If Mental Illness Were Ebola

The recent surges in suicide cases has brought the light unto Ghana’s mental health care system. The embarrassing fact of the matter is that mental illness and suicide have always been with us. The national attention that suicide has received is purely down to the influence of the media. Suicide is not a new thing to Ghana. Mental illness is one that we are all prone to, even the experts in the field-in a little less than two years ago, my lecturer in the discipline of mental health committed suicide.

We are behaving like mental health is a new subject to us. It has been established that one out of every four persons have a mental problem. So the recent media reports of suicide is barely a tip of the iceberg. Mental health is a very broad topic and l can not exhaust all of it one writing-not even in a lifetime.  But one thing that all Ghanaians should be ashamed of is the poor state of mental health in the country. In 2001, the World Health Organisation conceived the slogan: “No Health Without Mental Health”. Therefore, every solid healthcare system is one that has mental health as an integral part. However, the same can not be said of Ghana’s health situation. Mental health is virtually absent. 

In theory, Ghana has a great mental health outlook. Ghana’s Mental Health Act 846 of 2012 was touted as one of the best there is in the world. Unfortunately, our mental health system is only on paper. Five years after the enactment of the Mental Health Act, not a single penny has been released by government towards the funding of the statutory Mental Health Authority. 

How do we expect to build a robust and comprehensive mental health system whilst the motherboard of mental healthcare is living at the mercy of meagre and sporadic donations from NGOs? Are we going to leave the much talked about deinstitutionalisation of mental health care in the pipeline? When will the right and adequate infrastructure of mental health be provided? Who will take serious the issues of severe shortage of human resource in the mental health industry? When will Ministry of Health begin to remunerate mental health staffs accordingly to their expertise? There are a million questions l could ask.

The outbreak of the ebola pandemic in fellow West African nations has shown us how desperate and pragmatic we can get as a country in safeguarding our health. At the mention of ebola, makeshift quarantine centres were raised all over the country. At the mention of ebola, contingency funds were established. At the mention of ebola, special personnel were deployed on standby. At the mention of ebola, stakeholder crisis meetings were being convened all over. At the mention of ebola, stringent security measure were being put in place left, right, centre. 

So what is the crime of mental illness victims? Why cant priority be given to mental health? We need an urgent revision of our priorities before mental disorders prove to us that there is a disease, far more dangerous than the much dreaded ebola.

The Blood In The Veins Of Suicide

It's interesting how suicide cases are being recorded across the world and Ghana has got its perfect place in that record. It's not surprising however, judging from the fact that within a space of two weeks, five of this glorious acts have been committed.

What we do know is, these cases; KNUST student, Legon student, a JHS 2 student in Akyem, a 30-year-old driver in Half-Assini and a young man from Old Tafo in Achimota were all reported cases. What about those that have not been properly documented and reported? They were perhaps hidden under mercy of shame.

Statistics in Ghana have shown that five persons commit this act every other day. It has been projected to shot up in the coming years.

Another interesting fact of these five cases, as we have know to be, is that most are occurring in the segment of education.

It speaks a lot about our educational sector. There is an incredible positive correlation between education and suicide cases in Ghana.

Look, education is a great adventure which anyone who has taken part in, will be very proud of.

However, the acknowledgements must be given to the challenges it poses to the individual traveling it's path.

Before an individual commits suicide, it is believed to have emanated from the psychological spheres of the person. Some individuals have a high vulnerability to stressors and with a little exposure they resort to such acts.

Undoubtedly, education presents most of such stressors to an individual.

Before you get your first degree in Ghana, you might have probably spend about 16 years in the classroom. The University which was introduced to, as it were, develop intellectual capabilities, has suddenly joined the race with the SHS and JHS for the "sitting in classroom all day" mantra.

Students scarcely have time for themselves to relax their minds. Lecture notes are being packed on them and there is little or no space between lecture hours. Students at this level are being treated us primary kids, where they are always preoccupied with stressful activities.

The most suicidal part of all of these is that, students are required to provide, sometimes verbatim, from the packed lecture notes and the limited time under which they are tutored, preventing them from expressing themselves. The moment they hear of Interim Assessment or quiz, there you will see students becoming so tensed up and jittery.

With all these, it becomes apparent that students with high vulnerability to stressors will definitely resort to commiting suicide. Sometimes you can't help but to think that the University managements deliberately do such things; packed lecture hours.

Gone were the days where you go to lectures, at most, four times in a week. Aside that, you have a lot of time within the day to develop your interest in a particular activity which takes much away the boredom and the pressure; igniters of suicide actions.

Mental health now needs to be told in a better context. What's the use if, lectures are being packed on students yet, they are required to give vivid account of all that transpired in such limited times. Meanwhile, such students will probably be taking a course in mental health, which makes them aware of how dangerous stress can be to their lives. It's such devastating!

The issue becomes worse when students themselves do not take delight in social activities.

What do we see, again, this days?

The moment they say Hall week celebration, SRC week celebrations and the likes, you will find students hiding behind the connotation that, "oh I'm a Christian", "ooh my books". University managements are even kicking against such mind relaxing and social activities. Such programs have been inserted into the school's calendar, for a very useful purpose and so it's surprising how these days the attitude towards such events are dwindling.

It's high time we got to realize that such gatherings help minimize, to the extreme, the boredom of persons and we've got to campaign for it as such.

It has become obvious that, most people embarking on this journey of education wouldn't land at the apex of the path taken.

A good example Komla Dumor of blessed memory, who started as a medical student but ending up as one of African greatest journalist.

