EFFECTIVENESS OF THE DIGITAL ADDRESS SYSTEM - FINAL PRODUCTION

The address system in this country is very bad to the extent that, sometimes when people are filling forms and are requested for their address, they’d simply say they don’t know or have one, for which they cannot always be blamed. This is because new buildings are being put up always without a proper plan, and also ordering for a mailbox comes with high financial duties.

The Ghana Post Company recently came up with a solution to help solve this situation, which is the ‘Digital Address System'. But it does not seem to be effective or valued because even when you are filling forms provided by the government, such as Passport Forms and other forms from the Registrar General, they still ask for house numbers and postal address instead of the digital address which is meant to provide easy navigation system and possibly override house numbers and postal addresses.

It also happened to be that, delivery personnel of the Ghana Post, as well as other courier services providers like DHL, FedEx, and United Parcel Services are not effectively using the digital address system for the delivery of parcels. This sometimes makes it difficult for people to order or receive parcels from overseas, and sometimes in Ghana, and get them delivered to their homes or offices without receiving tonnes of calls to give directions, especially if the location is not well-developed.

In an interview with a DHL staff at their head office, Margaret revealed to me that they don’t use Digital Address for delivery because they don’t have software to help them navigate to the address of their customers. A look at their DHL “Terms and Conditions of Carriage – Deliveries and Undeliveries”  page also revealed that they don’t deliver to mailboxes. Therefore, they’ve resorted to the use of house and office address (description of location) for the delivery of parcels.

 

A survey I conducted with customers who often use the service of courier service providers, to determine how often they use the digital address also showed that, a lot of people are not conversant with the use of the digital address system. I came up with the following report, which will be updated frequently to track the improvement in the use of the system.

However, a tour on the Ghana Post GPS app showed that it is possible to navigate to a digital address from the app which is available on Google Playstore and Apple Appstore, although you will be redirected to Google maps or a third-party app. Before we look at how to do that, this is a short tutorial on how to use the Ghana Post digital address website to generate the digital address of your homes, workplaces, or wherever you find yourself. 

SEE ALSO: How to Navigate to a Digital Address

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LACK OF STREETLIGHTS AND CRIMES

Street lighting provides a number of important benefits. It can be used to promote security in urban areas and to increase the quality of life by artificially extending the hours in which it is light so that activity can take place. Street lighting also improves safety for drivers, riders, and pedestrians.

Although Ghanaians pay around 3% for the installation and maintenance of street lighting as part of their electricity bill, the reality of street lights not working in their communities has led to various crimes at night.

Lack of streetlights at GIJ and around GRA office leading to Osu 

A lady who mostly use this road complained “Yes I use this road quite often. It’s risky, I must admit .

Due to the lack of streetlights, the place becomes dark and dangerous. On my way home one night, I was robbed of my possessions; that is my bag which contained my phone and money and other important items .It takes a lot of courage to keep using this road since I’ve no other option and it is the shortest route to my house.Now I walk armed, carrying a protective gadget that is a flashlight taser , less I get robbed or attacked again .”

Some drivers complain that the lack of street lights contributes to road accidents in the country. If the streetlights are not fixed, driving at night becomes a challenge for them. When you are not familiar with the road, it is easy to get stuck in a pothole or hit another car.

Ghanaians have gotten to a point where they accept the problem as it is without any complaints.They pay money for these lights to be fixed and maintained, they also know nothing will be done but they keep paying because it is their obligation.

Gentleman Ymo · Elsi Mixdown

Pedestrians, especially students and joggers complain that lack of streetlights makes it extremely scary when trekking to and from their various areas due to the notorious people who tend to take advantage of the darkness to cause mayhem, some pedestrians have decided to take a very long alternative route which tends to delay their arrival at their destination for their safety.

Reported by: Elsie Ofuatey-Kodjoe 

MAKEUP AND COVID-19 (FINAL PRODUCTION ).

 The coronavirus pandemic has affected almost every aspect of our lives and there are a lot of precautionary measures being observed by individuals, institutions and governments worldwide to deal with the situation. The makeup industry got its fair share of the impact as wearing of nosemask, a material that covers almost half of the face, is considered one of the vital precautionary measures.

