Let Them Talk About You: Embrace the Office Gossip
We’ve all been there – you walk into the break room to grab a cup of water, only to hear whispers and giggles from your coworkers. You can feel your heart rate increase as you wonder what they could possibly be saying about you. But what if I told you that you don’t have to fear the office gossip? In fact, you can embrace it and use it to your advantage. First of all, let’s acknowledge that gossip is a natural part of human interaction. It’s how we bond with each other, share information, and make sense of the world around us. So why not use that to your benefit? If people are talking about you, it means you’re on their minds. And that’s a good thing! It means you’re making an impact in some way, whether it’s through your work, your personality, or your style. Of course, not all gossip is positive. If you hear that people are spreading rumors or saying hurtful things about you, it’s important to address it directly and assertively. But if it’s just harmless chatter about your latest project, your new outfit, or your weekend plans, why not join in the conversation? You might learn something new about your coworkers or find common ground with someone you didn’t expect. Plus, a little bit of self-awareness goes a long way. If you know that people are talking about you, you can use it as an opportunity to reflect on how you’re presenting yourself in the office. Are you coming across as confident and competent, or are you giving off a negative vibe? Use the office gossip as a way to gauge how others perceive you, and then make any necessary adjustments. So, let them talk about you! Don’t shy away from the office gossip – embrace it as a natural part of workplace culture. Use it to your advantage, whether it’s by building relationships with coworkers or gaining valuable feedback on your performance. And most importantly, don’t take it too seriously. At the end of the day, it’s just talk – and you’re much more than what people say about you. READ NEXT ON: Dear Freshman
Rethinking African Politics: Challenging stereotypes and promoting positive change
African politics has long been associated with negative stereotypes, including corruption, instability, and violence. While it is true that some African countries have experienced these challenges, it is important to recognize that African politics is diverse and complex and that there are many positive developments taking place across the continent. One of the most important developments in African politics in recent years has been the democratization of many countries. Since the 1990s, many African countries have made significant progress toward democratic governance, with multi-party elections becoming the norm in many countries. While there are still challenges to be overcome, including issues with transparency and accountability, the fact that many African countries are now more democratic than they were in the past is a positive development that should be celebrated. Another positive development in African politics has been the increased participation of women in politics. While women are still underrepresented in many African parliaments, there have been some notable successes in recent years. For example, Rwanda has the highest percentage of women in parliament of any country in the world, with women holding 61% of seats in the lower house. In addition, women have been elected as presidents or prime ministers in several African countries, including Liberia, Malawi, and Ethiopia. Another area where there have been positive developments in African politics is in the area of regional integration. The African Union, which was established in 2002, has made significant progress toward promoting cooperation and integration among African countries. This includes the establishment of the African Continental Free Trade Area, which aims to create a single market for goods and services across the continent. While there are still challenges to be overcome, including issues with infrastructure and regulatory barriers, the fact that African countries are working together to promote regional integration is a positive development that has the potential to bring significant economic benefits. In addition to these developments, there are many other positive things happening in African politics that often go unrecognized. For example, many African countries are making significant investments in education and healthcare, which are critical to promoting human development and reducing poverty. There are also many innovative and successful social enterprises and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) operating in Africa, which are working to address a range of social and environmental challenges. Despite these positive developments, however, there is still a tendency to focus on the negative aspects of African politics. This can have a number of negative consequences, including reinforcing negative stereotypes, reducing investment and tourism, and undermining the confidence of African citizens in their own political systems. Promoting Positive Change in African Politics One way to challenge these stereotypes and promote positive change is through greater engagement with African politics and society. This could include increased investment in African businesses and infrastructure, as well as greater support for civil society organizations and NGOs. It could also involve increased cultural exchange and educational programs, which would help to promote a more nuanced and balanced understanding of African politics and society. Another important way to challenge negative stereotypes is through increased media coverage of positive developments