Encounter with sachets and cans

By Charles Andoh

“Let us do what is right by all Standards; right by human Standards and right by God’s Standard and we shall overcome.” – Prof. John Evans Atta Mills

Somewhere last year, 1^st November 2011, I stepped my feet fully onto the campus of the prestigious Ghana Institute of Journalism (GIJ); precisely the Upper Lecture Hall for my first lecture. Certainly, I was glad after the first lecture and the subsequent ones.

You wouldn’t believe what happened after some few days.  My eyes and mind started fighting each other for a particular reason.  My mind asked my eyes that “haven’t you been seeing litters in the various lecture halls always?”  But my eyes were very adamant and told my mind also to act.

My body, soul and spirit then came to terms with them after sometime and understood why they always fought on GIJ Campus.

So they all came together and met at the Seminar Room to find out from the Various Litters Association on GIJ Campus such as Sachet Water Litters Association, Empty Fruit Juice Cans Association, Banana Peels Association as to why they don’t want to stay or live in their abode, litter bins; but prefer GIJ lecture halls to study with students.  For my mouth, he was very furious and chastised these Associations.  And guess what Mr. Reader?  During the meeting they said, “Sir, it is not our fault to be living in your lecture halls; after all, we don’t have legs to walk in there.  Rather, it is some of your colleagues who normally buy us from food vendours and after consuming our contents, they leave us there.  Therefore we had no choice than to stay, though, we find that uncomfortable.”

I immediately became sober and fell on my knees as I broke into tears.  But thanks be to my mind and mouth – they consoled my eyes and quickly told my hand to put something on paper to advice my colleagues.  But he always resisted and said they will change.

However, the situation seems to be escalating this semester.  Now, my eyes have also observed that the various litters Association have started sitting on top of walls and the worse of all, lecturers’ tables in the various lecture halls before and even sometimes after lectures.

Mr. Reader, I know it may sound a bit weird but an excursion to the various lecture halls on campus after lectures will confirm this piece.  How many times haven’t you seen empty sachet water, banana peels, toffee and biscuit packs in the various lecture halls?

Yes, I’ve got it! I know the next question you want to ask is, can such students eat and leave the litters in their living rooms?  Hmm, I guess you’re thinking like myself and will say, “They can’t do that”, so why GIJ lecture halls and walls?  What wrong have these lecture halls committed by allowing students to sit in and study?

The funny aspect is that these are the same people receiving training to become responsible Journalists “m’ano yi oo”, in this country one day to talk and write about the misdeeds of people in society in order to transform them.  What an Irony!

“Charity they say begins at home”, so if you continue this way, what then do you write about one day?  Perhaps, your own attitude I guess. 

Wait Mr. Reader, my mind wants to communicate to you and my colleagues that the next time you buy any food make sure you put the litter into the rubbish bins around and not the lecture halls; they’ve done nothing wrong to be humiliated.

Tell a friend to tell others that, it is wrong to litter GIJ lecture halls with rubbish.

Always be mindful that rubbish do not litter by themselves, people do.  So let’s stop.

Together we can make GIJ lecture halls and even the campus very clean and conducive to live in.  Remember, no one will come from outside to keep the school clean, but rather our individual responsibility.

Thanks to my hand for settling the dispute between my mind and eyes by writing to reveal this act by students.  And thanks to you Mr. Reader for telling a friend to change his attitude.

Until we meet another time, I leave you with this, let us do what is right and surely, we shall overcome.  Over to you, the bosom friend of litters.

Please drop it in wae!

Writers Email: Charlesandoh28@yahoo.com

Were their conscience sold?

By Charles Andoh

Coming out of the Executive Lecture Hall at The Ghana Institute of Journalism on that faithful day; Friday 30^th November, 2012 after my last examination paper to end the semester, some individuals clad in a particular political party’s paraphernalia approached me.  They were called friends of that political party in question’s Leader. According to them, students of GIJ were supposed to write their names for reasons they could not disclose to me at that moment.

As a student-journalist, I wanted to find out the significance of writing my name for a particular political leader and why it should be done at a period where Ghanaians were going to the polls.  Further interrogations revealed that the writing of names came with special packages such as T-shirts. Oh lalaaaaaa! You wouldn’t believe it but that was the case.

Indeed, such packages came with a price to pay.  Students were entreated to vote for this political party leader in question. Is this not the sale of conscience and dignity?

Selling the message of a particular political party to people like students to vote for that party may not be wrong.  But to go to the extreme end of distributing packages to no persons than student-journalists makes me wonder when GIJ became a school for partisan – politics? When did the mediator become a promoter of the ideologies of a particular political party? Hmm Ghana, “3b3y3 yie ni?”

Later findings revealed that the SRC of the Institute spearheaded this course by giving the opportunity to such a political party to come and campaign for votes. However, Sources say that the SRC served the other parties letters to attend the programme but they refused. That sounds disturbing but it happened.  Why did the other parties not attend? Big question. Had the SRC a fishy agenda in turning the Institute into a partisan – politics to ruin the dignity of mother GIJ? I stand for correction in this regard. 

