CMYK
Adenta, Madina, Legon Campus, East Legon, Dome & Kwabenya
WARNING TO ALL DRIVERS
MONDAY, 3RD FEBRUARY, 2014
EDITION: 02/01
NMC/C.T.39/13/1730 BI-MONTHLY
l See Ful n Stor y O Page 2
S W E N
FREE WEB: www.yourneighbourhoodgh.com
IN BRIEF
Gov’t and Local Banks are Enemies to SMEs
P
rofessor Kombla Aheto a Small and Medium Scale Enterprise (SME) expert has expressed his displeasure about the way Banks and the Government have side-lined SMEs in the country.
Madina Lorry station & Its 36 drinking spots …Akpeteshie soaked in - See page 5
l See Ful n Stor y O Page 2
marijuana (wee) also sold
CMYK
Edition: 02/01 • Monday, 3rd February, 2014
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2
WARNING TO ALL DRIVERS
A
RMED Robbers and criminals in the capital Accra, have adopted new tactics in carrying their operations these days. Many members of the public have fallen prey to the malicious activities of these rogues. Recently, a man went to a Bank in Accra for some cash. At a traffic light, he noticed two motorcycle riders acting in a way that he thought was suspicious, so when the lights turned green,
he did not move immediately and the motorcycle riders did not move also. Later, he moved and noticed that he had burst the rear right tyre where the motorcycle was waiting. Fortunately, his office is quite close so he did not stop until he got to his office. He noticed that this tyre was badly damaged. There was a piece of a rubber sandal (Charlie wote) with three inch nails stuck on his tyre. The cash and the two peo-
ple in the car were safe. This is a new trick. The motorcyclists will alert you to your burst tyre and when you stop, they will attack you for your money and other valuables. They normally carry weapons and could harm you in addition. In a related development, kidnappers have sought to use other new methods. They now use children in the streets who pretend to be lost and helpless. They hold addresses to their residence where the kidnappers lurk.
The good Samaritans who volunteer to help these children always found themselves tangled in the web of these criminals. Please do not be moved by compassion because he or she is a child. They are children who are specially by these so – called ‘kidnappers’. Individuals should report such cases to the nearest police station or call the Police on the these numbers 18555 (MTN & Vodafone) and on 191 (on all networks)
Madina Lorry station & Its 36 drinking spots …Akpeteshie soaked in marijuana(wee) also sold
AN INVESTIGATIVE DESK REPORT
O
N the average, over 2,000 vehicles of all shapes and sizes move in and out of the Madina station everyday. An interesting aspect of this station is that as many as 36 different drinking spots scattered round the station. A few of these drinking spots sell a special drink called UNDER,
which is akpeteshie soaked in marijuana(wee). The way and manner the shops are placed cannot easily be noticed by those who do not quaff alcohol. A shop owner who operates one of these 36 drinking spots told Your Neigbourhood that she does not see anything wrong with selling Alcohol. ‘I pay my tolls to Assembly regularly, why do they (Assembly officials) come and collect the tolls’. In an interview with the Chairman of the Madina G.P.R.T.U wel-
fare chairman, Mr, Ernest Tham confirmed that the station is bordered with countless drinking spots which is a nerve− wracking phenomenon. However, he was quick to add that his outfit has put rigid measures in place to check drunk drinking in the station. Mr. Tham admitted that some recalcitrant drivers may visit the spots at the blind side of the authorities. ‘But in such situations we here have no power to question such dangerous behaviour. It is the sole responsibili-
ty of the Municipal Assembly to put measure in place to prohibit such unruly businesses around the station. Our hands are tied.’ he lamented. Sharing thoughts on the same issue, the Co−ordinating Director of the La Nkwantanang Municapal Assembly, Alhaji Dramani Sakar said the issue is purely one for the Welfare chairman at the station to handle. He questioned the veracity of the bye−laws. When asked whether the assembly’s bye−laws frown on the sale of alcohol around the main sta-
tion. He told Your Neighbourhood that, the Assembly does not have approved bye−laws to enforce. He further suggested that the welfare Committee of the G.P.R.T.U of Madina to put mechanisms in place to keep their drivers in line with the rules and rubrics governing of the station. Meanwhile the AMA bye−laws stipulates rigorous actions against the sales alcoholic beverage within a 500 metre radius around any lorry station.
Edition: 02/01 • Monday, 3rd February, 2014
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Editor’s Desk
Demolition ! Demonstration !! Dejection !!! Which way Ghana? FOR so long as cities, towns and new settlements keep springing up, slums and squatter settlements cannot be completely avoided.
one, the method and modus operandi that’s have been adopted the demolition exercises, so far are glaringly bereft of the milk of human kindness.
BUT what can be done to apply a human face to the negative consequences of such worrying trends of demolition, demonstration and the consequent dejection that are attached to such demolition exercises?
FIRSTLY, there is no denying the fact that the squatters or those at the receiving end of these demolition exercises, did not act unilaterally, or singularly. In most cases either certain officials or technocrats at the relevant organisation, such as the Accra Metropolitan Assembly or after such bodies, clandestinely negotiate with such squatters, and mostly for a fee.
THROUGHOUT the years, demolition exercises have reared their ugly heads at places such as Madina, Kwame Nkrumah circle, also near Accra, and the Sraha and the King Solomon city suburbs, near Tema, among others, too heart− breaking and worrying to recall. AT the Kwame Nkrumah circle, the affected persons were mostly dealers in mobile phones, laptops and other wares, too diverse to recount. And this was where a taskforce of the Accra Metropolitan ASSEMBLY (AMA), and the Ghana Police Service, choose to the operation in demolition, stores, containers and other temporary structures, to give way for the circle Interchange Project. MUCH as the completion of the Circle Interchange Project is a priority
THE point is who are those faceless officials who hide under their organisations, to enrich themselves at the expanses of lawful and rightful property owning Ghanaians? We think it is high time such corrupt officials are brought to book WITH the resultant consequence of deaths, risky health and other hazards and social and environmental hazards, suffered as a result of this demolition exercises, it is high time a permanent solution is found, to put an end to such a rigmarole of demolition exercise? and the subsequent unpleasant consequences that erupt, during their implementation. ALSO one other fact that we must learn to
live with, is that the ratio of houses to the population leaves much to be desired. Then also is the truism that the amount of energy and investment lost during these demolition exercises are not worth it, in the first place. EVERY year, or there−abouts, hundreds, if not thousands of people are rendered homeless as result of these demolition exercise. There are also, so much physical, social and economic hazards, associated with such exercises. WHILST at it, it beats ones understanding why landowners and landlords allow homeowners and residents, to encroach or squat on their properties, or even allow such persons to fully build house and structures on them. Before turning round, later to demolish them, at so much cost and pain to the vested parties. ADDITIONALLY, when the right things are done, there will be peace and sanity in the accommodation and supply of infrastructural services in the country. THEN also, the springing up of cities, towns and new settlement will evoke aesthetics and benefits to residents, instead of the harm and so much negatively that have been associated with the housing and infrastructural development in the country.
