Congratulations to the four women who won the parliamentary seats in Kuwait's election a few days ago. To think women in Kuwait were only given the right to vote in 2006. I salute you four! Also Lithuania has its first female president.. May is certainly the month for women vying for high office and getting the positions.
However when it comes to Ghana, I will say that we are stuck in a rut. The current president promised a 40% inclusion of women in high office but unfortunately, 100 days and counting, we are only at 11%. How disappointing! I really would like to know why there is a delay in appointing more women and believe me, we do have quite a bevy of qualified ladies out there both in the diaspora and in Ghana who are keen to assist; me included :)
The most disappointing act came Friday 15 May, 2009 when it was announced that the most senior female police officer who was acting as Inspector General, was passed over for the appointment and rather to be made an Ambassador. The job as Inspector General of Police was going to...can you guess? A man. I have the highest respect for Inspector General Paul Quaye as I have had the opportunity to liaise with him on an IT project for the Police Service I was working on with the late Danny Whyte. However I think, the President would have gotten the approval of the women in Ghana if he had given Mrs. Mills-Robertson, the job of Inspector General.
And can someone please tell me why oh why are ambassadorial positions used in this country to pat people on the back? If you ask me, I think the ambassadorial position which is going to be given to Mrs. Mills-Robertson is an insult. This lady would do Ghana a greater honour if she were to continue to work in high office.
Your thoughts? Waiting to read them.
Monday, 18 May 2009
Sunday, 10 May 2009
Mother's Day
Today is Mother's Day in Ghana...seems like we chose to follow the US and the rest. It has been an excellent day beginning first with a service at Church were all Mums were called forward to be prayed for. We were also given lovely presents; bright beautiful scarves. The residing Pastor, Andy Yawson, read out a lovely poem which had been composed by him together with the Men of Honour's group at church. Will just like to share it with you mothers out there as it really describes us.
The Winning Woman
They come in different shapes and sizes
And none seems to be like the other
It simply isn't worth comparing
one to the other
We call this unique creature
the Winning Woman
Life's expectations sometimes suffers great delays
while we scrratch and plan how to endure these
She waits patiently on God to display
O yes, this kind of waiter is
the Winning Woman
Battles are the integral part of life
And loyalties are tested in strife
The one who will not sell out
come what may
Is the unique warrior we call
the Winning Woman
God created Man and set him an assignment
He had great abilities but God noted a flfaw
He put man to sleep and performed a wonder
And behold the wonder we call
the Winning Woman
Pastor Andy Yawson
It was also a day of reflection as I paid tribute to my late Mum. She was such fun to be with and considered all her children as her best friends. As the morning began, I felt a tinge of sadness bringing tears to my eyes, however it was the fondest memories of her that put a smile back on my face. Memories of her whilst I was a child, a teenager and when I became a mother. She had so much patience, and was deep in the Christian faith. I miss her dearly especially on a day like this but I am consoled by the fact that she was my mentor and my guide.
She may not be here physically but her presence is still so great within and around me. As a mother, I look at my son and I am overjoyed that he is growing up well. When he was put in my arms I looked at him and wondered when he will grow up. He's will be 12 in 3 weeks and I am truly blessed to have had him.
Happy Mother's day everyone!
The Winning Woman
They come in different shapes and sizes
And none seems to be like the other
It simply isn't worth comparing
one to the other
We call this unique creature
the Winning Woman
Life's expectations sometimes suffers great delays
while we scrratch and plan how to endure these
She waits patiently on God to display
O yes, this kind of waiter is
the Winning Woman
Battles are the integral part of life
And loyalties are tested in strife
The one who will not sell out
come what may
Is the unique warrior we call
the Winning Woman
God created Man and set him an assignment
He had great abilities but God noted a flfaw
He put man to sleep and performed a wonder
And behold the wonder we call
the Winning Woman
Pastor Andy Yawson
It was also a day of reflection as I paid tribute to my late Mum. She was such fun to be with and considered all her children as her best friends. As the morning began, I felt a tinge of sadness bringing tears to my eyes, however it was the fondest memories of her that put a smile back on my face. Memories of her whilst I was a child, a teenager and when I became a mother. She had so much patience, and was deep in the Christian faith. I miss her dearly especially on a day like this but I am consoled by the fact that she was my mentor and my guide.
She may not be here physically but her presence is still so great within and around me. As a mother, I look at my son and I am overjoyed that he is growing up well. When he was put in my arms I looked at him and wondered when he will grow up. He's will be 12 in 3 weeks and I am truly blessed to have had him.
Happy Mother's day everyone!
Tuesday, 21 April 2009
Another Year
Giving thanks for another year....made it to 42 and so grateful to you God. Certainly would not have done this without you. You have given me the patience and guidance to go through the mill of life which has its ups and downs but thankfully I have had more ups than downs.
This is definitely going to be one of my best years and I am embracing it. My verse for my birthday is Psalm 31:1-5
This is definitely going to be one of my best years and I am embracing it. My verse for my birthday is Psalm 31:1-5
Tuesday, 16 December 2008
The Run Off
The election run off in Ghana is gathering momentum. On Sunday 28th December we shall return to the polls and vote once more. This time we shall only be voting for the presidential candidate as on Sunday 7th December, we voted for both the parliamentary and presidential candidates. Unfortunately none of the presidential candidates could get the 50 plus 1 per cent to indicate a clear lead, hence the second round.