in African politics. This could include more stories about successful entrepreneurs and social enterprises, as well as more coverage of democratic elections and peaceful transitions of power. Finally, it is important for African leaders to continue to prioritize good governance and transparency, and to take steps to address corruption and other challenges. This will not only help to promote positive change within African countries but will also help to challenge negative stereotypes and promote greater engagement and investment from the international community. In sum, while there are certainly challenges in African politics, it is important to recognize that there are also many positive developments taking place. From increased democratization and women’s participation in politics to regional integration and investments in education and healthcare, there are many reasons to be optimistic about the future of African politics. By challenging stereotypes and promoting positive change, we can help to create a more nuanced and balanced understanding of African politics and society, and contribute to a brighter future for the continent as a whole. This will require a concerted effort from governments, civil society organizations, and the international community, but the potential benefits are significant. By working together to promote good governance, transparency, and economic development, we can help to create a more prosperous and stable Africa that is better equipped to meet the challenges of the 21st century. One important step towards this goal is to challenge the negative stereotypes that often dominate discussions of African politics. While it is important to acknowledge the challenges that African countries face, it is equally important to recognize the progress that has been made and the positive developments that are taking place. By focusing on these positive developments and promoting a more nuanced understanding of African politics and society, we can help to build a more positive narrative around Africa that encourages greater engagement and investment from the international community. Another important step is to support and encourage African-led initiatives that promote good governance, economic development, and social progress. This includes supporting civil society organizations and NGOs that are working to address a range of social and environmental challenges, as well as supporting regional integration efforts and investments in education and healthcare. Finally, it is important to recognize that promoting positive change in African politics will require a long-term commitment and sustained effort. While there are certainly challenges to be overcome, there are also many opportunities for progress and positive change. By working together and maintaining a focus on the positive developments that are taking place, we can help to create a more prosperous and stable Africa that is better equipped to meet the challenges of the 21st century. READ NEXT ON: Wipe off the traces of colonialism on the continent-PLO Lumumba Foundation to AU
Valentine’s Day Is All About Love, But Was It Always That Way?
Over 1500 years ago, Valentine’s Day was first celebrated in memory of a martyred Christian. While the festival’s origins are rooted in both pagan and religious traditions, it has now become synonymous with love. Back in ancient Rome, February was considered a month of love, but the celebrations were far from the romantic notions of today. Rather than exchanging chocolates and flowers, animals were slaughtered, and young men would whip young women while naked- not exactly a fun season! It’s believed that the romantic connotation of Valentine’s Day was popularized by poetic writers like Geoffrey Chaucer and Shakespeare. St. Valentine himself supposedly wrote the first “valentine” to a young girl he tutored and fell in love with while imprisoned for his crimes. The day has been associated with various martyrdom stories, with one early tradition suggesting that St. Valentine restored sight to the blind daughter of his jailer. Modern Valentine’s Day is associated with romantic love, which flourished during the 14th and 15th centuries with the notion of courtly love. In the 18th century, it became a popular occasion for couples to express their love through gifts such as flowers, confectionery, and greeting cards. Today, Valentine’s Day symbols include the heart-shaped outline, doves, and the winged Cupid figure. In fun facts, the first Valentine’s card dates back to 1415 when the Duke of Orleans sent a card to his wife while he was imprisoned in the Tower of London. The earliest known letter of the “Valentine” kind is a letter from Margery Brews, a Norfolk woman, to her cousin John Paston in 1477. Whether you celebrate Valentine’s Day or not, love has connected humans for centuries, and it’s not relegated to just one day. As Chaucer’s poem suggests, even the birds defer the decision of choosing their mates until next year. READ NEXT ON: Don’t Kill Yourself This Valentine’s Day
Don’t Kill Yourself This Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day can be both romantic and hilariously absurd at the same time. On one hand, it’s a chance to express your love and appreciation for your significant other in a special way. But on the other hand, the pressure to make grand gestures and buy overpriced gifts can be downright comical. I mean, who decided that a heart-shaped box of chocolates and a dozen red roses were the ultimate symbols of love? And why do we need a designated day to show our affection? Shouldn’t we be doing that all year round? But hey, if you’re going to celebrate Valentine’s Day, you might as well have fun with it. Go ahead and make a cheesy homemade card, cook a fancy dinner (or order takeout if you’re not a master chef), and watch a sappy romantic movie together. Or, if you’re feeling really adventurous, go out and try something completely new and different. Ultimately, the most important thing is to spend time with the person you love and show them how much they mean to you. Whether you do that with a grand gesture or a silly joke, just make sure to enjoy the moment and cherish the memories. Happy Valentine’s Day! READ NEXT ON: Makeup Tips For The Workplace