In his case, he could have easily committed suicide after failing his final examination as a medical student in Nigeria and was withdrawn from the school.

But you know what, life gives more avenues of possibilities than you can think. That's the more reason extra curricular activities should be much encouraged in our schools.

He moved to Ghana, where he studied a totally different course in Business and later to journalism.

It's all about the excitement or better put, the satisfaction you get from what you do. Ones you get satisfied over what you do, suicide will be your last option to think of. Gradually, we will help to eradicate this canker in the environment.

Help campaign against suicide.

Help transform our educational sector.

Help send Ghana to the permanent site.

By: Richard Mawunyo Dartey - University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS-HO)

5 Lessons From The US Election: Including A Very Clear Message To African Youths

Donald John Trump emerged victorious in astonishing style in the 2016 US elections. His victory came at the expense of accomplished politician, former secretary of state and former first lady, Hillary Clinton. Trump is president-elect courtesy the electoral college even though he trailed Hillary in the popular votes. Here is my five takeaways from the results:

Donald trumps over a united enemy: the 2016 American elections was a historic one. All the pollsters and the media as well as the international community were unanimous in their support for Hillary Clinton.  However, Donald Trump pulled a major coup. He defied all the odds and prevailed even though the entire world was against him.

A clear message to African youths: Trump’s stunning victory is an obvious message that Americans have sent to the world: America first. Africa, especially the youth, need to pay particular attention- the days of dependence on the West is over. The young generation of Africa have the huge task of banishing the negative image bestowed upon us, and turning the fortunes of the continent around. In order to harness the limitless potentials of Africa, a systemic changed is needed. Students’ leaders and students have a unique role to play in shaping the new Africa. These crop of up and coming leaders have to do away with the routine mismanagement of resources and affairs, which is mainly brought about by rapacity. We can reach the point where our students do not have to run abroad for masters, PhDs and greener pastures. Through hardwork and diligence, the world will respect Africa.

Systems matter: the electoral college system of democracy in America denied Hillary Clinton her chance to be president even though majority of the citizens casted their ballots for the former secretary of state. The system favoured Donald Trump who had the required number of electoral votes to win, making redundant the over half a million more votes that Hillary Clinton accrued in the popular votes.

Missed prophecy: many are the accurate predictions Prophet TB Joshua prophesied in the past. But a single miss was carried on the airwaves as if that was his final examination. The popular preacher came in for enormous criticisms on both social media and mainstream media. The situation was dire that even colleague preachers did not spare the Nigerian pastor.

Africa the biggest loser: president-elect Donald Trump and his enmity towards Africa is no secret. In the book of the property tycoon, Africa is the bedrock of gargantuan corruption, laziness, thuggery and purposelessness. It is very unlikely that the Trump will change is his long held disparaging perception on Africa. As such, Africa is should gear up for some unfriendly relationship with the United States throughout Trump’s tenure as president.  

Mawunyo Writes: State of discombobulation- Ghana's case

Welcome to Ghana, a country where the peace and the stability is being taken for granted. A country where wrongs are being turned into a civil right. A country where the spirit of truth is far from fetch. A country, as we have come to believe, where the citizens are unconcerned.

Come to think of it, why will a hugely resourced country like ours be dependent on under-resourced countries for financial aid? Gold, timber and bauxite, just to mention few are the resources that this country can boast of. So "I can't think madness" when everyday, we have to be worrying ourselves to understand why we go to borrow. If you tell me you do not care about this, then you have been coffered on with political glaucoma.

Walk the streets of Accra during the day. You will find a number of street lights beaming at your face. Watch carefully beside the Highways, alas, a stream of pipe born water, flowing freely. So you think you don't care about all this? You must be from another world to think so.

Come down to our public universities. Each day, government and university authorities have the displeasure to talk about which of them must foot the utility bills. The first time I heard this, I wondered what the country is being turned into. We have failed as a society, to regulate the usage of this utilities yet we are quick to push the burden on someone else. Can you imagine how judiciously these resources can be managed, should the students be required to pay for their own utilities bills?

We have been practising same methods over and over yet expecting to get a different result. What a world! Thomas Edison, who also played a major role in the invention of electric bulb, once said, he had tried to invent electric bulb using 999 ways but failed. When asked why, he simply said, that gave  him 999 ways of not producing electric bulbs, hence he must try a new method.

Wait, before I digress into other issues, the decision now rests on us individuals to think positively about this country. Imagine how this country will be if we all play responsible roles and take responsibility for our actions. Just extend your little concern to your neighbor next door. You think he or she doesn't need that advice of yours? If he or she tries to ignore you, however, let him or her know that his or her right ends at the doorsteps of someone. In fact, explain to him to understand. We are very careless of our actions in this country. 

Can you imagine someone turning on the fun in his bed room, yet sitting in the hall watching television. While watching the television, he is seen busily reading newspaper with his radio loudly on. This is a complete mismanagement of resources.

We cannot live in a society where one does what pleases him. We must regulate and be regulated. The laws are there but are not being enforced. You think it needs only a competent court of jurisdiction to do the enforcement? No! You can also enforce it. This is done by serving as a watchdog over your neighbour, correct him while he goes wrong. And be ready yourself, to accept corrections.

Interestingly our grandparents never had statutory laws, yet they were able to fairly regulate their available resources. One would say probably because they added some elements of spiritualism. It worked so perfectly that the mother of principle and procedural believes, science, could not explain. The argument is, the dark days are over so those things cannot apply. Yes, we cannot go back to those days but we can manage our behaviours. And only this, can give us the freedom that we want as a country.

