and mobility patterns of the people. None of these studies have examined the direct link between HIV/AIDS and culture in the district. Thus the studies that contribute to the cultural dimensions of the disease should be encouraged. Methods:
This study used a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods at individual, household, community and clinical levels. It addressed a number of questions like spatial and cultural milieu in which AIDS prevail, the relationship between premarital sex after puberty initiation rite and risk of HIV infection, relationship between migration and HIV vulnerability, and other factors affecting HIV/AIDS infection. Objective was to determine the cultural ramifications of HIV/AIDS specifically to determine patterns and trends by age, sex and geographical variations, examine the socio-economic, historical and cultural factors, and assess the levels of interventions and constraints at place. The propositions used were that there is a positive relationship between premarital sex and HIV/AIDS transmission, and tender age at which puberty rite was performed (Huber, 1993; Teyegaga, 1985) encourages premarital sex hence exposure to risk of HIV.  
Results:
The thesis has increased knowledge tremendously on spatial dimensions of the disease and is a great contribution to scholarship on Geography of Health in general and prevalence/incidence of diseases in particular. Spatially, there are significant differences in patterns of HIV/AIDS infection by current place of residence i.e. urban/rural, ethnic group, age, education and occupation. The study found that aspects of some centuries-old traditional practices could produce vulnerability situations for HIV infection through early and premarital sex as well as cohabitation and multiple sexual activities. Such practices included "yesodofiermi", “dipo” (puberty rite), “fiaa” (dowry), “la pomi” (cohabitation), “yalɔ–gba” (levirate), “kaduba fiame” (corpse treatment), and “wamzam” (circumcision). "Yesodofiermi" produces social inferiority relationship for women, which leaves them economically weak and vulnerable to HIV. Another worrying aspect of the findings was that many respondents were not in recognized marriage but co-habiting (lapomi), divorced or widowed. “La pomi” often results from exorbitant dowry (‘fiaa’) demanded by parents of the bride. With current economic difficulties such ‘la pomi’ mothers, mostly single parents, are driven to engage in social vices like multiple sexual relations which expose them to acquiring HIV.  
Conclusions:
The major conclusion is that though socio-economic factors are important in the spread of the disease in the area, they are to some extent shaped by certain deep-rooted cultural practices. Also, the ostensible socio-economic factors including poverty-prompted migration often blamed for the high HIV prevalence documented in Manya Krobo district seem to be, to some extent, consequences of certain deep-rooted cultural practices. Significantly, HIV/AIDS stigma appeared to be a perception than reality with orphans supported through Family Net System (FNS). Thus strategies to expand HIV/AIDS control programmes in the District must incorporate the cultural dimension.

Meet the man who changed Ghana's Destiny

He has been described severally. He is most of all without doubt a visionary of the highest order and 'Father of Ghana cocoa. Tetteh Quarshie's travels to Fernando Po (now Bioko in today's Equatorial Guinea), was to transform the economy of then Gold Coast (now Ghana) with his introduction of cocoa beans on his return. Hitherto, palm-oil and rubber were the main staple industries in Ghana. He thus began the process of changing Ghana's economic destiny among league of progressive and civilised nations. Most development in the country to date are attributable to the massive injection of cocoa money.

Tetteh Quarshie was born in 1842 to a farmer from Teshie known as Mlekuboi. His mother was known as Ashong-Fio from Labadi, both hailing from the Ga-Dangme ethnic group. Tetteh Quarshie served as an apprentice in a Blacksmith's shop at Akropong belonging to the Basel Missionaries. Due to his hardwork he soon became a Master blacksmith. Tetteh Quarshie was in fact the first blacksmith to be established at Akwapim-Mampong. His hobby was farming. In 1870, Tetteh Quarshie undertook a voyage to Fernando Po (Bioko in Equatorial Guinea). About six years later he returned to Ghana with several cocoa beans (the Amelonado) and made history.

Cocoa is the dried and fully fermented fatty seed of the cacao tree from which chocolate is made. The cacao plant was first given its botanical name by a natural scientist Carolus Linnaeus in his original classification of the plant kingdom, who called it Theobroma ("food of the gods") cacao. Cacao trees will grow in a limited geographical zone, of approximately 20 degrees to the north and south of the Equator. Nearly 70% of the world crop is grown in West Africa."Cocoa" can often also refer to the drink commonly known as hot chocolate; cocoa powder, the dry powder made by grinding cocoa seeds and removing the cocoa butter from the dark, bitter cocoa solids; or it may refer to the combination of both cocoa powder and cocoa butter together. A cacao pod has a rough leathery rind about 3 cm thick (this varies with the origin and variety of pod). Chocolate and cocoa contain a high level of flavonoids, specifically epicatechin, which may have beneficial cardiovascular effects on health. The ingestion of flavonol-rich cocoa is associated with acute elevation of circulating nitric oxide, enhanced flow-mediated vasodilation, and augmented microcirculation.

At this point we must ask ourselves, was Tetteh Quarshie really the first person to introduce cocoa to Ghana? This very question was asked during the administration of Sir Gordon Guggisberg, the British Governor of the Gold Coast from 1919-1927. Sir William Brandford Griffith (Governor of the Gold Coast in 1880 and 1885) claimed it was his father, Sir W. Brandford Griffith who deserved that honor. The Basel Missionaries also claimed to have experimented with the cocoa beans in Ghana as noted in their diaries.