THE FILTH – ANYWAY OUT?
I
T was a swift and unannounced downpour. Nobody anticipated it and no one could foretell the extent of the rain. But the rains came down in their volumes and within minutes I was trapped under a shed at the Madina lorry park. It was hell finding where to run to in order not to get drenched and found just where to squeeze myself, just before the first few drops came down. But it soon came down in the volumes, and the untarred place was soon submerged in the standing waters from the skies. But there was the additional trouble; the filth was intimidating and the torture of making ones way through the soaked filth was worse enough. I cast my eyes wide around the spacious but filthy place as I ventured onto the carpet of soaked filth. Even as it was spread around the floor of the station it was almost a heap. Either nobody even took any notice at all, or people were just used to it. But I’m sure a thoughtful fellow would notice that something was terribly wrong. Point is that it’s just not “normal” to walk through filth and pretend that it doesn’t exist when it does. The Bible tells us that cleanliness is next to Godliness. Maybe this is a national canker, can’t we say so, that each of the citizenry has a little of the inherent desire to engage in the habit of contributing his or her quota to the filth situation in the country, but contributing absolutely nothing towards getting rid of it? It’s widespread; across the cities, towns and villages. But the observation is straight to the point; the bigger the city, the bigger the propensity of it suffering the nauseating effect of filth, stench and
TEAM
AKU-SIKA KPENE [Managing Editor]
PAUL KUDZO-NORSAH [Reporter]
STEPHANIE BIRIKORANG [Reporter]
ENYONAM ADZOA TSEKPO [Coordinator]
DIANA DARKOH [Marketing Personnel]
ABROKWAH ABEDNEGO [Intern]
Your Comments BY MICHAEL OBERTEYE:
Your Neighbourhood is a truly community newspaper. Our main aim is to project businesses and needs of every community and its inhabitants. Your Neighbourhood is published by Masai.Gh Ltd. We produce 4,000 copies every fortnight and distributed at your doorstep. Your Neighbourhood is FREE!!!
decay. Just as happens at any part of the country, people in the Accra suburbs of Madina, Kwabenya, Legon, Adenta, Dome, etc, people defecate in open gutters, others fill the streets with filth while yet others live with the filth. The effects continue to be devastating but certainly not enough to raise the conscience of those who engage in the practice. Their first instinct is to create the filth and then get rid of it. How they do it, where it ends up, etc is the last of their concerns. It’s not uncommon to find whole boxes of rubbish deliberately left at an unauthorized place by people that profess to love and serve God. Point is how can you lay claim to this and still create a mess around you? Several times, we’ve been advised to guard against littering. Educational campaigns have been ran extensively on several varying platforms including radio, television, the newspapers, churches, schools among others. In all of these, the message has been simple; don’t litter. Well, pronto! Well said. But do people accept these talks and what do they make of them? Point is that filth does not come about on its own; rather people create them either consciously or unconsciously. Per this same regard therefore, its people that must get rid of them anyway. Just as the filth does not come about on its own, so is the fact that it cannot just be wished away. I still find it quite ridiculous that we as a people have thought it prudent to engage in massive cleanup exercises either because some visitors are coming down or some special event is coming up. Don’t tell me you’ve so soon forgotten this, that authorities organized clean-up exercises because an Obama or Bill Clinton was arriving in town and therefore, they being the only one whose eyes
are allergic to filth meaning that the citizenry should be made to prevent them from suffering this allergy. What about events such as the hosting of the Africa Cup of Nations, etc where again the citizenry was tasked to clean up because visitors were arriving? And then the tourists too; we’re told to keep our country clean because visitors or tourists are coming to town, or are in our midst. Littering and indiscriminate dumping should be stamped out, not just because of the importance of tourism or an Obama or any visitor for that matter, but especially for our own quality of life. The initiative being taken by concerned groups at getting us to appreciate the importance of staying clean should be welcomed. Offenders should not only be named and shamed, they should also be prosecuted, fined and compelled to do community service, such as picking up the rubbish. On the larger scale, the citizenry has been on the government to implement the task of ensuring a clean city, town or village. The question however is, how about our own and very surroundings that affect us before anybody else? However, we do call on the government to deal with the garbage and stinking filth. That’s not a bad call but I see the filth right before our very noses as the first and bigger danger even before the one on the streets. How do you call for the cleaning of the streets when you’ve created a stinking rubbish dump in your backyard? Hardly do you incinerate it and make it a good sight And then maybe after a hard work in your own home, you deserve a special treat, don’t you? After all, not everybody sees the need in doing this. Keep smiling. Hold your head up high and ensure that you have a clean society.
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Edition: 02/01 • Monday, 3rd February, 2014
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4 Health
Infertility
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NFERTILITY means not able to conceive after 1 year of trying (or six month if a woman is 35years or older). Women who can get pregnant but are unable to stay pregnant may also be infertile. Pregnancy is the result of a process that has many steps. To get pregnant: 1- A woman’s baby must release an egg from one of her ovaries (ovulation). 2- The egg must go through a fallopian tube towards the uterus (womb). 3- A man’s sperm must (fertilize) the egg along the way. 4- The fertilized egg must attach to the inside of the uterus (implantation). Infertility can occur if there are problems with any of the above steps. Is Fertility A Common Problem? Yes 10% of women in the United States ages 15-44 have difficulty getting pregnant or staying pregnant, (CNC report). Is Infertility Just A Woman’s Problem? No, infertility is not always a woman’s problem. Both women and men can have problems that cause infertility. About 1/3 of infertility cases are caused by women’s problem. Another 1/3 of infertility problems are due to men. The other 1/3 is due to both men and women. The rest is unknown.
