LEPROSY: Ghana Reaches Eradication Stage In Fight Against The Disease

Alex Segbefia, Health Minister

Ghana has reached the eradication stage in the fight against leprosy, Dr. Ekow Amankrah-Otabir, National Programme Manager of Leprosy, the Ghana Health Service (GHS) has disclosed.

With more than 40,000 registered cases in the country around 1948, the figure has reduced to only 385 as of December last year.

Speaking at the 2016 World Leprosy Day celebration held on at Elmina to celebrate their achievement and educate the public on the disease, he said the improvement and sustenance of the treatment of the disease by the service was paying off.

The celebration, which was on the theme” Early Case Detection, Minimizes Stigmatization” was attended by technical officers and their deputies of the Ghana Leprosy Service from across the country.

He said the GHS and its partners would not be complacent on the achievements made,  but   would continue to intensify efforts to ensure a leprosy free Ghana and appealed to the general public to report cases early to enable them to cure the disease completely.

Leprosy is a disease caused by Mycobacterium Leprae (M. Leprae), a rod shaped bacillus that affects mainly the skin and the nerves.

The first sign of leprosy is the appearance of patches on the skin which are accompanied by a loss of sensation at the affected areas.

Dr. Amankrah-Otabir said treatment was free and on an out-patient basis and therefore, did not required isolation of patients but however added that there was no vaccination for it.

He said there had been a tremendous progress from the era when there were over 40,000 registered cases to fewer than 370 cases, adding that the success had been as a result of commitment on the part of Government, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and officials of the GHS.

He said the leprosarium had been upgraded to a Leprosy Hospital where only patients with complications were admitted and managed and that once a patient had been diagnosed and treatment had begun, he or she was not a threat to anyone.

Dr. Amankrah-Otabir identified stigmatization as a major problem confronting leprosy patients and the Leprosy and advised the public not to use the phrase “Cured Lepers” as nobody was born with leprosy.

Mr. Jackson Kofi Nyarko, a panel member of the tropical Neglected Diseases of the World Health Organization (WHO) bemoaned how disabled persons were treated in the country and called on Governments to offer help that seeks to empower them.

“The help must come in a form that will empower us to do something to earn a living and not the mere provision of clothes, food and other relief items which may only last for some few days,” he said.

Mr. Nyarko who was once a leprosy patient said disabled persons were also capable of doing any other work and therefore should be offered equal job opportunities instead of camping them at one place.

Editorial

QUALITY ON THE AIRWAVES

A multi- media regime by itself cannot guarantee good quality and this has been demonstrated over and over again in recent times.

Indeed the indications are that the advent of plural media has come with very low quality.

Today, it is normal to hear fully grown adults hurling unprintable insults at themselves on prime time radio or television.

The degeneration is complete with adult and otherwise respectable persons in society describing their body parts on air.

The translation of the news from English to Twi or any other language is even worse.

The careless use of proverbs and other idiomatic expressions distorts meaning and misinforms the listening public.

Another issue is the attempt to excite ethnic and religious hatred on the airwaves.

The situation is getting out of hand and the National Media Commission and others like the Ghana Journalist Association (GJA) ought to step in to maintain acceptable standards.

Do our laws really work in Ghana?

President John Mahama

By Dr. Michael J.K. Bokor

Folks, there is no doubt that Ghana is relatively stable and attracts international interest. Many are those rushing to relocate there to pursue their agenda in life, even as Ghanaians themselves desert the country for foreign lands, where they are reduced to non-humans. The foreigners have virtually taken over the country; and there is a lot going on wrong in that pursuit to provoke us, especially when we consider their negative activities. Do the laws in Ghana really bite? If not, why not?

Forget about the self-destructive claim that Ghanaians are hospitable. Senseless hospitality endangers national life, especially when the doors are thrown open for foreigners to be where they are not needed or when their activities endanger limb and property but cannot be checked or stopped because of systemic problems.

