Herbert Mensah

Always question what you read…

herbertmensah — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 04:52:59 +0000

When one reads articles in the media one must always leave room for doubt. In recent times I have seen the reportage on events involving the spring uprising to Ivory Coast and events in Ghana.

I have seen political pundits selling the truth for “favours”. Something has to give at some point and I hope it will we the pundits finally understanding that the vast majority of scribes have interests beyond the truth.

When I first saw this commentary on a case involving my sister in the Daily Mail, Guardian etc I was beginning to wonder. I knew the truth but realised that others would only have seen in what was “out there”. Thankfully I came across this article which put the matter into proper context.

Guys be like me – always question what you read and put into context what you hear !

A critical and liberal look at law and policy

Yesterday it was reported that Paul Thompson was sent to prison for two months, just for taking a photograph in court with his Blackberry.It was a classic “Bad Law” news story, the sort of piece which will make the reader think that the “law is an ass”. Such stories are a journalistic staple; they are easy to write, and the result is invariably outrage at the disproportion of the sanction or the lack of common sense.Often these stories are true, for the law can indeed be an ass. All those concerned with the application of legal powers and judicial remedies — from police officers to distinguished judges — make mistakes or act without proper deliberation and, given the coercive force of law, people’s lives can be adversely affected. Similarly those who devise or make laws, such as civil servants and politicians, can end up legislating on a misconceived basis. The law can be brought into disrepute in many ways and by many people, most of whom should know better.

But sometimes the news stories are incorrect. To paraphrase Ben Goldacre, author of the Bad Science columns at the Guardian, it turns out that things are more complicated than is apparent from news reports. Any news story which prompts the reaction that the “law is an ass” is normally one of two kinds: either the law is actually at fault, or the legal reporting is incomplete or misleading. In other words, a “Bad Law” news story means either bad law, or bad law journalism.

And so we turn to the story of Paul Thompson and his Blackberry. The Times reported that 19-year-old Thompson “was sitting in the public gallery of Luton crown court to watch a friend being sentenced for robbing an off-duty police officer when he took a snap of the courtroom on his Blackberry”. This photograph was “in response to a message from a girl asking where he was”.

Thompson was spotted, taken to the cells, and then on his return to court was sentenced to two months imprisonment. The Times referred to section 41 of the Criminal Justice Act 1925, which prohibits photography in Court. There was also mention that the sanction is up to two years in prison or a fine. A well-known media lawyer was then quoted as saying that the penalty seemed “robust for someone who had committed an inadvertent breach of the law”. There was even mention of Thompson’s “eight week-old puppy”, which had been left “alone in his flat in Luton”. The story was reported in similar terms by the BBC, and even the Guardian took the story at face value.

It was seemingly stark that this was a ridiculous over-reaction by the judge. It surely could not be right that a teenager should be imprisoned in such a casual fashion, for such a long period (and which left a puppy to starve).

So what really happened?

What did occur was more complicated than the account set out in the Timesand elsewhere. In fact, Thompson had been continually disruptive in Court and had been asked twice by the usher to stop disrupting proceedings. As a spokesperson for the Judicial Office of Communication stated:

Mr Thompson had been disruptive throughout the sentencing hearing. He was warned twice by the court usher to keep quiet in court before being finally asked to leave the court. He had also taken a photograph in court of the victim in the case who had suffered a violent robbery.

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Her Honour Judge Mensah dealt with the matter under the Contempt of Court Act 1981 and not s.41 of the Criminal Justice Act 1925 as some media have reported. She considered the totality of Mr Thompson’s behaviour in court. In sentencing him she took into account his immediate admission of guilt and made clear the sentence included an element of punishment and deterrent to others.

So, contrary to the news reports, Thompson was not punished just for taking a photograph, and nor was he convicted under the offence specified by the Times (which, in any case carries, only a small fine). He instead was sentenced in respect of the disruption as a whole. The photograph was not just a quick picture of the court to show a friend where he was; it was instead a photograph of the victim of a violent assault. And it was not a casual sanction; there had been warnings, and legal representation was arranged. The photograph taken was examined by the police and the judge before the sentence was handed down. Almost all this information was available to those reporting the story, had they asked for it.

The robbery involved appears to have been horrifying. According to the judge:

[The victim] was ambushed by somebody putting a gun to his head.
He was pulled to the ground and his eyes were covered and he was violently robbed.

The gun may have been imitation but that is of little comfort to the victim who had it poked to his head and I have heard evidence that you laughed after the robbery and childishly adopted gangster-like poses for photographs.

You thought it was funny to rob someone at gun-point, putting them in immense fear.

Both of you are dangerous young men who glory in following dishonest and violent life styles.

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One can perhaps see why a camera then being pointed at the victim by Thompson did not go down terribly well with the judge.

