An Honourable Truce

In the truce of a Tuesday, are tests of our testaments.
But as we trace the interests in our tents while talking our tastes, we ought to be mindful of our collective survival.
As missionaries on this mission of a life theatre, we must be willing to act right with condour.

With appeals for a dutiful honourable truce, we must guard against complacency, even as we internalise equity, fairness and respect for the common good.
Greetings from me to you.

©KYB ✍🏿22/10/2024

Live, Learn Leverage

Every sunrise is an opportunity to live.

Every new day is a gift to live and learn.

Every new week is a mystery pack moment for us to live, learn and leverage for our growth. 

Please take care and stay positive, even as you utilise these moments. Greetings 🌿🌹

©KYB ✍🏿21/10/2024

Appreciate Them

Not all people will like you.

Not all people will believe you.

Not all people will accept you.

Not all people will support you.

Not all people will care for you.

But if you find the few who care,

Appreciate and cherish them.

May your day be blessed.

©KYB ✍🏿17/04/2024

WRC STRATEGISE TO ENHANCE ITS WORK

Staff of the Water Resources Commission (WRC), have reinforced their resolve to improve water resources management in the country with new strategies.

The Acting Executive Secretary of WRC, Dr. Bob Alfa speaking at a Retreat programme for staff of the Commission in Bolgatanga in the Upper East Region, noted the essence of the retreat to reflect on ways to enhance the work of the Commission. 

The participants reflected on the performance of the Commission and recommended ways to improve upon the visibility, funding, and water resources management. 

As part of the Retreat under the theme: Improving Operations of the Commission, the staff toured the White Volta Secretariat in Bolgatanga, Paga Crocodile Pond, and Tono Dam. 

#WaterResourcesCommission

#waterresourcesmanagement

Bail Our Waterbodies

Several seasons ago, the story of Konsu, KatƐ, Wawa and Menu were told, about how they supported hundreds of communities and people living in the armpit of a rural setting in the Kadjebi District of the Oti Region. Although the four were not the only rivers, streams and water sources of the people within their localities, the people’s folklore venerates, revere and treasure these rivers. For the many uses they made of the water- irrigating their farms in the dry season, serves as a source of drinking water for domestic use, source of food as fishing, transportation among other uses. Over the years, we have seen the effects of the blistering attacks on our water bodies whose beauty have bastardised and crucified in some people’s quest to mine gold, mine sand, farm closer to the water bodies and harvesting the vegetation around our waterbodies. The least said about the Rivers Pra, Ankobra, Tano, Birim among others the better. But can we continue like this into the future. Is this practice of harassing, molesting and struggling our rivers to death sustainable? Time to Bail Our Waterbodies We cannot belabour the fact that some of our major river ecosystems have been severely damaged by a multitude of human pressures, such as pollution, damming or overexploitation, and this has become more intense over the past five decades. For instance, the fragmentation of river connecting towns and villages obstructed by illegal miners, has not only interrupted survival routes of many freshwater species, but have resulted in heavy pollution of our water. The point-source pollution and diffuse pollution, such as pesticides, fertilizers, industrial and household wastes, have also greatly impacted rivers as a result of increasing urbanization and agricultural production. More recently, the threats caused by developers near water sources and in floodplains poses a higher risk, reducing the biodiversity area around rivers sources. These pressures have caused severe effects on the ecosystem, the economy, health of our environment as well and are likely to be exacerbation in the near future by additional pressures such as climate change. The time to bail our waterbodies from this eminent death may sound strange, but yet it's an urgent call for all to act today to save our dying rivers. Bailing our rivers is not another buzz word but a crucial mission to save all rivers in critical condition. As valuable as they are to us, bailing our rivers, which has been a concern for the Water Resources Commission and other institutions as well as individual is a burning mission that cannot be put on hold any longer. The urgency of this mission requires all hand on deck approach to salvage our dying rivers. Critical Action To put this action into force, we need to critically plan and think through practical ways to invest and take proper care of our rivers and water bodies. We must cultivate and prevent further destruction of our water bodies to secure, restore and rejuvenate the treasure of our waterbodies. That said, it is being proposed for everyone to take up the fight to be the active voices and advocates for our waterbodies and to save our rivers from further suffocation. And we realise that mining in the riverbeds, farming closer to waterbodies as well as emptying our solid, liquid, and toxic waste into our waterbodies is not profitable to anyone, but a harmful and hypocritical venture that would cost us hugely and wipe our ancestry. We need to tell would be homeowners or estate developers that they cannot continue building on waterways and expect to be spared the troubles of floods and other attendant challenges. As a people, we understand that we cannot bleed our waterbodies, pollute them in our search for Gold and other minerals and expect God to listen to our prayers. We cannot make cosmetic campaigns about our transgressions and abuse of our environment and escape the damning consequences of our uncaring ways. You and I should gravely be concerned and act in our small ways to bail our waterbodies from dying from the gaols of our greed, uncaring and incorrect ways and expect everything to be okay. The opportune time for us to act was yesterday. Today is another chance for us to demonstrate to ourselves and our forebears as well as children unborn that, we are blessed with the good compassion to preserve our common good, our common but valuable water resources.