No matter what the situation was, students could have stood on their grounds to defend their dignity and the name of GIJ. Maybe the Student Journalist has forgotten the Code of Ethics of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA). Article 3 (1) of the code of ethics underscores the fact that “Journalists should not accept bribe or any form of inducement to influence the performance of his/her professional duties.”

 

I think if a journalist engages in such an act, it is a slight on his or her professional integrity and a disgrace to journalism. “Charity they say begins at home.” so if you allow yourself as a student journalist to be influenced by a particular political party while in school, what then will become of you when you have completed school? Anyway, do you still want to ask whether their conscience were sold?

Email: Charlesandoh28@yahoo.com

Let humility and discipline be your hallmarks

By Charles Andoh

“God resists the proud. But gives more grace to the humble.” James 4:6 (Holy Bible)

To me one of the profound statements ever made in the Holy Bible is the above quotation. Indeed, the Bible expresses the subject of humility in categorical and unequivocal terms.

Each time humility is expressed, discipline comes into focus. Hence both run concurrently. The numerous dictionaries in the world like; Oxford Advanced Learner’s, Longman and McMillan Dictionaries expatiate on the subjects of humility and discipline with great care and diplomacy.

Humility and discipline are usually expressed in the lives and activities of humans. Over the years, many have raised concerns that the world is looking for great men and women who are humble and discipline to play on the field. Many have even asserted that very soon institutions and organizations will run after humbled and disciplined people. How true!

It is no surprise that today the world has and still does hail great men and women who in one way or the other have shown humility and discipline in all their endeavours. Notably among them are: Jesus Christ (saviour of the world), John the Baptist (who baptized Jesus), Pastor Chris Oyakhilome PhD (President of Believers’ Loveworld Inc.a.k.a Christ Embassy), Professor John Evans Atta Mills; may his soul rest in peace (immediate past President of Ghana). Others are Professor Jane Naana Opoku Agyemang (minister for education) and His Excellency John Dramani Mahama (current President of Ghana), Manasseh Azure Awuni (2011 GJA Best Journalist of the year), and James Akwesi Appiah (Black Stars Coach). These have led humble and discipline lives that we all can emulate.

Towards this end, the Bible underscores the fact that Jesus Christ upon all the powers and authorities He had, humbled and disciplined himself till death. What a mark of humility! Jesus also testifies about the humility and greatness of John the Baptist. Humble people see the good in others and think of their capabilities. Above all, they are submissive and down to earth.

It is easy to identify the humble and discipline person by the way he or she talks and his or her readiness to serve which always make them great people. Humble people are very respectful and as well kind to others. They are of high moral standards.

Often, people think that those who are humble have an Achilles’ heel of easy compromise. But I always dismiss such assertions with much concern. The Bible for instance records that one time Jesus visited the temple and people were making merchandise. Quickly, Jesus whipped the devil out of them for engaging in such an act in the temple. That is the mark of true discipline and the attitude of the disciplinarian who always holds on to his principles and beliefs and is never ready to compromise. The late J.E.A Mills did something remarkable during his tenure that stroked me till now. When the world wanted him to succumb and kowtow as far as the subject of homosexuality is concern, he stood on his grounds and never compromised on his faith and beliefs. Many have described him as someone who broke the myth behind the presidency because of his humble and discipline nature. He was a great man indeed.

Pastor Chris Oyakhilome PhD exhibits humility and discipline in whatever he does. He never allows his money and fame control him; loves to see the good in others and above all very principled. I always love to see him teach the subject of humility with much passion. That is the kind of man the world needs in this 21^st century.

Coming into contact with Manasseh Azure Awuni makes me know that you have on excuse to be proud in this world. With the kind of person he is, one would think that fame and money would swallow him up. But he has always remained the humble person I know. In fact, I have no doubt in my mind that he is going to be one of the great persons the world has ever produced due to his humility.

My heart is always filled with joy whenever I see His Excellency John Dramani Mahama and Coach Akwesi Appiah with the kind of humility they exhibit. It is always said that humble and discipline people don’t talk anyhow. They are always quite on the outside but giants in the inside.

Conversely, that is not the life of the proud person. He is always proud like the peacock. The proud person can always be identified by the way he or she speaks. The proud is always pompous about his prosperity; and that is dangerous. One great man of God once said: “In every man there is a bit of pride that if you don’t deal with it will, destroy you.” It is no surprise some start from a humble beginning but end up in pride.

Felix Adjei, a student of Ghana Institute of Journalism digesting on the subject of humility said: “Humility is a bitter pill to swallow but if you’re able to administer the dosage it will be a recipe to success.”

What then is the way forward? No matter the field of endeavour you are, let humility and discipline be your best friends. If you are a manager or a leader of an institution, let humility and discipline take charge of you. Never lord your position over your subordinates. If you are a husband or a wife or perhaps a lady or gentleman in search of someone to date, always remain humble and discipline and it won’t be long your humility will pay off.

