THE CORONAVIRUS IS KILLING DOCTORS TAKING CARE OF THE PATIENTS

Photos of some of the Italian doctors killed by the coronavirus



The coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, doesn't discriminate. The impact of this deadly disease since it started in Wuhan, China, has been disastrous, killing both the young and the old, as well as the doctors who are saving the lives of the infected patients.


In Italy alone, more than 5,000 doctors, nurses, ambulance staff, and health personnel have been infected by the virus. The disease has killed over forty-one doctors, working relentlessly to save lives, since the outbreak of the disease, which has hit the country more than any other European country.

The number of doctors who died from the COVID-19 epidemic in Italy keeps rising. According to the update from the National Federation of Medical Orders, the latest certified deaths are Rosario Lupo, a medical examiner from Bergamo, and Giuseppe Fasoli, a retired family doctor who returned to work for the coronavirus emergency.

The world is mourning, yet the impact of the coronavirus is far from over. It was revealed yesterday that the death toll of doctors in Italy has risen to 51. 

The medications authorized by the Italian government to treat Covid-19 patients are Chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine-based antimalarial, which are fully paid by the National Health Service for the treatment of patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection. 

In the last four days, the number of new cases of COVID-19 in Italy continues to rise; fortunately, the contagion curve continues to slow down. At 18:00 yesterday, there were 4,492 more than the previous day. 

The number of the dead registered yesterday was 712 people, 50 more than the official bulletin communicated by the Civil Protection, from which there were no victims in Piedmont, against 683 on Wednesday, bringing the total death toll with coronavirus to 8215.

Despite the grave situation, many are also recovering. It is estimated that about 10,361 people have been healed from the virus, including  Emilia Romagna, a grandmother of 95 in Modena, Italy.

UPDATES OF THE CURRENT CORONAVIRUS SITUATION IN GHANA

Ghana maintains strict measures to avoid the spread of the coronavirus.


The coronavirus has spread its deadly tentacles worldwide, including Africa. Even though the impact in Africa is not as severe as in the United States of America and some European countries, it is a disturbing situation in Ghana, since the disease doesn't discriminate.



As of the morning of 26 March 2020, a total of fifty-four cases, including three deaths, have been confirmed from the regular surveillance systems.

All three cases that unfortunately succumbed to the disease were aged and had underlying chronic medical conditions.

The other fifty-one are well, with fourteen at home, while the rest are responding well to treatment on admission in isolation, until their situations become negative, then discharged.

The great majority of the confirmed cases are Ghanaians, who returned home from affected countries. Seven are of other nationals, namely: Norway, Lebanon, China, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom (UK).

The number of confirmed cases among travelers under mandatory quarantine who have been tested is seventy-eight.

In respect of contact tracing, a total of 970 contacts have been identified and are being tracked. Out of these, two hundred and four have completed the 14-day mandatory follow-up.

PRINCE CHARLES TESTS POSITIVE FOR THE CORONAVIRUS

Prince Charles and his wife Camilla

Prince Charles has tested positive for coronavirus, it has been confirmed. The 71-year-old is heir to the throne.

His mother, the Queen, has already left London to be at Windsor Castle, reportedly after an aide at Buckingham Palace showed symptoms.

The Prince of Wales’ office, Clarence House, has released a statement which reads: “He has been displaying mild symptoms but otherwise remains in good health and has been working from home throughout the last few days as usual.

“The Duchess of Cornwall has also been tested but does not have the virus. In accordance with Government and medical advice, the Prince and the Duchess are now self-isolating at home in Scotland.

“The tests were carried out by the NHS in Aberdeenshire, where they met the criteria required for testing.

“It is not possible to ascertain from whom the Prince caught the virus owing to the high number of engagements he carried out in his public role during recent weeks.”

His wife, Camilla, has been tested, but she does not have the virus.

Both Prince Charles and Camilla are self-isolating at their home, Burnham on the Balmoral Estate in Scotland.

JAZZ MUSICIAN MANU DIBANGO DIES OF CORONAVIRUS

Joel Savage and Manu Dibango

Jazz great Manu Dibango, best known for his 1972 hit “Soul Makossa,” has died from complications of the coronavirus, according to a statement on his official Facebook page.

“It is with deep sadness that we announce the loss of Manu Dibango, our Papy Groove, who passed away on the 24th of March 2020, at 86 years old, further to Covid-19,” it said.

“His funeral service will be held in strict privacy, and a tribute to his memory will be organized when possible,” the message added.

The Cameroon-born singer and saxophonist died in a hospital near Paris, according to his music publisher Thierry Durepaire, Agence France-Presse reported.

Jazz musician Manu Dibango

The artist, who inspired “world music” in the 1970s, was one of the pioneers of Afro-jazz and also fused funk with traditional music from Cameroon.

His biggest hit was the B-side of a song to support the Cameroon soccer team in the African Cup of Nations, but was picked up by New York DJs.

Manu Dibango was one of the numerous great musicians I interviewed in Antwerp, Belgium. 

He was in Belgium many times to play at summer festivals, including the Sfinks festival and Mano Mundo festival. 

Dibango has lived in France for his entire life, playing around the globe with numerous musicians.