What Causes Infertility in Men? Infertility in men is most often caused by: 1- Varicocele; this happens when the veins on a men’s testicles are too large and tortuous. This heats the testicles and can affect the number in shape of the sperm. 2- Other factors that causes a man to make too sperms or none at all. 3- Movement of the sperm. This may be caused by the shape of the sperm. Sometimes injuries or other damage to the reproductive system bock the sperm. Sometimes a man is born with problems that affect his sperms. Other times problems start later in life due to illness or injury. Eg. Cystic Fibrosis often causes infertility in men. What Increases A Man’s Risk Of Infertility? A man’s sperm can be affected by his overall health and life style - Heavy alcohol use. - Drugs - Smoking - Age - Environmental toxins eg. Pesticides and lead. - Disease condition such as murrys, kidney diseases or hormonal problems.
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Medicines. Radiation treatment and chemotherapy for cancer. - What Causes Infertility In Women? Most cases of female infertility are causes by problems with ovulation. Without ovulation, there are no eggs to be fertilized. Some signs that a woman is not ovulating normally include irregular or absent menses. Ovulation problems are often caused by PCOS (POHYAYSHC OVARIAN SYNDROME). PCOS is a hormone imbalance problem which can interfere with normal ovulation. PCOS is the most common cause of infertility in females. Primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) is another cause. POI occurs when a woman ovaries stop working normally early before age 40. Note: POI is not the same as menopause. Other cause of infertility in women include - Blocked fallopian tube due to pelvic infections surgery for an ectopic pregnancy - Physical problems with the uterus( womb) - Uterine fibroids. - - -
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Risk Factors for Infertility in Women. Age Smoking Excess alcoholic use
Stress Poor diet Athletic training. Being overweight/ underweight STI ( sexually transmitted infections) Diseases condition such as PCOS and POI How Long Should Woman Try to Get Pregnant Before Calling Their Doctors? Most experts suggest at least 1 year. Women 35yrs or older should see their doctors after 6 months of trying. A woman chances of having a baby decreases rapidly every year after the age of 30 Some health problems also increase the risk of infertility. Women should therefore talk to their doctors if they have the ff’ Irregular periods or no periods at all. Very painful periods Pelvic inflammatory disease(PID) More than one miscarriage. It is a good idea for any woman to talk to a doctor before trying to get pregnant. Doctors can help you get your body ready for a healthy baby. They can also answer questions on fertility, and give tips on conceiving.
Soothin Sounds Health Hub
BY: KUDZO− NORSAH PAUL.C
S
OOTHIN Sounds Health Hub, is a vision− driven facility that has come to help people around Aden-
ta and its environs, as well as Ghanaians in general in their health problems. The clinic which was launched recently provides an all −intensive health services. It has further conducted detailed research and has also developed very po-
tent curative alternative scientific methods, for all female reproductive health problems. It also provides other health services upon request. The establishment of the clinic at Adenta housing, has provided relief , hope and joy to people suffering from all man-
ner of diseases and ailments especially where other alternative medical treatment have not succeeded in. Soothin Sounds Health Hub is managed out of personal experience and expertise of Dr. Lawrence Boadi, the Chief Executive officer
(C.E.O), who relies mostly on experience gained during his close to a decades’ working experience in the medical field. The Health Hub took Adenta by storm in its dispensation of quality medicine, as thousands of people thronged their premises on the launch-
ing day. The clinic offered a free medical screening services to the multitude at the launch. The screening covered area like Body Mass Index (BMI), blood cholesterol level, blood pressure and hypertesis B among others. Officials from The National Blood
Bank at Korle−Bu hospital came to supervise the donation of blood. The new clinic has imposing, spacious, and ultra-modern structures, equipped with state−of− the−art facility and sophisticated equipment. Some of these facilities precisely diagnose, prescribe and dispense authenticated and the needed4 drugs, for the treatment of the diseases reported at the clinic. This considerably reduces the time and frequency of attendance at the clinic. Additionally, the clinic is well organised and structured medical facility, which fosters efficiency and painstaking treatment of patients. The clinic is also staffed by highly trained, qualified and motivated medical and administrative staff who specialize in female reproductive health issues, adult medicine, surgery, pediatric medicine and reports on medical imagery , just to mention a few. Soothing Health Sounds entertain very optimistic expectations into the future, as it has positioned itself to offer excellent services to other parts of Accra and Ghana at large.
Edition: 02/01 • Monday, 3rd February, 2014
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Community News 5
New Nmai-Dzorn Residents Association Holds End-Of-Year Get Together STORY BY: KUDZO− NORSAH PAUL .C.
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ESIDENTS of Nmai− Dzorn, a suburb of Adenta gathered in their numbers to join new Nmai− Dzorn residential association to celebrate their end of year celebration. The occasion was held at the Harvest Time International School in the areas where ample foods and drinks were served. The occasion was attended by the individuals from all walks of life. The New Nmai− Dzorn Resident’s Association is a non-profit base, which focuses on putting forces together to foster development in the locality. The Association, since its inception some years ago has undertaken several project under the auspices of the local government and other stakeholders. Trees planting projects and other electricity projects have been undertaken the Association. In 2012 the Association lobbied for more roads in the area to ensure free flow of traffic. Monthly meeting programmes are also part of the duties Association’s agenda. The association also engaged the ECG to
regulate the even distribution of meters to the residents. In an interview with the president of the Association, Mr Edward K. Lawer told Your Neighbourhood newspaper that his outfit has seen a letter to the Department of Feeder Roads to come and help them tar the major roads in the country.
