There is a popular saying that “all work and no play, makes Jack a dull boy”. It is always anticipated that in every Christian organization, there is always the need to be in the house of the Lord learning the word of God. The same scripture also spells out that we should go out into the world and propagate the gospel (Mark 16:15). In cognizance of this, many Christian organizations have resorted to propagating the gospel in many forms. A few can be alluded to such as outreach programs, crusades, camp meetings, etc.

Despite these forms of spreading the gospel, in recent times organization of trips to tourist attraction has become the order of the day. This is another way of enriching ourselves of the good things the Lord has created.

This can be said of a group known as the Bubiashie E.P students’ Union, who embarked on a trip to Boti and Akah falls.

This article therefore seeks to give vivid account of what transpired during the trip.

The bus was stipulated to depart from the church premises at 6:00am prompt. But as expected, we finally left around 7:45am. It was also expected that an air condition bus will be the order of the day in terms of transport, but it turned out that, our money was not enough to get us that bus. Anyway it was cool for those who had to sit anywhere they liked without any hesitation from any person. (NO comment)

The bus was not complete until we had had to pick the only Princess in the group at her residence on campus. I did not know the exact place until we got there. It was quite a distance; nevertheless I got to know names of hostels like the PENTAGON and BANI. I now understand what some of my friends experience in terms of visitation.

It was not long and we were on the Adenta-Madina road. It was characterized by songs of praises and loud shouts like “shut” Hallelujah and the likes.

There was a lot of sight seeing which was aided by a slight traffic on that road. There is a saying that the servants would always wish to be like the master just by emulating what he does. It was not surprising that most members were caught with the fever that the President inhabits just by emulating him. The syndrome of eating huge loaves of BREAD. Quite interesting Ha! We later got to the Eastern region which was virtually cold in some areas. I termed it “the small London”. We passed by the Peduase Lodge, which was renovated by our ex-President, Mr. J.A Kuffour. We also passed by Rita Marley’s residence, wife of the legend reggae artist, Bob Marley of blessed memory.

The trip to Boti and Akah falls was not without surprises. It was amazing to learn that, the driver was steering that particular bus for the first time. It is also amazing that the driver did not know the route to our destination. Do I suppose that we were being used as guinea pigs? In view of this, the trip was characterized by frequent stops on the way just to ask of the right route to our destination. Another interesting thing that happened on our way was that of my brother who could no longer hide his feelings of hunger when we stopped by a beans seller.

Lo and behold, we finally got to Boti. Something dramatic happened when we were alighting from the bus. With what I know in my little cockroach head, history has it that slaves at that time were given stamps on their body with the aid of a hot instrument to serve as a means of identification. Horses also undergo similar treatment. It was therefore fascinating to realize that we had to receive stamps on our precious bodies as a means of identification of having paid at the gate. The only difference is that, our’s was without a hot instrument. (cold stamping). I really did not see the need for it because there was at no point in time that we were asked by anyone to show our “tattooed” body. It virtually cleaned off half way through our journey.

Never-the-less we began our journey to the umbrella rock. Most of us thought it will be just a short journey, but contrary to our thoughts and imaginations, it turned out to be a rather long but interesting journey. I can now appreciate the frustration of the Israelites during their migration from Egypt to the Promised Land.

I thought we came as a group but from the way a manner some members including the President and his Vice took a sharp lead needs much to be desired. There was clear indication that some of our ladies couldn’t bear the entirety of the journey because they increasingly were fainting and becoming weary. In the wake of that it took a brave and strong colleague known as Etor with support from about three friends to help them. We succeeded any way not without a few horrifying moments. What made it worse was meeting people who were returning from the umbrella rock, and all what they could do to motivate is inform you of how far the journey was. Quite annoying.

Reaching the umbrella rock was another scene altogether. The folks in the neighboring towns and villages set up a whole “MINI MARKET” beneath the rock. All kinds of fruits and cereals are sold there. It was amazing to see people carryings food stuffs from far and near to the rock to sell to make ends meet. Pathetic as it was to see “babies mothering babies”. Their presence there actually adds more flavor to the trip as most of them were fun to talk to and more especially a well built muscle gentleman which I describe as the area Champion “WEARING BEAR CHEST” who quenched our thirst with some coconut water.

It was interesting to see our spiritual “guru” and the entire prayer committee devouring coconuts like the Somalian Refugees who for the past years had no food in their system, forgetting that it is even in times   like this that we needed their prayers most.