GHANA RECORDS TWO PEOPLE KILLED BY THE CORONA VIRUS

The Ghanaian government takes strict measures to avoid the spread of the coronavirus.

Ghana has recorded its second death from coronavirus, according to a statement.

''Out of the suspected, twenty-seven (27) cases, including two (2) deaths, have been confirmed,'' the country's Health Ministry said in a statement late Monday.

All 25 patients are receiving treatment in isolation, it added.

The ministry said among the confirmed cases, 20 are Ghanaian nationals, the majority of whom returned home from affected countries. 

Seven are foreign nationals from Norway, Lebanon, China, France, and the U.K.

Last week, the West African nation announced the closure of its borders to curb the spread of the deadly virus.

Most African governments have introduced several measures to curtail the virus's spread, including closing schools, imposing travel restrictions, and prohibiting large gatherings.

The virus first emerged in Wuhan, China, last December and has spread to at least 168 countries and territories. 

The World Health Organization has declared the outbreak a pandemic.

There are 381,598 confirmed cases worldwide, and the death toll now tops 16,500, while over 101,000 people have recovered, according to U.S.-based Johns Hopkins University.

Putin To Send Army To Italy Deal With The Enormous Impact Of The Coronavirus

The The 
Italian military is ensuring the people's safety over the coronavirus

The Russian military will start sending medical help to Italy from Sunday to help it battle the new coronavirus after receiving an order from President Vladimir Putin, Russia’s Defense Ministry said in a statement.

Putin spoke to Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte on Saturday, the Kremlin said, adding that the Russian leader had offered his support and help in the form of mobile disinfection vehicles and specialists to aid the worst-hit Italian regions.

Italy recorded a jump in deaths from the coronavirus of almost 800 on Saturday, taking the toll in the world’s hardest-hit country to almost 5,000.

The Russian Defense Ministry said that military transport planes would deliver eight mobile brigades of military medics, special disinfection vehicles, and other medical equipment to Italy from Sunday.

Russia will also send about 100 military specialists in virology and epidemics, the Interfax news agency cited the defense ministry as saying.

Russia itself has reported 306 cases of the virus, most of them in Moscow, and one coronavirus-related death.

The death toll from the coronavirus pandemic continued its relentless rise in Europe on Sunday, with Italy announcing 651 dead in one day, bringing its total to 5,476.

The current situation of the coronavirus in Italy

It was an increase of 13.5 percent, but down from Saturday's figure, when 793 people died.

Globally, more than 13,000 people have now died from COVID-19. An estimated 92,000 of the 304,500 people who contracted the disease globally have recovered.

More Than 7,700 Coronavirus Cases In The US And At Least 188 Deaths

Americans evacuated from Wuhan, photo credit: NPR.

President Trump today invoked the Defense Production Act, which gives the administration the authority to ramp up domestic manufacturing of personal protective equipment and other items needed to fight the coronavirus.

In Congress, the Senate passed the House's amended coronavirus aid package, but GOP senators are already racing to craft the next stimulus package with $1 trillion.

Here's what you need to know today:

From the White House and Capitol Hill: 

President Trump announced Wednesday that he will invoke the Defense Production Act, which would allow the administration to force the American industry to manufacture medical supplies that are in short supply in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic. 

Hospitals, health workers, and state and local officials have said they are quickly running out of personal protective equipment, such as masks, gowns, and gloves, that is crucial to keeping doctors and nurses on the front lines of the pandemic safe. 

The Senate passed the House’s $104 billion coronavirus aid package in a 90-8 vote on Wednesday, sending it to Trump, who is expected to sign it. The original House bill passed in the middle of the night on Saturday, but needed dozens of changes before the White House and Senate Republicans would sign off on it.

Meanwhile, Republican senators are scrambling to put together a $1 trillion fiscal stimulus package before a wave of bankruptcies and layoffs sends the economy into a tailspin. While they would like to pass the bill this week, the massive size and complexity of the legislation could mean the vote will be next week.

One item that could be included in the "phase three" legislation: language to stop people from receiving surprise medical bills. A last-minute push from Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) and Rep. Frank Pallone Jr. (D-N.J.) seeks to force the long-stalled issue by including language that is favored by insurers rather than doctors and hospitals. 

The White House is temporarily stopping top officials engaged in the response to the coronavirus pandemic from giving testimony in hearings on Capitol Hill.  

The White House is launching a public awareness campaign to educate the public about the coronavirus. The effort will see the administration team up with NBCUniversal, ViacomCBS, ABC-Walt Disney Television, and iHeartMedia. First lady Melania Trump is among those who will appear in public service announcements. 

The Treasury Department and IRS on Wednesday released guidance on deferring tax payments due to the coronavirus, providing further details for taxpayers and tax preparers. But the agencies are still facing criticism for not delaying the filing deadline. 

Trump ordered the Department of Housing and Urban Development to suspend evictions and foreclosures through April to help Americans coping with the coronavirus outbreak. 

From the health agencies: 

Eighty percent of deaths associated with the coronavirus in the United States were in adults aged 65 and older, according to an analysis released Wednesday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 

On the flip side, the same data shows that younger people are getting sick at the same rate as those who are older. While younger people are much more likely to survive, they’re still at risk for medical problems. 