Sir Gordon Guggisberg decided to fully investigate the various claims. As noted in D.H. Simpson's "Gold Coast Men of Affairs," (p. 208); "Sir Gordon Guggisberg, who carefully went into the matter saw:

(1) that the fact that Government found it necessary many a time to institute inquiries is ipso facto proof that cocoa first found its way into the Gold Coast through a channel rather than Government's,

(2) that it was impossible that the Gold Coast Government could have failed to record or to give credit to such a distinguished personage as the late Governor Griffith if he were responsible for the introduction of cocoa into the colony,

(3) that it was not likely that such responsible Officers as Mr. Gerald C. Dudgeon, Superintendant of Agriculture, and the late Mr.W.S.D. Tudhope, Director of Agriculture, would report that cocoa was first brought into the Gold Coast by Tetteh Quarshie without exhaustive inquiry having been previously made -- a fact which is recognized by the Gold Coast Board of Education who have associated Tetteh Quarshie's name with cocoa."

In 1879 Tetteh Quarshie planted the seeds at Mampong with some success. Friends and relatives also undertook the planting of cocoa when pods were distributed to them. Soon other farmers followed suit. It was only at this point that the Basel Missionaries stepped into the picture by importing large quantities of the crop into the country. From the Gold Coast (Ghana) cocoa beans or cuttings were sent to other countries like Nigeria and Sierra leone. The export of cocoa from Ghana began in 1891, the official exported in 1893 (two bags exported). Ghana once provided almost half of world output. Between 1910 and 1980 Ghana was the world's largest exporter. This position was ceded due to bush fires etc. However ghana's cocoa is still of the higest quality and the country earns hundreds of millions of dollars annually from the export of the beans and processed materials.

Tetteh Quarshie "kicked the bucket" on Christmas Day of 1892. A great soul had gone to rest. His relatives made a petition to the Gold Coast Government on February 25th, 1925 for a grant for the upkeep of some of Tetteh Quarshie's relatives. The then Ghanaian Vice-Principal of Achimota College, Dr. J.E.K. Aggrey strenously took up the appeal. His friend, Sir Gordon Guggisberg set up the Tetteh Quarshie Memorial Scholarship at Achimota College. Other honors were bestowed on him. Another petition was made in 1927 and the Government gave a sum of only 250 pounds, although Nana Sir Ofori Atta, speaking in the Legislative Council asked for 2,500 pounds, supported by Kojo Thompson.As the late Ghanaian Lawyer and Anthropologist, Dr. Isaac Ephson says in his "Gallery of Gold Coast Celebrities," (p. 64)".

This took the form of a more enduring memorial, which was set up at Achimota in honour of the pioneer of Ghana's staple crop and the principal bulwark of the country's economy. The memorial is Tetteh Quarshie House. And since Independence (1957) the Government of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah after petitions from Dr. J.B. Danquah and the Eastern Region House of Chiefs, has built a first class hospital and fittingly named it after him at Mampong-Akwapim - TETTEH QUARSHIE MEMORIAL HOSPITAL.

credit:GHP

Your birthday tree and personality trait (2)

Almost everyday we describe and assess the personalities of the people around us. personality is made up the characteristic patterns of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that make a person unique which arises from within the individual and remains fairly consistent throughout life. There are a number of different theories about how personality develops. These theories suggest that there are a limited number of "personality types" which are related to biological influences.

Birth date is one great biological and supernatural influence that determines traits. They are called birth trees based on one's date of birth. Find out your tree and learn about your personality trait. Please remember to locate your tree from Your Apple Tree and birthday connection (1) first.

TREES (in alphabetical order) 1. Apple Tree (Love)

Quiet and shy at times, lots of charm, appeal, and attraction, pleasant attitude, flirtatious smile, adventurous, sensitive, loyal in love, wants to love and be loved, faithful and tender partner, very generous, many talents, loves children, needs affectionate partner.

2. Ash Tree (Ambition)

Extremely attractive, vivacious, impulsive, demanding, does not care for criticism, ambitious, intelligent, talented, likes to play with fate, can be very egotistic, reliable, restless lover, sometimes money rules over the heart, demands attention, needs love and much emotional support.

3. Beech Tree (Creative)

Has good taste, concerned about its looks, materialistic, good organization of life and career, economical, good leader, takes no unnecessary risks, reasonable, splendid lifetime companion, keen on keeping fit (diets, sports, etc.).

4. Birch Tree (Inspiration)

Vivacious, attractive, elegant,friendly, unpretentious, modest, does not like anything in excess, abhors the vulgar, loves life in nature and in calm, not very passionate, full of imagination, little ambition, creates a calm and content atmosphere.

5. Cedar Tree (Confidence)

Of rare strength, knows how to adapt, likes unexpected presents, of good health, not in the least shy, tends to look down on others, self-confident, a great speaker, determined, often impatient, likes to impress others, has many talents, industrious, healthy optimism, waits for the one true love, able to make quick decisions.

6. Chestnut Tree (Honesty)

Of unusual stature, impressive, well-developed sense of justice, fun to be around, a planner, born diplomat, can be irritated easily, sensitive of others feelings, hard worker, sometimes acts superior, feels not understood at times, fiercely family oriented, very loyal in love, physically fit.

7. Cypress Tree (Faithfulness)

Strong, muscular, adaptable, takes what life has to give but doesn't necessarily like it, strives to be content, optimistic, wants to be financially independent, wants love and affection, hates loneliness, passionate lover which cannot be satisfied, faithful, quick-tempered at times, can be unruly and careless, loves to gain knowledge, needs to be needed.

8. Elm Tree (Noble-mindedness)

Pleasant shape, tasteful clothes, modest demands, tends not to forgive mistakes, cheerful, likes to lead but not to obey, honest and faithful partner, likes making decisions for others, noble-minded, generous, good sense of humor, practical.

9. Fig Tree (Sensibility)

Very strong minded, a bit self-willed, honest, loyal, independent, hates contradiction or arguments, hard worker when wants to be, loves life and friends, enjoys children and animals, sexually oriented, great sense of humor, has artistic talent and great intelligence.

10. Fir tree (Mysterious)

Extraordinary taste, handles stress well, loves anything beautiful, stubborn, tends to care for those close to them, hard to trust others, yet a social butterfly, likes idleness and laziness after long demanding hours at work, rather modest, talented, unselfish, many friends, very reliable.

