Ye ko ye anim !!!

I got this from a friend and it sent me thinking. Read it.

Folks,

The people have spoken, and we must respect the will of the majority. However we know that, especially in our part of the world, the people often cannot always understand the issues that affect them; also the failure of those who purport to lead and to inspire a vision of hope and progress should not be allowed to bring more hardships to our fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, and children who have no clue of what it is that afflicts them. The NPP has a second opportunity to keep (?) the presidency. It has paid a heavy price for its arrogance and in-fighting. But what is at stake is more than the NPP, and for this reason it should be all hands on deck now -- putting Ghana first and party affiliation (and sentiments against the NPP) aside. Of course there are many reasons why each person voted they way he/she did. But from where I sit and the way I see things, also from what I heard when I was home recently, those calling for change are doing so first and foremost for their own political purposes, taking advantage of the hardships and lack of progress for the great majority of ordinary Ghanaians. They had no message of hope, just a slogan for CHANGE. Unfortunately, the followers (who are voting for the change) cannot fully appreciate the consequences of the change they are voting for, and I believe we all do have a duty to help them to see and think beyond stomach-politics and not to mortgage the future of all our children with stupid slogans that "any change is better than the NPP government".... That is the least we can do. Posterity will not forgive us if we don't tell our people "any change" is definitely NOT better... We should tell our people in plain language how much the world has changed as a result of the so-called sub-prime crisis in the US, oil price that hit US$150/barrel at some point, the global credit crunch, the 'financial tsunami', and the expected impacts of all these on the global economy; Ghana will certainly not be spared of the impacts. US government data shows more than 500,000 jobs were lost in October alone, not to mention job losses triggered by the crisis in Europe , and the repercussions of all these on remittances those in the Diaspora make to support our brothers and sisters back home. It is obvious that there is going to be less and less money for everybody. The plain truth which the NDC dares not tell people for political expediency is that it is going to be extremely difficult for any government, let alone a new government in Africa that needs to establish itself, engage with donors, and build trust and confidence in the now-decimated private sector, to mobilise resources. Donor funds which finance more than half of our national budget have already dried up because donors have to take care of their own backyards, and investors have very little appetite for taking risks in emerging markets as a result of the crisis. So where would the NDC government find support for its programmes? Of course, it would eventually find resources, but the fact is that it would take more time for it to get going and mobilise to deliver on its election promises (??), than it would for the NPP to restructure its policies and programmes to ease the hardship "suffering masses" (the oft-quoted phrase of Atta Mills) – that is, if this is the only reason for the change they are clamouring for. True, progress has not as yet reached many people, but at least we can get a sense of the 'promised land'. Ghana achieved economic growth of more than 6 per cent in the past few years; in 2007 we became the first Sub-Saharan country outside South Africa to issue a Eurobond, thereby augmenting receipts from gold and cocoa exports which have been the mainstay of the economy since the founding of the country; we are also beginning to see a modicum of improvements in social services (education, health, infrastructure development, etc). Clearly some things are beginning to work, though we could do better. So change to what? Isn't a national health insurance scheme with all its initial teething problems better than the previous cash-and-carry system? If there is need for change it should be a CHANGE OF GEARS – to move faster, to bring the benefits of democracy and economic growth to more people. We should not change only to go back the positions we have outgrown – shit bombing, intimidation, mediocrity, backward and nonsensical arguments, etc. – the kind of things they said and did during the campaigns... Folks, we need to find a way to convey the message(s) that: · change just for the sake of change is too dangerous a thing for a country that is slowly but sure beginning to regain its stature; · change that sets the country back would bring more hardships to the very people who are voting for the change; · we should be careful not to throw the baby (i.e., democracy, economic growth, vibrant free press, etc.) away with the bath water (the mistakes, arrogance, perceived corruption, etc., of a few); · the harvest time (as a result of the toil, sacrifices, and hardships of the recent past) is near – just a little bit of patience, instead of having to start all over again; · you don't change a general just at the point where his tactics are beginning to bear good results against the enemy; · you don't leave the crop that is almost ready for harvesting to the invading devouring insects (such as locusts) - rather you do whatever it takes to protect the field; · there are darker days coming with Rawlings lurking in the background (threaten at Ashiaman that when he comes back he will jail Kuffour!!); etc. The campaign should go negative if need be, and scary tactics must be used if possible – some of you would remember the TV adverts of wolves lurking around during the Bush-vs.-Kerry campaign, or the recently famous 'who-would-you-trust 3 a.m. phone call' during the Obama-Clinton race... No more 'good guys' and sophisticated advertising; if your opponent is using very crude tactics you respond appropriately!! By the way, and to tell the truth, I am not an 'NPP faithful'. But what is at stake is more than just a party winning!! The thought of NDC macho men running amok under the directorship of JJ just scares the hell out of me... That is why I am sending you my personal message; I am sure you have your own views. Just spread the word... God help us!