From the states: 

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) issued a proclamation Wednesday that would allow local elections to be postponed amid the coronavirus outbreak. Read more from Tal Axelrod here.

Alabama is postponing its GOP Senate runoff scheduled for later this month to July 14 amid concerns over the coronavirus outbreak. 

The Trump administration has agreed to dispatch a U.S. Navy hospital ship to New York Harbor amid the coronavirus outbreak, multiple officials said Wednesday. 

From overseas: 

German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Wednesday said that the coronavirus posed the greatest threat to the nation since the end of World War II in a video statement. 

Italy's death toll from the coronavirus outbreak saw its biggest increase overnight Tuesday, with health officials reporting a whopping 475 deaths in 24 hours. 

Source: TheHill.com

YOU CAN KILL A JOURNALIST BUT YOU CAN'T KILL THE TRUTH

Killed journalists, left, Khashoggi, and right, Hussein-Suale

World leaders and the most powerful people are no longer ashamed to lie or commit clandestine crimes. They have come to the point of claiming lies with pride because, without lies, your world will be full of enemies, and without lies, you can’t be ‘successful’ in every position you occupy.

The world is in the hands of an empire of corruptible, deceitful leaders, influenced by power and money; they have declared war on the truth, making sure to kill anyone, including journalists, who come their way, to cover up their devilish schemes and build consensus.

It’s not an exaggeration that journalism is now a dangerous profession. Journalists don’t carry a gun, just a mere pen, yet they are the most feared people in society by corruptible politicians and criminals because they consider journalists a threat.

Many hate journalists to the extent that in the year 2018, 80 of them were killed in different places worldwide: 15 registered in Afghanistan, 11 in Syria, 9 in Mexico, 8 in Yemen, and six in India.

The killing of Saudi journalist and dissident Jamal Khashoggi reveals how money rules and commits crimes in this world with impunity.

On November 15, the Saudi Arabia prosecutor's office indicted 11 people for the murder of journalist Khashoggi, believed to be authorized by the Saudi royal family.

Khashoggi, a contributor to the Washington Post, had gone to the consulate to collect some documents but never came out from the place alive. His girlfriend reported his disappearance after waiting for him outside the building for eleven hours, until the offices closed.

Khashoggi had advised her to notify an adviser to the Turkish president, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, if he did not come back. At the entrance to the consulate, the journalist had been forced to leave his cell phone.

Who is Jamal Khashoggi?

A former adviser to the Saudi government, Khashoggi decided to exile himself in the United States in 2017, for fear of a possible arrest, after criticizing some decisions of the Saudi crown prince, as well as Defense Minister Mohammed bin Salman.

The journalist had also expressed several criticisms of Riyadh's military intervention in Yemen. Khashoggi had repeatedly reported intimidation, arrests, and attacks on journalists, intellectuals, and religious leaders not aligned with the Saudi royal house.

Since Khashoggi refused to enter Saudi Arabia, his assassination was plotted at the Saudi Consulate in Turkey.

The Killing of the Ghanaian Journalist, Ahmed Hussein-Suale

In my beloved Ghana, Ahmed Hussein-Suale, a journalist who used to be one of the investigators at Tiger Eye, a private investigative team financed by Anas Aremeyaw Anas, a Ghanaian investigative journalist, was brutally assassinated by unknown assailants on January 16, 2019, in the neighborhood of Accra. Why was this journalist killed?

Ahmed Hussein-Suale and his boss, Anas Aremeyaw Anas, have been investigating massive corruption in Ghana, involving high Ghanaian government officials. An example of such a corruption scandal is Ghana’s football, involving Kwesi Nyantakyi, resulting in his ban from the sport for life.

Many know Ghana for two important reasons: firstly, it gained independence in 1957, with Kwame Nkrumah as the first leader, and secondly, it's a peaceful country. What many don't know is that Ghana is one of the most corrupt countries in Africa, where nothing works in the country, including its judicial system.

The senseless killing of the journalist, other killings, and kidnappings now add Ghana's name to the list of possibly dangerous and truth-suppressing countries. After the long silence of Mr. Hussein-Suale's death, the Ghana media reported the suspected killer's arrest.

Like many lawless countries around the world, money is the compromise of truth in Ghana. Without the dollar, you can't get the justice you deserve. Many Ghanaians wake up without hope or means because the political atmosphere in the country is not for the common people.

I believe Ghanaians wouldn't have cared about the NPP or NDC if the people had jobs, the economy were flexible, and prices of commodities were moderate. Why? Because throughout Europe, the majority don't care about political parties in power since the economy is good and everyone lives well.

It's hard to understand the closure of radio stations in a country that claims to follow democracy. This is another form of suppressing information or restricting the activities of journalists in any advanced country.

Trump has called much media fake, yet he knows it's against the principles of democracy to shut down television or radio stations. If the media goes against the law, they can be fined or penalized, but shutting down a media house or station is only experienced in a dictatorship of government.