11. Hazelnut Tree (Extraordinary)

Charming, sense of humor, very demanding but can also be very understanding, knows how to make a lasting impression, active fighter for social causes and politics, popular, quite moody, sexually oriented, honest, a perfectionist, has a precise sense of judgment and expects complete fairness.

12. Hornbeam Tree (Good Taste)

Of cool beauty, cares for its looks and condition, good taste, is not egoistic, makes life as comfortable as possible, leads a reasonable and disciplined life, looks for kindness and acknowledgment in an emotional partner, dreams of unusual lovers, is seldom happy with its feelings, mistrusts most people, is never sure of its decisions, very conscientious.

13. Lime Tree (Doubt)

Intelligent, hard working, accepts what life dishes out, but not before trying to change bad circumstances into good ones, hates fighting and stress, enjoys getaway vacations, may appear tough, but is actually soft and relenting, always willing to make sacrifices for family and friends, has many talents but not always enough time to use them, great leadership qualities, is jealous at times but extremely loyal.

14. Maple Tree (Independence of Mind)

No ordinary person, full of imagination and originality, shy and reserved, ambitious, proud, self-confident, hungers for new experiences, sometimes nervous, has many complexities, good memory, learns easily, complicated love life, wants to impress.

15. Oak Tree (Brave)

Robust nature, courageous, strong, unrelenting, independent, sensible, does not like change, keeps its feet on the ground, person of action.

16. Olive Tree (Wisdom)

Loves sun, warmth and kind feelings, reasonable, balanced, avoids aggression and violence, tolerant, cheerful, calm, well-developed sense of justice, sensitive, empathetic, free of jealousy, loves to read and the company of sophisticated people.

17. Pine Tree (Peacemaker)

Loves agreeable company, craves peace and harmony, loves to help others, active imagination, likes to write poetry, not fashion conscious, great compassion, friendly to all, falls strongly in love but will leave if betrayed or lied to, emotionally soft, low self esteem, needs affection and reassurance.

18. Poplar Tree (Uncertainty)

Looks very decorative, talented, not very self-confident, extremely courageous if necessary, needs goodwill and pleasant surroundings, very choosy, often lonely, great animosity, great artistic nature, good organizer, tends to lean toward philosophy, reliable in any situation, takes partnership seriously.

19. Rowan Tree (Sensitivity)

Full of charm, cheerful, gifted without egoism, likes to draw attention, loves life, motion, unrest, and even complications, is both dependent and independent, good taste, artistic, passionate, emotional, good company, does not forgive.

20. Walnut Tree (Passion)

Unrelenting, strange and full of contrasts, often egotistic, aggressive, noble, broad horizon, unexpected reactions, spontaneous, unlimited ambition, no flexibility, difficult and uncommon partner, not always liked but often admired, ingenious strategist, very jealous and passionate, no compromise.

21. Weeping Willow (Melancholy)

Likes to be stress free, loves family life, full of hopes and dreams, attractive, very empathetic, loves anything beautiful, musically inclined, loves to travel to exotic places, restless, capricious, honest, can be influenced but is not easy to live with when pressured, sometimes demanding, good intuition, suffers in love until they find that one loyal, steadfast partner; loves to make others laugh.

Your Apple Tree and birthday connection (1)

Find your birthday and then find your tree. This is really cool and somewhat accurate. Find your tree below and see what you are like... Almost everyday we describe and assess the personalities of the people around us. personality is made up the characteristic patterns of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that make a person unique which arises from within the individual and remains fairly consistent throughout life. There are a number of different theories about how personality develops. These theories suggest that there are a limited number of "personality types" which are related to biological influences. Birth date is one great biological and supernatural influence that determines traits. They are called birth trees based on one's date of birth. Find out your tree and learn about your personality trait. Please note that after finding your tree, you must read the meaning and your at Your birthday tree and personality trait (2). Jan 01 to Jan 11 - Fir Tree Jan 12 to Jan 24 - Elm Tree Jan 25 to Feb 03 - Cypress Tree Feb 04 to Feb 08 - Poplar Tree Feb 09 to Feb 18 - Cedar Tree Feb 19 to Feb 28 - Pine Tree Mar 01 to Mar 10 - Weeping Willow Tree Mar 11 to Mar 20 - Lime Tree Mar 21 (only) - Oak Tree Mar 22 to Mar 31 - Hazelnut Tree Apr 01 to Apr 10 - Rowan Tree Apr 11 to Apr 20 - Maple Tree Apr 21 to Apr 30 - Walnut Tree May 01 to May 14 - Poplar Tree May 15 to May 24 - Chestnut Tree May 25 to Jun 03 - Ash Tree Jun 04 to Jun 13 - Hornbeam Tree Jun 14 to Jun 23 - Fig Tree Jun 24 (only) - Birch Tree Jun 25 to Jul 04 - Apple Tree Jul 05 to Jul 14 - Fir Tree Jul 15 to Jul 25 - Elm Tree Jul 26 to Aug 04 - Cypress Tree Aug 05 to Aug 13 - Poplar Tree Aug 14 to Aug 23 - Cedar Tree Aug 24 to Sep 02 - Pine Tree Sep 03 to Sep 12 - Weeping Willow Tree Sep 13 to Sep 22 - Lime Tree Sep 23 (only) - Olive Tree Sep 24 to Oct 03 - Hazelnut Tree Oct 04 to Oct 13 - Rowan Tree Oct 14 to Oct 23 - Maple Tree Oct 24 to Nov 11 - Walnut Tree Nov 12 to Nov 21 - Chestnut Tree Nov 22 to Dec 01 - Ash Tree Dec 02 to Dec 11 - Hornbeam Tree Dec 12 to Dec 21 - Fig Tree Dec 22 (only) - Beech Tree Dec 23 to Jan 01 - Apple Tree

Discovery of new chemical element

This element has been in existence right from creation of the universe. In fact recent findings indicate that it was the last element to have been created. It is marked as having the quality or power of producing; yielding or furnishing results; as that which increases the number or amount of products.