The writer of this article is Richard Mawunyo Dartey, a student of the University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho.

Barcelona v Manchester City: Key Talking Points

credit: getty

Pep Guardiola had a night to forget on his second return to the Camp Nou. A clinical Lionel Messi hat trick put the citizens to the sword and maintained Barca’s 100% record in Europe’s premier competition. Here are the five key points in my post match commentary:

Man City at the Messi of Barca: Leo was at his quintessential best during City’s visit. The Barcelona legend scored his 37^th career hat trick and his team’s first three goals of the night. He also won a penalty-which Neymar missed- and assisted the Brazilian’s goal a few minutes later. Even though the Catalans were not at their imperious best, the diminutive Argentine took matters into his own hands: City fans will be grateful that he elected against taking the spot kick.  

Unrepentant Guardiola punished: the tactician opted for philosophy over effectiveness which saw him pick Kevin De Bruyne over Sergio Aguero to lead the line of the Blues attack. It was a ruse purposefully aimed at dominating ball possession. To the contrary, Barca were more interested in what will earn them the three points instead of a ceremonious display.

Bravo’s petulance: the Chilean is one of the very experienced champions between the sticks, and for a goalie of his standing, his decision to handle the ball outside his area could best be described as cantankerous. It is more so confusing when one gets to know that Bravo knew that his action could only lead to one thing-a sending off.

Greater Barcelona squad depth: both Alba and Pique were taken off early in the encounter due to injuries, but Barca did not have to worry much as there were Lucas Digne and Jeremy Mathieu as substitutes. Bearing in mind that Sergio Roberta, the first choice Barca right back was also on the treatment table, a victory and clean sheet (which was partly down to the efforts of Ter Stegen) is a very good sign. More importantly, Luis Enrique will not be saddled with the same problems he faced in the previous season, where his players were fatigued at the business end of the season. 

Liverpool-Manchester United: 5 Talking Points

The eagerly anticipated match ended in a stalemate in an encounter that was nicknamed #RedMonday. Here are the 5 impressions the game left on me

1. United frustrate Liverpool: at the end of the game, Liverpool only had 9 attempts, something which is incongruous to Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool. Indeed the 2 shots by Liverpool in the first half was the club’s lowest in a home game in over a decade. All these were due to the solid defensive set up by Mourinho to limit the strengths of Liverpool
2. Referee comes through unscathed: the media was all over the FA for appointing Anthony Taylor to officiate this game, looking at his Manchester roots. However, the ref was able to perform creditably under huge pressure. Even though the Old Trafford faithfuls would feel aggrieved by certain penalisation of their players, the official’s performance was certainly devoid of any controversies.
3. Under par Pogba and Ibrahimovic: the Red Devil’s two big stars were expected to come to the party, however, things didn’t go exactly as they would have loved. Pogba was largely anonymous in the game, even in his prefer role as an attacking midfielder. Meanwhile, Ibrahimovic contrived to miss United’s best opening of the game: worked by Pogba.
4. Imperious Herrera: Ander Herrera was in a superb form on Monday evening. The Spaniard was all over the pitch with a high intensity performance. You can call him the Kante of last season. His efforts- including a season high interceptions of 11, according to opta- were rewarded with a befitting man of the match award.
5. Sturridge subdued as De Gea steals show: the Liverpool marksman could not get a shot on target during an hour of play, which eventually led to his substitution. In real fact, the former Chelsea man had only one touch in the opposition’s box. To the contrary the man Sturridge was expected to keep busy, De Gea was on top of his game with two fine saves, first a low dive to his right to deny Can and a fantastic right handed stop to deny Coutinho a wonder-winning-goal.

10 Beneficial Things Bank of Ghana's $504,000 Golden Watch Money Could Have Been Used For

The airwaves across the nation are inundated with opinions of all and sundry on the Bank of Ghana’s (BoG) decision to blow $504,000 on gold watches for 72 employees as end of year benefits. 

Some people approach the subject from a utilitarian point angle, whilst others look at it from the point of legality of the methodology used in the procurement process. I side with the former group of persons, and in this post, I proffer ten very beneficial ways the fund from the central bank’s 2016 budget could have been used for. The $504,000 in question converts into GHC2,005,290 (two million and five thousand, two-hundred and ninety Ghana cedis), that is over 20billion old cedis for wrist wears.