A pic of a face mask with a lipstick stain and a lipstick.

Now, it has become mandatory to wear the nose mask during activities like attending events or visiting public places. These activities are the same reasons why the services of makeup artists are required. But if part of the face would be covered with the nose mask, it seems almost unreasonable to pay to be made up for an event. This idea, coupled with the reluctance of makeup consumers to rely on makeup artists for facial beautification, in fear of getting exposed to the virus, is enough to cause a decline in business for makeup artists.

An interview of makeup artist Hilda Adjei.

Being made up is the last thing one will feel like doing in this time of “new-normal”.Aside the fact that the mask wipes off the products, some women also noted that it is even very uncomfortable wearing makeup and nose mask at the same time. For this reason, they have less or no appetite to wear makeup. But in order to find a balance for the makeup business in this era, makeup artists must come to terms with the new trend and forge new ideas and ways.

Gladly, there are some new tricks and ways to improve the combination of nosemask and makeup. It is advisable to do more lightweight make up. Do not over do it  but always remember that the most important part should be the brow. The brow game must be on fleek. Be bold and go with very good brows since the eyes are  the most visible with the nose mask on.

Makeup artist Hilda Adjei making her client up.

 

Also, create a base that the makeup can stick to. Using primer on the skin is essential to ensuring that the makeup last longer under the nose mask. Do lips matte instead of gloss so that it does not stain the mask. Lastly, go with more water-proof products.

There are also, new products that help with extra smooth application and ensure longevity. An example is “The Ordinary High-Spreadability Fluid Primer”.

By Grace Benewah.

The Importance Of Health Checkups

 

Preventive health care is being promoted globally by the World Health Organization to help reduce the health burden on countries. The campaign for regular medical checkups is one of the most effective preventive health care interventions . This requires patients to see their doctors regularly for thorough evaluation to reduce their risk of chronic and life-threatening diseases. 

    A photo of a patient having a medical checkup.

Few decades ago, people only visited the hospital when they were either sick, injured or on their death bed. However, in recent times the visit to the hospital for medical checkup has become frequent in our modern society due to factors such as education which has, helped increase the health awareness among people.

 Most people are now looking to lower their risk of various conditions or diseases by maintaining a healthy diet, weight, and level of physical activity.

A photo of people engaging in physical activities

Even though the regular visit to the hospital for regular medical checkups is gaining popularity worldwide, it seems it is yet to take roots in the Ghanaian society as it is not an activity people take seriously.

In an interview conducted in Labadi, Accra, some people stated that they don’t go for medical checkups because they cannot afford it. Others also stated they were afraid of being diagnosed with diseases when they go for checkups and as a result, they have decided not to go for checkups at all. Some people on the other hand said that they don’t see the value of health checkups and further indicated that it is a way the rich people in society waste their excess money.

Doctors are encouraging people to visit the hospital for checkups at least once in a year. Physician assistant (PA) , Rita Abanga who is an advocate for regular health checkups says that the failure of people to have medical checkups in endangering their health and well being.

         

Gentleman Ymo · Dr. Rita Abanga

P.A Rita Abanga on the negative effects of not going for checkups

There is a need for change in perception and attitude towards medical checkups if the wealth of Ghana depends on the health of its citizens.

By : Michael Budu Boakye 

Combining the Pleasant with the Useful: the Rampant Installation of Television in Commercial Cars. FINAL PRODUCTION

Installation of television in commercial cars by drivers has been a common thing nowadays in the transport business across the various lorry stations in the country, especially Accra. This new trend has become common in the transport business.

A television set is an electrical equipment with a screen that allows one to watch programs with motion pictures and sound. This device is commonly associated with such places as homes, offices, but hardly with commercial cars. This, therefore, bears the question to know what motivate this new trend of installing television sets in commercial cars, especially those locally known as "trotro".

A picture of television sets that have been fixed in some of the associated places like the house and the office

In such places as homes, offices, shops, television sets have been used for information, education, and entertainment as well. Which purpose are they meant to serve in these new settings?

Television set installed in a car

In order to attempt answering that question, I visited the 37 bus station in Accra and interviewed some drivers of these "enhanced" trotro, and these are some of the things they said.