Addressing the gathering, the chairman quoted a philosopher, Ben stain, stressing that ‟personal relationships are the fertile soil from which and advancement, success, all achievement in real life begins. He further said, as a result, the association deems it very necessary to invite all stakeholders to take part in communi-
ty development. He said, ‘together we can chart a new path to develop our community.’ ‘During the year, the association had a round meeting with the Member of Parliament for Adentan onstituency Mr. Ashie Moore, on how best they could collaborate and solve the numerous problems facing the New Nmai−Dzorn
community. He said ‘We also had a meeting with the top management of the Legon District of the Electricity Company of Ghana on issues concerning electricity supply in the community,’ the chairman stressed.’ ‘We will on this note plead with the Municipal Assembly to see Residents Association as critical or core stake-
holders in the development of the community and should therefore acknowledge receipt of our letter even if the Assembly cannot deal with the issues being raised in such letters. After all the New Nmai Dzorn Residents’ Association is not looking up to the government to solve all the problems in the community just alone in one
day, but rather looking for directions or advice, since the Association on her own had undertaken a lot of developmental projects such as opening up access roads within the community, installations of street lights, and tree planting exercises over the years, the chairman concluded.
Gov’t and Local Banks are Enemies to SMEs - Aheto STORY BY: KUDZO− NORSAH PAUL. C
P
ROFESSOR Kombla Aheto a Small and Medium Scale Enterprise (SME) expert has expressed his displeasure about the way Banks and the Government have side-lined SMEs in the country. Speaking in an exclusive interview with Your Neigbourhood during the All African Trade Fair, by Hope Line Institute in Madina, Prof Aheto said, ‘bankers are not really helping SMEs. Our local banks don’t have the set up with
SME mentality, they are already established with big business mentality. Banks in Ghana do not have the appetite for risks. They therefore see SMEs as very risky set ups.’ He further stated that, local banks are not making efforts to partner SMEs in the country. He pointed out Nigeria and Bangladesh as having SME banks which readily give loans to SMEs and other financial pieces of advice. He cited UT bank as the trail blazer in SME banking that the bank itself is an SME so it purely understands the plights of SMEs; thus they grant loans in a few days. “With just four years since its in-
ception, UT bank go to all regions and bring banking to the door step of SMEs”. He further pointed out that the government’s chronic inability to readily grant capital to SMEs in the country. ‘The policies are there, but how well are these policies been implemented to aid SMEs. Most of the promises made to banks are just political talks. An SME must wait for close to two or more years to see their loans processed. Such delays are factors that crumble SMEs’, the Professor lamented. In conclusion, he said SMEs are the engine of growth in the country and therefore supporting is supporting the economy of Ghana.
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Edition: 02/01 • Monday, 3rd February, 2014
Statistical Data in Greater Accra
Edition: 02/01 • Monday, 3rd February, 2014
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Delaying The Full Completion Of The Legon-Adenta Highway BY MICHAEL OBERTEYE:
T
HE Legon to Adenta stretch of road has always been a very busy and critical road network in the capital. Residents from those environs and beyond the capital such as Oyarifa, Amrahia, Oyibi and even beyond, have always found favour in this stretch of road. Travellers to the capital mainly from the Eastern and Volta regions such as those from Aburi, Koforidua, Somanya, Ho, Hohoe and others all approach Accra through this stretch of road. Its original state used to be very deplorable and it posed a lot of inconvenience for motorists, passengers and other users. It was bumpy and ‘boasted’ a lot of potholes, which many endured on a daily basis. It was just a one-way, small stretch and the result was an uncompromising heavy flow of traffic. It was hellish and users always dreaded its use, though there was very little choice for them. That’s why it was seen as wise and prudent to repair the road and render it convenient and smooth for all of its users. The idea was, of course to put the road in the best of shapes to facilitate smooth transportation. It’s been several years now. Since the road was completed; motorists heaved a great sigh of relief. Consequently, traffic build-up have improved appreciably, and both drivers and passengers now experience less time on the road as compared to what pertained in the past. However, there are still a few observations that merit critical appraisal though. Long after the road had been completed, some very im-
H
Dear reader, APPY New Year, I just want to share with you my resolution for 2014. Give yourself entirely to those around you. Be generous with your blessings. A kind gesture can reach a wound that only compassion can heal. ~Steve Maraboli Don’t you just love stories? Stories have power and they help us use more of our minds, imagination and creativity, helping us to discover new things about ourselves and about the world we live in. Today, I want to share with you a really beautiful story I heard, the joy and beauty of giving and the happiness that comes from giving without expecting anything in return. Often times, we feel like we can’t really give anything to anyone since we don’t have enough for ourselves and we repeat this story to ourselves for so long and eventually we make it part of our reality, but is that really true? Is there really nothing you have
portant and critical areas still remain outstanding. Beautification works and work on the footbridges continue to remain at a standstill. It’s quite interesting and worrying to note that several months after the road that took near eternity to complete, so much still needs to be done. Even the most ignorant observer cannot escape the ugly scenes observed along the road despite its completion. Large volumes of sand have found their way onto the road surface. Whether it’s about the volumes of sand that sit on the road, the absence of road markings, the lack of beautification works, or the footbridges or flyovers that have been stalled, there still needs much to be done to call the road fully completed. In the absence of the markings for instance, there is still no clear cut drive direction, and vehicles can be seen driving haphazardly, from and in all directions. That is the weird observation in any road construction projects anywhere around this country. In the first place, the road takes forever to complete and then other aspects of the process is either suspended indefinitely or not attended to at all. Many continue to frown at the slow pace of these works which is seemingly taking so long to be done, with that they’re tempted to believe that those mandated to do it tend to make it a permanent employment which has no time limit. It’s slow and work seemingly comes to a standstill. It can only take a detailed observation to conclude that little work has gone on. Then the project is finally completed and it’s just about the road. Hardly do you see other beautifications put in place. For instance, the middle portions are left undone several months after the completion of the road. One is tempted to believe all that mattered was the road
to offer to the world? I doubt that. Aren’t there talents and skills you have, isn’t there plenty of LOVE in your heart to share with those you care about; isn’t there a smile on your lips to offer to those who presently think they’ve got none? No one is useless in this world who lightens the burdens of another. ~Charles Dickens There are so many things we can all offer to those around us and believe it or not many of these things are free. If you have material things you would like to give away to those who have less than you do, give it. If you feel like you don’t have any material possession to offer, give them your time, your knowledge, your love and support and many of the things you have that cost you nothing but they value a lot. Joy of Giving A woman who was traveling alone in the mountains found a precious stone in a stream. The next day she met another traveller who was hungry; the woman opened her bag to share her food.