WARNING !! Prolonged exposure to this element can cause severe financial hemorrgaging and mental distress so be cautious especially if you belong to the opposite pole. SIZE AND VOLUME Atomic mass: Accepted as 53.6 Kg. Isotopes: May vary from 40-200 kg. Height: 5feet, 5inches tall. Occurrence: Copious quantities in all urban areas. PHYSICAL PROPERTIES 1. Boils at room temperature 2. Freezes without any known reason. 3. Melts if given special treatment. 4. Bitter, if incorrectly used. 5. Sweet as Honey if given a proper treatment. CHEMICAL PROPERTIES 1. Have great affinity for Gold, Silver and a range of precious stones and absorbs great quantities of expensive substances. 2. May explode spontaneously without prior warning and for unknown cause 3. Insoluble in liquids, but activity greatly increases by that. 4. Most powerful money reducing agent known to man. TESTS 1. Pure specimen turns rosy pink when happy. 2. Turns green when placed behind a better specimen. POTENTIAL HAZARD Illegal to possess more than one, although several can be maintained at different locations as long as specimens do not come in direct contact with each other. IDENTITY Chemical Symbol: Wm Common name: Women Ratio: 51:49 Handling: Very slippery and vulnerable. Asset: Behind every successful man Liability: Thinks on the right side of the brain hence...... Greatest enemy: own kind

Twenty-one tenets to a blissful lifestyle

By living out otherwise these basic tenets of life, your life will improve but in accordance with the numbers habitually and dutifully observed.

1-4: Your life will improve slightly.

5-9: Your life will improve to your liking.

10-14: You will have at least 5 surprises in the next 3 weeks.

15 plus: Your life will improve drastically and everything you ever dreamed of will begin to take shape.

Live Well, Laugh Often, Love Much and apply the 21 steps below minute by minute.

ONE: Give people more than they expect and do it cheerfully.

TWO: Marry a man/woman you love to talk to. As you get older, their conversational skills will be as important as any other.

THREE: Don't believe all you hear, spend all you have or sleep all you want.

FOUR: When you say, "I love you," mean it.

FIVE: When you say, "I'm sorry," look the person in the eye.

SIX: Be engaged at least six months before you get married.

SEVEN: Believe in love at first sight.

EIGHT: Never laugh at anyone's dream. People who don't have dreams don't have much.

NINE: Love deeply and passionately. You might get hurt but it's the only way to live life completely.

TEN: In disagreements, fight fairly. No name calling.

ELEVEN: Don't judge people by their relatives.

TWELVE: Talk slowly but think quickly.

THIRTEEN: When someone asks you a question you don't want to answer, smile and ask, "Why do you want to know?"

FOURTEEN: Remember that great love and great achievements involve great risk.

FIFTEEN: Say "God bless you" when you hear someone sneeze.

SIXTEEN: When you lose, don't lose the lesson.

SEVENTEEN: Remember the three Rs: Respect for self; Respect for others; and responsibility for all your actions.

EIGHTEEN: Don't let a little dispute injure a great friendship.

NINETEEN:When you realize you've made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it.

TWENTY: Smile when picking up the phone. The caller will hear it in your voice.

TWENTY-ONE: Spend some time alone.

Candidates still big on promises, less on the 'How'

The second and last of the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) organised forum for 4 of the 8 presidential aspirants in Ghana December 7, 2008 election came off yesterday at Institute of Linguistics, Literary and Bible Translation (GILLBT) Training Centre in Tamale amidst heavy security presence. The four Presidential Candidates are Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo of New Patriotic Party (NPP); Dr. Paa Kwesi Nduom of Convention People's Party (CPP); Professor John Evans Atta Mills of National Democratic Congress (NDC) and Dr. Edward Mahama of People's National Convention (PNC). The Presidential Candidates were drilled during three sessions of questioning. In all, the candidates answered 13 questions on governance, human and social issues. It was on the theme: "Strengthening The Pillars of Ghana's Democracy."

I think yesterday's event was an improvement on the first one overall. I was however a little disappointed with the recalcitrant attitude of some people among the audience who refused to resume their seats even upon several promptings from the MC.

It is difficult to rate the performance of individual candidates considering that each had to answer the same question for all the 13 questions after others had given their responses. Mostly, they all seemed to agree on the magnitude of the burden ahead except how to deal with them. The candidates were as usual more on "promises", less on the "how". Take for instance the question of electing D/MCEs, which all the candidates think should be the case but none gave any firm commitment on when if given mandate would implement such a system. For me, this is one important issue that the moderators should have demanded firm time lines for action from the candidates rather than how many number of houses each has. That also brought to the fore how problematic asset declaration is going to be granted the secrecy aspect of prevailing law is amended. One recalls the cunning answer given by Paa Kwesi Nduom regarding one 'residential house' excluding commercial interests. How do we strengthen the institutions of state charged with oversight responsibility to verify the authenticity of claims or otherwise of assets declared. For me, President personally publicizing his possessions or properties would not be enough because it is somewhat populace or better still mere moral suasion without legal backing. We should not forget Dr. R.W. Anane's legal challenge against Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ). If we allow people to do out of their own free will, some will one day contest the legal basis of such a sysyem when the whip is raised against them either justly or otherwise. We must also be mindful of abuse against perceived opponents where courts of public opinion would be employed to destroy them such that people would accuse others and turn round to ask their victims to prove their innocence contrary to the legal position of the land.