1. Solar powered mechanised boreholes in 22 communities: the cost of constructing a solar powered mechanised borehole is GHC91,000, with the capacity to irrigate an entire community. Looking at the abundant sun energy Ghana is blessed with and the water problems being faced in a good number of regions in the nation, the solar powered water machines would certainly be of good use to Ghanaians. 
2. 6-unit classroom blocks in 20 communities: schools under trees is one of the major problems faced by the Ghana education system, and with the cost of building a 6-unit classroom block currently pegged at GHC100,000 the BoG money would have tackled the problem to a substantial degree
3. Coat 3.5km road: it roughly costs GHC600,000 to cover a 1km road with primary coater. An investment into this sector is a long term one, and addresses one of the primary problems in Ghana’s infrastructure to an extent.
4. Nationwide cholera education programme: cholera has become a perennial endemic in Ghana: one of the major ways to solve a problem of this nature is through public education. And the method has particularly been proven effective in the case of cholera. All the health directorates need is 20bn old cedis to hit the road.
5. 5 modern 24-bedroom hostel facilities: accommodation is a key challenge in our country. Constructing a 24-bedroom hostel facility for either workers or students goes for GHC500,000. 2m Ghana cedis would get us 5 of those buildings.
6. Feed Osu Children’s Home for over 4 and half years: the nation’s historic orphanage has always had resource constraints. At a feeding rate of GHC2 (which is very excellent by Ghanaian standards) per meal, the less than 200 inmates of the facility will enjoy good nourishment, 3 times a day for 4 year and 8 months with the BoG watch money
7. Sponsor 4 medical doctors to study cardiology abroad: infections of the heart, just like many other non communicable diseases are on the rise in the country. The BoG cash would have ensured that the nation is equipped with four more experts in the matters of the heart, trained in some of the world’s best institutions.
8. 170 fish ponds for farming: this particular initiative would address two main issues: food insecurity and youth unemployment. A completed and well stocked 150 * 100ft earthen pond would amount to GHC12,000-which implies 20bn old cedis would have constructed 170pcs of ponds- which means the BoG watches have denied us some good source of constant protein as well as a decent number of employment opportunities.
9. Purchase over two-hundred thousand waste containers: good sanitation is a bane in the country, with indiscriminate disposal of waste a chief culprit. GHC2m is just enough to procure over two hundred thousand pcs of medium plastic rubbish containers to be distributed in all state owned primary schools across the nation.
10. Renew NHIS registration for all nurse and teacher trainees: the BoG money is more than enough to renew the National Health Insurance Scheme registration for all students of Nuses/Midwifery’ Training Schools and Teachers’ Training Colleges across the length and breadth of the nation. 

5 Things Zidane Must Do

Zinedine Zidane is one of the popular figures, a legend in the world of football, probably not for his coaching prowess but for his success as a player. The Los Blancos coach succeeded the sloppy Benitez and went on to win the most coveted accolade in the history of club football to create a huge euphoria amongst the Madridismo and his followers. 

For the past weeks, ZZ’s tactics came in for heavy criticism as his team managed only four points from as many games in all competitions, posing a cascading conundrum over the longevity of his reign at the Spanish capital. I take you through a short expedition of the five essential factors that the Whites’ boss must adhere to in order to maintain his position the Real Madrid hot-seat.

Manage the pressure positively: in an effort to ameliorate what the press has tagged “crisis”, the boss must be able to be wield both internal and external influences escalationg from the club and the media respectively, by not allowing himself to be pushed to the breaking point. He must be firm and assertive in his day-to-day decisions aimed at getting good results to win the club’s love.

Play with an identity: Real Madrid is in no doubt one of the best and biggest clubs in the history of the beautiful game with an identify, but that is not the case in their current state due to the consistent and persistent dismissal of coaches. The style of play has even deteriorated under the auspices of Zidane. The condition provides ZZ a rare chance to convince the Real Madrid hierarchy of his quality through the means of tactical formula of high intensity but attacking football with is befitting of the status of a club like Real Madrid.

Avoid a trophyless season: despite the fact that Los Merengues are playing badly, they are still in pole position to challenge for major honours this season in all fronts- Copa del Rey, club world cup, la liga, UEFA champions league. A critical scrutiny of Real Madrid suggest that ZZ could be sacked if Real end the season without a major trophy as it was in the case of Carlo Ancelotti, after winning the UEFA champions league and Copa del Rey but failed in the following season.

Control over the dressing room: the failure to manage the dugout appropriately led to the firing of a good number of coaches in the club’s history. In recent years, the Special One, Jose Mourinho (2013), Raphael Benitez (2015) all fell prey to the threat of fallout with senior players in the squad. Zidane, with his experience as a player must do well to avoid the aforementioned fracas if he is to be successful and ultimately last long in the job

Signing and offloading players: Real Madrid, especially in the reign of current president Florentino Perez are known for signing world class and high profile players for the continuity of success which has failed to yield results on some occasions. If ZZ loves his job, then I vehemently suggest that he puts aside stubbornness and sign as well as release existing players if necessary. It is crystal clear that Real’s main Achilles heel is in the defensive midfield position. Statistically, Los Vikings conceded and dropped more points since anchorman, Casemiro has gone to the treatment table vs Villarreal. The situation could have been different if Madrid had hired the services of a defensive shield eg Mousa Sissoko as speculated in the media throughout the summer. With the pending transfer ban on the capital club, this objective might be far from reach.

If all the above measure are incorporated into the boss’ dispensation of his duties, success is not far from reach and he shall cement his job

This article is the thoughts of life time Real Madrid fan, Albert "Stranger" Dzodzegbe

Christmal Dela Christmals Mentors GESAM-UHAS

On the 2^nd of October 2016, Christmal Dela Christmals held a mentorship and career guidance session with the members of the Global Evangelical Students and Associates’ Ministry, University of Health and Allied Sciences Chapter (GESAM-UHAS) under the “Exploits of Grace 2016” programme.

Profile of Facilitator

Christmal Dela Christmals hails from Keta, Volta Region, Ghana. He started his elementary education at Anlo State School, and completed at Anloga Donorgbor Junior High School (JHS). CD Christmals’ mother is one of the five wives of Christmals’ Snr, a fisherman father who neglected his fatherhood responsibilities. 

CD Christmals had to spend his childhood with his grandmother. Nonetheless, CD Christmals did not allow his difficulties to distract him from his goals. His determination earned him admission to Keta Senior High Technical School (Ketasco), where he farmed throughout his stay in order to sustain himself. After completing Ketasco, he earned admission into University of Cape Coast where he pursued a degree in BSc Nursing. 