I can understand the efforts of the government in a country that was in the hands of the opposition party for many years, but many are disappointed that Nana Akufo-Addo appointed an unfamiliar large number of ministers in Ghana's political history, hoping that it will ease their suffering in time.

Even though many journalists have been killed around the world, including in Ghana, no one can stop journalists from active duty. They can be killed, but no one can kill the truth. The truth will always be there to stare directly into your eyes forever.

Mahama Promised To Fight Corruption, Yet Was In Numerous Corruptible Scandals

The former Ghanaian leader, John Mahama


It seems one of the easiest promises often pledged by politicians to the suffering masses is to tackle and uproot corruption; however, when in power, they rather engage in corruption.

Reacting to criticism of being corrupt, Ghana’s President John Dramani Mahama announced that he would step up against corruption and high salaries. In addition, he also said his ministers will take a 10 percent salary cut.

The announcement of the imminent pay cuts for politicians was made by Finance Minister Seth Terkper during his presentation of the 2014 budget.

According to Mr. Terkper, money deducted from the salaries would be paid into a special fund for community health and planning services, with the focus on maternal health, yet Mahama was involved in serious corruption scandals. The latest is the Airbus corruption scandal.

Despite the hate, insults, and degrading comments from the opposition and a section of the Ghanaian population against the former Ghanaian leader, John Mahama, he was nominated candidate of the main opposition party for the presidential election of 2020 during the primaries of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

John Mahama defeated six other candidates for the candidacy by 95% of the votes, representing the candidate of the main opposition party, the National Democratic Congress, for the presidential election of 2020.

The ex-Ghanaian leader, who lost the presidential elections to his rival, Nana Akufo-Addo’s NPP, now continues to attack and accuse the current Ghanaian leader of corruption, something that he was accused of during his rule.

According to the NPP government, the NPP is responsible for Ghana's poor economic situation; however, things haven’t moved easily for the suffering masses, as the country has witnessed a high rate of unemployment and the collapse of businesses, including banking institutions.

The opposition notably accused John Mahama of having received a vehicle from an entrepreneur in Burkina Faso in exchange for the award of contracts for the construction of a road and a wall around the embassy of Ghana to Ouagadougou.

However, despite all the corruption scandals that were associated with the former Ghanaian leader, the confident John Mahama recently said:

“The NDC is strong.  The NDC is united.  The NDC is ready for victory in 2020, and nothing, absolutely nothing, can stop our march towards Flagstaff House (seat of government)," said the former head of state after his victory. 

He, therefore, called on the activists to join, promising to work closely with party leaders to return to power.

Juskosave’s Ghana Crowdsourcing News

An image illustration of Juskosave’s Ghana Crowdsourcing News.

Juskosave’s Ghana Crowdsourcing News is a long‑established platform dedicated to truth‑driven journalism, cultural insight, and independent reporting.

Originally launched in Belgium as The Blog Juskosave, the site evolved through several iterations, including The Voice of an African Writer, while maintaining the same trusted web address known to readers worldwide.

 

In an era where many news consumers feel overwhelmed by misinformation, censorship, and declining transparency, this blog stands apart. It delivers uncensored feature articles, general news, politics, sports, business, and in‑depth coverage of healthcare issues affecting African communities, including HIV, AIDS, and Ebola.

 

The mission is simple: provide honest, courageous, and unfiltered journalism. Every article is written with integrity, confronting difficult topics that others avoid. 

This commitment to truth has earned the blog a global readership and a reputation for challenging narratives that suppress vital information.

The writer, Joel Savage

Behind the platform is writer and journalist Joel Savage, whose work continues a family legacy of storytelling and advocacy. 

His articles explore social issues, historical questions, and the lived realities of Africans at home and abroad, always with a focus on justice, awareness, and the pursuit of truth.

“My articles are raw, uncensored, challenging, and probing, without any fear. That’s how I have made my articles interesting, having thousands of readers around the globe and being different from other writers.”

Contact e-mail: juskosave@yahoo.com

Coronavirus, The US Government Confirms 1,000 Cases

The US coronavirus toll rises

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Schools, temples, churches, and other large gathering places within much of the New York City suburb of New Rochelle will be shut down for two weeks as the state battles to contain one of the nation's worst coronavirus clusters.

The National Guard will be called in to help clean facilities and deliver food, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Tuesday. 

Cuomo announced plans to enforce a "containment area" for a 1-mile radius around the center of the cluster, an area of Westchester County that includes much of the city of New Rochelle and stretches into the town of Eastchester. 

As of Tuesday afternoon, the state had 174 confirmed cases of the coronavirus, second only to Washington state.

"This is literally a matter of life and death," Cuomo said.

Daily coronavirus updates: Get USA TODAY's Daily Briefing in your inbox 

More than 100 cases are in Westchester County, tied to an Orthodox Jewish community where a lawyer was the first case in the region. 

Any large gathering places, including several public schools, within the containment area, will be closed from Thursday through March 25, the governor said. Residents who live within the containment area will be free to leave their homes and the area so long as they have not otherwise been ordered to quarantine, Cuomo added. 

In New York City, the United Nations closed its headquarters to the general public and suspended guided tours in an effort to prevent the spread of the virus.