Climbing the rock was fun. A local ladder which was made from bamboo was leaned against the rock on which you will climb. Steep as the ladder was, some members were brave and courageous enough to climb with those with fainted hearts patiently sitting and waiting beneath.

We proceeded to the “THE THREE HEADED PALM TREE” where along the way we met an old man who we understand to be the chief historian of the village. He resides comfortably in his local made “Wheel Chair” and in his old school trousers with a sparkling multicolored long sleeve, gave a vivid history on the village. No doubt looking among the tourists our only “Wofa Atta” was chosen to be the chief interpreter. As to whether he was able to perform that role assigned to him well is another question to ask.

A drama ensued around the palm tree where our spiritual “guru” nearly landed his thick muscular blow on a poor primary school teacher over a gallon of palm wine. It took the intervention of our only ‘Princess” to calm tempers down. And come to think of Palm wine, do you remember the “palmie squad”? I was really amazed to see our female counterparts battling it out with us. I hope the Beijing conference which clearly defined women empowerment, does have a limit. Because some things are for men only.

 

A hot “Jamma” led by Samson sustained us on our return to the falls.

Oh what a good thing to see members eating, drinking and playing together and admiring the beauty of nature. We later crowned it at Akah falls where we saw other interesting sites like the “Footprint of the three toe man”, the twin rock among others.

Talking about our secretary, she really looked ready to embark on such a journey,  taking into consideration her tightly fitted pair of canvas and jeans trousers, but she surprised me as she virtually had to be begged several times to continue her journey. May be hers was better. How much more the baby face who I learnt plays football with her male counterparts. It was expected that she would have taken the lead which she did but fell short on the way to the detriment of some of the guys behind. It was until then that I understood the scripture text which paraphrases that “….the race is neither for the swift nor the strong……” she made it alas. As for our assistant secretary, I say bravo. No help both in and out. Though she looked tired all round. Who knows if she did not blame someone for her predicament, who turned himself as captain planet helping other weary looking homo sapiens.

Pat, a special and high profile representative from Dansoman E.P.S.U who holds significant share in Bubiashie E.P.S.U was also on board with us. Although she seemed not too well at the start of the journey, a relief came to her along the way having partaken in the “PRESIDENT’S SPECIAL AGBEBOLO”. Thanks to Prezo for that bread.

I congratulate our immediate ex-secretary for preparing a sumptuous meal and ensuring that we were never hungry. Not forgetting those who helped them; Ophel, Julie, Vero, just to mention but a few. The only thing that baffled me was preparing jollof rice for samituga who I learnt is allergic to “Banku”. I then began wondering if this “guy” was from another planet. It is just my imagination ooooo!!!!!

Less I forget something dramatic happened on our way home. This has got to do with our Grandpa. He virtually ballooned himself out from his seat and left the drum he was playing upon hearing a song which I believe, exacerbated his bones. Infact we were all at a point in time left in an amazement concerning this particular action from our grandpa. Well we are proud of you Grandpa.

As for the Don Perlas himself with his cohorts, Prospiro and Samituga, the least said about them, the better.

I was just imagining the horse power rate at which they were operating.

On a whole, it was a very successful trip, well executed and fun. A memorable experience which I believe will go a long way to revamp our relationship and unity as a Union, boost our ability to find a creative natural inspiration and a stress relief exercise.

We safely got back to Accra at exactly 7:15 pm.

Kudos to all organizers and partakers and hope the executives will plan for more of such trips in the near future.

Long Live E.P.SU!!!!!!

AT PEACE WITH ALL!!!

I AM OUT!!!!1

It is a delight to watch, when someone gets to witness another year unto his years. Many are the people who do not get such opportunities in their lifetime. (this means that nature has taken its course). On the other side it is amazing to see how people celebrate their birthday. Others may choose to celebrate it on a quiet note. Others may mark it in a grand style in the form of a re-union with families, friends and loved ones. On that day it becomes a memorable day for the person. There is a lot of merry making. You definitely can’t rule out the cutting of cakes and popping of champagne. Getting to the end of the party the person is given the opportunity to make a wish and there after, advices and good will messages from colleagues to climax the occasion. This was done to thank God for adding another year unto the celebrant’s lives. It is believed that whatever wish you make in the presence of your friends and loved ones, may obviously come to pass.