During his undergraduate education, the curriculum research expert recalled that he had to shift between his academic work and “galamsey teaching in Junior High Schools” in order to fend for himself. After a short stint in the working world, he continued his education in the University of Witwatersrand (Wits), South Africa- with support from his mentor, Professor Janet J. Gross. 

He came out successfully of his master’s degree programme and is currently working on his PhD in nursing education with research focus on master’s degree level nursing curriculum of topmost universities in Western, Eastern and Southern Africa. CD Christmals has worked as a nurse, lecturer and nose, ear and throat (ENT) consultant in the past.

Presentation Highlights

CD Christmals begun the presentation with his life story. He proceeded to advice the congregation on the need to build values of hard work, determination and discipline. The mentor and career coach cited himself as an example for the students, “I had saved money toward my first degree education when I was teaching, even though I was hungry, I did not ‘eat’ my savings because if I ate it, I would have eaten my degree”. 

In addition he told the students that “it is very good to be resistant because that is what you need to overcome challenges”. Furthermore, the Wits university alumnus charged the students to never allow anything to distract their focus. On the subject of hard work, CD Christmals told the audience to always work hard, especially whilst building foundation because one “cannot progress on a weak foundation”.

The event got more fascinating when CD Christmals guided the participants through the formulation of a 5-year, 10-year and 15-year goals plan. For each of the stated time category, each person was tasked to shape a plan A, plan B and plan C: this way, an individual is certain that one of the plans shall bear fruits. 

He added that it is very important for the goals to be set in a specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and time-bound manner. In furtherance, the protégé of Prof Janet Gross encouraged the students to dream as big as they desire because God is ever willing to give unto all mankind to the measure of their dreams. However, he reiterated that “dreams will not just happen like that, you have to focus and work hard”. 

The programme ended with a questions-and-answers’ segment, which CD Christmals expertly responded to. 

One of the replies that is sure to have dampened the spirits of most young ladies crushing on the young and charming scholar was when he confessed that he is “single but highly attached, with all receptors full” 

Love Is A Disease

Imagine having to wake up deep in the night and start to think of something that doesn't, in actual sense, have little or anything to do with you. All of a sudden, someone's well-being has become so important to you that, you become restless within yourself whenever a negative response is gotten from your so called partner.

Our predecessors may have seen the irony of this disease that, in most cases, they do betrothal of their offspring. Must nature be blamed for this? Psychological theories have given many interpretations to this disease- love, and at a point science became fed up with trying to understand this concept.

Interestingly, human beings have evolved from the primitive stage of looking at it as a mere societal value to a necessity. Why will someone kill his or her friend because of another person? Why will someone completely ignore his friend because he has found love? So you see why it's a menace? History hasn't been fair to us at all in this regard.

It should have properly dealt with this, or perhaps cure this life threatening disease for us, so it doesn't pose its ugly noses in our faces. At least we know that, for every four persons, one person will have a mental disorder in a life time. Why was same not done about love? Nature should have given us the instinct of not believing the false positive prospects of love.

We should have been told that once the disease is contracted one’s survival rate is altered. Alas! This is the plight of many, finding themselves as culprits of this four letter word. They go all out and do anything for the fact that they "love" someone or something.

In a case where power must come to play, the weak becomes vulnerable to this disease.

In other to fulfill the principle that the fittest must survive, the weak is hence relegated.

Imagine your partner demanding things you cannot afford. You become desperate to look for those things or risk losing him or her. You cannot do away with the fact that, precious time is wasted trying to get the attention of each other in cases where there is a default of not believing one side. 

But what makes it so fascinating is how strongly attached people can become to the extent of losing sight of the things that really need attention. What about those fond memories you've gathered in your life which rather need improvement? "I love you", "I will die for you", "I will climb the highest mountain just because of you", "don't worry, I will always be there for you" and many other paradoxical ones are the unfortunate statements that is uttered. Whether it is clearly understood is another issue. Literatures in Psychiatrist will enlighten us on how to properly use our mind for real thinking because they consider those statements having to be from the abstract world. 

Again, all those, will form the basis for the pathophysiological concept of love being a disease. It is very sad to hear people saying, because of "fear of loneliness", they needed to have love- the disease. Well, this must be true so long as you dwell in the realm of the abstract. 

In other fields, love is conceptually irrational. One cannot simply understand the philosophy of the binding force that suddenly results from the sight of a "beautiful being". Isn't this a mental disorder? Well, one must as well appreciate the fact that, whichever way it is looked at, love has greatly been misconstrued to be the most important thing to look out for. 

This is as a result of the hierarchical principal human needs proposed by Maslow. It's however a sad story to learn that the human race of today has accepted this as the gospel truth without, or with little critical analysis. 

Anyway you might have seen it, it stills stands as one of the diseases, just like AIDS, whose cure is yet to be discovered. One should therefore, carefully conceptualize this disease before falling prey to it, because it has the potential of ruining one's life forever.

This post is a feature, authored by Mawunyo "Warlord" Dartey, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho.

Arsenal vs Chelsea: 5 Talking Points

Arsenal put in a virtuoso display to destroy Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium yesterday. With the help of Albert Dzodzegbe, l take a look at the five talking points of the encounter.

First half blitz: Sanchez, Walcott and Ozil all scored for Arsenal before the interval in what was an amazing performance by the home side. After the break, it was all about damage limitation on the side of Chelsea: this was highly unexpected in such a high profile game.