The focus is now on the Fulani nomads plying their damaging trade all over the country, incurring the anger of indigenes but enjoying whatever their circumstances offer them. And they are operating everywhere in the country because they know how to play their cards. But playing their cards endangers our national resources and lives. If you doubt it, just read the news report here (http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/Forest-guards-abandon-posts-over-Fulani-herdsmen-413387), for instance.

We have also been told about the arrest of some Yemenis without valid documents trying to enter Ghana. Why not when the government is harbouring two of their compatriots? Ghana is open to anything at this time. Why so?

In addition to that danger is the influx of the Chinese, who have virtually settled in the groove in Ghana to do things with impunity. They are everywhere, mining gold and diamond, establishing enclaves and practising prostitution, entering into forest reserves and exploiting the resources, and selling just anything anywhere to prove that they are really in charge of some sectors of the Ghanaian national life that they can call their own. And Ghanaians are chafing all over the place but can’t act to rid themselves of such undesirables. Why is it so? Why should it be so that Ghanaians should be held “hostage” by these foreigners in their own land of birth?

The answers to this question lie nowhere but on the laps of our political authorities. Should we begin with the crave for support from China to grow our economy under Presidents Kufuor and Mils or Mahama? Take them apart and you will see why Kufuor paid a visit to Beijing and relished whatever was offered him even at the time that his Chinese counterpart was undertaking a foreign tour, indicating to the Ghanaian authorities before Kufuor’s visit that he won’t be available to host him.

Then, bring in the desperate moves by Atta Mills to secure a 13-billion Dollar loan from China to support his “Better Ghana” agenda. Nothing has come from China thus far (even under Mahama) because the Chinese won’t just be comfortable playing the Father Christmas role. Nothing goes for nothing. Yes, China claimed it had money to give Ghana; but what could Ghana offer China in turn for a solid quid pro quo arrangement to be effected?

Behind it all was the hidden agenda of China to spread its tentacles everywhere, especially in Africa, taking advantage of the bad-blood relationship existing between formerly colonized Africa and its colonial masters. Thus, China presented itself as a friend in need and a friend indeed. Nothing concrete has come to Ghana in that co0nstruction.

History reminds us of what had happened under the Great Osagyefo when all that China presented to Ghana under Chou En Lai was a mere political rhetoric to clothe Nkrumah in the Chinese costume and present him to the world as the champion of communism in Africa. He lost big time. Has Ghana gained anything from China since then? Nothing.

Thus, when Kufuor and Mills began gravitating toward China, some enlightened folks expressed serious concerns that they were only preparing Ghana for the slaughter house. Reason didn’t prevail. What do we have today under Mahama to account for all those efforts? The influx of Chinese undesirables to annoy Ghanaians!! Forget about the political rhetoric and concentrate on economic reality. We are being duped by these Chinese and must wake up to that painful reality to get rid of them!!

As is reported daily, the activities of these Chinese undesirables are despicable. Unfortunately, no one in authority is ready to muster up enough courage to act promptly for them to be dealt with. Why is it so? Could it because of the warning given about two years ago by the Chinese government to the Ghanaian one on how not to mistreat Chinese elements entering Ghana? And why should the Ghanaian authorities cower? Why can’t our government stand firm against the bullying tactics of the Chinese authorities? (Folks, we are aware of some scandals involving Ghanaian government officials on official business in China being bribed with petty gifts and what-not.) We wrote about such scandals some years back. Is anybody in government, therefore, looking over the shoulders and, therefore, scared of being exposed if he leads the fight against these Chinese undesirables?)

True, Ghana needs the help of other countries to solve its internal economic problems; but it doesn’t have to accommodate undesirables whose activities compound problems. Unfortunately, it seems those in authority are more willing to sacrifice the national interest to sustain the activities of those undesirables than to serve the interests of Ghanaians. I am particularly concerned about the devastation of Ghana’s forest reserves by these Chinese undesirables. As reported, they have caused so much havoc as to alarm every sane Ghanaian.