US death toll rises to 28; confirmed cases at 1,023

The U.S. death toll due to coronavirus has risen to 28 as infections spread to all but a handful of states. The global death toll topped 4,200, and the number of confirmed cases approached 120,000.

New Jersey reported its first death, a 69-year-old Bergen County man with several underlying health complications, including emphysema, diabetes, and hypertension. 

State Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli said the man went into cardiac arrest Monday night and was revived, but died Tuesday morning after going into cardiac arrest again.

The number of U.S. confirmed cases rose to 1,025 early Wednesday, including Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announcing the state's first two cases and declaring a state of emergency.

The two people who have the virus — a man from Wayne County with a history of domestic travel and a woman from Oakland County who traveled internationally — are both hospitalized, said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive and chief deputy director for health at the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.

Donald Trump on coronavirus: 'It will go away, just stay calm'

President Donald Trump sought to allay concerns over the spread of coronavirus on Tuesday on Capitol Hill after pitching Senate Republicans on his plan to provide relief to those affected by the economic uncertainty amid the outbreak. 

"It will go away, just stay calm," he told reporters after the meeting. "Everybody has to be vigilant and has to be careful. But be calm. It's really working out." 

The president's proposed stimulus package is expected to include a payroll tax cut, a provision that has been met with mixed reactions among some Republican senators. 

"They were just about all there, mostly all there," Trump said.

Trump also said he feels "extremely good" and didn't "think it's a big deal" to be tested for coronavirus, and the White House doctor told him he saw "no reason to do it."

Some lawmakers who were in close contact with Trump in recent days have self-quarantined after coming into contact with a person who tested positive for coronavirus at the Conservative Political Action Conference in Maryland last month.

Top among them was Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., who flew with Trump aboard Air Force One from Florida back to Washington on Monday, and Rep. Mark Meadows, R-N.C., who was recently named Trump's chief of staff.

Gaetz tweeted Tuesday that he tested negative but will remain in quarantine until Thursday.

Source: USA Today

Equip personnel to fight crime - Rawlings urges Police Administration

The former Ghanaian leader, John Jerry Rawlings

Former President Jerry John Rawlings last Friday urged the Police Administration to equip its men to enable them to perform their roles effectively.

Speaking during the commemoration of the Independence Day celebration in Sogakope, he urged the people and the security agencies to be vigilant to prevent violent and criminal attacks.

He was in the Sogakope District to show solidarity with the people of the area following the recent spate of violent attacks, which culminated in the death of the assembly member of the area, Marcus Mawutor Azahli.

The former President said he should have been in Kumasi for the national parade, but excused himself to “join you here to express my condolences and sympathies to all that has happened over the last month."

Correct information

He said he was hopeful that correct information would be forthcoming to ensure that those responsible for the savagery were dealt with.

“I think some of these things happen because of some of the killings that have been going on in this country, and especially in this area, are not being dealt with appropriately, so people feel they can do things like that with impunity and get away with it, knowing they will not pay the price with their lives as well,” he said.

Describing the parade as one of the most impressive he had witnessed since he started observing the annual district event, former President Rawlings expressed his admiration for the energy on the ground and urged the people to preserve and use it for the benefit of the area, the region, and the country.

He also advised students and the youth to desist from the illicit use of drugs such as tramadol, urging them to appreciate the pain their parents endured raising resources to educate them.

He said they needed to study hard to achieve the highest academic qualifications to enable them to contribute their quota to the development of the community.

President Rawlings also cautioned okada riders and other commercial drivers to desist from drink driving, as that had been responsible for increasing reports of motor crashes in the area.

“If you are an okada rider or a driver and you want to go and die, go and die, but do not take along people on your bike or in your vehicle and drive irresponsibly or drunk or tired and kill people,” he warned.

Ramps

On the erection of speed ramps within the South Tongu area, former President Rawlings described most of the ramps as ‘obstacles’ that weakened vehicle shock absorbers and springs, leading to preventable road accidents.

“We are doing something very illegal. In trying to slow down vehicles on the roads around where we live, we are building illegal, illegitimate, and inappropriate speed ramps.”

Former President Rawlings recalled how a VRA official who had an accident over one of such ramps developed a serious injury to the vertebrae.

He said there was a proper way of constructing such ramps and called on those responsible to ensure they constructed such ramps responsibly.

LIFE IN EUROPE IS NOT LIVING IN PARADISE

Family Savage: At home with my wife and little Joel Savage, the last of my three sons

There are many people in Ghana, like most African countries, who know that Europe is a paradise, which is the reason many Ghanaians prefer to leave the shores of Ghana in search of greener pastures. 

Not at all; Europe is not a paradise, but politicians who care about the citizens have created a system that a common citizen will equally enjoy, like a high-level professional or individual.

There is corruption in Europe, too, but wise politicians know what the people want, and without asking, they provide all the necessary amenities. 

Since they think about tomorrow, quality projects are built to last for years; thus, the money that goes into the pockets is often not detected. Unlike in Africa, shoddy works are done, and the greater part of the money goes into their pockets.

You don’t need to be rich before buying a house to pay your mortgage or buy the car of your dreams. If you earn 1600 euros, you can go for a brand-new car and pay about 300 euros monthly. 