as the sight of a beautifully constructed road is tainted by the unkempt middle patches and sides of the road. Sometimes, they’re never attended to as they’re left in that horrible state. What happened to beautifying these areas so that they match the beauty of the newly constructed road? Nothing is as unsightly as an ugly piece in the middle of beauty. That is to say that the ugliness of these bad middle portions is even more horrible next to what is supposed to be some good construction work. On other occasions, they’re done but as late as can be imagined. They’re left undone for several months on, leaving many observers and concerned Ghanaians wondering as to whether they’ll ever be done. It’s only after so long a time that the necessity to do what everyone expects that they do, hits them. That is when they come back to do what they should have done so long after. In that case, we’re lucky as they never come back in some instances. Like mentioned earlier, all that mattered to them was the road so that the moment they finish with it then other aspects are left to the dogs. The question is, are those who awarded the Legon-Adenta contracts to these guys aware of these neglects and delays on their part? Secondly, do these contracts only include the roads and not their beautification? Certainly, I can’t fathom how or why anybody can award a road project that will only seek to concentrate on the road and not other aspects. The point is that no road project can be said to be complete, without all other aspects being done. When you work on the road and leave some other portions either, just as you met it or probably put it into a much worse state than you
The hungry traveller saw the precious stone and asked the woman to give it to him. She did so without hesitation. The traveller left, rejoicing in his great fortune. He knew the stone was worth enough to give him security for a lifetime. But a few days later he came back to return the stone to the woman. “I’ve been thinking,” He said, “I know how valuable the stone is, but I give it back in the hope that you can give me something even more precious. Give me what you have within you that enabled you to give me the stone.” The woman smiled. I pray this year; I will give of myself, my time and heart to whoever needs me. I will share not only when I have enough to spare. I will go out of my way to look for those who need me but cannot ask for my help. Dear reader, if you have made your resolution for this year 2014, please add giving.
>>Writer: Enyonam Adzo Tsekpo
met it, then that cannot be acceptable. What the common man who uses the road expects to see is something better than what they see. And what collaboration exists between the Ghana Highway Authority and the Department of Parks and Gardens in ensuring that we get our worth of what the road desires to look like? All that is required in the case of the Legon-Adenta roads is just some planting, be it grass, flowers, trees, etc. That is why it beats my imagination as to why sections of the roads are ugly pieces, when grassing has been all that is required to make it look attractive. The slow construction of the overhead bridges means that pedestrians still have the unenviable duty of competing with speeding vehicles as they make their cross-over to the other side. It’s dangerous and if they believe the bridges are to safe-guard the crossing pedestrian from the speeding vehicles, then for how long must they continue to risk their lives? In front of the University of Ghana main gate for instance, motorists and pedestrians in the meantime shall continue to endure some dire harrowing moments. It’s a nightmare for most people that use that stretch and which seems to have no immediate plans of completion anywhere in the near future. As motorists who ply the road continue to wait for answers to these and when the road shall finally come to its logical conclusion, massive traffic jams continue to serve the bane of the general public. If motorists had their way, I’m sure they’ll be looking elsewhere for a way out of this seemingly never ending construction. What motorists, passengers, pedestrians and the general public cry out for is the speedy and total completion of the Legon-Adenta highway.
CMYK
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Edition: 02/01 • Monday, 3rd February, 2014
CMYK
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Edition: 02/01 • Monday, 3rd February, 2014
Edition: 02/01 • Monday, 3rd February, 2014
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Eazzy Targets International Stag and that is what my team and I will be working on for the year. This year will see me collaborating with many artistes and I am hopeful our efforts will yield fruits” she stated. She said that even though last year was quite an eventful year considering the number of shows she participated in and the success that her single, Scream, chalked, she was hopeful for an exposure on the international platform. “I am looking forward to the Channel O Awards and that means that I would need to put in extra effort on my works. Back home, I am also expecting some nominations and probably awards at this year’s Ghana Music Awards” she said. After her debut album, ‘Twinkle’, launched in 2010, which contained songs like Wengeze and Bo Wo Nsem Ma Me, Eazzy has had over 15 nominations in a variety of awards schemes. Source: Graphic Showbiz
Focus On Ashirifia
Entertainment & Fashion 11
FASHION TIPS OF THE WEEK
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KNOW YOUR Body
OST people do not have a fair idea of what their body measurements are. To get an accurate measurement, one must visit a tailor or a seamstress. The basic measurements that you need are:
MEN Shirt- chest, shoulder (across back) around arm, sleeve length and the length Trousers (pants) - waist, thigh, bass and the length WOMEN Shirt/Blouse- Bust, waist, hip shirt/blouse length, sleeve length and around arm. Skirt- Waist, hips and the skirt length. Dress- Bust, waist, Hips, shoulder to waist, shoulder (across back) around arm sleeve length and the dress length Trousers (Pants)- waist, hips , thigh, bass and the length Note: Knowing your measurements before shopping will not only cut down the time you spend trying on clothes but also it will help you choose outfits that fit your body perfectly. Prince Asante-Okoto (C.O.O Ashirifia Wear) wearashirifia@gmail.com
VACANCY School Supervisor: Experienced in private school supervision. With at least 5 years experience in Preschool supervision. Not less than 35 years Must have Montesorri background.
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>>Prince Asante-Okoto, (C.O.O Ashirifia Wear)
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T is just the beginning of a New Year and female rapper and singer, Eazzy is already warming herself up for great shows to last the period. Her first call of duty was the shoot of her new single. Back to the Bone which featured Edem. The video which was shot last week at various locations in Accra brought out Eazzy’s versatility in languages as she rapped in Ga, Ewe and patois. In an interaction with Showbiz, the Wengeze singer who declared the year
2014 as her “Year of goodies” said, production of music videos have become another avenue for artistes to impress the public with their looks and moves apart from their vocal abilities. She said the shoot ‘of Bad to the Bone’ is just one of the many activities that her management has put in place as part of the package expected to see her brand soar high to the international level. “Every artiste has an ambition and a dream to reach the international stage
SHIRIFIA wear is a fashion company which deals in designing and producing of original cloths, fabrics, shoes and bags with African print as well as the production of beads . We believe that an individual should appear unique and original at all times that is why we create on individual bases hence our slogan “feel the originality”. I am Asante-Okoto Prince the chief operation officer (C.O.O) of the company and in charge of the day to day activities of the company from choosing of fabrics to advising customers on how best to use our products and also give them general fashion tips in this ever-changing world.