 

But in recent times, birthday celebrations have taking a new dimension. It is now assembling few friends for a small get-together after probably having had a much bigger one with everybody in the neighborhood.  This small get-together usually travels a little late into the night. During that time, there is probably food and drinks to lay hands on. A lot of sweet memories, especially about social lives are also shared. But if you care to know, this well organized party does not come to a close until what I call “the declaration of purpose” is made known. Mostly the birthday celebrant does this but it will amaze you to know that, even the non-celebrants do take centre stage if they deem it necessary. Guess you are still confused about what I’m insinuating? Well never be confused, you will soon get it. It has got to do with the balancing of the equation: “would you be my sweetheart + and marry me in the near future=YES” Hope you now understand. This is the moment most guys have adopted in proposing to the Lady they wish to go out with and marry her if possible. One thing about a responsible lady is that, she would always like to subject the man she wishes to date to a slight hide and seek when the proposal is brought before her. This really irritates most of the potential men. But there is a saying that “if the birds have learnt to fly without perching, the hunter will also learn to shoot without missing”. I should think this is the source of motivation for this modern technique of proposal. There is another saying that “it does no good to spread a net at a bird that is watching”. Therefore I presume the men adopted this strategy to ‘catch’ the lady unaware because it is supposed, at that moment the “lady-bird” was not watching at the time the net was cast. The obvious answer would be a YES and that sets the day for a new beginning. I would therefore use this medium to congratulate all those who have found their LOVE by adopting this chemical equation. The little advice I can give is that, the road is not going to be smooth always but how both of you can travel through it to achieve the utmost priority make you a real couple to be. You’ve got the gift of LOVE, but it is like a precious plant. You can’t just accept it and leave it in the cupboard or just think it’s going to get on by itself. You’ve got to keep watering and nurture it to its maturity. If maturity has got nothing to do with age, but to take up responsibilities then the onus lies on both of you.

 

The Bible clearly defines what love is. Love according to 1Cor 13:4-8; says is “kind and patient, never jealous, boastful, proud or rude. Love isn’t selfish or quick tempered. It doesn’t keep record of wrongs that others do. Love rejoices in the truth, but not evil. Love is always supportive, loyal and trusting. Love never fails”.

 

Therefore any person finding it very difficult to propose to a lady or having it tough for their proposal to be answered can give this technique a try. Just wait for your birthday and the rest should follow.

Before you get into any meaningful relationship, there should be careful assessment of one self. Therefore in order to have a Godly marital relationship, one needs to commit this into prayer and expect to hear something from God to inform your conviction about the person to date. This is a matter of choice; therefore a bad choice may cost you a lot in life.

A relationship can be a great way to have fun and create a special friendship as well as learn a lot about yourself and others. You should be convinced if a relationship is happy and going well when you:
· Can laugh and enjoy someone’s company
· Feel safe and supported
· Provide safety and support
· Share ideas and feelings
· Respect each other

Every relationship is unique, and you may have your own way of knowing that a relationship is right for you. Even when a relationship is going well it is important that you still put effort into it and don’t take the relationship for granted. Be aware of what you need in a relationship as well as what other people need. This way, your relationships have the best chance of growing and continuing to be strong and healthy.

Often when we are in a relationship for any length of time, we tend to take for granted our significant other and forget what it was that attracted us to them in the first place.  This can be a very dangerous situation, especially when you become distracted by other temptations and illusions that are out there to woo you astray.
The key to maintaining a happy relationship is simply this – never let a day go by, when you don’t let your beloved know how much you appreciate them and care for them – security

Before we discuss into detail, there is one basic thing, which is paramount and should not be condoned in the course of the relationship. That is doing things that engaging in any sexual affair with your beloved before legally getting married. This might ruin the relationship without the divine intervention God.

You should also perceive the following in mind:

 

 

·         Do not think of having an ex

·         Set goals for relationship – for example it should lead to marriage

 

So, what are some of the ingredients one needs to use in keeping and maintaining a Godly marital relationship?

 

Trust and being honest – Learning to trust someone and being honest with someone may take time. It can also be an important ingredient in a healthy relationship. As you spend more time with someone and start to share experiences together, your level of trust may increase. Always trust your partner. Suspicion is one of the major reasons behind failed relationships.

Never both get angry at the same time. I often heard this advice on seminars and read it in books. I asked myself if it is really possible not to be angry at the same time? When our partner is upset with something and he/she is angry, our moods are affected. It needs patience and understanding to deal with this situation. If you really love your mate, you will be able to keep calm when he/she is angry. Just by keeping quiet and listen is the best way to relieve such emotion.