Imaginative suggestions on conflict resolution were given in my opinion but I felt Dr. Mahama was unduly defensive and apprehensive although the question was on conflicts in certain parts of Ghana and not northern Ghana. It is this sort of insincere attitude on the part of stakeholders like Dr. Mahama that impinges negatively on the nation's ability to deal firm and constructively with the numerous conflicts bedeviling the country. Overall, I think 'we are here where we are' attitude must show the way so that the blame game will stop and leaders held accountable for their own period of stewardship rather unnecessarily comparisms with others and using medocrity standards to applaud themselves.

I suggest that going forward, such exercise should be limited to the two main political parties to be decided on number of votes garnered from the preceeding election to allow for real debate and not this charade. Secondly, follow up questions by moderators should follow from a candidate's response and not based on a rigid format where questions written down before the programme are asked irrespective of the leading answers. Further, where any candidate distort fact or published statistics, it must be pointed out by the moderators to make it more useful. What we have been witnessing is like a mother trying to spank the erring baby but at the same feeling pains of her labour. The current situation is certainly unacceptable. The organisers seem more interested in having the candidates participate and just say anything and get away with. We must be seen to be attaching more seriousness to the enterprise of debate if our ultimate goal is to help the voter make an uniformed and objective choice in the exercise of his/her franchise on voting day. Let's not spare the whip and spoil the child.

What do you need to be a McCain fan?

A teacher in Elmira , New York , who is a McCain supporter, asked her 4th grade class, 'How many of you are McCain fans?' Not really knowing what a McCain fan was, but Wanting to be liked by the teacher, all the kids raised their hands, except for Little Johnny. The teacher asked Little Johnny why he has decided to be different? Little Johnny said, 'Because I'm not a McCain fan.' The teacher asked, 'Why aren't you a McCain fan?' Little Johnny said, 'Because I'm a Democrat! The teacher asked him why he's a Democrat. Little Johnny answered, 'Well, my Mom's a Democrat and my Dad's a Democrat,so I'm a Democrat.' Annoyed by this answer, the teacher asked, 'If your mom was a Moron and your dad was an Idiot, what would that make you?' With a big smile, Little Johnny replied, 'That would make me a McCain fan.'

A glimpse of Ghana's Golden House

President John Kufuor of Ghana on Monday 10th November 2008 unveiled a presidential complex expected to serve both as office and official residence of the president and the vice president. The government announced the president's staff would be moving into the new complex today in preparation for President Kufuor's arrival before the end of his second term. And within it we have the Nkrumah heritage house, which is the old flagstaff house that housed the first president and his family and now has been turned into heritage, where we would exhibit some of the monuments and things that we used to have. The structure is built with the cooperation of the government and the people of India and Ghana government money.

The cost of the complex is yet unknown. The project was originally estimated to cost 36.9 million dollars but with the provision of added facilities to enhance external and internal security as advised by the Security Services, it is now expected to go up. It was undertaken with an Indian concessionary loan that has a 50 per cent grant element and an interest rate of 1.75 percent, repayable in 25 years, including a five-year moratorium. Indian contractors Shapoorji Pallonji undertook the project. The construction works started in 2006.

The executive complex has been named 'GOLDEN JUBILEE HOUSE'. The construction site which used to house the first president of Ghana from July 1, 1960 has been called Flagstaff House until this change. The name Golden Jubilee House has attracted mixed reactions from cross section of Ghanaians.

Do not be mistaken into thinking that the name 'Golden' has anything to do with the country's richest natural resource to date, gold, after which the country used to be called the Gold Coast. Or even the Asante kingdom's soul, the 'Golden Stool'. The edifice's name is to commemorate the nation's 50th independence anniversary. Ghana then Gold Coast is the first nation south of the sahara to gain her independence on March 7, 1957 from the Great Britain. Thus by March 7, 2007, the country attained her golden jubilee. Some people are of the view that the name is time bound and could become irrelevant very soon. They further argue that it is too long and might difficult be for majority of the nation's large illiterate population to pronounce or mention. For such people, to maintain the old name Flagstaff House would have been the best. Some others also suggest the name 'Gye Nyame House' (i.e. to wit literally translates as 'except God') while others prefer 'Black Star House'. I personally would have been overjoyed if the name 'Ghana Ahenfie' (i.e. to wit literally translates as 'Ghana's Palace'). So what name would you suggest for the executive complex or building? Let your views be heard afterall the present Ako Adjei Interchange used to be called Thomas Sankara Interchange by the previous government until the current administration decided to change it and name it after one of the 'Big Six'.

453 electoral flashpoints in Ghana's Western Region

The Deputy Western Regional Director of the Electoral Commission (EC), Mr Benjamin Bano-Bioh, said on Monday 10th November 2008 that a total of 453 electoral flash points have been identified in the Western Region. He was speaking at the Study Day of the Regional Election Security Task Force at Takoradi.

The Study Day formed part of Exercise Peace Angel, which is being undertaken by the National Election Security Task Force to create an enabling environment for the EC to conduct free and fair elections in December. Mr Bano-Bioh said the flash points were identified due to chieftaincy and land disputes, “galamsey” activities, problems at the borders, drug peddlers’ hideouts and unhealthy political rivalry. He said 145 difficult and inaccessible areas, which require special means of transport such as tractors, boats and motorbikes to reach have also been identified.

Mr Bano-Bioh said the EC, has a huge responsibility to ensure free, fair, transparent and incontrovertible elections as its contribution towards good governance. He said achieving free and fair elections is, however, a collective or shared responsibility of the EC, Political Parties, candidates, the electorate, media, security services and the courts.

'Mazi Mama Afrika' goes home

The world was dealt a blow early Monday 10th November 2008 morning, in a small town outside Naples, Italy when Zenzile Miriam Makeba..Mama Afrika to the world, passed away.. and left this earth, aged 76 years. Born: March 04, 1932 in Johannesburg, South Africa. She was African music icon and role model to many women across the globe.