Teachers: Should have at least JHS certificate.
Contact: 0277763205 / 0244256171 Location: Hoatso
Edition: 02/01 • Monday, 3rd February, 2014
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12
FOOD PRICES TO SHOOT UP
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MARKET survey conducted by the Ghana News Agency (GNA) at the Makola Market and in some markets in Accra revealed that prices of commodities may go up soon.
This, according to some traders, who spoke to the GNA on Friday, would be as a result of the recent increases in fuel and transport fares.
The survey conducted on some items shows previous week. Some of the items and prices that its prices had gone up compared with the are as follows: ITEM PRICE PER OLONKA THIS WEEK OLONKA LAST WEEK GH¢ GH¢ Tomatoes 10.00/ 12.00 10.00/12.00 Grond nuts 8.00 8.00 Beans 6.00 6.00 Gari 4.00 4.00 Garden eggs 5.00 5.00 Red pepper 5.00 5.00 Green pepper 5.00 5.00 The GNA however observed that there were as compared to that of last week. slight increases in some of the prices this week For example, three tubers of yam were 3.50p instead of GH¢ 2.50 last week; a small being sold at GH¢ 10.00 last week was bottle of palm oil is also sold at GH¢ 3.00 now selling a little about GH¢ 12.00 today, instead of GH¢ 2.00, while the 1.5 litre Voltic whilst four big fingers of plantain , which bottle of Palm oil is sold at GH¢ 8.00. sold at GH¢ 2.00 last week, was now selling Mrs. Joyce Arkaa Kuma said, she sells between GH¢ 4.00 and GH¢ 5.00. five fingers of plantain at GH¢ 3.00 while A crate of egg which was selling at a tuber of yam went for GH¢ 5, and GH¢ 6 GH¢12.00 last week is now selling at GH¢ depending on the size, four medium size of 15.00. an increase of GH¢ 3.00. cocoyam is GH¢ 5.00 while an olonka of local rice is sold at GH¢ 9.00. However, at the Osu Market the GNA observed that the increase in fuel prices a A fruit seller, who only gave her name as few a weeks ago had affected the prices of Sister Afia, also sells three fingers of banana foodstuffs. at GH¢ 1.00, small size of pineapple goes for GH¢ 1.00. An Olonka of maize was selling at GH¢ At the Tema Station market in Accra, others remained the same. some commodity prices had changed while In an interview with Aunty Ama Mensah,
a tomato seller, she explained that the price of tomatoes had increased from GH¢ 12.00 to The price of an olonka of pepper has been stable at GH¢ 4.00 for the red pepper and GH¢ 3.00 for the green pepper. A bucket of garden eggs and a bucket of okro remained at GH¢ 7.00, whilst a bunch of plantain that was selling at GH¢ 15.00 is now selling at GH¢ 17.00. Madam Esther Ofori, a fish seller at the market, told the GNA that the price of a quantity of fish, which sold at GH¢ 2. 00 had increased to GH¢ 5. 00. An olonka of local rice is sold at GH¢ 8.00 and GH¢ 1.40p for the margarine cup. Basic commodities such as tomatoes, cowpea and pepper increased between GH¢ 1.50 and GH¢ 1.00 margin. GNA’s market survey at the Aboabo and
GH¢ 14.00 over the week, due to the increase in transport fares. Madam Felicia Addo, a yam seller said the price of yam had increased due to the increment in fuel and transportation fare. “The price of a small sized yam which sold for GH¢ 4.00 is now GH¢ 5.00 and the big size which used to sell at GH¢ 6.00 is now GH¢ 8.00,” she added. Meanwhile, reports from Tamale indicate that prices of some commodities in the Metropolis had increased sharply this week as compared to last week’s, whilst others remain the same, a survey by the GNA shows. Tamale Central markets showed that prices of other commodities such as maize, millet sorghum, yam, groundnut, wheat, soya beans, kotonmere and rice remained stable.
Commodities Current Prices Last week Prices Maize GH¢ 1.50 GH¢ 1.50 Tomatoes GH¢ 8.00 GH¢ 7.00 Millet sorghum GH¢ 2.50 GH¢ 2.50 cowpea GH¢ 6.00 GH¢ 5.00 Yam GH¢ 5.00 (3-tubers) GH¢ 5.00 Groundnut GH¢ 6.00 GH¢ 6.00 Wheat GH¢ 9.50 GH¢ 9.50 Soya beans GH¢ 3.50 GH¢ 3.50 Onion GH¢ 20.00 GH¢ 20.00 Pepper GH¢ 6.00 GH¢ 4.50 Local Rice GH¢ 6.00 GH¢ 6.00 Kontomere GH¢ 1.00 GH¢ 1.00 Foreign Rice GH¢ 9.00 GH¢ 9.00 CREDIT: GNA
Edition: 02/01 • Monday, 3rd February, 2014
Gym Ike fitness Located at Adenta-Frafraha, Mile 13 Stop, off Dodowa Working hours: 5:00am - 9:00pm, Sunday-Saturday Call: 0266822351, 0243831196 Web: www.gymikefitness.com Email: gymike@facebook.com Motto: We make fitness a habit NOT an event.
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Community Sport 13
<<<Short Story>>> THE FRIENDS
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WO friends, Sena and Nyhira, planned to go hiking in the woods. They packed their knapsacks, lugged them over their shoulders and started out. One evening, while walking through the dense forest, they heard a lion roar. They were very scared and started to run away, but “Twick, twick”, they could hear the twigs breaking with each step the lion took towards them. Desperate, Sena saw a low branch hanging from a tree. He quickly caught hold of the life-saving branch and climbed on top of the tree as soon as possible. He was so scared that he did not even look at his friend once. Nyhira, who was behind the first, was not so lucky. The bear was right behind him and when he saw Sena save himself, all he could think of doing was to throw himself flat on the ground. And that’s how the lion found him. Face down on the ground and not even
daring to breathe. The bear put his nose close to Nyhira’ ear - and then he sniffed and sniffed and sniffed. He was trying to make out whether Nyhira was just pretending or if he was dead. Then finally he stopped sniffing. Nyhira dared to take small breath. Then the lion growled, and Nyhira’s blood ran cold. But by then the bear had decided that Nyhira was not alive and it is wellknown that bears will not touch dead meat. So the bear slouched off into the forest. Seeing that the worst of the danger was over, Sena slowly climbed down the tree where he was hiding. Walking up to Nyhira, who was still so shaken up that he could hardly stand, Sena he laughingly asked, “Hey, what did Master Bear whisper to you?” Nyhira gave Sena a long steady look. “He told me,” said Nyhira very slowly, “never to trust a friend who deserts you at the first opportunity he gets. So, if you’ll excuse me...” Saying that, Nyhira picked himself up, brushed off the dust, and walked away.