Dear Freshman
University admissions are out. Freshmen are getting set to read a variety of programs; the feeling can be great or disappointing. In my first year at the University of Ghana, I was disappointed in myself for being offered Geography, Sociology, and Chinese as my undergraduate courses. Don’t blame me, at least most people I met on campus made me feel mediocre. You’ll hear someone say, ‘ah! So what will you use the Chinese for?’ Another will say, ‘so what will you do after completing school?’ Some tried to console me by saying, ‘oh don’t worry. You can drop the Chinese after the first year!’ I already dropped Chinese and Sociology in my mind before I started my journey to acquire a degree so I was confident that after the first year, I could boldly mention my course of study when asked (at least, Geography and Resource Development sounds more pleasing to the ear) The feeling is different today! I have completed my undergraduate course with a combined major in Chinese and Sociology, and I am so proud of myself! Today, I speak, read, and write Chinese fluently. I’ve worked as a Chinese translator for some Chinese companies already and I am so proud of myself!Studying Sociology has also changed my worldview on a number of key societal issues. Drop me in any part of this country or overseas and I will survive. Dear friends, do not mock freshmen when they tell you about the courses they are reading. Allow students to enthusiastically approach their field of study! Dear Freshman, congrats on your admission to the university. Study hard, explore your strengths, and maximize them! Source: Akorfa Ama Akoto READ NEXT ON: Don’t kill yourself this Valentine’s Day
The Brouhaha of Ghana SIM card registration
By March 31, 2022, every Ghanaian above age 18 and bearing a SIM card is required to register their SIM to avoid the termination of their mobile user number, and this has compelled many Ghanaians from every side; from cities across the hinterlands to undergo this exercise. The registration purported to curb cybercrime be it mobile money fraud, impersonation, scam, and other related fraudulent activity wrought by unscrupulous persons in society. In as much, one may argue this registration exercise is a scheme brought about by the government to formally tax citizens as well as increase the tax base to cover the informal sector is also highlighted. Regardless of what it may be on the side of the government or the telecom companies, Ghanaians are meted with the fate, uncompromisingly, to get their SIM registered in the span of six months, averaging 182 days. 182 days to register every SIM card bearing national and foreigners in the country? To what end? One may ask- to the benefit of the Consumers, the telecoms, or the government? One thing is somewhat certain, the stress it puts many Ghanaians through, the ordeal to be at registration centers very early in the day to get their SIM registered- the continuous health hazard we put ourselves through in this endemic period of our time. I recount an ordeal one nobleman had to go through at the registration center at the time of registration. The man, as required by the traditional House of chiefs was given a paramount name after he was installed as a chief years ago in his council but I guess technology has no regard for things of tradition, I’m afraid, the man exclaimed as he was directed to go for a gazette changing his name from the paramount given name to reflect the name on the Ghana Card. Thus, a name given at birth to proceed with the registration. Who made such decisions that have no room for the traditional council? He asked angrily! I’m sure many Ghanaians will ask the same- why this burden? But it is a hurdle we all must bear with all willingness to formally help for the cause of our country, and for now, we all live to see! In all this, I urge you all to register your SIM card today! By Mac-King T. Thompson READ NEXT ON: Dear Freshmen by Akorfa Ama Akoto
A nation polarized by religion and superstition
This is an introspection, as I sit back in my track and reflect on the recent happenings in the country, precisely the incident involving the alleged murder of an elderly woman accused of witchcraft in Nalerigu in the Northern region attributed to superstition. The deceased, identified as Mma Rukaya, moved to the area from Janga, in the same region because of similar accusations. A society that would hide behind everything including religion and superstition to do whatever it takes even to take the life of another. Not forgetting the sad story of Madam Akua Denteh and the subsequent mob injustice metered by another as a result of alleged ‘witchcraft’ at ‘Gonja’ in the Northern part of the country still rings a bell. This may strike you like an uncomfortable quest but the question still lingers in my mind; why would a well-behaved human take away the life of another because of beliefs? A said superstitious belief that’s beyond logic and reason. What controls our society and the nation today? Politics or Religion; perhaps, I am more prone and conversant with the latter because that has been the bane and the fabric of