Both presidential candidates of the NPP and the NDC have began campaigning to rally more votes. This is a special time for Ghana as the two main political parties have served 8 years in government. However the incumbent party, the National Patriotic Party (NPP) are hoping to continue for another 4 years with their presidential candidate Nana Akuffo Addo. The previous government which was ruled by the National Democratic Congress (NDC)and its flagbearer, Prof. John Atta-Mills,(former vice president) are itching to come back to government as they claim the NPP have not done all that they said they would for the citizens of Ghana.
The electorate will be the deciding factor in this battle between the two opposition parties and the rest of the world, is keenly watching Ghana as it has been the leading star in the multi-party democratic process on the African continent.
The first round of elections were held in relative peace and we are hoping the run off will also be held peacefully. Ghana is proud of its multi-ethnic population though in certain quarters they like to think otherwise. All in all, Ghanaians want peace and this election should be seen more as a "battle" of wits and skill than a "do or die" process.
Personally I wish Nana Akuffo Addo the best of luck as I believe in his agenda for Ghana. Good luck Nana...we are certainly moving forward!
Both presidential candidates of the NPP and the NDC have began campaigning to rally more votes. This is a special time for Ghana as the two main political parties have served 8 years in government. However the incumbent party, the National Patriotic Party (NPP) are hoping to continue for another 4 years with their presidential candidate Nana Akuffo Addo. The previous government which was ruled by the National Democratic Congress (NDC)and its flagbearer, Prof. John Atta-Mills,(former vice president) are itching to come back to government as they claim the NPP have not done all that they said they would for the citizens of Ghana.
The electorate will be the deciding factor in this battle between the two opposition parties and the rest of the world, is keenly watching Ghana as it has been the leading star in the multi-party democratic process on the African continent.
The first round of elections were held in relative peace and we are hoping the run off will also be held peacefully. Ghana is proud of its multi-ethnic population though in certain quarters they like to think otherwise. All in all, Ghanaians want peace and this election should be seen more as a "battle" of wits and skill than a "do or die" process.
Personally I wish Nana Akuffo Addo the best of luck as I believe in his agenda for Ghana. Good luck Nana...we are certainly moving forward!
Thursday, 13 November 2008
The Ability to Forgive
To be able to forgive is something we urge our young children to do. As a young Christian growing up, one hears about how we are blessed when we are able to forgive. However as we leave childhood and enter adulthood it seems as if we are less reluctant to forgive; or rather we find ways of telling ourselves in what form or conditions we should attach to the act of forgiveness.
When you forgive, the burden you carried is no longer on your shoulders...it frees you up and you can move on with your life...and the most beautiful thing is when you can look at the person who caused you so much pain and say to them" I FORGIVE YOU". However when you try and tweak the framework that governs forgiveness, then you are not doing the right thing. We seem to think that the "little" things are easier to deal with but coincidentally, as we grow older, the acts become more serious, more complex and sometimes inexplicable. Such was the situation I found myself in three weeks ago when I was faced with a serious, complex an inexplicable situation which indeed was a big test for me. My ability to forgive was being tested and those were the longest and hardest three weeks I have faced in my life but I am glad to say I was also able to pass the test!
No matter what one goes through, just remember the good Lord is on your side and will take you to the rock which is higher than you when you think you cannot cope.
When you forgive, the burden you carried is no longer on your shoulders...it frees you up and you can move on with your life...and the most beautiful thing is when you can look at the person who caused you so much pain and say to them" I FORGIVE YOU". However when you try and tweak the framework that governs forgiveness, then you are not doing the right thing. We seem to think that the "little" things are easier to deal with but coincidentally, as we grow older, the acts become more serious, more complex and sometimes inexplicable. Such was the situation I found myself in three weeks ago when I was faced with a serious, complex an inexplicable situation which indeed was a big test for me. My ability to forgive was being tested and those were the longest and hardest three weeks I have faced in my life but I am glad to say I was also able to pass the test!
No matter what one goes through, just remember the good Lord is on your side and will take you to the rock which is higher than you when you think you cannot cope.
Tuesday, 5 August 2008
A Woman for Vice President
Hello everyone,
I received this email from a dear friend and I will like to share it with you all! If you are in agreement just post your comment on this blog!
Dear Friends,
I write to ask for your support in a delicate matter. In recent days, there has been much discussion in the media about the suitability of women for high positions generally, such as that of vice-president with specific reference to Hon. Alima Mahama for vice president.
Some of the objections that have come up have little to do with her competence for the position. As a psychologist, I understand that these objections may have something to do with discomfort for a woman taking on a role traditionally reserved for men. I also understand that this discomfort is expressed in ways that often make many women fearful of rising to the tops of their professions. Please join me in fighting this. Today it may be Alima, but tomorrow, it will be you and I as we rise to the very best that we can be.