Our Rivers

Flowing through the land Carrying life and hope River, you are a gift You nourish the soil You quench the thirst River, you are a source You reflect the sun You sparkle in the moon River, you are a beauty You shape the rocks You carve the valleys River, you are a force You join the sea You cycle again River, you are a wonder This river, this concrete river, Becomes a steaming, bubbling Snake of water, pouring over Nightmares of wakefulness; Pouring out a rush of birds; A flow of clear liquid On a cloudless day.

GHANA, HUNGARY, ZAMBIA KICK-STARTS TWINNING INITIATIVE

The Water Convention’s new Twinning Initiative between Ghana, Hungary and Zambia held its initial meeting in Accra today to enhance transboundary cooperation.  

The Twinning Initiative from 2023-2024, aims at supporting Zambia's accession process to the Water Convention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses and International Lakes and the implementation of the Convention’s principles in Ghana and Zambia. 

Partners at the meeting, include the Hungarian Ambassador to Ghana,  H.E. Tamás Feshés, who led the delegates from the Ministry of Interior Hungary (MoI), General Directorate of Water Management of Hungary (GDWM). Others were representative from the Ministry ofWater Development and Sanitation of Zambia (MWDS), as well as the representatives of the Ministry of Sanitation and Water Resources of Ghana (MSWR), Water Resources Commission of Ghana,  and Water Convention Secretariat.  

#TwiningInitiative

#WaterConvention

#TransboundaryWatercourses

MEDIA PLEDGES TO PROMOTE WATER RESOURCES ISSUES

Some media practitioners in the Upper East and North East Regions have pledged to promote issues concerning water resources in communities within the White Volta River Basin.

They made this commitment at a Media Engagement Workshop held at the Water Resources Commission White Volta Basin Secretariat in Bolgatanga, with sponsorship from the Blue Deal project. 

Mr. Jesse Kazapoe, Head of the White Volta Basin elucidated the WRC and implementation of the Integrated Water Resources Management the structure and operations of the Basin, and the activities affecting the water resources.

Likewise, Mr. Aaron Aduna, Project Manager of the Blue Deal project highlighted the essence of collaboration with stakeholders especially the media to protect and raise awareness on water governance and integrated water resources management within the basin. 

#IntegratedWaterResourcesManagement

#BlueDealProgram

#WaterResourcesCommission

#MediaEngagements

Audacious August

  

On such divine evenings, 

When August's morning dew touched our roofs,.,6

We took audacious steps to animate our appreciation. 

As we audit our steps to trek into August's arms,

May we attract the abundance of August. 

May this awareness awaken the ability in our agility.

And may you birth abundant attributes of our august guest.