our society. As a child and growing up, like a bait; one cannot skip this necessary initiation if it can be called such but religion runs through all our institutions and beyond. And this makes one ponder; what’s the practical reason for this gross misplaced mental servitude that has wrecked lives, homes, and nations? Indeed, you may not possess all the answers but have you asked yourself why you engage in a dire religious practice? Look at [some] nations around and it may strike you harder, wars, injustice, and corruption which can be pointed to religious conflict and others. It is sad to note people are been executed because of religious falter. Who has the moral right to judge others? Last two semesters back in my studies at the university, I met an exchange student from a European country and in a conversation, pointed out how at the turn of every corner in the capital, you are faced with a religious ‘bunker’ with a shout more than the pitch of decibels emanating from such places! I dared not ask why. It seems we are in the crusading years of England, imagine! And that was many years ago! We are behind the age of enlightenment, he said. A bit harsh as it may sound but I couldn’t agree less. A nation of highly religious people but with questionable gestures and attitudes towards nation-building; talk about politics, the least said the better. We have leaders who hide behind religion, sworn in, albeit in the name of such but leave the nation bereft if that can be said about many of them. I look forward to that day when the exchange student will come again but to a different narrative; one devoid of the noise and brouhaha of god sent a compliance that favors those who wield power and leave the ordinary back at the pecking order because their voices cannot be heard by a said divine, be it traditional, the Orthodoxor otherwise. And so, we must rise, and get rid of a certain childhood initiation that does not march our current realities and our modern societal dispensation. Culture calls for change! The norms must be changed and we must write a narrative that favors common sense, justice, and the dignity of all human lives. Let’s pull down superstitions that trample on human rights! By Mac̶ King T. Thompson READ NEXT ON: Tourism; the Other Ghanaian Pandemic another piece by Mac̶ King T. Thompson
Wipe Off the Traces of Colonialism on the Continent-PLO Lumumba Foundation to AU
The chronicles of the African Peoples in striving for better governance and the development of the African continent as a whole have tarried to see today’s decade. In the wake of the many but numbered problems in Africa, there was an emergence of a structured body to intersect and counter the cascading flow of problems in Africa including the traces of colonialism. The advent of the African Union (AU) formally the Organization of African Unity (OAU) was indeed an event of great magnitude, in the institutional evolution of the continent. However, the potent role of AU tied to the objective of ridding the continent of the remaining vestiges of colonization and apartheid; promoting unity and solidarity among the African States, to coordinate and intensifying cooperation for development has still not had much impact on the continent. Despite the strides of AU, the body is still held down by the financial crisis. With the many objectives the AU is set to achieve, the financial crisis is the problem least expected to surface within the body. It will be much more prudent if the organization deduced effective ways to fund its projects to avoid unintended consequences. It is rather unfortunate with our immeasurable resources on the continent, there is still a high level of dependency on foreign donors which has eventually led to an unplanned shift of AU’s aim, and has increasingly focused on externally financed activities. This can be evidenced by the financing and construction of the $200m AU building in Addis Ababa by the Chinese. As part of the objectives of the PLO Lumumba Foundation, Ghana Chapter in promoting Pan-Africanism and unification of Africa, the celebration on today’s 57th AU Day is a fine day to task the AU to follow the objectives set diligently, and ultimately wipe off the traces of the old-fashioned colonialism on the continent, while clogging all dents in the organization to neo-colonialism. 57 years is a long time to still cajole the problems in AU and Africa as a continent. As the AU put measures in place to effectively execute the 2020 theme of “silencing the guns”, “silencing neo-colonialism” is also a must. The idea of reviving the AU in the mid-1990s under the leadership of former Libyan Head of State, Muammar al-Gaddafi should be at the forefront of Africa’s relevant issues. The AU should exercise the necessary power to realize the goals of the organization to match Gaddafi’s popular remarks “Africa can develop without Western interference…” It will therefore be of need for the AU to ponder over what Dr. Kwame Nkrumah said at the formation of OAU in 1963 “… the resources are there. It is for us to marshal them into the active service of our people. Unless we do this through our concerted efforts, within the framework of our combined planning, we shall not progress at the tempo demanded by today’s events and the mood of our people. The symptoms of our troubles will grow, and troubles themselves become chronic…” The real desire of the African Peoples is to see an Africa beyond aid. Africa must develop, and must find solutions that in themselves counter our problems while telling the world of our courage. The Africa we want should be free from the vestiges of colonization and should cast out any subtle opening to imperialism. God bless Africa