Never yell at each other unless there is an emergency. Yelling can kill love. Don’t give any reason for your partner to yell at you. If one of you has to win the argument, let it be your mate. Learn to accept mistakes and apologize. Lower your pride and it will make a difference. I know how hard it is to do this but it is worth a try. It is an effective way to keep the relationship strong and healthy. I am hurt when somebody yells at me specially my husband. It is no use to yell back it will just make things worse. I just wait for the right time to let him know how I feel about it. At least he knows and he avoids doing it again.

Recognize what your partner does well, and comment on those strengths.
No one wants to be put down or belittled all the time, and unfortunately many marriages turn into nagging competitions where we focus on the negative aspects of the person or relationship that frustrates us.  Identify the positives and play those up instead.  For every single negative point, come up with four positive points to counter balance it.

Do something nice and unexpected for your beloved.
Do nice things for your beloved on special occasions (birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, etc.) but in addition, try to do something memorable on a regular, otherwise uneventful, day that will brighten his/her outlook and make them feel appreciated.

Spend time together.
Make a conscious effort to plan “we time”, not just “me time”.  Even if you don’t share common interests, show your support by attending an event or being actively involved in your partner’s hobbies.  

Keep communicating

It is a good idea to keep the lines of communication open. This may mean talking regularly about what is happening in your life and how you feel about it. When people share their opinions and feelings they develop a greater understanding of each other’s likes and dislikes. It may also help to work out what each other are wanting from the relationship. This particular tool is key and paramount.

Respecting each other’s space

Hanging out together is important in getting to know each other and it can also be great fun. Giving each other space from time to time is also important. Enjoying the company of a number of people like your friends, and not just the person who you are having a relationship with, may help you to expand your interests and give you lots of new things to share. This may also help your relationships continue to grow and be fun and interesting.

Managing arguments or difference of opinions

It is natural that people sometimes have differences of opinion. When we disagree with each other we may feel angry or frustrated. Not letting someone know your opinion, not having your opinion heard or having to accept someone’s opinion without discussion may add to your frustrations and may make a relationship difficult. It is a good idea to express your opinions, let the other person know that you are listening to them and try to reach an understanding between the two of you. You might choose to:
· Respect their right to an opinion but not accept their opinion
· Agree to disagree
· See the other persons point of view
· Accept that your opinion needs to change
It may be good to remember that we are all different and the world could be really boring if we were all the same! Trying to accept differences, especially between the people we like and ourselves, can help make you and the relationship healthier and stronger.
Do not assume your partner can read your mind.

Be explicit about your wants and needs. Assuming that your partner knows everything or understands your actions when there is no proper communication to transmit the message clearly, could cause a lot of damage to the relationship. This could lead to misunderstanding between the two. Assumptions are almost if not all, associated with failed relationships.

Do not bring up any past misdeed if it is more than one year old.

There is a popular phrase that “if you leave in the past, you have no future”. As much as it is vital to learn from your past mistakes, it is tantamount pointing accusing fingures to whoever caused that misdeed. Revisting an unpleasant situation of the past which involves both of you, may incite passions and it could lead to further arguments and also cause tempers to rise. In this case the possibilty of the relationship to come to a halt is almost paramount.

Give your partner lots of time to mull/ponder over issues.

Do not expect instant decisions or actions. It s better to take a lot of time to make the right decision than to suggest a wrong one in the shortest possible time. Exerting too much preesure on your partner for an answer to an issue colud mean a lot of things. It could be that you care about your welfare and not both of you. Therefore any third person who comes into the relationship and gives ample time  on issues based on the relationship without rush could win the heart of your partner.

Never ever fail to express your feelings.

Tell your partner how much you love him/her as often as possible. This will rekindle the relationship and make it look as though it was the first time of seeing your partner.

Pray for a lasting relationship that could lead to marriage.

Prayer is the key ingredient in a successful relationship. Anything that happens under this sun, Cannot materialize based on our own doings but by the Grace and Mercies of the Almighty. Therefore it is very important to always commit your relationship into the LORD’s hands. This way you are sure of achieving good results.