Until I come your way another time, let humility and discipline be your hallmarks for the rest of your life.

Writer’s Email: charlesandoh28@yahoo.com                            

                                                    Homosexuality Is An Abominable Act  

By Charles Andoh

 The subject of homosexuality (Gayism and Lesbianism) has become very controversial in Ghana and the world at large in recent times.

However, the greatest book (Holy Bible) ever in the world where most religions like Christianity, Islam, Hinduism among others draw their inspiration from debunks homosexuality and describes it as a despicable act.

Indeed, the holy bible underscores the fact that after the creation of man (Adam), God saw that there was the need to create a wo-man (from man; Eve) to be a help mate to the former.                                                                              

Towards this end, God, due to His infinite wisdom after causing man to sleep deeply and bringing a woman out of his rib blessed them as husband and wife to be in total and absolute control of His(God) creation; and to satisfy each other on the grounds of sex in order to bring forth children to fill the earth.

Incidentally, if God had created only man or woman, I guess the world wouldn’t have been filled with a lot of human beings today. It is also interesting to mention that because God knew that it was impossible for people of the same sex to mate and bring forth children in order to expand His creation, He created ‘A Man and A woman’. Therefore, you and I are living in this world today because of Adam and Eve who were of different sexes and not the vice-versa. So right from the word go, God never liked the idea of homosexuality.

Interestingly, the living bible version clearly spells out how God abhorres and frowns upon this act (Romans 1:24-28).In Leviticus 18:22-24, there  is a clear indication that God does not agree to homosexuality and also points out to the fact that His curses and anger will befall those who engage in such an act. In addition, Leviticus 20, Colossians 3:5-9, Galatians 5:19-(The living bible/king James version) all affirm to the fact that homosexuality is among other evil acts that God disagree with. The bible also reminds us of the story of Sodom and Gomorrah where the anger of God was kindled against the city because the people over there were practicing homosexuality.

Against this background, God, the creator of Heaven and Earth does not and will not accept homosexuality because it goes against His creation and plans for mankind. Besides, no scientific research has also proved that it is good for human beings of the same sex to mate and even bring forth children; it cannot happen.

It is really sad for some people to come out boldly to declare that it is good to practice homosexuality. It is also unfortunate that some of the advanced countries have legalized this act. Hence, compelling some of the third world countries to legalize this act before granting aids and loans.

 I am aware that some Human Right Activists in this country are of the opinion that homosexuals should be given the chance all in the name of ‘Human Right’. Well on my part, I respectfully disagree with this assertion by these Activists. I must also add that God has given us (Human Beings), the carte blanche to live in this world; but it doesn’t also mean that we can live life anyhow and in anyway because we will be held accountable one day.

 In the light of all these, The Christian Council of Ghana (CCG) has protested vehemently against homosexuality and has urged Ghanaians not to vote for any politician who believes in the rights of homosexuals.

On July 19, 2011, The Western Regional Minister, Paul Evans Aidoo, ordered the arrest of all gays in the region. However, a current media report claims that the Western and Central Regions together have a total of about 8,000 homosexuals.

Funny as it may sound, sometimes the question I keep on asking myself is, will these people have been into this world if their parents had engaged in homosexuality? How on earth can a man have sex with his fellow man? What kind of feelings at all do they want? I can’t really fathom this. I am at a loss to understand why some of our political leaders most of the time compromise on this issue, whereas they are happily married.

 Recently, it was reported on Joy FM (An Accra-Based Radio Station) that residents of James Towns (A suburb of Accra) mounted a mob action against those they claim are homosexuals and destroyed their properties.Indeed,that is an unfortunate incident as that will not solve the problem. But this clearly indicates that the people of James Town like all other human beings vehemently oppose this act.

 It is also worth to mention that the practice of homosexuality eventually invites the wrath of God which leads to destruction. A typical example is the story of Sodom and Gomorrah in the bible. In addition, doctors advice against improper way of having sex and subscribe to the fact that the practice of homosexuality is unhealthy, hence has its repercussions. To make it even more clearly, this act is not stipulated in the 1992 constitution. That is even enough to say that this act has no future and must therefore not be condoned.

I therefore want all and sundry to know that this act must not be accepted and condoned in our society. We must all do the best we can to educate those who are engaged in such an act to put an end to it and come out as quickly as possible because homosexuals are human beings as we are. We must also not connive with politicians (politrikcians) who for the sake of power want to pretend as if this act is good.

Gays

I also humbly appeal to the president to remain in his firm posture not to accept and legalize homosexuality for any reason. He must always think about the future of Ghana.

In conclusion, homosexuality is a canal act as well as primitive and barbaric and must therefore not be condoned and accepted for any reason. Long live Ghana; and God bless us all!

                                                                 Charles Andoh;                               

                                                       Student-Ghana Institute of Journalism                                                                                           

                                                       Email:charlesandoh28@yahoo.com