Reduce Transport Fares!!!

The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU), has expressed appreciation to government for providing the Union with 150 buses to enable it to provide efficient transport services across the country. The National Chairman, Alhaji Yaw Manu at a media briefing noted that the vehicles have come at the right time to enable the Union to serve the public during the Christmas and the election period. Alhaji Manu said the vehicles will also relieve the transportation needs of government and other state agencies. The buses, purchased under the government’s fleet Renewal Project, have been given on lease basis and would allow union members to pay within a stipulated three year period. He however implored beneficiaries to ensure high maintenance standards and also make regular payments in order for others to also benefit from the facility.

On Thursday December 11, 2008, the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) the group charged with the responsibility of regulating fuel prices in the country announced over 17% reduction in the prices of petroleum products. This is the second time in about a little over a month that prices on the local market have slide following crude oil price plummeting on the international market after reaching a record high price of US$147.00 earlier in the year.

It is gratifying to know that after all the politicization of the reduction in the price of petroleum products, transport operators appreciate it. Their appreciation alone is however not enough. We the travelling public expect that they (the transport operators) will equally do the right thing by reducing transport fares across board at least a third since reduction in fuel prices in more than a third of what they were at their zenith. We demand nothing short of reciprocal action as soon as possible without delay. Further, it is about time the National Petroleum Authority took steps to ensure that filling stations comply with thier directives and stop holding every body to ransom whenever reductions are made. If they are quick to increase or implement price increases, then they ( the filling station owners) have no reason to insist that until their old stocks are sold, reductions in prices will not come into effect. It is not right. To whom much is given, much more is expected.

'Sakawa family' in the grip of police for cyber fraud

The name of the game is "Sakawa". It is a popular term given to cyber fraudsters in Ghana. It is believed that it evolved from Nigerian '419' schemes. The exact origin of the name is not clear but it is believed that it emerged from some of the slums of the capital city, Accra. Suburbs where experts say the crime is prevalent include Nima, Maamobi, Accra New Town among others as well as towns like Swedru and Assin Fosu. There are several modes of operation and the schemers usually carry out their nefarious activities from internet cafes. Access to the web is easy thanks to the cheap internet cafes studded around the suburbs of Accra's economic hubs - where most young people use them to play games or educate themselves. There are claims that some of them, normally the youth, go as afar as the Republic of Benin to get supernatural assistance in defrauding their unassuming victims. Cyber crimes includehacking - stealing data from other people's computers - and "phishing" - sending fake emails asking for bank detailsMany cyber criminals operate out of developing nations who send out millions of spam emails to addresses across the world every day, and a small percentage of computer users are gullible enough to answer them. There is no way to protect yourself 100% from cyber criminals. Now it looks like the Ghana Police Service is living up to expectation as they have made a seemingly breakthrough in this type of cyber crime. A Ghana News Agency (GNA) report says a mother and her son have appeared before an Accra Circuit Court for cyber fraud. Abdul Rahim Issah, aka Sarah Morrison, a student and Reliatu Mohammed, a seamstress, are said to have used the internet to defraud a 61 year-old American of 4,920 dollars under the pretext of marrying him (Issah) but failed to do so. Issah who pretended to be a woman is being held for conspiracy, defrauding by pretences and impersonation while Reliatu is being held for abetment of crime.They have pleaded not guilty and refunded 1,000 dollars to the Police.The court has remanded them into police custody to re-appear on December 9, 2008. One Kamal, an accomplice, is at large.

Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Paul Kissi Frimpong said the complainant, Robert Reece Bruce, resides in the United States of America while accused persons reside in Accra. DSP Frimpong said last September, Issah posted his profile on a dating website known as "True.com" and posed as Sarah Morrison, a Ghanaian lady aged 32, and dated the complainant.In addition, the prosecution said, Issah imitated the voice a female whenever he talked to him on the phone.According to the prosecutor several communications ensued between them as lovers culminating in a marriage proposal.Subsequently, Issah demanded and collected 800 dollars to prepare document of their marriage under Ghanaian ordinance. Issah further collected 500 dollars and 120 dollars from the complainant to pay his sick mother (Reliatu's) hospital expenses.The prosecution said Issah later informed the complainant of a supposed 75 kilos gold business in Ghana and subsequently introduced Kamal to the complainant as a "Barrister at law" whose assistance could be solicited.The prosecutor said Issah claimed that Kamal therefore prepared a "Transfer of Ownership Agreement Form" purported to have been signed by the Chief Justice, Mrs Theodora Georgina Woode and by that succeeded in collecting US$3,500 from the complainant.The prosecution said Kamal gave Issah 500 dollars as his share. On October 4, this year, Mr Bruce, the complainant, who became suspicious lodged a complaint with the police through the office of the Judicial Service. A controlled delivery, which bore the name and address of Issah, was arranged and on October 31, when he and Relaitu appeared to receive the package at FedEx offices from their victim they were picked up.Several attempts to trace Kamal had been abortive, the prosecution said.

And if anybody offers you free sex, stay well clear of that - you could end up with a nasty infection. Many cyber criminals operate out of developing nations and commit their crimes from the anonymity of a cyber cafe. But you can minimise the risk. Always keep anti-malware - programmes which prevent the installation of malicious programmes on your system - and anti-viral software up-to-date; never answer an email if its origin is unclear.

It's only a competition of ideas

We are just days away from the end of one of the most exciting presidential races since the inception of the 4th Republic in 1992. It is the first open-seat race since 1992, one with no presidential or vice presidential incumbent running. There is a disquieting sense of unknown, fretfulness and exigency running across Ghana as reported during the ‘Special Voting’ for essential services staff on Tuesday December 2, 2008. In a country where there is no known credible polling institution, it is difficult to establish who is in the lead and by what percentage margin except to rely on the previous elections results as guide to the outcome of the impending presidential election on December 7, 2008. With that acceptance as a general guideline, most people in Ghana today, consider Sunday's polls as a two-horse race between candidates of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP- Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo) and the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC- Professor John Evans Atta Mills). A functional democracy is governed by the majority while protecting the rights of minorities. It is well known among advocates and practitioners of democracy that to achieve majority rule-minority rights-protection balance, a democracy relies on a competition of ideas, which, in turn, democracy is itself an incomplete and emergent political system, and must, by its nature, adapt to new ideas and evolving social standards. However, Ghana’s democracy is still in its embryonic stage hence weaker and thus politicians take the average electorates for granted in terms of ideas. Politics is about what we should do together, a question that demands that a choice be made. Politicians do not merely suggest options; they are proponents of a certain set of priorities. As members of modern democracies, we share values, but, because they conflict, we prioritize them differently. We are divided by our commonalities. Democracy is an irresolvable contest of priorities among common values. Were we able to remove all the sources of venality, stupidity, and nastiness in politics, democracy would still cleave in familiar ways. To illustrate this point, just take a couple of minutes to view the accompanying picture and a give your verdict on what you think it represents contrary to what others believe. You think it is a FROG and I think it is a GECKO!

wait a while

Moral : We have to respect each other's opinion; you can see it clearly in the above picture. We just need to wait and listen actively to others' points of view! No drop of blood (remember symbolises life) should be shed in the name of election. It is only a competition of ideas in which those who manage to articulate and present theirs vividly win. The essence of any competition is not only to win but also the determination to finish without which it is not a competition. Otherwords it becomes like playing 'oware' with ananse and winning. It should never be said of Ghana after December 7, 2008 that a vanquished candidate has become AFRICAN ALSO-RAN. And let both the winner and losers be magnanimous in all their utterances and actions so that prevailing uneasy calm and suspicion will wither away while the real work of consolidating the little gains we have strived to make is dealt with decisively. Have a productive working day!!