 

The phrase “the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence” may suggest a better life beyond your own, but remember, you still have to mow the lawn and weed the garden to keep it looking lovely & fresh once you get there. It is therefore demanding on both couples to know that, they have got this gift of Love, but it is like a precious plant. You can’t just accept it and think it is going to get on by itself. You’ve got to keep nurturing it. The onus now lies on both couples to make it work and should also appreciate the fact that love is not how long both of you have been together, not how much you’ve given or received, not how many times you’ve helped each other. It is how you value each other. It does not come easy but if you are determined to make your relationship work, with the help of the Almighty Father, it shall come to pass.

editor in chief

Once upon a time, Ghana hosted the CAN 2008. Prior to the big event, every participating nation was vigorously preparing to name its squad for the bi-annual event. In the case of Ghana, 30 players were invited for camping at the rich oil nation of the United Arab Emirates. After several weeks of hard training, a final 18-man squad was named. Meaning 12 players were asked to go home. The squad included local and foreign-based players. The 12, who were excluded from the final squad, expressed their disquiet about the whole selection process. But there was nothing that could be done about it. Others went to the extent of holding press conferences to express what they called “an unfair selection”. This goes to collaborate the biblical saying that “…many are called, but few are chosen…”

A students’ Union of a Presbyterian Church had their elections to appoint new executives. Many were nominated, some were incumbents and others were ‘fresh’-for the first time. Several weeks of vetting, praying and slight campaign were undertaken.     

Alas, the die was cast on the 21^st of September 2008 for the election of new executives. Prior to the vote cast, few minutes was allocated to each aspirant to assure the house of their willingness to take up the mantle if voted into office. To my amazement, it turned out to be a “holy Spirit Declaration”. In other words, there was no self-availance and willingness to do the work.(that is my own opinion).

 

Finally the results were announced and as expected, some were in a “holy-spiritual mood” whilst others were in a mood, which can best be described as “suicidal depression”. There were some few surprises. For a example, an aspirant who was highly tipped to get the slot for the General secretary positision, veraciously swapped with the rather tipped assistant. An incumbent, who was not expected to get more than three votes, had more than expected but could not make the mark.

 

At long last the men were separated from the boys. But something dramatic happened. It was as if one of the signatories of the union was dead silence. I was wondering why the utmost silence, may be he/she was not “spiritually acclaimed” There is a popular saying that “The so-called light at the end of the tunnel may probably be the headlamp of a train”. Am I right to perceive it that way? What confuses me the more was the way a manner the “signatory” vanished out of thin air without waiting for a colleague after close of meeting. Is it tantamount to emotional turmoil and trauma? Well I leave it for the clinical psychologists to conclude.

 

To the newly elected executives, I say congratulations for having been elected to your new position. Know that you have now been elevated from the “flockship” to the “shepherdship”. The onus lies on you now to exhibit your best. This can only be achieved when there is unity and tranquility amongst you all. It behoves all of you to perform your various functions effectively devoid of mishaps. The best tool I would advice for your effectiveness is the tool of good communication skills. Proper handling of your communication skills goes to the extent of showing how mature you are. Never loose sight of the fact that maturity is not a matter of age but has got to do with taking up responsibilities and executing it to the best of your abilities. Know that you are still in the learning process therefore no one is perfect. It is the time to share ideas and learn from each other. Criticisms from members would flow like water but the ability to understand the better part of the criticism and ‘transmogrify’ it into something useful makes you a good leader. A successful leader is someone who lays the bricks his enemies have throne at him. Never think of procrastination, it brings about impossibilities. And there is a saying that “Impossible is a word only to be found in the dictionary of fools”. The fact that you have been elected into such a prestige position is not a guarantee for misbehaving. Your lifestyle in and outside the union should well be approved of the Christian standards and have it in mind that you serve as role models to the members and those who are yet to join the union. “Before you lead others, lead yourself” goes a popular saying.

 

To the entire members of the group, I say “AYEKOO” for availing yourself for the Holy Spirit to use you in choosing competent leaders for the union. My only advice to all of us is that, the union does not belong to only the executives but for all of us. It will therefore be prudent for all of us to put our hands on deck for a worthy course. Continue to raise relevant issues and criticize where necessary but be careful the way to go about it. Criticism like rain should be gentle enough to nourish one’s growth without destroying one’s root. Unnecessary argument in an angry mood should be avoided because words spoken in anger are more destructive than the bullet of a soldier’s gun.

 

Finally everybody, both members and executives, should work hand in hand for a common purpose and be at peace with all. Let me end with a quote from a celebrated woman known as Theodore Roosevelt, which says that “The credit belongs to those people who are actually in the arena…who know the great enthusiasms, the great devotions to a worthy cause; who, at best, know the triumph of high achievement; and who, at worst, fail while daring greatly, so that their place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat”.

