PRECARIOUS EXISTENCE

The gradually glowing light of the sun made a perfect gaze on my countenance,


Slowly, my invisibly imprisoned eyes felt emancipated,

I stretched, yawn, and felt quite disappointed,

I thought taking a nap in the full glare of the transient moon would bury my problems and challenges,

This is unseemly, I rattled at nature,

Even under a cumulus cloud, struggle is inextricably interwoven into life’s transcendentals,

From selling on the streets to unprotected prostitution in brothels,

From striving to crawl and walk in one’s formative years to balancing of one’s life,

From fighting crime to providing basic amenities,

From political rebuttals in Accra to chieftaincy disputes in Gushegu,

Myriad of froms and tos are inextricable in this momentary environment,

We live in a precarious existence indeed.

PREFERENCE TO LEARN THE HARD WAY

Most often, when we are confronted with several alternatives, we tend to be more inclined to choose the ones that would bring us immediate gratification, ignoring its serious consequences in the future, which, could be either imperceptible or a nonsense to us. At school, some students take their studies less seriously until a big failure hits them in their final exams. At the workplace, an employee would continue to be lackadaisical and indifferent to company progress until s/he gets fired. This evolving phenomenon can be seen in the recent torrential rainfall that killed about 35 people and rendered others either injured or homeless or both.


A couple of months ago, the Metropolitan authorities embarked on a demolition exercise to uproot all buildings erected on water-logged areas. Lots of people protested against this action and branded the authorities as uncaring and malevolent. But after the rains, the actions of the authorities had been justified. Even one of the victims of the floods confessed that if she had heeded to the directive of the authorities earlier, she would have escaped the mess. It is quite heartbreaking to see people sitting, even sleeping on top of their buildings talkless of the human lives and properties that have been destroyed in the floods.

There would always be a second chance, but it comes with a price to pay. For instance, it very difficult to tell when a notorious liar is telling the truth. Now, those who refused to listen to the advice of the Town Planning authorities are now facing the consequences, something they could have prevented earlier.

The recent floods also strip the camouflage on our poor drainage system and the concerned authorities must address it immediately.

ADVICE TO THE BLACK STARS

Last Sunday, the black stars of Ghana put on an absolute-mind-blowingly-astounding performance against the Serbians. And of course, they proved a lot of sceptics, including myself, very wrong. I must confess that this is the first time i’ve seen tactical discipline, teamwork and a great sense of professionalism in the team especially in the absence of key players like Muntari, Essien, Laryea Kingston, etc. We are and shall always remain the shining star and a glowing hope to the entire African continent. However, I have some advice for our players.


First of all, lot of concerns have been raised by some goalkeepers with respect to the Adidas-manufactured ball (Jabulani) for this particular world cup; that it’s too light and somewhat slippery. The credibility of this criticism was verified when I watched the game between the USA and England, specifically on the occasion where the light-shot ball slipped past the hands of Green, the England goalkeeper, straight into the net. Against this background, the black stars should capitalise on this and shoot at long distances.

Secondly, the stars must not allow complacency to set in; it is a debilitating phenomenon to sustaining first class excellence. We must put behind the fact that we’re the first African team to win in the group stages. I’m advising that the players together with the technical bench should be very discreet in analysing and estimating our opponents. Though we drew with Australian, we should focus ahead and beat the Germans.

Give me freedom, give me justice, give me Ghana, and give me black stars. When I get Black stars, I would be stronger, because we are good, just like the waving flag.

AN INDELIBLE STAIN ON FATHERS DAY

Lots of resounding déjà-vu and display of gratitude echoed in the air when mother’s day was celebrated, but on father’s day, silence! How ungrateful? The fact that we celebrate our mothers at a certain point in time doesn’t signify that all mothers are caring, nurturant and responsible because there are some who are treacherous, irresponsible and nagging-some. Thus, in the same way, we can’t hastily conclude that because Oko refused to pay his son’s fees, then all other fathers are the same.


It is very important that I share some tactics women used and other reasons why most fathers appear to be irresponsible.

1. There is a saying that it’s only women who know the actual father of their children. And of course, they are the type who can flirt under your own roof without you, even smelling a rat. So some men upon verifying their wives moves with other men tend to doubt the paternity of their children and in essence, shun their responsibility. If DNA test was to be compulsory, there is a great possibility that several homes would be teared apart.

2. Also, because men are most often the bread-winners of the home, the pressure to settle unending expenditures break frequent contact with their children, though their actions are geared towards the betterment of the children too. Thus, mothers are usually with the children most of the time. This tendency makes it easy for some mothers, especially the divorced ones to brain-wash the child with all sorts of truthful untruths, and even if they do not do that, the children tend to believe that their mothers are more caring than the fathers. But who works behind the scenes?