Sending you my best wishes for this Audacious August.

Greetings from me to you. 

©KYB ✍🏿01/08/23

Don't Neglect the Elderly

Ghanaians have been entreated to prioritise care for the aged and their grandparents and not neglect them or leave them to their fate. Rev. Msgr. Theodore Quaye thus challenged the people to make time ample time to visit and interact with the elderly because they are precious asset with a lot to teach. Monsignor Quaye said this in a homily, during a thanksgiving at the St. Thomas Aquinas Parish, Legon, to climax the celebration of the World Day for Elderly and Grandparents, which Pope Francis instituted three years ago to acknowledge, revel and appreciate the elderly. He highlighted the important roles some notable characters like Elizabeth, Mary and Joseph played as grandparents and stressed the need for the elderly to establish and cultivate good relationship with God because God's mercy was from age to age. As treasurers endowed with wisdom and experience, Msgr. Quaye charged the youth to be closer to the elderly and their grandparents who he described as teachers of life and learn from them. Msgr. Quaye, who reflected on the theme for the occasion: "His Mercy is from Age to Age" (Luke 1:50), reminded the elderly not to despair in life, but to be encouraged that the mercies and grace of the Lord was with them all the time. Like Saints Anne and Joachim, Patron saints for the Elderly, the Members of the Saint Vincent de Paul at the St. Thomas Aquinas Parish made merry with elderly by acknowledging their relentless support towards making our society a better place. The Society in collaboration with MENSCOOK, EURACARE and GOCKALS organised a jamboree and health screening exercise for the elderly as well as provided a good meal to them. In attendance was the all-male Voice ensemble choir who treated the elderly to some wonderful chorale music and got some of them dancing.

A Hymn of Hope

The morning mime its tune,
The energies emit its effect,
The sun amplifies its song.

A dutiful hymn of hope, it is,
A beautiful mysterious hymn of trips, 
It is a unique hymn with vibe for our walk.

To the risers who wake with dawn,
To the creators who sleep-wake in work,w

To the many who yawn into the yard  of Thursday;

Glide with hope and courage,
And may your day blessed.
Greetings 🌞
©KYB ✍🏿13/07/23

Sekondi-Takoradi eulogises Obaapanin Ama Sarfo-Ababio

* Fr. Lamaire condoling with the bereaved family

The Catholic Diocese of Sekondi-Takoradi 

has paid glowing tribute to the late Obaapanin Agatha Ama Sarfo-Ababio for her dedicated service, exemplary leadership, and support to the growth of the Church and the entire Diocese. 

Very Rev. Fr. Francis Kofi Lamaire, Vicar General of the Diocese who presided over the memorial and thanksgiving Mass for the late Obaapanin Ama Sarfo-Ababio and her son Kwame Sarpong Sarfo-Ababio at the St. Matthew Catholic Church, Tarkwa extolled her devotion to the Catholic faith and commitment to the growth of the Church.

“She was a mother to the Priests in the Diocese and beyond” he stated, adding that “most of the Priests, Religious and faithful could attest to her care, support and generosity”. 

Preaching the homily, Fr Lamaire noted that as the Church awaits the coming of the holy spirit, the faithful should continue praying for the Church and for more people to convert. 

To be effective witnesses to Christ, the Vicar General reiterated the need for Christians to personally encounter and know Christ, to proclaim goodness to the world. 

“We cannot witness to Christ without knowing him” he stressed. 

Stating that Christians have the responsibility of making Christ the centre and focus of their worship, Fr. Lamaire charged the faithful to remain steadfast in their faith, stay united, and focus on Christ at all times. 

While condoling with the bereaved family, the Vicar General recounted the faith and enthusiasm of the late Mrs. Ama Sarfo-Ababio, her commitment, and dedication to the St. Theresa of the Child Jesus Society. 

He said it was not surprising that after joining the society in 1992 at the St. Matthew Parish, Tarkwa Branch, Obaapayin rose through the ranks to become the National President of the Society in November 2011. 