A bank can pay for your house at a cost of about 80,000 euros, while you pay monthly for the years stipulated in the contract to finish the payment. This can be between 20 and 30 years.

After about ten years, you can sell the house and make a profit, and the bank will give you the difference, probably between 15,000 and 30,000 euros. 

This is how life goes on in Europe, and since there aren’t such opportunities, or if they exist, only rich people in Africa could enjoy them, poor people or refugees leave Africa in large numbers to Europe to seek a better life.

No matter how good life is, there is no Ghanaian who likes to live in Europe forever. There is a joke that African women don’t like to marry a Fantse because when they travel, they don’t like to go back to Ghana. 

I am a pure Fantse, born in Cape Coast, but it’s not my wish to die in Europe. Since 1986, I have made many attempts to settle at home, but the unfriendly atmosphere in Ghana has driven me back to Europe.

My last attempt was when I bought a plot and invested 10,000 Euros in a small project. I lost both the land and the money because the chief was a fraudulent person preying on Africans in the Diaspora. 

The same plot is sold to multiple people. This is the reason I have never trusted the Ghana judiciary system and will never trust it until I go down into my grave.

If the judiciary system in Ghana is powerful and efficient, something like that will never take place in Ghana. The chiefs behind such frauds in Ghana know how corrupt the judiciary system is; therefore, they don’t care. 

Surprisingly, the Ghanaian government is happy about that without doing anything significant about it because birds of the same feather flock together.

Despite how flexible Europe’s economy is, with food as the cheapest commodity, life in Europe has been very tough for both citizens and foreigners. 

There are many Ghanaians in Europe who can’t handle things, either driving them to commit suicide or developing mental problems. Sometimes, it’s even better to be in Africa than in Europe because there is no loneliness in Africa, but there is in Europe.

You share a common door with your neighbor, yet for about three to four months, you have never seen his or her face. That sounds strange, but it’s a normal thing in Europe. 

The Ghanaian government mustn’t consider its posts as an opportunity to amass wealth and ignore the needs of Ghanaians and those in the Diaspora.

I am really tired of Europe and want to come home to settle in Ghana, but I will only do so if I hear one day that a chief or Nyantakyi-type of criminal has been sent to jail for either fraud or corruption, or the Ghana police have arrested the assailants of journalist Hussein-Suale.

That will convince me that Ghana is now a serious country with an improved judiciary system and an efficient police service.

ECHOES OF CORRUPTION FROM THE OFFICE OF AKUFO ADDO

Akufo-Addo, one of Ghana's most corrupt leaders

If any Ghanaian thinks Akufo-Addo is not corrupt, then the person has the brain of a child. In corruption, Akufo-Addo thinks he can play smart to deceive Ghanaians, but the fact is, he is not clever. I will prove to you that Akufo-Addo is a smooth-cunning corrupt politician Ghana has ever known. 

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In fact, there is no difference between him and John Mahama; they are birds of the same feathers. I am standing on my feet upright, looking into the eyes of Akufo-Addo, asking you today to tell Ghanaians the reason he appointed Martin Amidu, the Special Prosecutor, to investigate corruption in the country.

I am standing upright on my feet, asking Akufo-Addo to tell Ghanaians the reason he printed the 100 and 200 Ghana Cedis notes. Again, Akufo-Addo, can you please tell Ghanaians why, despite many Ghanaians aren't happy about the new notes, the Bank of Ghana quickly released the money into circulation?

You see, Akufo Addo, everything tastes delicious in their mouths

those who don't know how to cook, the same thing applies to Ghanaians at home who have never experienced quality leadership. They cherish and admire your poor and inefficient leadership because John Mahama, the former Ghanaian leader, had disappointed them. 

I know what quality and efficient leadership in Belgium is, which reason why I called you a failure. In Belgium, even cleaners earn between 1,300 - 1,500 Euros per month. Many have their own houses, paying monthly, while some have already finished the payment between 20 to 25 years.

Again, cleaners drive good cars together with high earned salary officials because the intelligent Belgian government has created an economy in which everyone, including the low-earning workers, can fit in. You don't need to be rich before you live a normal life, and you don't need to get money before going to the hospital.

And please, Mr. President, don't tell Ghanaians that since Ghana is an African country, circumstances in the country are normal because Belgium hasn't even one-tenth of the resources Ghana has. With 15 politicians, including the prime minister, Belgium's economy is one of the best in the world.

In the year 2011, all the branches of the Dexia Bank, one of the popular banks in Belgium, went bankrupt. The government didn’t watch them collapse. 

As part of the operation to unwind the Dexia Group, Dexia Bank was bought by the Belgian Government for 4 billion EUR through its investment company SFPI. Today, Belfius Bank ranks as one of the best customer service and insurance banks in Belgium.

Akufo-Addo, how many banks collapsed under your administration, and how many of them did you save? You see, in life, love conquers all hate, and the truth is always bitterer than the bile, which reason I am not afraid to speak the truth.

Your government has set a world record with over 120 ministers, who continue draining the economy of Ghana. Things are extremely tough in Ghana because your ministers lack intelligence and efficiency. They don't even know their left, let alone their right. 