3. Moreover, some women make men irresponsible towards their children. Some bombard the men with all sorts of unnecessary expenses ranging from cloth for Auntie Mansa’s outdooring to Mr. Tagoe’s funeral. This puts the men in a difficult position especially those living with the nagging types. In other respects, some half-hearted women snatch married men from their wives and I wonder what they actually show or give to such men that they momentarily become irrational to the extent of even neglecting their children.

I must admit that some fathers are absolutely irresponsible, but let’s a second look to what really makes them irresponsible. We should remember there is no effect without cause. Happy fathers day!

THE STRONG, STRONG FEELING

The transition to adolescence comes with a lot of emotional developments, which if not properly controlled and handled, can lead to disaster. That particular stage beginning from 10 to 19 years comes with wet dreams, crazy interest in the opposite sex, desire to ‘pull the trigger’ or ‘receive the bullets’, etc. I hope you are not saying that i’m spoilt because you are the first spoilt folk if you got the meaning right. That’s just by the way. Though these occurrences are spontaneous (natural), it can be controlled if one truly wants to. The foremost stage of adolescence is puberty. Puberty is a stage of development in the reproductive organs. Of course, when I reached that stage, I stopped bathing outside! Puberty comes with what reproductive experts would call secondary sexual characteristics; in girls, the breasts enlarge, ovulation or menstruation begins, develop wider hips to tease and provoke the guys, and in the boys, there is growth of facial hair, production of sperms, etc. I remember way back in JHS, the class becomes full when we reach this particular topic and everybody begs the teacher implicitly, not to stop.


Failure to control these emotional and physical spontaneous developments can lead to teenage pregnancy, incessant abortions, and even rape. The unpalatable resultants are acquisition of STD’s, early parenting, and the other ones that many teachers would remain silent on, like poor or a disappointed performance on your honeymoon, especially the ladies. My grandma used to tell my female cousins, ‘keep it tight for your husband’. I now understand her. Quite a food for thought there. So, the question is how do we brace ourselves to handle these pulling feelings and unstoppable desires, which I believe is the most difficult examination one can hardly pass?

There is a need to strengthen education on our reproductive organs and its developments. Sometimes, it is ignorance and irrationality that makes people abuse their sensitive organs. Currently, in Britain, a government agency is advocating for an education system where children at the age of five would be taught all about sex. Sex education is very important and I think, it would help prevent many children from checking pornographic sites, reading porn magazines and even experimenting it. I don’t understand why we feel too shy to talk about this delicate issue. It’s like we treat sex like dirt in the open and when we get into our rooms, it becomes gold. Parents should even initiate conversations around those issues when they see the physical changes in their wards. This recommendation would be highly effective for those who currently reached the puberty stage.

Practically, we, adolescents can take certain measures that would enable us to weather the feeling. We must endeavour to share our feelings with trusted colleagues, even if possible, the opposite sexes. In writing this article, i’ve even initiated conversation around those often unspoken issues. This would help us to discuss and gain more insight into both our physical and emotional development. Let me tell you this, it was recently that I got to know that women become equally sexually aroused when they see guys half or completely naked. How did I get to know? Through a group discussion with the opposite sex. No wonder, most guys are now busy exposing their dirty boxers!

Moreover, one must read relevant literature that would enable you to better understand your feeling. I’m referring to literature that would broaden your understanding about physical and emotional changes you are undergoing and not books talking about sexual styles and positions, penis enlargement or vaginal lubricants, etc. Such things are unnecessary-stupid-carnal stuff.

Furthermore, avoid being alone with the opposite sex in a secluded area, lest you bumper-to-bumper. I thank God for certain vital moments in my life when I have no female around me (like there would’ve been a small fellowship). This would sound funny but i’m serious. At times, we feel like we can control ourselves, but I won’t advise such risks to be taken.

We must remember that certain things like sex, that grant instant satisfaction can bring everlasting repercussions if the right approach is not taken. I remember one author saying that sex in itself is not sin, it is the wrong application of it that makes it sin. Get married and you would even retire from it. End of lecture.

AN INTERVIEW WITH JESUS (PART TWO)

This is the latest virtual discussion I had with Jesus concerning certain unpleasant accusations that has been labelled against him. It includes abuse of fundamental human rights and abuse of power against the people in his constituency (earth). As usual, ‘KD’ represents me whereas ‘JC’ represents Jesus. This interview was conducted on Wednesday, June 9th around 0200 GMT when I was fast asleep.


KD: it’s been a while since we met.

JC: oh yes. It would continuously be so if you refuse to pray.