Superb Arsenal defending: one of the hallmark’s we have come to know of Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal is their ball possession ability, but this game showed us a new facet of Arsenal’s play. They recovered the ball really well to nullify any threat posed by Chelsea, and therefore limited the Blue’s attacking prowess.

Anaemic Chelsea: right from the word go, Chelsea lacked any intensity and inspiration. Their play was insipid. Whilst they could not keep Arsenal’s forward of speedsters at bay. The lack of aggression on the part of Chelsea made the ever superb N’golo Kante looked very poor throughout the game, especially the first period.

Sweet retribution for Wenger: it has been 5 years since Arsenal has beat Chelsea, so Wenger came into this game with a lot of pressure on his shoulders. 3 goals at the break is more than what any gunner would have dreamt of, but it is a really sweet way for premier league millennial to get his revenge on his London rivals.

Conte under the spotlight: after success with Juventus, and the Italian national team at the Euros 2016, Conte’s qualities are not in doubt. But his inability to counter the play of Arsenal from a tactically viewpoint left many wondering. Much can be said of how unsuitable this Chelsea team is to Conte’s style, but the Italian knew this before accepting the job. The former Juventus boss has to tactically respond to the damage caused. 

National Volunteer Day-Tweetchat Storify

GhanaThink as part of its volunteeringh initiative held a tweetchat session on twitter on Monday. Here are my best picks from the awesome lot of responses to questions asked by volunteeringh.

The opening whistle

Join us tonight #Sep19 @ 6pm for #NVDay16 Tweetchat on promoting volunteerism in #Ghana #volunteeringh

— #NVDay #September21 (@volunteeringh) September 19, 2016

Q1: In what ways can we encourage #volunteerism in #Ghana? 

@richnane on #NVDay16: @volunteeringh recognizing the effort of volunteers is a great way to encourage more people join the train

— Ato #NVDay16 (@Abocco) September 19, 2016 

@SMSquad_GH Q1. To encourage volunteerism, some people must take the lead to provide volunteering opportunities #NVDay16

— Tom Tagoe (@Tom_DAT) September 19, 2016

Re Q1 through initiatives like #NVDay16 which sensitises the populace. Also, we need to build a culture of selflessness, esp among the youth

— Kizito Aidam (@Kizitodada) September 19, 2016

By making it more attractive and less stressful for volunteers to support good causes . #NVDay16 https://t.co/HlWNEzUTHS

— #PiloloGH (@pilolo_gh) September 19, 2016

Q2. Ever volunteered? What has volunteering taught you? 

Started volunteering last year and honestly I have not regretted taking that decision I have learnt a lot #NVDay16 #volunteeringh https://t.co/FfzufsAY32

— Justice Okai-Allotey (@Owula_Kpakpo) September 19, 2016

Q2 yes! Lessons include teamwork, organisational principles, and discipline at carrying out instructions #NVDay16 #volunteeringh

— Kizito Aidam (@Kizitodada) September 19, 2016

I got all my skills from volunteering. #nvday16

— Enoch Appiah (@iamrobotboy) September 19, 2016

Volunteering is great. You learn the masterful blend of being a leader & a servant at the same time. It's helped to shape my life. #NVDay16

— Gameli Adzaho (@gamelmag) September 19, 2016

Volunteering helped me gain confidence by giving me the chance to try something new and build a real sense of achievement. #NVDay16

— Duncan E.K. Gablah (@duncanqwame33) September 19, 2016

Q3: When, where and what have you volunteered for recently? 

@volunteeringh#JulyForTheHomeless - we shared food, water and drinks for the...(1) #NVDay16 #STLGH2016 #STLGH pic.twitter.com/c2vuR8Vm7D

— Spread The Love GH (@spreadthelovegh) September 19, 2016

Volunteered for @psychaidnlove 3 outreaches we did for the 3 psychiatric hospitals in Ghana and the next one we have on Wednesday #NVDay16 https://t.co/olMe8NPlsF

— Justice Okai-Allotey (@Owula_Kpakpo) September 19, 2016

Q3 a fortnight ago. In 8 rural communities, Ho Central. Medical outreach #NVDay16 #volunteeringh

— Kizito Aidam (@Kizitodada) September 19, 2016

Q4: What are you doing during #NVDay16? #volunteeringh

We @psychaidnlove are donating to the Accra Psychiatric Hospital after news broke about their plea #NVDay16 https://t.co/6nYncaRSP1

— Justice Okai-Allotey (@Owula_Kpakpo) September 19, 2016

@Abocco putting a priceless smile on a hopeless face... Leaving a random stranger better than you met them

— Anna Achea-Obuobi (@AnnaAkos) September 19, 2016

@volunteeringh Volunteering with a reading clinic! I'm excited already! #NVDay16

— Naanah Ama Thelma (@nanaama_thelma) September 19, 2016

For our incoming outreach we are going to the Accra Psychiatric Hospital for the second time #NVDay16 https://t.co/v4IFiJYbcT

— psychaidnlove_gh (@psychaidnlove) September 19, 2016

#PiloloGH wɔ vim paa! Takoradi, you simply can't miss @pilolo_gh Peace walk & clean Up Campaign. #NVDay16. pic.twitter.com/jh14kQ7mEb

— Ato #NVDay16 (@Abocco) September 19, 2016

Q5. What does #volunteerism mean to you? 