Your government hasn't found an answer and explanation for over 500 missing excavators seized from illegal mining sites in the country, yet, as quickly as possible, you have appointed Martin Amidu to investigate the Airbus corruption scandal implicating the former Ghanaian leader, John Mahama. 

Does that make you a good leader? This is one of the reasons, Akufo Addo, I say, you can only convince those you have put under perpetual fear or scared of you, that you are not corrupt, but not me. I can smell the odour of your corruption right here in Belgium. 

In January 2018, Akufo-Addo appointed Mr. Martin Amidu, the former Attorney General, as Special Prosecutor to handle and investigate corruption cases that have overflowed its banks in Ghana.

Ever since Mr. Amidu was appointed, the president himself and several NPP officials have been involved in corruption scandals, yet this man always pretends everything is normal. He has never prosecuted anyone, which Akufo-Addo is enjoying. 

Amidu's inefficiency in dealing with corrupt politicians in the country has given thousands of Ghanaians the evidence they need to understand that Akufo-Addo only deceived and made the public believe that he was to fight corruption.

Ghana is losing billions through corruption, and this has direct consequences for economic growth, and the price has its repercussions on consumers and ordinary people, yet you claim to fight against corruption.

Where is the fight against corruption in the country if Ghana ranks as the third corrupt country in the world, according to a US News report? Reference: https://bit.ly/38cZ4QO. I will leave this question for sincere and honest Ghanaians to answer themselves.

There is no 'Oyadieyee' on the streets of Belgium, desperate traders don't carry tubers of yams on their heads to run after vehicles looking for buyers in Belgium, and no shoe shiners are roaming on the streets of Belgium.

Because of the efficient government's VDAB, the public employment service, and one of the largest job sites of Belgium, provides modular education and supporting training on the job for such kinds of people suffering like those in Ghana.

In fact, those who love reading my articles have already seen that someone full of hate and having sleepless nights always leaves a filthy comment of insult whenever I post an article. 

I will continue to delete them even if you are not somebody; nobody will hate you. Yes, people don't hate someone for nothing. It's only a fool who will repeat deleted comments daily.

Both NDC and NPP are twin brothers baptized with the holy ghost of corruption; therefore, intelligent Ghanaians must concentrate on the newly formed minor political parties in the country. 

One day, you'll remember that "I told you so" because Akufo-Addo is equally corrupt as John Mahama, the man that Ghanaians hate so much. Time will tell, just be patient.

Hilla Limann: The scapegoat president of Ghana’s economic crisis

Former Ghanaian leader, Dr. Hilla Limann, photo credit: Ghana media

Rawlings might regret by now for doing many wrong things during his rule. Firstly, executing the fathers of children, he accused them of corruption, while corruption at the moment is at its highest peak in Ghana, with impunity, and secondly, the overthrow of Hilla Limann, the former Ghanaian leader, was blamed for the harsh impact of the economy, which Rawlings was partly responsible for.

Hilla Limann, who had started his career in diplomacy, had never stopped participating in politics. Born December 12, 1934. In 1950, he joined the People's Convention Party (CPP) of Kwame Nkrumah, the first president of independent Ghana, overthrown in 1966.

In 1969, he was part of the commission responsible for developing the country's civil constitution, before continuing his diplomatic career in Lomé and Geneva. 

He had studied in England, notably at the London School of Economics, and considered himself the heir to Kwame Nkrumah, father of Ghanaian independence and champion of Pan-Africanism.

Hilla Limann had been elected President of the Republic of Ghana in 1979, a few months after the overthrow of General Frederick Akuffo by Lieutenant Jerry Rawlings. General Akuffo and other senior officers were executed, but the elections had taken place as planned, and Jerry Rawlings returned to power after Hilla Limann.

Before the handover, Ghana’s economy was in its worst form in decades. Everything was not only expensive but also hard to get. Common toilet rolls, sugar, milk, etc, are out of reach for the suffering Ghanaians because commodities were hoarded for extra profit. Rawlings unleashes ruthless methods to bring out commodities for the general public.

So, when Limann became the president, Ghana was virtually empty. Cohesion within the PNP was nevertheless weak, partly because it was composed of a deputation whose ideological orientations were sometimes conflicting. These divisions aroused disagreement over national policies. 

In addition, the country's economic problems, which cause concern, encourage the AFRC to keep a watchful eye on the government. 

The Limann administration failed to put the economy back on track. The impact was so severe that thousands of Ghanaians left the country in search of greener pastures, with the highest population in Nigeria. Inflation is rampant, and the first budget tabled forecasts a large deficit. 

The tension becomes untenable, both for the population and for the military. December 31, 1981, which he considers responsible for this period of regression. The Provisional National Defense Council suspends the Constitution and eliminates political parties.

Rawlings says he wants to restore the human dignity of Ghanaians, in particular by fighting corruption. He, therefore, overthrew Hilla Limann, two years later, after a second coup, and forced the man to live under house arrest for two years.

The former Ghanaian leader, in power from September 1979 to December 1981, died on January 23, 1998, after being hospitalized for a few weeks for a heart condition in an establishment in the country.