All this said, the question remains whether the two-month imprisonment for Thompson was excessive. The Court of Appeal in 2004 held that a twelve month sentence for contempt of court was appropriate when the appellant took three photographs — of people in the Court canteen, a witness giving evidence, and a defendant and prison officer in the dock. The Court of Appeal said that taking photographs in the courtroom was a growing problem and needed to be taken seriously, especially when the pictures are of those who could face intimidation or reprisals.

Accordingly, it was clear “that illegal photography had the potential gravely to prejudice the administration of criminal justice”. In appropriate cases, immediate imprisonment was appropriate; in that appeal case, this would be for 12 months, but for others “the clang of the prison gates would be enough”. However, in the case of a tourist just snapping a pic in ignorance of the law, a fine would be appropriate.

Nonetheless, two months imprisonment is a long time for any 19-year-old. It may be that there is an appeal. What is certain is that the initial news reports of what happened last week in Luton Crown Court did not really tell the fuller story. Someone was continually disrupting the sentencing in respect of a serious violent offence, and he then took a photograph of the victim.

On these facts, it would appear that there was indeed a contempt of court. Thompson was then provided with legal representation before being sentenced. An appeal court may consider whether two months is excessive; which it could well be. But this does not seem a case where it was the law which was an ass.

And, fortunately, the puppy did not starve.

David Allen Green is legal correspondent of the New Statesman

Filed under: Herbert Mensah

About Libya

herbertmensah — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 08:51:24 +0000

THE SITUATION IN LIBYA MAKES ME DECIDEDLY UNCOMFORTABLE AND IT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH MY FEELINGS ABOUT GADDAFI.

THE REGIME CHANGE USING A DIFFERENT UN MANDATE IS BOTH WORRISOME AND AN INDICTMENT ON THE INTEGRITY OF THE UN. WITHOUT THE HAND OF NATO CLEARLY THERE WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN ANY REGIME CHANGE.

THE RAG TAG BUNCH OF “REBELS” SIMPLY DO NOT HAVE THE CAPABILITY OF WINNING ANY WAR BY THEMSELVES. THE FIGHTING GOES ON. THE REBELS ADMIT THAT THE COUNTRY IS NOT LIBERATED AND YET WESTERN LEADERS ARE TROOPING INTO LIBYA DECLARING THE COUNTRY FREE.

THERE ARE MANY WHO WERE SHOCKED TO SEE BLAIR, SARKOZY, BERLUSCONI ET AL TROOPING TO LIBYA IN RECENT TIMES. THERE WERE EVEN MORE WHO WERE DISGUSTED WHEN THE LOCKERBIE BOMBER WAS RELEASED ON HEALTH GROUNDS KNOWING THERE ARE MANY ON DEATH ROW FOR EQUALLY HEINOUS CRIMES AND DESTINED TO DIE THERE! ETC ETC.

TODAY MANY ARE REVOLTED BY THIS TURNAROUND IN CONTEXT OF MORE HEINOUS ACTS IN SYRIA, YEMEN, BAHRAIN ETC. BUT THEN OTHERS HAVE OBSERVED THAT HAD LIBYA BEEN THE WORLDS LEADING PRODUCER OF BROCCOLI THIS REGIME CHANGE BY THOSE WHO SOUGHT IT VIA THE UN ADOPTION OF SO CALLED NO FLY ZONE WOULD NOT HAVE OCCURRED.

OTHERS CONTEND THAT GIVEN THE FACT THAT THE CIA AND M16 WERE ACTIVELY DOING BUSINESS WITH GADDAFI OVER THE PAST YEARS AGAINST PEOPLE WHO WOULD NOW BE CALLED REBELS IT MAY BE NO COINCIDENCE THAT DURING THE REGIME CHANGE WAR, COMPANIES WERE TRADING OIL ….. AND PERHAPS IT IS NO COINCIDENCE THAT 10′S OF BILLIONS OF LIBYAN ASSETS ARE BEING RELEASED FOR ……. WELL SOME CYNICS SUGGESTS THAT $100BNs OF LIBYAN MONEY MIGHT JUST STEER THE UK/FRANCE ETC OUT OF THEIR SELF CREATED RECESSION!

IT IS IMPORTANT NEVER TO EITHER FORGET HISTORY (RWANDA…. LIBERIA ….. ET AL) AND TO MAKE SURE THAT THE PRINCIPLES OF BEHAVIOUR/ENGAGEMENT OF THE UN … THE ICC… NATO ET AL ARE CONSISTENT AND CULTURALLY/GLBALLY ACCEPTABLE AND NOT JUST TO THE STRONG/POWERFUL!

BENGHAZI/BANI WALID, Libya (Reuters) – Libya’s interim leaders failed to agree a new cabinet on Sunday and the forces that forced Muammar Gaddafi from power remained bogged down in fighting with troops loyal to the former ruler.

Interim government forces fled in chaos from the town of Bani Walid and pulled back from Sirte after yet more failed attempts to storm Gaddafi’s final bastions and take control of the entire country.