and keep our hopes alive. AFRICA WILL RISE AGAIN! SAY NO TO ANY TRACE OF COLONIALISM! Brief about the AU The African Union (AU) is a continental body consisting of the 55 member states that make up the countries of the African Continent. It was officially launched in 2002 as a successor to the Organisation of African Unity (OAU, 1963-1999). In May 1963, 32 Heads of independent African States met in Addis Ababa Ethiopia to sign the Charter creating Africa’s first post-independence continental institution, The Organisation of African Unity (OAU). The OAU was the manifestation of the pan-African vision for an Africa that was united, free, and in control of its own destiny and this was solemnized in the OAU Charter in which the founding fathers recognized that freedom, equality, justice, and dignity were essential objectives for the achievement of the legitimate aspirations of the African peoples and that there was a need to promote understanding among Africa’s peoples and foster cooperation among African states in response to the aspirations of Africans for brother-hood and solidarity, in a larger unity transcending ethnic and national Differences. The guiding philosophy was that of Pan-Africanism which centered on African socialism and promoted African unity, the communal characteristic and practices of African communities, and a drive to embrace Africa’s culture and common heritage. Other sources: Wipe off the traces of colonialism on the continent-PLO Lumumba Foundation to AU READ NEXT ON: Rethinking African Politics: Challenging stereotypes and promoting positive change
Tourism; the Other Ghanaian Pandemic
The pandemic is not getting any better, I must confess. Whew!It was Wednesday, an early mid-morning adventure to one of Ghana’s tourist sites, the Boti Falls. The twin waterfall is located in Yilo Krobo Municipality in the Eastern region of Ghana. A place that once was referred to as the most attractive venue in that area by the former president, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah upon his first visit. And so, we were in good company, to thread this same path and discover a bit of Ghana that is often talked about as an envious destination for tourists in all respects. This visit includes students, artistic activists, and creators from different backgrounds, much to the sound of excitement and delight of all traveling members onboard. But of course, the journey did not come without hurdles, bundled in a bit of fear with a bumpy, skimpy road faced with a piece of big vehicular machinery digging trenches, clearing of trees in what appears to be a construction of a new tar road for the municipality, thus the road leading to the waterfall. One asked, ‘Didn’t Dr. Kwame Nkrumah use this same route to the waterfall?’ It is Ghana, remember! The other retorted. How come we allow such an important road to degrade into this deplorable state! We often take things for granted, even roads leading to one of our foremost tourist sites. I wondered; what might go through the minds of foreigners who ply this road for the sake of visitation. Our invitation to the site draws near, about an hour’s journey from Adukrom, in the Eastern Region. Here, the Fall looks in sight and we were ready to embark on this adventure, we must go back with a new experience albeit. At the request of the tour guide, men, women, and students took the stairs descending to the waterfall- one step at a time and treading behind each other to this beautiful scape. You cannot escape this glorious view! However, things did not look as expected, it is a twin waterfall, remember? It appeared only one side of the waterfall had water streaming down from it. The other side is dry with no water! What has happened? I dared ask the tour guide. He fumbled, with a look on his face worrying, as one lost of words. It’s somewhat disturbing, he answers; ‘about 40% of the forest reserve has been tempered!’ He continues, ‘the groves that cover the river through the jungle have been destroyed by human activities such as illegal felling of trees, annual bush burning by ‘bushmeat’ hunters and local [farmers] folks. Ghana’s problem It is no different, this country has had a lot of issues at hand even before this pandemic. With the ill culture of maintenance, disregard for other social issues, and at the height of global climate change and threats facing the world, many seem unperturbed. Our plans and efforts to shape talks on climate issues still remain minimal. ‘Illegal hunting, bush burning in this age and stage?!’ what has law regulators got to do? Well, you ask – This is my bit, as I write and highlight the issues that threaten the waterfall and the ecosystem altogether. It is important to bring to the attention; the pandemic of unconcern Ghanaians, the pandemic of poor maintenance culture, disregard for rules and regulations, and the pandemic of ‘it is not my property’ pronounced by common folks. This is to be curtailed and make civilians abide by the law and maintain social sanity and civility in the conduct of every Ghanaian to minimize this menace. What is the Ghanaian made of…? I would like to end here without failing to say the trip was fun and educative albeit, and we carried with us a more concerted approach to this twin waterfall tourist site in the future. Hopefully, we get to return again but to a promised change of scenery- thus both streams flow happily because that’s what twins do; they move together. And importantly, to see the female side of the fall flow again traditionally because that’s all we want to witness, sigh. Let’s get rid of Tourism Pandemic today! Written by: Mac-King T. Thompson READ NEXT ON: A nation polarized by religion and superstition