In honour of Mr. & Mrs. Amissah-Koomson

On Saturday November 29, 2008, Anthony Ato Amissah-Koomson from the Central region married Leonie Codjoe from the Western region.

May God be with you and bless you;

May you see your children's children.

May you be poor in misfortune,

Rich in blessings,

May you know nothing but happiness,

From this day forward.

Wedding

The word, "Wedding" comes from the Anglo-Saxon word "wedd" that meant a man would marry a woman and pay the Bride's father.

Wedding Ring According to some historians, the first recorded marriage rings date back to the days when early man tied plaited circlets around the Bride's wrists and ankles to keep her spirit from running away. Approximately 3,000 BC, Egyptians originated the phrase "without beginning, without end" in describing the significance of the wedding ring. These rings were made of woven hemp which constantly wore out and needed replacement. Although Romans originally used iron, gold is now used as a symbol of all that is pure. Diamonds were first used by Italians, who believed that it was created from the flames of love. In some European cultures, the wedding ring is worn on the right hand. In other cultures, an engagement ring is worn on the left hand, and the wedding ring is worn on the right hand.

Ring Finger Prior to the 5th century, the ring finger was actually the index finger. Later, it was believed that the third finger contained the "vein of love" that led directly to the heart.

Tying The Knot This comes from the days of the Roman empire when the Bride wore a girdle that was tied in knots. The Groom untied the knots prior to the consummation of their marriage.

Bridal Veil When marriages were arranged by family members, the newlyweds very rarely were allowed to see one another. Family members exchanging a dowry were afraid that if the Groom didn't like the appearance of the Bride's face, he might refuse to marry her. This is why the Father of the Bride "gave the Bride away" to the Groom at the actual wedding ceremony. Only after lifting her veil just prior to the ceremony did the Groom see the Bride's face for the first time! Early Greek and Roman Brides wore red or yellow veils to represent fire, and to ward off demons.

White Wedding Dress This was made popular in the 1840's by Queen Victoria, who chose this instead of the traditional royal "silver" wedding dress. Prior to this, Brides simply wore their best dress on their wedding day.

Bridesmaids Early Brides and Bridesmaids wore similar dresses in order to confuse evil spirits.

Wedding Cake Also during the days of the Roman empire, wedding cakes were baked of wheat or barley. At the reception, they were traditionally broken over the head of the new Bride by the Groom as a symbol of her fertility. Guests would then scramble for pieces of the cake, and take them home for good luck. It later became a tradition to place many small cakes on top of each other as high as possible. The newlyweds would then try to exchange a kiss over the top of the tower of cakes without knocking them down. During the reign of King Charles II of England, the baker added icing, and the modern style of wedding cake was born. It is unclear when the tradition of the newlyweds smashing wedding cake into each other's face first began, and uncertain if such marriages are consummated later that day or evening!

Wedding Toast It is said that this tradition first began in France, where bread would be placed in the bottom of two drinking glasses for the newlyweds. They would then drink as fast as they could to be the first person to get to the toast. According to legend, the winner would rule their household!

Bouquet Wedding bouquets were originally made of such strong herbs as thyme and garlic, which were meant to frighten away evil spirits, and to cover the stench emitting from people who had not bathed recently!

Appreciation

To the Almighty God who gave us life & brought us together.

To the officiating Ministers who joined & blessed us.

To our parents who taught, supported, & loved us.

To families who surrounded us with hugs, smiles & encouragement.

To friends & well wishers for the joy you have shown.

May God richly bless you all.

Mr. & Mrs. Amissah-Koomson

Credit: Wedding Traditions & Folklore