The political and military problems underscored how hard it would be to restore stabilty to Libya after Gaddafi was driven out of Tripoli last month.

The former rebels’ executive committee, or cabinet, was dissolved last month. A new committee, to include officials responsible for defence and interior affairs, was supposed to be appointed by interim Prime Minister Mahmoud Jibril on Sunday.

But the talks broke down when his proposals did not receive full backing from all current members.

“We had an advisory meeting with the NTC in order to form a new cabinet. We have agreed on a number of portfolios. We still have more portfolios to be discussed,” Jibril told reporters through a translator at a news conference on Sunday.

A list of the approved ministries was not available, though sources familiar with the negotiations said that the position of Jibril himself was a sticking point during the talks.

There was also disagreement about whether it is necessary to form a transitional government before the declaration of “liberation” – a concept that appears to include the capture of Gaddafi and the defeat of his loyalists who still hold three key towns.

The NTC has drawn up a road map setting out plans for a new constitution and elections over a 20-month period, which should start once that declaration is made.

With political negotiations bogged down, Sunday’s failed attempt to take Bani Walid set off angry recriminations among the attackers, who must capture the town and Gaddafi’s birthplace Sirte before they can declare Libya “liberated”.

RECRIMINATIONS

Since taking Tripoli last month, National Transitional Council (NTC) fighters have tried several times to storm Bani Walid, 150 km (90 miles) southeast of the capital, only to retreat under heavy fire and in disorder.

NTC fighters said they had planned for tanks and pickup trucks with anti-aircraft guns and rocket launchers to lead Sunday’s attack, but foot soldiers had piled in first.

“There is a lack of organisation so far. Infantry men are running in all directions,” said Zakaria Tuham, a senior fighter with a Tripoli-based unit.

“Our commanders had been told that heavy artillery units had already gone ahead, but when we advanced into Bani Walid they were nowhere to be seen.

“Gaddafi forces were hitting us heavily with rockets and mortars, so we have pulled out.”

A Reuters reporter saw fighters withdraw around two km (more than a mile) after they had stormed into the town.

NATO planes circled above the town later on Sunday and loud explosions were heard from the centre, though it was not clear whether the planes had attacked.

Anti-Gaddafi fighters from Bani Walid blamed comrades from elsewhere in Libya for being unwilling to coordinate. Those from elsewhere accused some local fighters of being traitors and passing information to Gaddafi loyalists.

“Commanders who are from the Warfalla tribe, they tell us one thing and then commanders from the other cities say something else. We do not understand anything,” said pro-NTC fighter Mohamed Saleh.

Some fighters openly disobeyed orders. In one incident, an officer from Bani Walid was heckled by troops from Tripoli after he tried to order them to stop randomly shooting in the air as they celebrated seizing a mortar from Gaddafi forces.

“You are not my boss. Don’t tell me what to do,” one of the Tripoli fighters snapped back at him.

Shells whistled above anti-Gaddafi positions and exploded across the desert valley as invisible snipers sprayed bullets from Bani Walid’s rooftops and smoke rose above the town.

NTC fighters helped some families leave the town, driving them out in military trucks.

“The past two weeks have been awful but last night was particularly bad,” said Zamzam al-Taher, a 38-year-old mother of four. “We have been trapped here without a car and with no food. Snipers are everywhere.”

BATTLE FOR SIRTE

NTC forces and NATO warplanes also attacked Sirte, Gaddafi’s birthplace. Fighters launched rockets from the city’s southern entrance and traded fire with Gaddafi loyalists holed up in a conference centre.

“The situation is very dangerous. There are so many snipers and all the types of weapons you can imagine,” said fighter Mohamed Abdullah as rockets whooshed through the air and black smoke rose above the city.

As in many episodes during Libya’s conflict, the front lines at Sirte and Bani Walid have moved back and forth, with shows of bravado crumbling in the reality of battle.

An incoming shell landed within 200 metres of NTC-held lines, only to be met with return fire from NTC fighters shouting “Allahu Akbar!” (God is greatest).

Speaking against the roar of NATO jets overhead, one anti-Gaddafi fighter at Sirte, Mahmoud Othman, said his men were helping families who had fled ahead of the next assault.

“We don’t want any more bloodshed between us. But if the Gaddafa want more blood, we are ready,” he said, referring to the deposed leader’s tribe. “In the end we want Gaddafi.”

A spokesman for Gaddafi told Syrian-based Arrai TV on Sunday that 17 “mercenaries”, including what he called French and British “technical experts” had been captured in Bani Walid.

It was not immediately possible to verify the report. NATO, French and British officials had on Saturday denied a report by Arrai TV that NATO troops had been captured by Gaddafi loyalists.