Whilst this great lady was alive she would say “I will sing until the last day of my life”. Zenzile Miriam Makeba collapsed on stage, at the end of her set, after singing Pata Pata. She was immediately attended to by her grandson Nelson Lumumba Lee and others before being rushed to the nearest hospital. Tragically, in the early hours of this 10th of November 2008 morning, the doctors pronounced that they were unable to revive her.

Ambassador Makeba, was with her band, and was performing before an outdoor audience, in the open air at Via Verde, in the small town of Castelvolturno, not far from Naples. The audience included her long time friend, Italian promoter, Roberto Meglioli, who she had called on Friday from Holland, and asked to attend her show. He was on stage with her at the end of the show, and there she collapsed into his arms.

Dr Miriam Makeba never forgot her struggle through her life, and never stopped identifying with those who were downtrodden and who suffered. An activist to the end, the event where she was performing at, was an Anti-Racism and Anti-Mafia Event. “Mazi” as she was affectionately known by those who knew her well, never shied from speaking her mind and standing for her beliefs. She was an outstanding South African, a and indeed a gracious and true citizen of the World.

Following a three-decade-long exile, Miriam Makeba's return to South Africa was celebrated as though a queen was restoring her monarchy. The response was fitting as Makeba remains the most important female vocalist to emerge out of South Africa. Hailed as the Empress of African Song and Mama Africa, Makeba helped bring African music to a global audience in the 1960s. Nearly five decades after her debut with the Manhattan Brothers, she continues to play an important role in the growth of African music. Makeba's life has been consistently marked by struggle. As the daughter of a sangoma, a mystical traditional healer of the Xhosa tribe, she spent six months of her birth year in jail with her mother. Gifted with a dynamic vocal tone, Makeba recorded her debut single, "Lakutshona Llange," as a member of the Manhattan Brothers in 1953. Although she left to form an all-female group named the Skylarks in 1958, she reunited with members of the Manhattan Brothers when she accepted the lead female role in a musical version of King Kong, which told the tragic tale of Black African boxer, Ezekiel "King Kong" Dlamani, in 1959. The same year, she began an 18 month tour of South Africa with Alf Herbert's musical extravaganza, African Jazz And Variety, and made an appearance in a documentary film, Come Back Africa. These successes led to invitations to perform in Europe and the United States.

Makeba's successes as a vocalist were also balanced by her outspoken views about apartheid. In 1960, the government of South Africa revoked her citizenship. For the next thirty years, she was forced to be a 'citizen of the world.' Makeba received the Dag Hammerskjold Peace Prize in 1968. After marrying radical Black activist Stokely Carmichael, many of her concerts were cancelled, and her recording contract with RCA was dropped, resulting in even more problems for the artist. She eventually relocated to Guinea at the invitation of president Sekou Toure and agreed to serve as Guinea's delegate to the United Nations. In 1964 and 1975, she addressed the General Assembly of the United Nations on the horrors of apartheid.

Zenzile Miriam Makeba is survived by her grandchildren Nelson Lumumba Lee and Zenzi Monique Lee, and her great- grandchildren Lindelani, Ayanda and Kwame.

HIGHLIGHTS OF MAZI'S MUSICAL CAREER 1932: Born Johannesburg, South Africa 1959: Stars in the jazz opera King Kong and anti-apartheid film Come Back, Africa, met Harry Belafonte 1962: Performs at President Kennedy's birthday party 1960: Barred from returning to South Africa 1963: Testifies against apartheid at the United Nations 1966: Becomes the first African woman to win a Grammy award 1968: Marries Black Panther Stokely Carmichael and moves to Guinea 1974: Performs as the warm-up for Rumble in the Jungle boxing match between Mohammed Ali and George Foreman 1985: Moves to Brussels after death of her daughter 1990: Returns to South Africa after personal request from Nelson Mandela 2005: Begins a "farewell tour" of the world that lasts three years 2008: Dies in Caserta, Italy following a concert, aged 76

Change has come to America

Full text: Obama's victory speech Hello Chicago!!!