The snag is that the Ghanaian authorities are quick to take action against Ghanaian citizens entering forest reserves to exploit the resources, but incapable of doing so to the Chinese undesirables or the Fulanis now haranguing the society. Why should it be so? Do we really have any regard for the Ghanaian anymore? Or do we have laws that really work? If so, why can’t action be taken against these foreign elements, especially the Chinese undesirables? Who in Ghana is providing a safe haven for these undesirables to act the way they do? Who is cushioning them?

I am highly disappointed in our government and the institutions charged with securing national assets and integrity. Is the Ghana Immigration Service really up to its responsibilities? How do the Chinese undesirables get the green light to settle in Ghana to do things the way they do them to annoy us? What are the various security apparatuses (national, regional, metropolitan/municipal/district) doing things? Why are we in Ghana so porous in our attitude to matters of this sort?

Folks, it is clear that law and order have broken down, which allows all these undesirables to enter the country and do things anyhow. It is not so in other countries. What at all is happening? I am more than appalled. If care is not taken, the situation will deteriorate further to destabilize our country. Too bad for a country with over-abundant resources yet wallowing in poverty because of the shortsightedness of its national leaders and the criminal laxity of its state and local law-enforcement authorities. It is not so in other countries.

In the United States, for instance, one cannot just cut down a tree (whether the branch or stem) on one’s own, regardless of where the tree is located on the property (especially if that property is residential) without p8unishment. One cannot just develop land because one claims it or because one has money for that purpose. Everything is circumscribed within the law. We in Ghana are lagging behind, which is why anything goes; and we suffer the negative backlash that unconscionable politicians exploit to deepen woes.

Ghana can never be built on lawlessness. That is why I find the goings-on to be reprehensible. I challenge President Mahama and his team to act decisively so the relevant institutions can stop the menace. Otherwise, it won’t be surprising when foreigners dig in and enslave Ghanaians on their own soil.

I shall return…

·         E-mail: mjbokor@yahoo.com

·         Join me on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/mjkbokor to continue the conversation.

CELEBRATING THE LEGENDARY OF BOB MARLEY

Bob Marley

The birthday of Jamaica’s reggae maestro, Bob Marley, has been earmarked as a special event to celebrate The Legend in February. Since his passing on three decades ago, Marley’s ingenious music recordings have survived to this day and can boast millions of audience worldwide.  

Initially, I was reluctant to write this article because of the reaction of some disgruntled Rastafarians, following my publication on Haile Selassie I titled, ‘The myth about Jah Rastafari’.

However, I was encouraged by the overwhelming feedback from some readers who flooded my e-mail with messages. It is obvious that majority of those who read the article were pleased.

   

In summary, the objective of that article was to demystify the divinity of Haile Selassie. In fact, the Ethiopian emperor cautioned Rastas not to worship, but some still believe he was God-incarnate. 

It is worth mentioning that, as a fan of Bob Marley and reggae, I have no ulterior motive against Rasta in any way. My aim was to educate the public about the concept of ‘Jah Rastafari’.

There is an adage that,” Telling someone the truth is a loving act”. It is often said that the truth hurts, but it is better to tell someone the truth and make them cry than to tell a lie and make them happy.

Undoubtedly, thousands of reggae lovers and Rastas around the globe will celebrate the 71st anniversary of The Legend. Of course, I am not an exception, most especially because my wife, Dzifa Annan, shares the same birthday as Bob Marley. 

Early life of ‘The Legend’

Robert Nesta Marley was born on 6th February, 1945 in Jamaica. The reggae maestro was popularly known as Bob Marley or The Legend. His parents were Captain Norval Marley and Cedella Booker.

His father was an English marine officer, and his mother a black Jamaican. The British Captain met Cedella when she was a teenager. They planned to get married in 1944, but Norval’s family opposed their union on racial grounds. 

In the course of their relationship, Cedella became pregnant and gave birth to Bob Marley in 1945 at the age of 18. Captain Marley named his son ‘Robert Nesta Marley’.