Filed under: Herbert Mensah

HAPPY EID-UL-FITR

herbertmensah — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 05:21:25 +0000

Believing in and standing for something you believe in

This period of fasting has been particularly poignant for me on a personal level as I have witnessed the departure of two significant mentors in my life. Firstly the recently departed the Regional Chief Imam of Ashanti and my Dearest Brother and friend Gbegi Ojora. They were pillars who provided me with guidance and inspiration at my most difficult of times. Their sudden departure has been a won the same day. May God bless their soul.

It never amazes me how quickly time flies …. It is but a year since we all celebrated Eid – UL – Fitr and the significance stems from hypocrisy on the one hand and the ill discipline of not believing in our most high on the other. The discipline of fasting at this time similar to the Christian celebration of lent is an important part of the practicing of believe in our religion and keeping of the faith.

There is nothing wrong with religion. Indeed it governs our cultures and our laws. The problem is us those who preach it and attempt to live it. It should be so simple but alas Allah has created all of us so differently.

The past twelve months have once again shown our ability as humans to mis manage our affairs and remain divided when we should in fact be united. We seem to forget where we came from and which steps of the ladder we took often with assistance in order to reach our present. Yet Allah has created us out of weakness to survive and grow through the very unity we seem to reject.

From the collapse of many Euro economies to a new intent at protectionism we have seen a growing disunity amongst many. The emergence of politics for individuals and the famine ravaging all of Allah’s creations in the Horn of Africa are warnings of the need to work together and to assist brothers and sisters in need. Our lives are moving swiftly and often in the wrong direction.

Once again in sharing my respects and happiness I have once again turned to two people whom I consider to be friends. To give a greater insight into this occasion. I’zac Hassan is a brilliant scholar and in my mind philosopher who unusually born a Muslim converted to Christianity and my old friend Mustapha Yusif. I’zac successfully and educatively draws significant parallels between the two religions in a way which is pleasing to see and Mustapha highlights the
historical beauty of this important occasion.

HAPPY EID-UL- FITR – I’zac Hassan

O children of Adam, we have provided you with garments to cover your bodies, as well as for luxury. But the best garment is the garment of righteousness. These are some of Allah’s signs, that they may take heed. [7:26]

Your Lord has commanded that you worship none but Him, and be kind to parents. If either or both of them reach old age with you, do not rebuke them, but speak to them in terms of honor and kindness. Treat them with humility, and say, ‘My Lord! Have mercy on them, for they did care for me when I was little’. [17:23-4].

As Muslims all over the world, celebrate the end of the holy month of Ramadan. Eid-ul-Fitr is celebrated after fasting during the month of Ramadan. Muslims after performing the obligatory fasting of a month become more deserving of Allah’s forgiveness and protection from Hell.

Thus, Allah has specified for the Muslims upon their completion of fasting, a festive day in which you gather to thank Allah, glorify and praise Him. Allah allocated also on that day for Muslims to offer specific prayer (Salat-ul-Eid) and a specified offertory (sadaqah).

The day of Eid is a great and glorious day. It is an occasion of happiness and joy. Muslims’ joy and happiness in this world is felt when you apply all efforts to obey Allah and perform good deeds that gain reward and success in the Hereafter. The month of daily fasting is not only a sacred duty, it is also a powerful teaching, and in many ways a gift of Islam to the rest of the world, reminding not only Muslims, but all our people, of our shared values and obligation to alleviate the suffering of those who live in poverty and deprivation. The reminder here reiterated, is that we all endeavour to build a more humane community, nation and world.

The Christian Bible says that people should love their neighbour as themselves. But it’s quite refreshing to note from the Quran that ‘Allah created the nations and tribes that they might know one another better, recognizing people on how they organize their thoughts and categorize their ideas, but that does not mean we should be divided one from another. Our common future is at stake. The very survival of the world itself is perhaps at stake and finding common ground between Muslims and Christians is not simply a matter for polite ecumenical dialogue between leaders, but an ongoing communal discourse at all levels off our society. As we celebrate this festive occasion, may the spirit of (not the letter) Ramadan endure the whole year round.

It is important to observe also that there is so much our nation and the world at large could learn from Islam. It (Islam) is now practiced by one of every four people on Earth. Muslims are at cornerstone of our Ghanaian community. They enrich our political and cultural life, they provide leadership in every field of human endeavour, from business to medicine, to scholarship. It is important that we as a people appreciate that we all share common aspirations for a better future, for greater opportunities for our children, for the importance of work and family and freedom to worship.

But like other groups past and present in, Ghanaian Muslims also have faced from time to time – and continue to face, sadly, from time to time – discrimination and intolerance. There are still too many of us who know too little about Islam. And sadly stereotypes fill the vacuum ignorance creates. That kind of bigotry is wrong and has no place in the little space we share together as a society. There is no place for intolerance against people of any faith — against Muslims or Jews or Christians, or any other religious group: tribal or ethnic.

So on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr may we rededicate ourselves in this coming year to making sure that others in this country truly understand and appreciate the faith you as Muslims embrace, its practices, its beliefs, its precepts and its inclusive humanity.