Similarly, at a thanksgiving Mass after her burial at the St. Martha Catholic Church, Antoa in the Konongo- Mampong Diocese, Rev. Fr. Michael Owusu, Parish Priest of the St. Matthew Parish, Tarkwa urged the bereaved family not to fear but to stand firm in faith and believe in Christ Jesus. 

He urged the family to stay united and keep praying just as the Apostles did when they were awaiting the coming of the holy spirit.

A tribute by the St. Theresa of Child Jesus Society celebrated the unique leadership style and keenness of the late Obaapanin Sarfo-Ababio, who they stated was committed to the ideals of the group, as well as her passion, foresight,t, and contributions that made the society an exceptional and attractive one in the Dioceses and to those in the diaspora. 

Besides her immense contributions to the growth and development of the St. Matthew Parish, Mrs. Ama Sarfo-Ababio served on the Parish Pastoral Council (PPC), Harvest Committees, and Laity Council among others. As a staunch member of the Knights and Ladies of Marshal, she was elevated to the rank of the Past Grand Lady of the Order. 

Prayers were said for the family and the repose of the soul of the late Obaapanin Ama Sarfo-Ababio and her son Kwame Sarpong Sarfo-Ababio.

In attendance were scores of Priests and religious as well as a high-powered delegation of the National Council as well as hundreds of members of the St. Theresa of the Child Jesus Society who attended the funeral and thanksgiving Masses. 

Others included the Knights and Ladies of Marshal, the faithful of the St. Matthew Catholic Parish who attended the Mass, relatives, friends, and well-wishers. 

The family expressed gratitude to the Priests,  Religious, and well wishes who journeyed and supported the family during their moment of grief. 

 

On Second Thoughts

Often time it is said that what is done is done and cannot be undone. It also said what is gone is gone and what remains remains.
But on this emotional depth seared into every page of our lives, the line between right and wrong looks vague.
And though discretion is the better part of our valour,
We see how democratization subtly contributed to the demonization of our long-cherished values of human dignity.
But on Second Thought, it occurred to me we possess in abundance the spirit of sensibility, sensitivity, and integrity.
On second thoughts I realise we still have the attitude and ability to make sound choices.
On second thoughts, it is evident our struggles and prosperity drive is stealing our attention from the essential part of life.
On second thoughts, maybe we should pray for humble hearts to decern the essence of our mission here and to diligently live, learn and love.
TGIF. Greetings
©KYB ✍🏿12/05/2023

Dear One,

Dear One,
I trust you are awake like the sunlight and doing well.
Alighting from a night bus the other day, some memories flooded my mind. One of them has to do with change.

A year ago, Yes! You are right to call it yesteryear or yesterday, things happened that altered our lives.

A year ago, some growth took place.
A month ago, we heard about some development.
A week ago, something new was created.
A day ago, a new trend is evolving or emerging.

Whether we are aware of it or not,
Whether we are consciously seeing it or not,
Or whether we feel sensitive, emotional, or indifferent about it, chances are that the processes necessitating these changes in days, weeks, months, and years live.

And sometimes though some people are not always right, and the fact that we may all have different perspectives about things should make us reflect more on our actions.

Even as things change over time,
With time we realize the need to learn more about human nature and our mission here.
Recognizing our frailties and doing our part enhances the eternal processes of our essence.

This is why, we have to prioritize our dignity and self-respect, even as we strive to cultivate inner peace on this journey.

And as you question the reason for this season, please be reminded that you have a beautiful and great soul, so be the reason for your smiles.

Kindly wipe your tears and sweat, relax over your anxiety and fears, and smile for yourself, for me, and for your loved ones.