While such innovations are, no doubt, praiseworthy, one can wonder how effective they are. With this in view, I went on to interview a few passengers to get their opinions about this, and here are some of the things they started: “I prefer cars which has TV sets installed in them because it makes me happy anytime I am going to the house after a bad and stressful day”; “I like those commercial vehicles with TV sets because it releases tension and makes me happy even when I am in a traffic jam”.

 Passengers watching Television in a commercial car

Those are the views of some passengers which may, as, reflect the views of majority of them.

In a nutshell, such an innovative way of combining the pleasant to the useful is commendable, provided that it does turn in a cause of incidents or accidents.

An Article by: Banabas Kofi Essel 

NEGATIVE PERCEPTION ON FACIAL PIERCING. FINAL PRODUCTION.

 

A man with ear piercing.

Facial piercing is a form of body modification. It is the practice of puncturing or cutting a part of the human body, creating an opening in which jewelry is worn or where an implant could be inserted..

  Facial piercings include the eyebrows, anti - eyebrows, labret, Monroe, Medusa, dimples, nostrils (commonly referred to as just nose piercing) septum, bridge, tragus, oral, Frenulum, ear piercing and others.

Facial piercing is done by using piercing gun. Some are, however done using copper earrings, body spray and others. The piercer likely use forceps to insert the base of the anchor into the hole. They will then push, the jewelry in until it is completely situated under the surface of the skin. Once the anchor is set, the piercer will then screw the jewelry earring on top.

EYEBROW PIERCING                      EAR PIERCING

                                                                

   SMILEY FRENULUM  PIERCING             TRAGUS PIERCING      

 Facial piercing has become a common practice among the youth. It was usually done by older people. Nevertheless, of late, it has become common among the youth. There are different perceptions about the practice of facial piercing. Some people consider people with facial piercing as prostitutes or rebellious people.

The reason for piercing or not piercing are varied. Some people pierce for religious or spiritual reasons while others pierce for self - expression, aesthetic value to conform to their culture.

Two facial piercing users on why they pierce

 and how they are stigmatized by society 

Pastor Gerald is a member of a charismatic church. In an interview with him, he stated that, “body modification including piercing has been an increasing trend in recent years.

Pastor Gerald

 I will begin by acknowledging that the Bible does not specifically address body piercing as a sin. So being dogmatic on the issue is unwarranted.” He continued by saying that, “if all body piercings are sinful, as some say, then even a diamond stud in a girl’s ear lobe is a taboo.”

He further commented that, “such a stance goes too far, considering that earrings (and even nose rings) were accessories for Hebrew woman. In an extended metaphor, God reminds Jerusalem of the Lavish blessings He had bestowed on the people saying: I put a ring on your nose, earrings on your ears” (Ezekiel 16:12) 

Ezekiel 16v12, (Amplified Bible)

It’s unlikely that God would have used earrings (and nose rings) as a symbol of beauty and blessing if such jewelry were inherently sinful. See also Songs of Solomon 1:10 - 11 

Songs of Solomon 1v10-11 (Amplified Bible)

So let us not judge people based on their looks or appearance, because sometimes you might think what you see is what it is, until you get close and realize you got it all wrong.

An article written by: Michelle Ansu - Asuma

EFFECTS OF WEARING CONTACT LENSES: WHEN FASHION BECOMES RISKY. FINAL PRODUCTION

 

 Do you know about contact lenses? Have you ever seen one of them? Do you have a mental picture of what they look like? Better still, do you know what they are meant for?
                                   Source: Wikipedia

A lady fixing a contact lens on the eye

Contact lenses were developed as an alternative for medical glasses to correct various eye defects. However, as time passed by, trends changed and contact lenses have become fashionable today. 

                                                Source: Instagram

A social media influencer with a contact lens on

According to Valuates report, the current size of contact lens market is estimated to be around 10 billion Dollars with over 120 Million people using it globally (https://reports.valuates.com/request/sample/QYRE-Auto-12R254/Global_Contact_Lenses_Market).