The New Testament enjoins us thus: ‘Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is One. / And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ This is the first commandment. / And the second, like it, is this: ‘You shall love your neighbour as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” (Mark 12:29-31)

In the Holy Qur’an, God Most High entreats Muslims to invite Christians and Jews- as follows -

Say: O People of the Scripture! Come to a common word between you and us: that we shall worship none but God, and that we shall ascribe no partner unto Him, and that none of us shall take others for lords beside God. And if they turn away, then say: Bear witness that we are they who have surrendered (unto Him). (Aal ‘Imran 3:64)

Together, we could create a world in which the fruits of faith – tolerance, understanding, and compassion – enrich and safeguard our planet and worldview of our children, and our children’s children.

Happy Eid-Ul-Fitr

BARKA DA SALLAH – Mustapha Yusif

I wish to extend best wishes to my Muslim brothers and sisters in Ghana and around the world on the occasion of Eid al-Fitr (the Festival of Fast-Breaking).

Eid al-Fitr (the Festival of Fast-Breaking) is celebrated on the first day of lunar month of Shawwal, when Muslims gather to perform the Eid prayer and bring 29/30 days of fasting to an end. Muslims set aside a determined amount of food, known as Zakat al-Fitr or Fetriyeh, to give in charity to the poor, to ensure everyone has enough to eat during the joyous occasion. Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, when Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset, practicing patience and humility.

It is celebrated for three days in a holiday called Eid-ul-Fitr (the Feast of Fast Breaking). Gifts are exchanged. Friends and family gather to pray in congregation. The feast of Fitr is God’s reward for those who fast during the holy month of Ramadan. In this month, man should try to add to his true knowledge of God, do acts of charity for the needy, and renew his/her beliefs towards his Lord. The prayers of the day of Eid al-Fitr are a reason for unity and solidarity of Muslims all over the world. On this day, Muslims honor God for His endless and all-enhancing mercy.

It is a day when the Muslims thank God for having given them the will, the strength and the endurance to observe fast and obey His commandment during the holy month of Ramadan. This day brings to Muslims rejoicing and happiness. The rejoicing is not, however, at the departure of the month of Ramadan; it is the happiness which man feels after successfully completing an important task.

The conception of Eid in Islam is not confined only to celebration extravagance, luxurious feasts, friendly handshakes and embraces. The Muslims should rather devote this day to the worship of Allah (SWT) and should beseech Him to approve their virtuous deeds and forgive their sins. This is because the doors of God’s pardon are kept open this day and His Blessings are bountiful.

Unfortunately, many Muslims abstain from sins, tame their base desires, offer charity, show sympathy and empathy towards others during the month of Ramadan, but come Eid-ul-Fitr, they go back to what they were before! Let us carry all the virtuous habits we exhibited in the month of Ramadan in all the things that we do in our personal lives, in our dealings with others, in our dealings with society and nation and in our dealings with the rest of the world so that we shall have a better world.

On the day of Eid-ul-Fitr, Hazrat Ali (Third Caliph of Islam some 1,400 years ago) delivered a sermon in which he said: “O people! Verily this day of yours is the day when the righteous are awarded and the wretched are losers. It is a day which is similar to the one on which you shall be standing (before your Lord). Therefore, when you come out of your homes to go to
places of your prayer, remind yourselves about the day when you (your souls) shall come out of your bodies to go to your Lord. When you stand on places of your prayer, remind yourselves of your standing in presence of your Lord (on the day of Judgment). And when you return to your homes (after prayer), remind yourselves about your returning to your homes in Paradise.

O Servants of Allah! Verily the minimum reward for those men and women who fasted (during Ramadan), is an Angel, who calls out to them on the last day of the month of Ramadan (saying):

O SERVANTS OF ALLAH! REJOICE THE GLAD TIDING THAT ALL YOUR PREVIOUS SINS HAVE BEEN FORGIVEN.

Therefore, watch out in those things which serve as your re- creation (on this day and days to follow)” (Nahjul-Balaghah)

Let us be reminded that Eid-ul-Fitir and the teaching of Islam remind us of unity, tolerance, respect, love, friendship, patience and acts of charity. Let this auspicious day serve as a blessing to our nation and our world.

BARKA DA SALLAH

We all believe in God and we try to live by the teachings of his book the Qur’an/Bible. We must be true to ourselves and importantly those in whom we trust and have given authority and power must start to show the way and practice what our religion demands…….

Filed under: Herbert Mensah, Quotes

Friendship

mindmapsza — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 15:50:30 +0000

In a friendship,
We’re free to expose,
Parts of ourselves,
Nobody else knows.

But the thing that sustains it
And sets it apart,
Is not something spoken,
It’s a bond of the heart.

True friends are rare,
In a lifetime two or three,
I’m so glad it happened,
Between you and me!