KD: okay, let’s get to the bottom of issues. Your constituency members (humans) are raising some serious charges against you, some premised on the abuse of their human rights and that, you’ve also been arrogant, pompous in your small pair of shoes, and never fail to miss an opportunity to abuse your power. What’s your response to these pressing issues?

JC: As a competent interviewer, I was expecting you to clarify the issues and not pose them ambiguous like that.

KD: is your statement a pre-supposition that you don’t know what’s going on.....in your own constituency (earth)?

JC: of course, what’s their beef?

KD: with due respect sir, these are people you are responsible for and thus, I think it is highly expected of you to go to them and get to know their worries, problems, needs, and so on.

JC: are you insinuating that I never went to the people? That i’ve been irresponsible?

KD: no, not at all, I was just.........

JC: Hold on, hold on. Let me put you on the spot. Have you thoroughly read the universal and official document containing my history, life and achievements?

KD: You mean the Bible?

JC: Yes.

KD: I have. But ....okay. Let’s get to the issues, before you steal my job from me. One of their headaches is that you have this inexplicable manipulative power over their thoughts. They have it that you know what they think about, obviously everything. Isn’t this an intrusion on their privacy?

JC: And what’s the problem with that? Aren’t they my constituency members, after all?

KD: the fact is I somewhat empathize with them and understand their level of umcomfortability. I mean, you know who’s thinking of sex, robbery, murder, etc. Isn’t this serious?

JC: it becomes a problem if I stop them from carrying out their heart-bred intentions. But I don’t though I sometimes try to whisper to some, especially those with devilish and dirty thoughts to desist from materialising their thoughts. But I can’t understand why people are ambivalent to exceptional technologies.

KD: are you calling your action ‘exceptional technology’?

JC: You see, since I no longer have physical contact with my people, I designed this spiritual device called the ‘holy spirit’ to enable me have a fair idea of what goes on in my jurisdiction.

KD: so it’s some kind of spiritual satellite. Point well made. The second issue is why you always expect your people to come to you for solutions that you engage in some kind of armchair leadership. Before you answer that question we are going on a quick trivial break. We will be right back.

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KD: we are back. Thanks for staying. This interview is by kind courtesy of Abosam tso, ma tswa abosam tso kpoti. Sir, your response to the question I asked earlier.

JC: Ernest, you know something. All through my earthly life and even now, I cherish symbiotic relationship, give-and-take. Of the spiritual devices I invented, one of them was called ‘prayer’ and that one was meant for the people. With that technology, you can contact me in the bathroom, trotro, everywhere. You can take a horse to a stream but you cannot force it to drink.

KD: well, i’ve just received a text message from a listener. Her concern is that reading the Bible to her, is like walking in the depths of serious imperceptible dilemma....it’s too difficult for her to understand. What do you have to say to her?

JC: there are several translations of the Bible. We have the Goodnews version, King James version, Amplified version, etc. So, for now, she should get the one with simple constructions. Hey Ernest, stop thinking about her and concentrate on the interview.

KD: please don’t start with me I beg, i’m a public material. On this note, we draw the curtains. Catch you some other time. Be good and stand firm for God. I’ve signed out.

20th CENTURY EXPERIENCE - GRANDPA RECOUNTS

In contemporary times, I must admit my limitations. I must admit my irrectifiable ignorance of modern technology. I must admit my physical deterioration and my proficiency in forgetting. Do I thus, merit your pity? No, no, no. on the contrary, you rather deserve my pity. I’ve got some classic recollections to tell you. These insightful recollections and super-exciting moments will forever remain in my medulla oblongata. They all transpired in the 20th century. Those were the ‘gone-days’ when my white sparkling teeth remained intact, and I can twist my now fragile waist to James Brown’s ‘sexy machine’ without any kpo-kpla vibes from my muscles. Of course, those were the days when the kokrookoo of the domestic fowls wakes people up and not alarm clocks. Child, I want you to listen attentively as I share my 20th century experience with you.


In those days, medical institutions were very scarce, especially in African countries. Nonetheless, we never crave for such institutions. We relied on the services of indigenous waganga men (medicine men). And I dare not call that improvising. Because they were professional and rarely erred in the discharge of their duties. Against this backdrop, I was born at home. And I must say that I very proud to have alighted in this perishable existence that way. My late mother never underwent pre-natal and ante-natal care prior to my birth but that notwithstanding, she and I never felt sick, malnourished or whatever. You see, that’s why you must understand me when I say that I pity you, because you were born in a fine hospital with rigorous medical treatment here and there, but all the same, you were splashed with illness here and there. This is what I call inexplicable paradox.

The simple question is taking into consideration the grand advancement in medicinal technology, why are some diseases still persisting and new ones are gradually emerging. It appears as if a solution to one problem brings additional two problems. Child, with your 21st century knowledge, kindly liberate me from this confusion?