Be kind to yourself by taking care.
I wish you well. Greetings
©KYB ✍🏿10/05/2023

We Remember

Of the state of a stage and the stages within these spaces, there are memories we remember.
We remember their skills and their willingness to help.
The rudiments of learning the arts and building bonds with others we remember.
The transfer of their knowledge and traits to their children blesses them with the attitude to excel and thrive.
Of the familiar stories and many mixed moments, we remember.
Their presence and passion within their communities are well-known beyond the thoughts that we remember.
To those who walked here a while ago, we remember your deeds in the adventure of each day.
To those whose fond memories we carry, we remember in the embers of the moment.
We remember the challenge of continuity.
We remember the duty to keep living.
Greetings from me to you.
©KYB ✍🏿08/05/2023

After the Sunset

It wakes gradually with the warmth of hope and life.
It passes gently with the temperance of the temperature.
And it strolls sluggishly as if nothing was at stake and yet,
Travels the miles with smiles to embrace another sunset.

The sunset after the dazzling breath of daylight,
Is a familiar one that visits in the measure of days.
And after the sunsets, the heartbeats tenderly,
Recalling ripples of nostalgic soft memories of gratitude.
While watching the flicker of light following the sunset,
Be sure to keep your hope alive and stay calm.
Greetings from me to you.
©KYB ✍🏿07/05/2023

TWO DECADES AGO

 

It's been 20 years now,

It's been 608 months,

It's been 140 weeks,

Yes, it's been 7,300 days already,

When I kiss the hard floor,

When I licked the face of luck.

It was on mild Friday morning.
The generous breeze was graceful to breath and breath some freshness into the air.
So sitting under that Indian Almond Tree, in front of the house at Sahara Down, Dansoman, was a harmless move. This was after taking some hot rice-water.
But yielding to the temptation to climb the tree and receive more breeze, marked the beginning of the inevitable fall. I climbed the tree with a reluctant energy and some nerviness. Though the feeling was a bit awkward, I resisted the urge to climb down after elevating my height. I brushed off the feeling, and picked a cool spot to relax and receive more fresh air.
However, my restless eyes sighted a fruit and I momentarily decided to pluck it without calculating the risk involved in getting it. 

In the process of crawling and stretching my hand to pluck the fruit over the slim branch of the tree, least did I expect the branch to break. It was a subconscious fear that triggered the whole feeling but I cared-less. The branch broke from the main trunk of the tree and in a split second I crushed landed with the leafy parachute on the ground.

The pain was excruciating. Both hands got fractured and there I was, looking more restless. The emergency service that followed from Bechem Clinic with referral to Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital was handy. The remaining story is history.

However, I remember the care,the support, the goodwill and empathy and sometimes sympathy. It was great. I was overwhelm with the support after the amputation.
The change was not easy, but the process was worth it. I know it cannot be the same but the zeal to continue, the inspiration to keep going, and the concern for me has been great. And I am highly thankful.

Life is somewhat a comical theatre of many intricate interlacing scenes of experiences, but we live.

Love remains that tiresome duty that tickle its adherears' emotions, to wake the painful beauty of childhood feelings, provoke the adolescent male's adrenaline delight and elevate the multiple mix yearnings of the young female, yet we live.

It's still a happy tune entertaining my memory of barely two decades after the fall.

But in the arms of this account, is a near treat of a missive death.

Yes, death I mean.

But Death is another story to tell someday.

It's another memory to share sometime.

For now, what I have become,

For the gift of walking in this talking sunshine,
Please tell God of my deepest appreciation,

Duly tell our people, I am eternally grateful.

Do tell them I'm still trekking to that destination.
Do tell them I'll soon be there.

For the man I want to be,
For the human being, I want to be,
For the brethren, I want to be,
For the friend I want to be,
I only desire to CARE for and respect all.
I dream to inspire many.
I live to breathe courage.
May God bless our souls on this sail.

Thanks

Yours me 

(First published 13th February 2018)

Comparing Catholic Church to others, unhealthy

Obaapanyin Sarfo-Ababio

Catholics have been entreated to cease comparing the teachings and practices of the Catholic Church with other churches since the Catholic church was founded on tradition, long history, and sacraments, Obaapanyin Agatha Ama Sarfo-Ababio has advised.