With pressure mounting from Norval’s family, the relationship between the Caucasian captain and the black Jamaican girl faded away. 

Some years later, Norval Marley died in 1955 after seeing his son only once. The last time little Bob saw his father was at the age of five. He grew up poor and sometimes slept without food.

Growing up fatherless in the ghetto of Trench Town, poor Bob suffered racial hostility because of his mixed bloodline. In spite of that, he identified himself with the black race.

The Wailers

At the age of 14, Bob’s talent (music) began to manifest. He learned how to play the guitar and wrote his own songs. It is believed that Marley’s love for music was inherited from his Christian mother who was known for her lovely singing voice.

Little Bob released his first recording, “Judge Not “in 1962 when he was 17. His song proved to be a hit and that paved way for a brighter future in his musical career.

His ambition of rising to stardom saw the light of day when he formed the famous vocalist group, ‘The Wailers’ in 1963.  The group was made up of some celebrated artists including, Bunny Livingstone and Peter Tosh.

When the original ‘Wailers’ was dissolved in 1974, he formed ‘Bob Marley and the Wailers’ with Bob himself as guitarist, songwriter, and main singer. His backing team was the Wailers’ Band and the ‘I Threes’ vocalists.

Honours & awards

The Jamaican songwriter touched millions with his philosophical music. A few of his greatest songs were, “Three Little Birds”, “Buffalo Soldier”, “Africa Unite”, “One Love” “Exodus”, and “No Woman No Cry”, just to mention a few.

In 1999, his ‘Exodus’ album was adjudged “Album of the Century” by Time Magazine, and ‘One Love’ was named “Song of the Millennium” by the BBC.

In 1978, Bob was awarded a ‘Peace Medal’ by the United Nations in recognition of his efforts for peace, equal rights, and justice’ for Africa.

Bob Marley’s popular songs have, posthumously, won several awards and honours worldwide.

Support for Africa unity

Like Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, Bob Marley was intensely passionate about pan-Africanism, Africa unity, freedom and black empowerment.

Most of his songs touched on freedom, politics, slavery, peace, racial equality, and above all love.  

During his One Love Peace concert in 1978, Bob Marley united two Jamaican political leaders on stage – Prime Minister Michael Manley and opposition leader Edward Saega.

In his revolutionary songs, “Get Up, Stand Up” and “Revolution”, the reggae legend challenged Africans to rise and fight the ‘oppressor’ for their freedom.

He recorded the “Redemption Song” and “Africa Unite” condemning racism. One of his popular songs, “Zimbabwe” was released when he performed at Zimbabwe’s independence celebration day in 1980. 

Rastafarianism

Bob Marley became the most famous advocate of Rastafari in the 60s. His outstanding gift for songwriting and vocal style gained the Rastafari movement an overwhelming recognition worldwide.

As a proponent of ‘Jah Rastafari’, Bob Marley composed over 170 songs highlighting the elements of Rasta philosophy. Some of his religious tracks were, “Forever Loving Jah” and “Exodus”.

Interestingly, Bob Marley accepted baptism few years before his death. According to his Christian mother, Bob’s final words were, “Jesus, take me”. 

Family and social life

Bob married Rita Anderson in 1966 when he was 21. Rita became one of Marley’s backing vocalists that formed the ‘I-Threes’. The young couple had four children.

Aside the four, Marley fathered many children out-of-wedlock and had several lovers, including Cindy Breakspeare (Miss World 1976). His relationship with Cindy led to the birth of Damien Marley in 1978.

Even though Bob loved football, his passion for reggae was superb. In 1977, he injured his right big toe while playing soccer and the wound became cancerous.

Bob Marley died of malignant melanoma, a dangerous skin cancer, on 11th May, 1981 at the age of 36. While on his sickbed, he said to his first son Ziggy Marley, “Money cant’ buy life”.

ASP James Annan

Gt. Accra Regional PRO

Senior Correctional Centre

jamesannan2006@gmail.com