Prayers in Ghana: A Perspective!!

My anger continues to rise as their prayers become intense. This statement without explication obviously labels me as a pagan and at worse a demon possessed being. 

Without sounding as a professional statistician, I can say with observation that there are many Ghanaians who profess to be Christians or at least try to become like one. It is an undeniable fact that most religions one way or the other communicate with their invisible supreme being through prayers. Prayer as a form of worship is part of almost all Christian denominations. However, the forms that they take vary from one denomination to the other. 

While matters of religious beliefs in general have become issues of sacred concerns and that the slightest critique of it brings about name calling, it is still imperative that we rise to the occasion and without mincing words call a spade a spade. 

In the many forms of prayers as mentioned earlier is one that the one praying is expected to shout beyond her or his vocal ability, speak in a language that no one understands and keep clapping to such a crescendo that can be heard by someone about a mile and half away. Hmm...! No problem yet. When such an occurrence is just behind ones bedroom, adjacent or just a stone throw away, it's then that it feels very sour. 

I have read some portions of the Holy Bible that makes it abundantly clear that the Christian God also listens to silent prayers. Several examples could be cited including when Nehemiah was in front of the King and how his short, silent prayer was heard and answered. Please, I am not a pastor oo. Jesus Christ, whose following makes one a Christian, once taught his followers in the Common Era first century how they should pray recorded in plain language at Matthew Chapter 6 verses 5 to 8, with a model prayer from verses 9 to 13 popularly titled as 'The Lord's Prayer'. This I believe is relevant for modern day followers.

This is how simple I understand prayers. I desire not to force people to think like I do, accept my opinions, choices and actions hook, line and sinker. I also as dictated by Ghana's 1992 Constitution, desire that my actions do not affect other people negatively. In the same vain, natural justice dictates that our inalienable rights must not infringe on others.

So I am not a pagan but I detest any action (religious, political and financial) of someone that will disturb me.

Education in Ghana!!

Education in Ghana has agreeably and without a doubt come very far. It is a known fact that the educational system in the country fifty years ago is not the same as what we have today. 

However as a people, I continue to wonder whether we have clearly identified what our needs are and so placing emphasis on them in our curricula to train more people who will ensure that these needs are met.

If there is any truth in the Akan proverb that, "agoro beso a efiri anopa" which renders thus, the success of the game is dependent on morning, then I must hasten to say that our poor educational system is at the primary level. 

The question is asked, 'what are the essential ingredients that make up a person qualified for success in the corporate world and national development agenda?'

I identify four of the numerous ingredients:

*Good Communication Skills (language)

*Good Analytical Skills (Reasoning)

*Innovation (Creativity)

*Confidence

How effectively are the above incorporated in our basic education?

Hmm... You will now agree with me how we really need to do more.

Ayekoo Ghana!!

The Black Stars surely will receive a rousing welcome and congratulating messages from Ghanaians and Africans at the end of the tournament. I am neither a soothsayer nor someone who looks into a crystal ball but I can say with all certainty that we are going for that most coveted trophy. Go Black Stars Go!!