Putting a smile on that sad face. #NVDay16 #VolunteerrinGH

— Enock Seth Nyamador (@Enock4seth) September 19, 2016

Volunteering allows us to bring back the communal spirit in the world where focus on the things that matter has gone extinct. #NVDay16

— Mr.Adotey's son (@blaqstoryteller) September 19, 2016

Volunteering means a lot to me with @psychaidnlove its about bridging the social gap between society and psychiatric patients #NVDay16 https://t.co/DNezLjONST

— Justice Okai-Allotey (@Owula_Kpakpo) September 19, 2016

How do I volunteer? Log onto www.volunteeringh.org and find an activity for thyself 

Have you volunteered today? Let's #volunteeringh 4 #NVDay16. #September 17, 18, 21, 24, 25.https://t.co/M7uMsYKDwh pic.twitter.com/Jjr3ujMmRH

— #NVDay #September21 (@volunteeringh) September 17, 2016

EqayInspire: Doubted and Mocked

Probably people have mocked you and called you names. Maybe they said nothing good could come from your family, or your future can never be bright.

If you have plans of paying them in their own coin when you make it, please drop that idea.

They are not supernatural people to know who you will become tomorrow, so they treat you based on what they know about you now. We all do that.

Let me give you an example. Assuming the president of Ghana visits your house, how you will treat him will not be comparable to how you will treat a friend paying you a visit. It's simply because of their achievements in life.

Maybe your friend will become a president too, but you will treat him now, based on what he has done in life so far.

This is why you must not pay attention to all the mockery and the mean words, because they speak without regards to your future success.

Do you remember how Jesus reacted when Philip went to tell Nathanael about him and Nathanael asked whether anything good could come from Nazareth?

Jesus did not get angry at him for downplaying on His hometown. He said "you are an Israelite indeed, in whom the is no guile". Why? His statement was a sincere judgement was based on what He knew about Nazareth.

Sometimes the comments can get very discouraging, but that is the time when you need to believe in yourself and despise what people's opinions are, and work hard to let your success prove them wrong.

As you begin to flourish, they might come back to apologize for their mistakes and ask for your help. Do not turn your back on them. Like Joseph did to his siblings, let them eat of the fruits of your labor.

If you carry intentions of paying them back when you make it, you might even be robbing yourself of God's blessings for you.

This must teach us, also, not to take people for granted. What we know about them is not what they are meant to be.

Everybody has great potentials and once they tap into it, their success will break bounds and relegate all "doubters" into the zone of regret.

Culled from EqayInspire

Five Talking Points Of Chelsea v Liverpool

Liverpool put up a scintillating first half performance to inflict Chelsea with their first defeat of the season. Here are my five talking points.

Magical Henderson: the Liverpool captain curled a beautiful goal in from 30 yards out to make the scores 2-0 which effectively put his side into firm control. The goal is reminisce of ex-captain, Steven Gerrard. Liverpool may have just found Captain Fantastic 2.0. His performance is a way of silencing his doubters.

Klopp’s Stamford Bridge joy: for the second away game in row at Chelsea, Klopp has come out victorious. The German will go into his next trip to Stamford Bridge with even more confidence as he seeks to continue his dominance over Chelsea’s home turf.

Chelsea defence needs leadership: the Blues fielded a very experience defence on Friday night. However, the know-how of the defenders has not translated into any leadership qualities in the absence of John Terry. David Luiz has never been a leader, and it does not look like he will be anytime soon. With a good leader to organise Chelsea’s defence, Lovren would not have been left alone for Liverpool’s opener.

Hazard subdued: much of the pre-game talks has been of the Belgian’s renaissance under Conte. But in this game, where he was supposed to provide further evidence that he is really back to his best, Hazard was found wanting. His performance was not one to write home about.

Klopp effect: counter attacking and pressing are two flagships of a Jurgen Klopp team. In this game against Chelsea, the Liverpool players’ played like typical Klopp apprentices. Starting from the attackers, Liverpool always went looking for the ball whenever they lost it. Klopp will certainly be happy with what he saw.

EqayInspire: Humans and Animals

Human beings are the most brilliant of all creatures. We know this, not just from theory.

It's obvious from the kind of houses we live in and the technologies we have come up with. Clearly, no living being on earth can compare.

But have you realized all living things (including us) started off the same way? We all began life on earth, with no phones, no houses-nothing at all. All that was around us were trees, bushes, and other animals.

What's the difference then? Gradually, from generation to generation, humans started thinking, started being innovative, improving bit by bit on their daily livelihoods.

Now, with the equipment we have developed, we can fly higher than the eagle, move faster than the cheeter, delve deeper than the snailfish and dig deeper than the "devil worm".

It is simply because the animals have not in any means been able to innovate and improve upon anything they've had.

This ability is what sets *humans and animals* apart.

That is why it must reflect in all facets of our individual lives as well. We aren't being human, if our lives lack significant improvements over time.

What difference is there between you and the lower animals if your skills, gifts and talents have not been used for anything significant or seen any improvements in the years gone?

What makes you human if your character, ideologies and christian life haven't been substantively modified over the last few years?

Each day, bit by bit, we need to improve upon our lives and get better and better. Because, it is not the occasional big things we do that will cause the change, but the consistent small ones.

The animals can continue to live the same way they were born to be; but the human being must innovate, learn, pray and do everything humanly possible grow to maturity, in every area of life and impact other lives in consequence.

#ChangeIsPossible

Culled from Eqay Inspire

10 Things Jose Mourinho Must Do At Manchester United

Jose Mourinho is a serial winner, one of the main reasons Manchester United employed him: to bring trophies to Old Trafford. In order to achieve the club’s and his personal goals, I have pen down ten things Mourinho should pay attention to.