Filed under: Quotes

Hunger For More

mindmapsza — Sun, 14 Aug 2011 08:19:34 +0000

Progressing and achieving something worthwhile in your life requires being ever-ready to extend yourself and experience effort. There are no free lunches in this life. At least none that satisfy your hunger for more.

Filed under: Quotes

Herbert on Somalia

herbertmensah — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 12:15:13 +0000

Herbert Mensah accompanied former President Jerry John Rawlings on an extensive tour in Somalia and surrounds.

Here are his views. (Player may take a few seconds to launch.)

Filed under: Herbert Mensah

Happy Ramadan

herbertmensah — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 04:24:35 +0000

As Ramadan starts this year I am in Equatorial Guinea with HE Former President Rawlings raising both awareness and continuing with an appeal for funds and assistance to alleviate the pain and suffering of those still alive and experiencing one of the worst famines in the Horn of Africa. The epicenter of this famine disaster is Somalia and whilst the global world reacts Africa also has to react and quickly too.

The Equatorial Guinea is the current Head of the AU and the enthusiasm and readiness with which President Rawlings was received gave additional hope that structures were being put in place to ensure that funds could be raised sooner rather than later.Today as Ramadan begins I would hope that all denominations and faiths would say a prayer and those who can to fast for those who cannot. We must will ourselves together and help bring about some relief for those who are trapped either by the famine alone or by the war which they cannot escape from and therefore not get to safety.As my friend Yusif Mustapha passed on the following quotation to mark the commencement of Ramadan I could not help but think of those sacrificing and those working with others to get through life’s difficult moments – “O you who believe, fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may develop God-consciousness.” (Quran 2:183). As such for me I personally dedicate my thoughts this year to an old friend and mentor recently departed, the Regional Chief Imam of Ashanti.Last year I remembered that at this time at the beginning of Ramadan is time of such poignant significance that I always share the emotion of the occasion with those I know and those I don’t. The moment and occasion of fasting is something, which is observed by all religions but today is Islam’s.Our faith is constantly tested and when I look at the suffering of the people of Somalia my heart weakens with sadness. The people especially the women and children who have passed away and those who continue to suffer. I also look around me and pray that many of our value systems are restored and that the base respect, which we need to keep in check, is restored.

We as people are destroying one another, many of our value systems appear to have disappeared along with respect for our elders and gratitude for those have assisted in our development. We appear to believe our humanity transcends the very religion we claim to believe in and somehow out of our self-destructiveness believe we can transcend our very mortality

At the beginning of this Ramadan I have asked two special friends of mine, I’zac Hassan a Christian religious intellect and Yusif Mustapha to prepare two pieces I could publish in celebration of this moment in time.

I’zac Hassan
Say ye: “We believe in Allah, and the revelation given to us, and to Abraham, Isma’il, Isaac, Jacob, and the Tribes, and that given to Moses and Jesus, and that given to (all) prophets from their Lord: We make no difference between one and another of them: And we bow to Allah (in Islam).” (Meaning of Quran 136 by Ali ).

It is therefore against this background of a common heritage of faith that I extend my warmest greetings to all Muslims in this month of Ramadan and wish you a Holy and Blessed spiritual endeavour.

Ramadan is the month of great excitement for Muslims. It is the month of revelation of Quran the month of reading and reciting the whole Quran, the month of Tahajjud and Qiyam al-layl prayers, Sadaqah, Zakah al-Fitr and Zakah al-Mal. Ramadan is also a month of significant demonstration of the love of Allah towards mankind and between Muslims and peoples of all faiths.

This is the blessed month of Allah. A month of blessing, mercy and forgiveness. A month, which, with Allah is the best of months. Its days; the best of days, its nights, the best of nights, and its hours, the best of hours. It is the month which invites you to be the guests of Allah and invites you to be one of those near to Him. Each breath you take glorifies him; your sleep is worship, your deeds are accepted and your supplications are answered.

I take this opportunity to wish you all a sound body and an enlightened mind and a pure heart so you may be able to fast and recite his revealed thoughts ( in the Quran), for only he is unhappy who is devoid of Allah’s forgiveness during this Holy month.

The holy month of Ramadan has come and Allah makes it a month of blessing to fill us with mercy and forgiveness, to rekindle in ourselves the meanings of kinship of all men and compassion and to renew the supreme values called for by this faith. Allah revealed in this month the Holy Qur’an, making Ramadan, the helm of all months.

As you observe this holy sojourn may it strengthen cohesion and the feelings of compassion, love and the rebuilding of our common national aspiration based on great and high morals.
As we welcome this holy month in expectation and hope, we recall the Prophet’s saying to his companions congratulating them on Ramadan, “O people, a blessed month comes. Allah orders you to fast. A month when the doors of paradise are open; the doors of hell are closed; and demons are chained. “The Ramadan gives us great opportunities and lessons, which we see through sight and insights. We demonstrate how we show mercy to one another, how the privileged feel the suffering of the poor and how Muslims desire to win the consent of Allah through submission, compassion and benevolence..