Taking the political life of Limann as a head of state and the shortest period of his reign into consideration, it is likely that Hilla Limann could be the only Ghanaian leader who wasn’t involved in corruption. He didn’t amass any wealth and didn’t deposit any money at a foreign bank.

Bad things sometimes happen to good people. I strongly believe that Hilla Limann was one of them. The way our leaders' names disappear on the lips of many Ghanaians even shows that the political atmosphere in Ghana is full of hate and tribalism.

Limann was one of the good Ghanaian leaders blamed wrongly for a poor economy systematically abused for many years. 

He is gone, resting peacefully in his grave, but his name will never disappear in the political history of Ghana, as a man who loves his people, but because of greed was not allowed to work.

Great stars who begin as Rastafarians with career-ending hair cuts

Ruud Gullit and Gregory Isaacs



It starts with ambition, motivation, and faith, and since personality defines us and how we interact with the world, many stars begin their careers with different personalities to be famous. Two stars I know personally who became successful in different fields while they kept dreadlocks were the ex-soccer star, Ruud Gullit, and reggae icon, Gregory Isaacs, but as both reached a certain age, they cut off their dreadlocks. Why?

World football legend Ruud Gullit is one of the strongest players in the 20th century. Since childhood, football has become his life. In the Dutch national team, Gullit played 66 matches and scored 17 goals. The most memorable one was the finals of the 1988 European Championships against the USSR team.

Ruud Gullit was born on September 1, 1962, in Amsterdam. The future captain of the Dutch national team has always sought to play against older rivals. Physical data contributed to this: none of the elders could outrun him, and Ruud stood out in height.

Gullit's hairstyle is similar to Rastafarian, which gave him a lot of admirers worldwide. Gullit comes from two different parents. His father originates from the South American country of Suriname, a former Dutch colony, and his mother from the Netherlands.

There is a hypothesis that Surinamese men are endowed with certain "football genes" that make themselves known after moving to Holland in the next generations.

Since 1982, Ruud Gullit has been a Feyenoord player. It so happened that he ended up in the same club as Johan Cruyff himself, who was finishing his playing career at Feyenoord. According to Gullit, to speak with Johan Cruyff, who died almost three years ago, was both a great pleasure and a great opportunity to learn the secrets of mastery."

On the field, Gullit has excellent speed. His brilliant technique and extraordinary thinking allowed him to become a real leader, playing first for PSV, then Milan, and then the Dutch national team. He handed out transfers to his partners and smashed the attacks of rivals.

His mastery on the field didn't escape the attention of former Italian president Silvio Berlusconi. The powerful television tycoon at the time, who had just bought Milan and decided to return it to former glory, laid out for Gullit an amount that was a record for those times—$10 million.

Without dreadlocks

During the unveiling of the Heineken Champions League trophy to the media, Gullit, who has long cut off his dreadlocks, appeared in a different image. He was asked about his new personality. Gullit smiled and said that he needed to close the books on the Ruud Gullit that was on the field and the Ruud Gullit that was no longer playing.

According to him, he has been living without his dreadlocks for 14 years, and even though it has been easy and sometimes people don't recognize him, the dreadlocks chapters of life on the football field have been closed. He said to thunderous applause.

Gregory Isaacs 

Gregory Isaacs was born on July 15, 1951, and died on October 25, 2010. His style of music gave him nicknames such as 'Cool Ruler' and 'Lonely Lover.' As a teenager, Isaacs had already become a veteran in talent contests that were regularly held in Jamaica.

In 1973, he teamed up with a young singer, Errol Dunkley, to open the African Museum record label and store. Soon, the single “My Only Lover” was a massive hit for reggae lovers. For three years, Gregory Isaacs recorded a lot with other producers to finance the further development of the African Museum.

These were hits ranging from ballads to indigenous reggae, including “All I Have Is Love,” “Lonely Soldier,” “Black a Kill Black,” “Extra Classic,” and his cover version of Dobby Dobson’s “Love Is Overdue.” In 1974, he began working with producer Alvin Ränglin, and in the same year he received his first Jamaican “number” for the single “Love Is Overdue.”

He secured his international fame in 1978, when he signed a contract with an offshoot of Virgin Records—Front Line Records—and appeared in the movie “Rockers,” in which he played the role of the slave owner. After the release of the film, Gregory Isaacs earned the nickname “Cold Ruler,” and his 'Soon Forward' record is considered one of his best works.

In 1981, he first appeared at the Reggae Sunsplash festival. He participated in it every year until 1991 and moved on to Charisma Records, the Pre branch. That record company released his single "The Lonely Lover" with other successful compositions, including "Permanent Lover," "Tribute to Waddy," "Tune In," and "Wailing Rudy."

He signed a contract with Island Records and released an album that finally helped him break through to a wider audience: “Night Nurse." The success of Gregory Isaacs coincided with the problems with drugs, then served a six-month prison sentence in Kingston in 1982 for possession of unlicensed firearms.

When I interviewed the reggae star in Antwerp, I asked him many questions, but one thing that I didn't ask him is why he cut off his dreadlocks. Gregory Isaacs is dead and gone, but his sweet melodies are still with us today.