<<<Jokes For Kids>>> A guide was showing an old lady round a zoo.
Rina: How many children have you got?
“Here we have a native of Australia,” he said, taking her to the kangaroo’s cage.
Ameena: Two boys and a girl. Rina: That’s three altogether.
“Goodness,” the old lady replied in shock. “My grand-daughter’s married one of those!”
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<<<Tongue Twisters for kids>>>
OMETIMES what children wonder can make us wonder how they wonder such interesting
Direction: Hold for 2 seconds each pose and 15 to 20 repetitions of these exercises at least twice daily. NB: Kindly pay attention to the various poses get the posture right to work the muscles involved and avoid injury. You might feel some slight pain if it is your first time for the first 3 days but keep at it. Every pose you do for the left side should also be done to the right and vice versa. Kindly email your comments to yourneighbourhoodgh@ gmail.com or on facebook.com/yourneighbourhoodgh or call us on 0575584498.
Ameena: No - one at a time!
wonders. Does he know that we know that he knows. Is there a pleasant peasant present? Big Billy, who had a
big belly was also a big bully. How many cuckoos could a good cook cook, if a cook could cook cuckoos.
<<<Poems for Kids>>>
I took a stroll down Cypress Street The hot sidewalk beneath my feet. The one thing that stood out the most Where trees once stood there were lamppost. I’d never seen so much concrete No Cypress left on Cypress Street. According to my Great Aunt Gem There used to be a lot of them. They cut them down. They took their wood A treeless street is plum no good! Just like a treeless neighborhood So tell the Mayor next time they meet... To change the name to Lamppost Street!
Edition: 02/01 • Monday, 3rd February, 2014
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14 Community Health
What Is Sudden Cardiac Arrest?
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UDDEN cardiac arrest (SCA) is a condition in which the heart suddenly and unexpectedly stops beating. If this happens, blood stops flowing to the brain and other vital organs. SCA usually causes death if it’s not treated within minutes. Overview To understand SCA, it helps to understand how the heart works. The heart has an electrical system that controls the rate and rhythm of the heartbeat. Problems with the heart’s electrical system can cause irregular heartbeats called arrhythmias (ah-RITHme-ahs). There are many types of arrhythmias. During an arrhythmia, the heart can beat too fast, too slow, or with an irregular
rhythm. Some arrhythmias can cause the heart to stop pumping blood to the body—these arrhythmias cause SCA. SCA is not the same as a heart attack. A heart attack occurs if blood flow to part of the heart muscle is blocked. During a heart attack, the heart usually doesn’t suddenly stop beating. SCA, however, may happen after or during recovery from a heart attack. People who have heart disease are at higher risk for SCA. However, SCA can happen in people who appear healthy and have no known heart disease or other risk factors for SCA. Outlook Most people who have SCA die from it— often within minutes. Rapid treatment of SCA with a defibrillator can be lifesaving. A defibrillator is a device that sends an electric shock to the heart to try to restore its
normal rhythm. Automated external defibrillators (AEDs) can be used by bystanders to save the lives of people who are having SCA. These portable devices often are found in public places, such as shopping malls, golf courses, businesses, airports, airplanes, casinos, convention centers, hotels, sports venues, and schools. Ventricular fibrillation (v-fib) causes most sudden cardiac arrests (SCAs). V-fib is a type of arrhythmia. During v-fib, the ventricles (the heart’s lower chambers) don’t beat normally. Instead, they quiver very rapidly and irregularly. When this happens, the heart pumps little or no blood to the body. V-fib is fatal if not treated within a few minutes. Other problems with the heart’s electrical system also can cause SCA.
For example, SCA can occur if the rate of the heart’s electrical signals becomes very slow and stops. SCA also can occur if the heart muscle
doesn’t respond to the heart’s electrical signals. Certain diseases and conditions can cause the electrical problems that lead to SCA. Examples
include coronary heart disease (CHD), also called coronary artery disease; severe physical stress; certain inherited disorders; and structural
changes in the heart. Several research studies are under way to try to find the exact causes of SCA and how to prevent them.
7 Amazing Facts About Tomatoes
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OMATOES rarely come up in conversation unless I’m ordering a salad or ‘agbame tadi’ It turns out that tomatoes contain vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that work wonders when you slice them open and put them on your hair or face. Lycopene, the carotenoid that gives the tomato its red colour, is key in reversing signs of aging such as fine lines and wrinkles. Vitamin A also helps to heal and repair damaged skin cells. And it gets even better! Behold, seven amazing uses for tomatoes. 1. Get rid of oily skin. The above routine can reduce shine, too. Vitamins C and A, as well as amino acids, are known for their oil-minimizing properties. Just be sure to follow up with a hydrating moisturizer immediately after cleansing. 2. Treat acne and remove blackheads. A tomato’s acidity is powerful enough to clear up pimples and blemishes. Simply apply the pulp to the affected area for up to 30 minutes each day, and then rinse off. Do this consistently over two weeks and you will begin to notice fewer breakouts. 3. Cleanse and tone skin. Get your hands messy and mash one tomato and one avocado into a facial mask. Smooth onto your skin and leave on for 15 to 20 minutes. (Tip: Because tomatoes
are highly acidic, it may sting or burn. I always recommend testing a small area first.) The tomato deep-cleans dirt and debris, while the avocado restores moisture. Wash off with lukewarm water and pat face dry. 4. Shrink large pores. Combine one tablespoon of fresh tomato juice and two drops of lime juice in a small bowl. Dab a cotton swab into the mixture and swipe onto your face in upward circular motions. After about 10 minutes, rinse the pore-shrinking solution off with cool water. 5. Add shine to a dull complexion. Want glowing skin in under 15 minutes? No big deal when you’ve got tomato juice. Just add a bit of honey until you’ve created a thick paste. Rub the gooey mask onto your face, relax while it does its thing and then wash off. 6. Condition dry hair and relieve an itchy scalp. Once you’ve shampooed your hair, pour tomato juice onto your strands and leave on for five minutes. The homemade conditioner will not only remove build up, but it will hydrate parched locks. Rinse with cold water. 7. Remedy sunburns. Laid out in the sun for too long and ended up with a painful burn? Soothe your skin by rubbing on a cool blend of tomato and yogurt. Would you trade your anti-aging products for tomatoes?