Kindly email back if you have ideas about how we can fight this in the public domain. For instance, would you be willing to call up the media or write in support of women in leadership generally, or specifically for Alima. Radio is the most effective way of spreading information. Could you call up a coalition of which you are a part to support her? Could you get your local group of women (e.g. women's fellowship, women in your work place) to show support? Please think about this quickly and act. Please email me as soon as you can.
You know of course that she is emminently qualified for the job: lawyer, Harvard, Legon, Wesley Girls, etc. Mother of a son in law school, and yes, once married. Development work, Deputy Minister of Local Government, Minister of Women's Affairs, etc, etc.
Please let's do this for the cause of women.
Angela L. Ofori-Atta,
Clinical Psychologist/lecturer
Former Deputy Minister, MMYE.
I received this email from a dear friend and I will like to share it with you all! If you are in agreement just post your comment on this blog!
Dear Friends,
I write to ask for your support in a delicate matter. In recent days, there has been much discussion in the media about the suitability of women for high positions generally, such as that of vice-president with specific reference to Hon. Alima Mahama for vice president.
Some of the objections that have come up have little to do with her competence for the position. As a psychologist, I understand that these objections may have something to do with discomfort for a woman taking on a role traditionally reserved for men. I also understand that this discomfort is expressed in ways that often make many women fearful of rising to the tops of their professions. Please join me in fighting this. Today it may be Alima, but tomorrow, it will be you and I as we rise to the very best that we can be.
Kindly email back if you have ideas about how we can fight this in the public domain. For instance, would you be willing to call up the media or write in support of women in leadership generally, or specifically for Alima. Radio is the most effective way of spreading information. Could you call up a coalition of which you are a part to support her? Could you get your local group of women (e.g. women's fellowship, women in your work place) to show support? Please think about this quickly and act. Please email me as soon as you can.
You know of course that she is emminently qualified for the job: lawyer, Harvard, Legon, Wesley Girls, etc. Mother of a son in law school, and yes, once married. Development work, Deputy Minister of Local Government, Minister of Women's Affairs, etc, etc.
Please let's do this for the cause of women.
Angela L. Ofori-Atta,
Clinical Psychologist/lecturer
Former Deputy Minister, MMYE.
Monday, 4 August 2008
Rising Prices
WOW August is here already....you know the way time flies these days it is amazing. Went down to my local grocer Auntie Maggie and gosh have prices gone up or what? It's just amazing how a couple of weeks ago, smoked fish was 60 pesewas and now it is 70 pesewas. The Daily Graphic, Ghana's most read daily paper, also shot up from 50 pesewas to 70 pesewas!
For those of you reading this, Ghana had it's monetary currency re-denominated (what a mouthful) and we have gone back to the days of coins and paper money. The New Ghana Cedi is almost at par with the US Dollar...though many will argue it's 96 pesewas to the Dollar.
Anyway whichever way we may wish to look at it, the price of food has gone up and this trend the economists tell us, is going to go on till we get an injection of cash into the system. Yes the dreaded saga of Vodafone buying Ghana Telecom is what some economists have said will help boost the economy for us. That is the money obtained from selling 70 per cent shares of the nation's telecom provider.... Yes possibly but they can do that without adding the fibre optic from Volta Com. Voltacom is a subsidiary of the Volta River Authority and they were to provide various telecoms services using the fibre optic link which runs from the south to the north of the country. Unfortunately, their ideas have been discarded by some idiotic policy maker who has only dollar signs in his eyes!
I have been angered at the way some of these policy makers have been very foolish about this deal. I am not against a sale but it is the modalities of the agreement that I have a problem with! Oh and that reminds me, would it not have been a better option to have just sold the mobile and the internet subsidiaries? Media convergence is the buzz word but I do not think that some of these 'so -called' policy makers even know that that means.
Well sale or no sale, my local grocer is going to give me more grief when I go around the corner again next week. Wish me luck!
For those of you reading this, Ghana had it's monetary currency re-denominated (what a mouthful) and we have gone back to the days of coins and paper money. The New Ghana Cedi is almost at par with the US Dollar...though many will argue it's 96 pesewas to the Dollar.
Anyway whichever way we may wish to look at it, the price of food has gone up and this trend the economists tell us, is going to go on till we get an injection of cash into the system. Yes the dreaded saga of Vodafone buying Ghana Telecom is what some economists have said will help boost the economy for us. That is the money obtained from selling 70 per cent shares of the nation's telecom provider.... Yes possibly but they can do that without adding the fibre optic from Volta Com. Voltacom is a subsidiary of the Volta River Authority and they were to provide various telecoms services using the fibre optic link which runs from the south to the north of the country. Unfortunately, their ideas have been discarded by some idiotic policy maker who has only dollar signs in his eyes!
I have been angered at the way some of these policy makers have been very foolish about this deal. I am not against a sale but it is the modalities of the agreement that I have a problem with! Oh and that reminds me, would it not have been a better option to have just sold the mobile and the internet subsidiaries? Media convergence is the buzz word but I do not think that some of these 'so -called' policy makers even know that that means.
Well sale or no sale, my local grocer is going to give me more grief when I go around the corner again next week. Wish me luck!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)