The Adomi Bridge is at atimpoku in the eastern region, linking the southeastern part of Ghana to the Volta and northern regions. The first President of the Republic of Ghana, Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, opened this famous bridge in 1956. After its inception, it has undergone repair works only once till now.

This famous edifice will now be closed to vehicular traffic for three weeks starting from the 12^th of July 2008 for repair works to be done on some of the steel beams supporting the bridge. These are reported to have developed some serious cracking resulting in some strenuous depression on a section of the bridge.

As much as it is good that such a problem is being taken care of, to prevent the country from witnessing another “evil day”, in my opinion, it is long over due.

This clearly shows that our maintenance culture in this country is nothing to right home about. I find it quite disturbing after reading Daily Graphic’s lead story, which reported some residents of Atimpoku saying that, this problem was detected by some fishermen two months ago. Several reports made to the Ghana High Way Authority proofed futile until it was brought to the knowledge of the masses through the media.

So why should it take the Ghana Highway Authority (GHA), two “be-devilling” months of negligence before attending to this situation. During the two-month period, there could have been a major canker leading to the “depreciation of the country’s population”. I hope they were not waiting for the worst to happen.

My major concern is how commuters who ply this route, will now get to their various destination. This is because the bridge has been closed down for repair works. The only alternate route for those destining to the regional capital and other parts of the region like Peki is to go through Sogakope via Akatsi, Dodze and Ziope to Ho, or Sogakope through Adidome to Ho. Better still, commuters will have to alight at atimpoku and then get to the other side through a canoe before boarding another vehicle (that is when using a passenger car) or wait until the bridge is opened in the late afternoon as suggested. Three weeks of hampering vehicular traffic through that bridge will cost a lot. Now with the increasingly shooting up of petroleum prices by the world market which has led to the pronouncement of the economic mitigation by President J.A Kuffour without affecting too much the price of petrol in Ghana, one will wonder how our mothers could afford to transport the raw materials (cassava, yam, plantain, etc) they harvest to the urban areas for consumption. Does it mean that they will have to resort to the other alternate route, which will drain a lot of their hard earned money because of the long distance they have to travel? Let us not forget that anything the producer faces in terms of production is transferred unto the consumer. I can confidently stick my neck out that the cost of transportation and frequent delays will definitely have an adverse effect on the current prices of some materials and foodstuffs especially from the Volta region.

May be this time around, there was no ‘JOSEPH’ to predict this purported “food crisis” for three weeks.

I have also in recent times through my investigation realised that, commuters who could not afford to travel through the other alternate routes are subjected to wait for long hours until the bridge is finally opened. This has now caused stagnation in their businesses and to some extent reduced the level of production.

This brings back to memory the way a manner our bridges are been maintained in our beloved country. In recent times, both the electronic and print media have published the state of some of our bridges during the rainy season. Most recent of all was a news telecast on GTV concerning the abandoned bridge near the Accra abattoir on the Accra-Tema motorway. Its efficacy is much to be desired. Big trucks, which have been overloaded, continue to have  ‘banging intercourse’ with this, weary edifice which was constructed during the time of the first prime minister of Ghana, Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah. The most fascinating thing about this bridge is that, it is no more in use. Its current plight is likened to a timed bomb, which could collapse at any time. I hope the Ghana Highway Authorities are not waiting for the worst to happen before they start putting up measures to control future occurrences. If it is of no use, demolishing will be the best thing to do. Do not forget that is an ardent spot of fatal accidents.

Our drivers especially those of the big trucks, should also be disciplined enough and load their trucks with the required weight, to prevent excessive pressure been mounted on our bridges. For the ones that have been washed away by the rains, the least said about it, the better. (Abysmal construction works).

Let us improve our maintenance culture as a country other than abusing the offices we find ourselves because the next doolally calamity, could find ourselves, relatives or close friends as the next casualty.

 

Story by etor.

 

 

International Association of Scientific Experts in Tourism defined Tourism in terms of particular activities selected by choice and undertaken outside the home environment. The United Nations classified three forms of tourism in 1994 in its Recommendations on Tourism Statistics: Domestic tourism, which involves residents of the given country traveling only within this country; Inbound tourism, involving non-residents traveling in the given country; and Outbound tourism, involving residents traveling in another country.Kakum National Park is in the central region in the southern part of Ghana. It is the best-preserved region of virgin rainforest in the country and provides the easiest access to the rainforest for tourists along with the famous canopy walkway.