CMYK
Edition: 02/01 • Monday, 3rd February, 2014
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The Lord Jesus Christ Is The Light Of The World
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F I take a glance at the totality of my life, and consider the wasted years of groping in the dark, the wasted years of trying to overcome personal weaknesses, the wasted years of consistently making wrong decisions and moves, then I cannot but agree the more to the statement by our Lord in the Gospel of John, referring to Himself as the ‘Light of the World’. Jesus is indeed the light of the world. He emphasizes this in his word, as exemplified below: Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” (John 8:12-13 NKJV) In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it. (John 1:4-5 NKJV) As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” (John 9:5 NKJV)
murdered in cold blood. In psalm 74 and verse 20, the psalmist was literally crying unto the LORD for help. He stressed that: Have respect unto the covenant: for the
dio and could not attribute it to anybody, even though I would have loved to. I have, however, kept it till today so that I can use it to motivate myself to work from time to time. The statement went like this: “the average university graduate can still not read and write”.
Jesus is the True Light that can light you up and your life cannot be hidden. Above all, Jesus is the True Light that can light you up so that darkness cannot overcome or overtake you. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it. (John 1:4-5 NKJV)
In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it. (John 1:4-5 NKJV)
Darkness normally refers to the absence or lack of light. In another scene it refers to how close something is to the colour black. Darkness also refers to the state of the night and the kind of evil vices that normally could happen during that time. When ‘someone is in the dark’, it means he or she is not aware of what is happening immediately around him or her. The Good Book however, has some more meanings to the word ‘darkness’ that we must dig deep to find out in order to stay out of many troubles in this world. Let us look at a few of such meanings or inference to the word ‘darkness’ Darkness as wickedness of the Devil One of the most usually referred to inferences to the word ‘darkness’ is when we look at darkness as wickedness: the wicked, cruel, destructive operations of the evil one, the unforgiving and unforgivable nature of the evil one, the more than proportionate inflicting of pain to unassuming and unprepared victims, and more so, the calculated and presumptious intent to oppose, attack and destroy, if I may say, everything that the almighty God has made or put in place. My brother told me a story of how a young labourer on a construction site inflicted a deep cut on the head of another labourer with a concrete block due to a very trivial provocation. During interrogation, this cruel young man said that his friend teased him. But he waited till his victim was not even aware of the attack and then he did what he did. Recently in Ghana we woke up to a horrific story of how a beautiful ‘bank lady’ had been
dark places of the earth are full of the habitations of cruelty. (Ps 74:2 KJV) For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. (Eph. 6:12 KJV)
When I heard this statement, the first thing I said was: wow! This man must be speaking to me, because even now I agree that reading and writing which is a very important aspect of life and development, is still not the lifestyle of many. The result I believe is what the Bible says as follows:
Darkness as the practice of evil deeds (sin or vices)
My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: (Hos 4:6a KJV)
Darkness also sometimes refers to the life of sin or practice of vices, where people caught up in them are so drenched in them and are not prepared to come out. It takes only the grace of God, for such an apt helplessness to undergo a positive turn−around.
The Lord Jesus Christ also in His defense to His multiple usages of parables said:
What is happening in many places in the world today? Even though there is effective preaching of the word of God, and the word of God has warned us of the increase of ‘callousness’, and the result of death and hell, consequently, however, Jesus was forth right, when he stressed that: This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved and still love darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. (John3:19 NIV). People are therefore caught up in sexual immorality of all shades, ‘sakawa’, legalization of same sex marriages, corruption, drug abuse, and many more. Darkness as in Lack of Knowledge and Understanding Finally, I want to refer to Lack of knowledge also as a state of darkness. I heard the following statement on the ra-
Therefore I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand. And in them the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled, which says: ‘Hearing you will hear and shall not understand, And seeing you will see and not perceive; For the hearts of this people have grown dull. Their ears are hard of hearing, And their eyes they have closed, Lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears, Lest they should understand with their hearts and turn, So that I should* heal them.’* (Matt 13:1315 NKJV) The true Light has come indeed Jesus is the True Light that lightens everyone that wishes to be in the light. Jesus is the True Light that shines on everyone that wishes to come out of the darkness. Jesus is the True Light That shines on everyone that wishes to illuminate His Light to the world.
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Friend, Let us look at how some other versions put it: The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it. NLT (New Living Translation) The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. ESV (English Standard Version) The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not suppressed it. CJB (Complete Jewish Bible)
Friend, if the three references to darkness above, namely, wickedness, sinful life and dullness are anything to write home about, then I believe that there is good news for those who are ready to jump unto what I call “the Flight into the Light”. Are you ready? Because as long as the LORD lives, darkness can never extinguish the Light. As long as the LORD lives, darkness can never overcome the Light. And as long as the LORD lives, darkness can never suppress the Light. In the world it may seem that darkness is overtaking, but I can assure you that God has a purpose, a plan and a time line for everything. He knows what to do with the disobedient before the foundation of the earth. He created the earth on which I live. As a result, I better listen to Him and obey Him. His word says: The people who walked in darkness Have seen a great light; Those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, Upon them a light has shined. (Isa 9:2 NKJV). You are seeing the great light today. The True light is shining on you today. I booked my space in the “Flight into the Light” sometime back. I want you to come on board this Flight into the Light today. You can book your space today with a simple but serious commitment to reject darkness and choose The True Light. God bless you for reading. Amen! By: Pastor Gabriel Sekyi-Yorke. Bethel Baptist Church. Odorkor Official Town. Accra 0244-316353
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Edition: 02/01 â&#x20AC;˘ Monday, 3rd February, 2014