If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible; who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time; who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer. It's the answer told by lines that stretched around schools and churches in numbers this nation has never seen; by people who waited three hours and four hours, many for the very first time in their lives, because they believed that this time must be different; that their voices could be that difference. It's the answer spoken by young and old, rich and poor, Democrat and Republican, black, white, Hispanic, Asian, Native American, gay, straight, disabled and not disabled - Americans who sent a message to the world that we have never been just a collection of individuals or a collection of Red States and Blue States: we are, and always will be, the United States of America. It's the answer that led those who have been told for so long by so many to be cynical, and fearful, and doubtful of what we can achieve to put their hands on the arc of history and bend it once more toward the hope of a better day. It's been a long time coming, but tonight, because of what we did on this day, in this election, at this defining moment, change has come to America. A little bit earlier this evening I received an extraordinarily gracious call from Senator McCain. He fought long and hard in this campaign, and he's fought even longer and harder for the country he loves. He has endured sacrifices for America that most of us cannot begin to imagine. We are better off for the service rendered by this brave and selfless leader. I congratulate him, I congratulate Governor Palin, for all they have achieved, and I look forward to working with them to renew this nation's promise in the months ahead. I want to thank my partner in this journey, a man who campaigned from his heart and spoke for the men and women he grew up with on the streets of Scranton and rode with on that train home to Delaware, the vice-president-elect of the United States, Joe Biden. And I would not be standing here tonight without the unyielding support of my best friend for the last 16 years, the rock of our family, the love of my life, the nation's next first lady, Michelle Obama. Sasha and Malia, I love you both more than you can imagine, and you have earned the new puppy that's coming with us to the White House. And while she's no longer with us, I know my grandmother is watching, along with the family that made me who I am. I miss them tonight, and know that my debt to them is beyond measure. To my sister Maya, my sister Auma, all my other brothers and sisters - thank you so much for all the support you have given me. I am grateful to them. To my campaign manager David Plouffe, the unsung hero of this campaign, who built the best political campaign in the history of the United States of America. My chief strategist David Axelrod, who has been a partner with me every step of the way, and to the best campaign team ever assembled in the history of politics - you made this happen, and I am forever grateful for what you've sacrificed to get it done. But above all, I will never forget who this victory truly belongs to - it belongs to you. I was never the likeliest candidate for this office. We didn't start with much money or many endorsements. Our campaign was not hatched in the halls of Washington - it began in the backyards of Des Moines and the living rooms of Concord and the front porches of Charleston. It was built by working men and women who dug into what little savings they had to give $5 and $10 and $20 to the cause. It grew strength from the young people who rejected the myth of their generation's apathy; who left their homes and their families for jobs that offered little pay and less sleep; it grew strength from the not-so-young people who braved the bitter cold and scorching heat to knock on the doors of perfect strangers; from the millions of Americans who volunteered, and organised, and proved that more than two centuries later, a government of the people, by the people and for the people has not perished from the Earth. This is your victory. I know you didn't do this just to win an election and I know you didn't do it for me. You did it because you understand the enormity of the task that lies ahead. For even as we celebrate tonight, we know the challenges that tomorrow will bring are the greatest of our lifetime - two wars, a planet in peril, the worst financial crisis in a century. Even as we stand here tonight, we know there are brave Americans waking up in the deserts of Iraq and the mountains of Afghanistan to risk their lives for us. There are mothers and fathers who will lie awake after their children fall asleep and wonder how they'll make the mortgage, or pay their doctor's bills, or save enough for their child's college education. There is new energy to harness and new jobs to be created; new schools to build and threats to meet and alliances to repair. The road ahead will be long. Our climb will be steep. We may not get there in one year or even in one term, but America - I have never been more hopeful than I am tonight that we will get there. I promise you - we as a people will get there. There will be setbacks and false starts. There are many who won't agree with every decision or policy I make as president, and we know that government can't solve every problem. But I will always be honest with you about the challenges we face. I will listen to you, especially when we disagree. And above all, I will ask you to join in the work of remaking this nation the only way it's been done in America for 221 years - block by block, brick by brick, calloused hand by calloused hand.

What began 21 months ago in the depths of winter cannot end on this autumn night. This victory alone is not the change we seek - it is only the chance for us to make that change. And that cannot happen if we go back to the way things were. It cannot happen without you, without a new spirit of service, a new spirit of sacrifice. So let us summon a new spirit of patriotism; of service and responsibility where each of us resolves to pitch in and work harder and look after not only ourselves, but each other. Let us remember that if this financial crisis taught us anything, it's that we cannot have a thriving Wall Street while Main Street suffers - in this country, we rise or fall as one nation; as one people. Let us resist the temptation to fall back on the same partisanship and pettiness and immaturity that has poisoned our politics for so long. Let us remember that it was a man from this state who first carried the banner of the Republican Party to the White House - a party founded on the values of self-reliance, individual liberty, and national unity. Those are values that we all share, and while the Democratic Party has won a great victory tonight, we do so with a measure of humility and determination to heal the divides that have held back our progress. As Lincoln said to a nation far more divided than ours: "We are not enemies, but friends… though passion may have strained it must not break our bonds of affection." And to those Americans whose support I have yet to earn - I may not have won your vote tonight, but I hear your voices, I need your help, and I will be your president too.

And to all those watching tonight from beyond our shores, from parliaments and palaces to those who are huddled around radios in the forgotten corners of the world - our stories are singular, but our destiny is shared, and a new dawn of American leadership is at hand. To those who would tear the world down - we will defeat you. To those who seek peace and security - we support you. And to all those who have wondered if America's beacon still burns as bright - tonight we proved once more that the true strength of our nation comes not from the might of our arms or the scale of our wealth, but from the enduring power of our ideals: democracy, liberty, opportunity and unyielding hope. For that is the true genius of America - that America can change. Our union can be perfected. And what we have already achieved gives us hope for what we can and must achieve tomorrow.

This election had many firsts and many stories that will be told for generations. But one that's on my mind tonight is about a woman who cast her ballot in Atlanta. She's a lot like the millions of others who stood in line to make their voice heard in this election except for one thing - Ann Nixon Cooper is 106 years old. She was born just a generation past slavery; a time when there were no cars on the road or planes in the sky; when someone like her couldn't vote for two reasons - because she was a woman and because of the colour of her skin. And tonight, I think about all that she's seen throughout her century in America - the heartache and the hope; the struggle and the progress; the times we were told that we can't, and the people who pressed on with that American creed: Yes, we can. At a time when women's voices were silenced and their hopes dismissed, she lived to see them stand up and speak out and reach for the ballot. Yes, we can. When there was despair in the dust bowl and depression across the land, she saw a nation conquer fear itself with a New Deal, new jobs and a new sense of common purpose. Yes, we can. When the bombs fell on our harbour and tyranny threatened the world, she was there to witness a generation rise to greatness and a democracy was saved. Yes, we can. She was there for the buses in Montgomery, the hoses in Birmingham, a bridge in Selma, and a preacher from Atlanta who told a people that "we shall overcome". Yes, we can. A man touched down on the Moon, a wall came down in Berlin, a world was connected by our own science and imagination. And this year, in this election, she touched her finger to a screen, and cast her vote, because after 106 years in America, through the best of times and the darkest of hours, she knows how America can change. Yes, we can.