Kakum National Park is one of the more accessible parks in Ghana. It’s just a short cab ride from Cape Coast or Elmina. Short meaning somewhere between half an hour and an hour depending on how good your cab driver is at avoiding toll checkpoints (or bribes as we’d call them in most places). The park entrance is a rather innocuous looking hut with another toll gate attached to it (that cannot be avoided).

On our visit it was 20p to enter, which is really insignificant compared to the costs of a guided land or canopy tour hike. Realistically, the entrance fee gets you access to the museum, the gift shop and the restaurant and that’s about it. Everything else is an additional expense although I seriously doubt any visitor show up at Kakum not intending to do the canopy walk (we’re not sure if you get your money back if you flee once you actually see the canopy walk). The canopy walk is a series of seven rope bridges strung between assorted species of very sturdy trees. The valley drops away as you walk out along it so at the midpoint it’s really quite far to the forest floor, not that you can see it very often through all the foliage.

The canopy walk is a series of seven rope bridges strung between assorted species of very sturdy trees. The valley drops away as you walk out along it so at the midpoint it’s really quite far to the forest floor, not that you can see it very often through all the foliage

Quite a lot of people suffer a variety of bad reactions to it. The advantage of people who take a very long time to struggle across each bridge is that you can spend plenty of time on the platforms, especially since the bridges cannot hold many people at once (another comforting fact) or the sure-footed, it’s still a bit alarming as the V-shape made by the ropes tends to close in on your feet as you apply pressure. Naturally there is swaying caused by your movement, and unless it’s a rare day indeed, the wind will be helping out as well. We suspect this must be extra enjoyable in a rainstorm

 The most annoying thing about Kakum is that it’s truly enormously vast and contains fascinating wildlife including assorted primates, forest elephants and members of the antelope family that we can’t distinguish from one another. Why is this annoying? Because you can’t actually get to any of it. The canopy tour, while interesting, is a very short loop. The guided ground hikes are not much bigger. There are no maintained trails into the interior

One will therefore wish that any person or group of people who visit such a historic site gets his/her money worth it. But with my visit on the 1^st of July, 2008, a republic holiday for Ghana, I am more than convinced that the officials do not border about the comfortability and safety of anyone who comes to visit the reserve especially on public holidays when there is the expectation of a “large crowd”

It is the priveledge of every Ghanaian and to some extends, foreigners to have access to any tourism site ( I stand to be corrected), but it should not guarantee the officials at the site, to admit more than necessary at a time to get people stranded at the entrane to the canopy. For the best of my knowledge, I know that, specific number of people are allowed to go in turn, therefore implying that too much pressure exerted on the canopy could cause havoc.

The experience I had on my tour could be likened to that of a “Pilgrimage to Mecca”  or foreigners running away from a xenophobic attack in a specific country dubbed ‘the survival of the fitters’. This unfortunate incident was due to a large number of tickets being sold at a time without any communication between the tour guide and the ticket sellers.

It therefore happened that a stampede was initiated causing a lot of struggles to the peak of the entrance of the canopy amidst pushing, slapping, boxing, pick pocketing, crying, noise making and “tourching of unauthorized parts of the people’s bodies” just because one could not afford to waste GH¢3.00 in this modern day Ghana, to return with the simple reason that there was too much congestion at the entrance. How sad!!!

 I remember an unfortunate incident which saw a huge stick fall like ‘manner from heaven’, onto a beautiful lady in the course of the struggle to climb to the top of the entrance hence enabling her to discontinue her tour. No refund of money.

 This babaric attitude of the officials at the Kakum National Park should be condemned and never repeated. Structures and better policies for instance allowing specific number of people to do the journey and to wait until all have climbed the canopy before a different set is allowed through effective communication, should be put in place to prevent future occurences.  

 Sam Watson, owner of the biggest shopping mall in the US qoutes that “ the external customer is the only boss, He can fire everybody in the company from the chairman down, simply by spending his money somewhere else”

 A word to the wise is enough

Pic 1: A section of the stranded tourists holding onto a tree

 

 

Pic2: These are not some refugees fleeing from their country but tourists struggling to have an opportunity in their life time to walk on the canopy.

 
 
 
 

 

 

 

Story by etor

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