1. Mould a playing style: throughout his career, Mourinho has be known for building his teams in a defensively solid and attackingly devastating manner. He is neither a Guardiola nor a Van Gaal with a possession philosophy, but he has a 3-points-winning-style of play, and he must quickly drum his way into the heads of his players.
2. Play to Pogba’s strength: one good thing Mourinho has done so far is to grant Pogba freedom on the pitch. But to maximise the potentials of the world’s most expensive player, he would have to tinker his tactics: drive Pogba like the ferrari he is, not like a fiat.
3. Revive Anthony Martial: Martial was a bright spot in United’s sorry campaign during last season. However, he has not find his feet in the new season. Mourinho needs to spark Martial back to life: the talent and threat of Martial will bolster United’s attacking authority.
4. Make a decision on Rooney: Rooney is no longer the Wazza of old. He has lost his pace and ability to torment defences, which effectively rules out the option of him playing as a winger. Also, Mourinho has stated he will not play his captain deep in midfield. And now with better options available to play in that no 10 role, it may be time for Rooney to get a seat on the bench.
5. Establish a long term centre-back pairing: Eric Bailly is proving to be a shrewd acquisition for United. Blind’s physical deficiencies make him a suspect, and as club legend Paul Scholes put it, we are all waiting for Blind to be found out. Mourinho must avoid instances like the one during the Manchester derby whereby Blind was left in De Bruyne’s shadow in the build-up to City’s first goal. The Bailly-Smalling partnership United fans dream of is on the horizon.
6. Provide reliable cover fullback positions: United needs cover for full backs at her disposal. Darmian and Rojo look like natural choices, but reports of a break in relationship between Mourinho and Darmian brings a lot of uncertainty about who can fill in the boots of Valencia. This may yet be the opportunity for the teenage Timothy Fosu-Mensah
7. Keep Rashford satisfied: Marcus Rashford is not only a future star but also, he is a player for the moment, as evident in last season and against Hull City. But Rashy will not get as much game time as he would have wished due to the imposing presence of Ibrahimovic. Mourinho must now adopt measures to sustain the happiness of the teenage sensation, even with a bit-part role
8. Slot in Mkhitaryan: Mkhi was purchased with loads of expectations. However, he has found life in Manchester difficult. There is no doubt about the range of qualities he brings to the table, and the Special One must suitably fit Herinkh into his squad, even if it is at the expense of his captain.
9. Play a traditional defensive midfielder: Mourihno and a defensive midfielder are like Romeo and Juliet. Jose does not do without one. All through his tenure thus far, he has had to make do with Fellaini, who has been very good. But the derby against City has reminded us of Fellaini’s vulnerability in that position, and it is time Mourihno opts for a typical anchor-man. Schneiderlin, Blind and Timothy Fosu-Mensah are good options for the Portuguese to consider.
10. Follow United’s youth policy: Mourinho has jettisoned-and rightly so-a vast number of youth products since his arrival. But to cement his status as a post-Fergie legend, Mourihno has to follow tradition. United’s academy has some really good players, and Mourinho must graciously blend them into the first team, starting with Tuanzebe and Fosu-Mensah. In addition, Man United provides Mourinho with a good opportunity to banish his poor youth development demons.

Celebrating Gameli Adzaho: A STEAM Icon

Gameli Adzaho hails from Tegbi in the Volta Region of Ghana. He had his elementary education in Amazing Love Preparatory School, Denu. He continued to Keta Senior High Technical School (Ketasco), where he studied General Science. Driven by his desire of becoming a top scientist, he wanted to read medicine. 

He was successfully enrolled to the University of Ghana, to pursue biological science programme. After studying bio-science for two years, he majored in biochemistry and completed the programme in flying colours. 

After college, he went into practice-with Ghana Education Service, where he tutored in his alma mater, Ketasco. It was in Ketasco that l got the privilege of being under his tutelage. He was a very unique chemistry teacher, who was keen on helping students nurture their God-given potentials. In 2013, he benefitted from the Tullow Group Scholarship to study in University of Exeter, United Kingdom where he obtained MSc Environment and Human Health. Gameli is not a young man with only enviable academic attainments. 

His interest in STEAM-Science, Technology, Education, Africa and Media has elevated him to great heights. In the field of science and technology, Mr. Adzaho has been a leading example. He is the Ghanaian Ambassador of Next Einstein Forum, a cohort of young Africans who “work to make Africa a global hub for science and technology”. Also, he is the founder of Global Lab Ghana, a science community. 

Furthermore, he has worked with Lab 13 to promote the cause of science across the nation. When it comes to his exploits in the media, Gameli authors one of Ghana’s foremost blogs, the Gamelian World. Indeed, his love for the media has been a childhood one: this is manifested in the position he occupied in high school as he doubled as the president of “writers and debaters club” and “science and maths club”. 

He has contributed immensely to the Africa rising cause. Projects that he has worked on and continues to work on with Ghanathink, Global Shapers, Next Einstein Forum and many others have been aimed at benefitting Africa, particularly the youths. Additionally, Gameli is focused on advancing human health through his expertise in environmental and biochemical health. 

Even though he does not consider himself as an icon: a quintessentially unassuming nature of his, his records speak otherwise. Gameli is an inspiration for many, including myself, and he is set to contribute heavily to the fresh era of achievements in Africa. 

As l celebrate him with this surprise post, l would like to conclude in his own words “one day, one day, the son of the charcoal seller shall wear white rope”