America, we have come so far. We have seen so much. But there is so much more to do. So tonight, let us ask ourselves - if our children should live to see the next century; if my daughters should be so lucky to live as long as Ann Nixon Cooper, what change will they see? What progress will we have made? This is our chance to answer that call. This is our moment. This is our time - to put our people back to work and open doors of opportunity for our kids; to restore prosperity and promote the cause of peace; to reclaim the American dream and reaffirm that fundamental truth - that out of many, we are one; that while we breathe, we hope, and where we are met with cynicism and doubt, and those who tell us that we can't, we will respond with that timeless creed that sums up the spirit of a people: yes, we can. Thank you, God bless you, and may God bless the United States of America.

Credit: BBC

New Car that runs on Air

An air-powered car? It may be available sooner than you think at a price tag that will hardly be a budget buster. The vehicle may not run like a speed racer on back road highways, but developer Zero Pollution Motors is betting consumers will be willing to fork over $20,000 for a vehicle that can motor around all day on nothing but air and a splash of salad oil, alcohol or possibly a pint of gasoline. A new carmaker has a plan for cheap, environmentally friendly cars to be built.

The expertise needed to build a compressed air car, or CAV, is not rocket science, either. Years-old, off-the-shelf technology uses compressed air to drive old-fashioned car engine pistons instead of combusting gas or diesel fuel to create a burst of air to do the same thing. Indian carmaker Tata has no qualms about the technology. It has already bought the rights to make the car for the huge Indian market. The air car can tool along at a top speed of 35 mph for some 60 miles or so on a tank of compressed air, a sufficient distance for 80% of consumers to commute to work and back and complete daily chores.

On highways, the CAV can cruise at interstate speeds for nearly 800 miles with a small motor that compresses outside air to keep the tank filled. The motor isn't finicky about fuel. It will burn gasoline or diesel as well as biodiesel, ethanol or vegetable oil. This car leaves the highest-mpg vehicles you can buy right now in the dust. Even if it used only regular gasoline, the air car would average 106 mpg, more than double today's fuel sipping champ, the Toyota Prius. The air tank also can be refilled when it's not in use by being plugged into a wall socket and recharged with electricity as the motor compresses air. Automakers aren't quite ready yet to gear up huge assembly line operations churning out air cars or set up glitzy dealer showrooms where you can ooh and aah over the color or style. But the vehicles will be built in factories that will make up to 8,000 vehicles a year, likely starting in 2011, and be sold directly to consumers.

The World awaits the birth of ‘a new Joseph’ in USA

That there is only one constant and permanent condition in the world can not be challenged. Whether we like it or not, prefer or defer it, prepare for it or least expects it, change will always have its way irrespective of our views and preferences. As we witness and eagerly await the verdict of US voters on Barack Hussein Obama or John McCain, like in every election universally, change we come out victorious. It is however erroneous to assume that change is mutually exclusive of human interventions. Foremost, we need to understand that change in itself is neutral and harmless. It’s how we view and adapt to its outcomes that matters most. We make choices and those decisions determine which way we move with change. That’s how come we often speak of change as either positive or negative. So as US voters cast their votes today, November 4, 2008 their choice will tell the world what sort of change they desire. Let’s understand this fact though that the US citizens will be taking this momentous step with respect to hindsight beginning in 1774 and no one can begrudge them for their choice. They have the option of either to change in continuity or change for the need of it; whichever way it will have a significant effect on the rest of the world. There are very good reasons we the rest of the world will be affected by the choice of US voters today Tuesday November 4, 2008. Some of these reasons are: As a unipolar world police, the rest of the world catches cold when an American leader sneezes. So though internal affairs, Americans choice of leader matters greatly to the citizens of the known world. The world needs justice and peace and not armories and wars. The image of US has been so badly damaged by iniquitous foreign policy decisions under the outgoing regime hence change Americans need. The precarious state of the US economy need energizing change which could be effected by fresh, creative and smart leader. A recently study has revealed that over the past 60 years Democratic president led administrations have performed 6 times better than their Republican counterparts registering an average GDP of 2.8 compared to 1.6 respectively. Hence an Obama administration will benefit the world economy than McCain administration. The number 4 is so significant in this year’s race; being liberated on July 4, 1774, election taking place on November 4, and foremost to produce the 44th US president. This means the next US leader should be very special (change) from all the rest who had ever commanded Uncle Sam. Racially, it is the first time ever that ‘a Joseph’ could be born in America. The racial significance is that a descendent from the land of slaves might just head Uncle Sam at Capitol Hill. African Americans as US Black people preferred to be referred to constitute just about 12% of US population. They are third to Whites and Hispanic peoples. The 21st century needs to remove the racial bar as official doctrine of state. Spiritually, the 9/11 event which defined the second Bush’s tenure in the White House, also marked the wounding of the beast and shifting of the balance of world power eastwards. Whoever takes over the reign will be changing over power hence must be very special. Globally, Obama is seemed as more desirable option since he is the unknown quantity in the race. Viewed at any other time, this pointed might be muted for inexperience, but historically such candidates become remarkable leaders when given chance to prove their worth. His proposed foreign policy direction sounds more benign and healthier for the good and peace of the world than his opponent, John McCain. Lastly, I am vouching all my bet and integrity on Barack Obama not because I am an African and Black person desirous of a fellow’s feat, but desire borne out of the reality of our time that a new Joseph is to be born in America of all places. Joseph, the eleventh son of Jacob (later called Israel) was sold into slavery by his own kindred because he revealed a dream he had that he was to rule over them one day. Unknown to the siblings, it was the product of divine design to make his rule as famous as ever. This must also send the signal to African Americans that after Obama, there will come a new Pharaoh who will not remember the descendants of ‘Joseph’. The spiritual battlelines for supremacy is beginning to be drawn. To be forewarned is to be forearmed. A word to the wise…….. Irrespective of what happens in today’s polls, the world eagerly awaits the birth of a new Joseph in the United States of America. His reign will be marked by transformation: a change we need and a change we believe in. On January 20, 2009, expect to hear this; “ladies and gentlemen, welcome the 44th President of the United States of America, Barack Hussein Obama”