Instead of indulging in these superficial comparisons, Obaapanyin Sarfo-Ababio, a Past National President of the St. Theresa of the Child Jesus Society, asked Catholics to be proud of the Church and appreciate the sacraments and her Social Teachings.

She made these remarks during a session at the 8^th Biennial Diocesan Congress of the St. Theresa of the Child Jesus Society in the Sekondi-Takoradi Diocese, held at the University of Mines and Technology, Tarkwa.

Section of the Delegates

She bemoaned instances where even some Catholics jumped from one church to the other, seeking miracles, prophesies, and favours, and argued that often “our ears are too itchy to hear these prosperity messages” to the extent that we belittle the treasures we have in the Catholic Church.

“The Catholic Church is unique and a force to reckon with” she stated but lamented how some Catholics were not fully utilizing these treasures in the sacraments and the opportunities the Church avails to the faithful to encounter the Lord.

Obaapanyin Sarfo-Ababio, therefore advised Catholics, especially the youth and women to be firm in their faith and strive to learn more about the Church, which has a long history, as well as be abreast with her social teachings and fully participate in the celebration of the sacraments.

She observed that pastors of these one-man churches in town cannot be compared to Catholic Priests who have been well prepared for years before being ordained to lead the people of God.

“As much as we crave for changes within the church, we should be mindful of the culture of the church under the guidance of the Holy Spirit” she stated.

Likewise, Mr. Anthony Mensah, a Coordinator of Biblical Apostolate, encouraged members of the Society to never look down on themselves and never stop praying, but to trust God at all times to make them the salts of the world.

That there is a solution to every challenge, he advised members to deepen their faith and appreciate the sacraments of the Church, as well as embrace the values of truthfulness and honesty in their dealings.

Similarly, Mr. Appiah Kubi, a renowned broadcaster in an exhortation on the topic: Of the Lost Coin (Lk. 15:8), urged members of the society to strive to do their best while seeking the face of God.

“Although your dedication and service in society might go unnoticed,” he reminded them that God will not forget them.

To find their lost coins in all their endeavours, Mr. Appiah Kubi entreated Christians to always lighten their lamps with Jesus Christ, sweep their house to put in order, and seek diligently and pray effectively until they find their coin.

Take Action Today

In the bows of the clouds,
In the belly of aquifers,
In the beds of rivers,
And in the depth of wells,
We see its traces, even in our homes.
Its flow blesses us with some satisfaction,
Its vitality feeds our national grid that propels growth.
Water remains one resource that defines life for all the organisms on this planet.
And yet we know of those whose greed is molesting and assaulting the dignity of its magnificence.
We hear the footprints of those who will poison it in their quest for wealth. How unfortunate.
On the occasion of this year's World Water Day,
You are invited to take action to help solve the water and sanitation crisis in the world.
Kindly remind those who are drunk and still yeayearn drink water today and tomorrow to also take action.
Remind everyone who gets their daily bread from the use of water to up their game to conserve water 💦.
Remind residents of towns named after rivers and every one bearing river names about the need to invoke the subtle loyalty clause to act to restore our rivers.
And please remind all those greedily muddying our waters to be mindful of the effects of their action on their children.
Since every effort made to conserve water can bring a big change to all of us, let's join hands to TAKE ACTION TODAY.
HAPPY WORLD WATER 💧 💦 DAY
Greetings from me to you.
©KYB ✍🏿22/03/23

Mental Maps

On the marks of life's hill, we mount our mental antenna.
On the mile of many thoughts, we map the moments of men.
In the morning of evenings, and in the evening of mornings,
We ask a lot of questions of why things happen to us,
And it's my prayer you are comforted and strengthen in these times. Remain blessed.
Greetings from me to YOU.
©KYB ✍🏿02/03/2023