Islam is a religion of love, mercy and tolerance. Its message is revealed as mercy .Its philosophy is for dialogue, love and active participation in advancing human civilization.

In this month of Ramadan may you remember the hunger and thirst of the day of Qiyamah (Judgment) with your hunger and thirst; give alms to the needy and poor, honor the old, show kindness to the young , maintain relations with all men; guard your tongues, close your eyes to that which is not permissible for your sight, close your ears to that which is forbidden to hear, and show compassion to orphans.

During this special period as the doors of heaven are open, we pray Allah not to close them to you; As the doors of hell are closed, so we pray Allah to keep them closed to you. During this month Shaytan (Satan) is imprisoned so we ask Allah not to let him have power over you.
Have a blessed and Holy Ramadan.

Yusif Mustapha

Ramadan Mubarak
As the crescent moon appears for the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan, it is my honor to congratulate Muslims in Ghana and around the world as they begin the sacred month of Ramadan

Allah decreed fasting in the month of Ramadan in the following verses:

” O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed upon you as it was prescribed on those before you so that you may learn self-restraint” [2:183]

The month of Ramadan in which was revealed the Quran, a guidance for mankind and clear proofs for the guidance and the criterion (between right and wrong). So whoever of you sights (the crescent on the first night of) the month (of Ramadan i.e. is present at his home), he must observe Saum (fasts) that month, and whoever is ill or on a journey, the same number [of days which one did not observe Saum (fasts) must be made up] from other days. Allah intends for you ease, and He does not want to make things difficult for you. (He wants that you) must complete the same number (of days), and that you must magnify Allah [i.e. to say Takbir (Allahu-Akbar; Allah is the Most Great) on seeing the crescent of the months of Ramadan and Shawwal] for having guided you so that you may be grateful to Him.(2:185)

Ramadan, as everyone knows, is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, a time to practice patience and modesty, pray extra and refrain from eating, drinking, smoking and sex from dawn until sunset.

Ramadan is a time of intense devotion and reflection – a time when Muslims fast during the day and perform tarawih prayers at night, reciting and listening to the entire Quran over the course of the month. These rituals remind us of the principles that we hold in common(as servants of Allah), and Islam’s role in advancing justice, progress, tolerance, and the dignity of all human beings.

The night of al-Qadr also falls in the month of Ramadan-that night that is better than a thousand months when Allah sends down Angels and Spirits until dawn. The verse that reveals the night of al-Qadar is below:

“Verily, We sent it down in the night of al-Qadr. And what will make you know what the night of al-Qadr is? The night of al-Qadr is better than a thousand months. Therein descend the angels and the Spirit by their Lord’s permission with all Decrees. Peace! Until the appearance of dawn.”(Al-Qadr: 1-5)

The lessons of benefits of Ramadan are bountiful:
The true purpose of fasting is to value the tremendous blessings of Allah and realize that a large percentage of people in the world do not have what we take for granted every day. Hopefully a person will carry this realization throughout his or her life and become a better person and member of the community. The purpose of Ramadan is to develop gratefulness for Allah’s blessings so that man may become humble and righteous.

Fasting as we have learnt from Islamic traditions is not merely abstinence from food and drink, but all the organs of the body must be in a state of fasting. The fast of the eyes is not to look at what is forbidden; the fast of the tongue is not to lie and slander and likewise, every organ must stay away from wrong. A Muslim in Ramadan must be in a state of fasting from head to toe.

The holy prophet called the fast a shield of faith-In the event that someone who is fasting encounters someone quarrelsome or one who would lead them down a bad path, the fasting individual should say the words “I am fasting” three times. This will serve as a shield for safeguarding his faith and the fast will Insha’Allah be regarded as a successful one by Allah.

The rigors undertaken by devout Muslims inspire respect for Islam among people of all faiths. And this can bring hope of greater understanding for good will. It can overflow old boundaries when wholehearted devotion to one’s own faith is matched with a devout respect for the faith of others.

We are united in faith, fasting is a concept shared by many faiths – including my own Christian faith – as a way to bring people closer to God. The call to uphold the universal values of humility, love and empathy for others and thankfulness for the blessings of Allah is a call shared by all of us as Ghanaians and members of the human family.

Let us reflect on and strengthen our relationship with the Almighty Allah, and all men and women of goodwill in Ghana and the world over during the fast.

Let us rededicate ourselves to the service of God, country and the whole of humanity. Beyond abstaining from food and drink, we must resolve to make the greater sacrifice of eschewing vices that slow down the progress as members of the human family.

And today, I want to join with the 1.5 billion Muslims around the world – and your families and friends – in welcoming the beginning of Ramadan, and wishing you a blessed month. May God’s peace be upon you.

Ramadan Mubarak.

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Bible Verses for Thursday July 28, 2011

mindmapsza — Sat, 30 Jul 2011 06:33:38 +0000

Begin forwarded message:

Fear not…

For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline. Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord or of me His prisoner, but join with me in suffering for the gospel according to the power of God, who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was granted us in Christ Jesus from all eternity,

2 Timothy 1:7-9 NASB

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For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God

Romans 8:14-16 KJV

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The LORD the Shepherd of His People
A Psalm of David.

The LORD is my shepherd;
I shall not want.

He makes me to lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside the still waters.

He restores my soul;
He leads me in the paths of righteousness
For His name’s sake.

Yea, though I walk through
the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil;
For You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff,
they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
All the days of my life;
And I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

Psalm 23 NKJV

__________________

Thanks be unto God for His wonderful gift:
Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God
is the object of our faith; the only faith
that saves is faith in Him.

Meditation 7/24 – 7/30 Submit to God 1 Peter 5:6-11 MSG

Submit to God; Resist the Devil

So be content with who you are, and don’t put on airs. God’s strong hand is on you; he’ll promote you at the right time. Live carefree before God; he is most careful with you.

He Gets the Last Word

Keep a cool head. Stay alert. The Devil is poised to pounce, and would like nothing better than to catch you napping. Keep your guard up. You’re not the only ones plunged into these hard times. It’s the same with Christians all over the world. So keep a firm grip on the faith.

The suffering won’t last forever. It won’t be long before this generous God who has great plans for us in Christ–eternal and glorious plans they are! – will have you put together and on your feet for good. He gets the last word; yes, he does.

1 Peter 5:6-11 The Message

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Bible Verses for Friday July 29, 2011

mindmapsza — Sat, 30 Jul 2011 06:33:38 +0000

Begin forwarded message:

Our strength is in the Lord!

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.

Ephesians 6:10,11 NASB

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Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. Do everything in love.

1 Corinthians 16:13,14 NIV

__________________

From the end of the earth
will I cry unto thee,
when my heart is overwhelmed:
lead me to the rock that is higher than I.

For thou hast been a shelter for me,
and a strong tower from the enemy.

I will abide in thy tabernacle for ever:
I will trust in the covert of thy wings.

Psalm 61:2-4 KJV

__________________

You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.

2 Timothy 2:1-3 NKJV

__________________

Thanks be unto God for His wonderful gift:
Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God
is the object of our faith; the only faith
that saves is faith in Him.

Meditation 7/24 – 7/30 Submit to God 1 Peter 5:6-11 NLT

Submit to God; Resist the Devil

So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and in his good time he will honor you. Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about what happens to you.

Be careful! Watch out for attacks from the Devil, your great enemy. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for some victim to devour. Take a firm stand against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your Christian brothers and sisters all over the world are going through the same kind of suffering you are.

In his kindness God called you to his eternal glory by means of Jesus Christ. After you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation. All power is his forever and ever. Amen.

1 Peter 5:6-11 NLT

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Bible Verses for Saturday July 30, 2011

mindmapsza — Sat, 30 Jul 2011 06:30:32 +0000

Begin forwarded message:

Revive us O, Lord!

Revive us, and we will call upon Your name.

O LORD God of hosts, restore us;
Cause Your face to shine upon us,
and we will be saved.

Psalm 80:18b, 19 NASB

__________________

Though you have made me see troubles,
many and bitter,
You will restore my life again;
from the depths of the earth
You will again bring me up.

Psalm 71:20 NIV

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Come, and let us return to the LORD;
For He has torn, but He will heal us;
He has stricken, but He will bind us up.

After two days He will revive us;
On the third day He will raise us up,
That we may live in His sight.

Let us know,
Let us pursue the knowledge of the LORD.
His going forth is established as the morning;
He will come to us like the rain,
Like the latter and former rain to the earth.

Hosea 6:1-3 NKJV

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Though I walk in the midst of trouble,
thou wilt revive me:
thou shalt stretch forth thine hand against
the wrath of mine enemies,
and thy right hand shall save me.

The LORD will perfect that which concerneth me:
thy mercy, O LORD, endureth for ever:
forsake not the works of thine own hands.

Psalm 138:7,8 KJV

__________________

Thanks be unto God for His wonderful gift:
Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God
is the object of our faith; the only faith
that saves is faith in Him.

Meditation 7/24 – 7/30 Submit to God 1 Peter 5:6-11 CEV

Submit to God; Resist the Devil

Be humble in the presence of God’s mighty power, and he will honor you when the time comes. God cares for you, so turn all your worries over to him.

Be on your guard and stay awake. Your enemy, the devil, is like a roaring lion, sneaking around to find someone to attack. But you must resist the devil and stay strong in your faith. You know that all over the world the Lord’s followers are suffering just as you are.

But God shows undeserved kindness to everyone. That’s why he appointed Christ Jesus to choose you to share in his eternal glory. You will suffer for a while, but God will make you complete, steady, strong, and firm. God will be in control forever! Amen.

1 Peter 5:6-11 CEV

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