In Ghana, there is an increase in the use of these contact lenses as most of the youth wear them for both corrective and cosmetic purpose. It has also become a part of most women’s day to day makeup routine, which they often praise that it enhances their beauty. Two young ladies, Belinda and Mathilda respectively, expressed their motivations for wearing contact lenses.

                                  Belinda and Mathilda, students wearing contact lenses

Be it for medical or fashion purpose, wearing of contact lenses involves a number of risks that should not be taken lightly. Dr. Osuman Junior Murtada, an optometrist of Ivision Centre, in Accra, has shed more light on the potential complications involved in wearing contact lenses and the right way to go about it.

Dr. Osuman Junior Murtada - Optometrist,
 Ivision Centre, Accra 

The first common mistake he warned against is sleeping with a contact lenses on. He indicated that this starves the cornea from receiving oxygen. The second warning was about swimming with contact lenses on because this exposes to infections like acanthamoeba keratitis, which may lead to corneal ulcer

Dr. Osuman further advised that the eyes are not to be rubbed rigorously when contact lenses are worn to prevent the lenses from dislocating.

He added that Contact lenses do not expire, but they could be changed daily, monthly or yearly depending on the brand. However, the saline solution in the blister pack does expire.

Contact lenses can be worn for both fashionable and therapeutic purposes. However, to keep safe from any risk and  complications, it is advisable to consult an eye specialist before trying the experience.

 An  Article by Rhoda Esi Krah

USE OF SEX TOYS: BENEFITS AND HAZARDS. FINAL PRODUCTION

A sex toy is an object or device such as dildo or vibrator, that is primarily used to facilitate human sexual pleasure. Many popular sex toys are designed to resemble human genitals, and may be vibrating or non -vibrating.  Sex toys are available in almost all countries for both males and females. It has become a trend in every part of Ghana, most especially.

 

Dildo: A sex toy

Sex toys are most commonly sold at a sex shop or online, but they may also be sold in a pharmacy or chemist store. But most people who now engage in the sex toy business sell it online or hide under the name of a beauty or health shop to operate.

An "enhanced" health and beauty shop

Sex Toys are mostly imported to Ghana by the Chinese marketers who sell them to online shops or the few sex shops around. Many people have been able to seek wealth from this sex toy business within a short while. The price of a sex toy ranges from fifty Ghana Cedis (Gh¢50.00) up to a little over thousand Ghana Cedis (Gh¢1,000.00) due to the wide variety of sex toys available. The sex toys business is proven to be very lucrative; no wonder many young people venture into the Trade. 

During my interview with one young lady who is a student, she said she imports and sells sex toys online to be able to support her education. A little research I made also revealed that the global adult toy market is expected to reach an estimated sheer value of $35.5 billion, by 2023, so millennials are seeking new opportunities in the niche.

          

Kween - student, and an online sex toy dealer                    A screenshot of online sex toy site.

                                                                          

The sex toy business is very lucrative and a lot of wealth is acquired from selling sex toys. A sex toys dealer, Mr. Micheal, as he preferred to be called, explains how profitable the business is, and gives an overview of some of the sex toys.

                                        Mr Micheal- Retail Manager of Vigor Gh Health and Beauty Shop

    

The use of sex toys, however comes with some health risks. These include sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) such as syphilis, bacterial vaginosis, and chlamydia which can be spread via a shared sex toy.

The financial benefits of sex toys business can definitely not be denied. However, the risks attached to using them call for the necessity to be alert and sex toys with moderation. Then one will be able to get the best of it while keeping away from any sickness or addiction.

  AN ARTICLE BY JACQUELINE OWUSU YEBOAA

COVID 19 AND DIET: EAT TO LIVE; DON’T LIVE TO EAT! FINAL PRODUCTION

The fight against Covid-19 has forced people to modify and readjust their lifestyle, and this includes eating habits (diet). Following the WHO safety protocols, diet is essential in the fight against Covid-19.

 In Ghana, many people have undertaken self-prescribed dietetic adjustments in order to boost their immune systems. After all, we all use every possible means to stand better chances against a pitiless enemy.

Jonathan, student

 

We used to squeeze lemon in bottles and drink it.

Since they said alcohol-based sanitizer, we started taking alcohol to fight the virus in our bellies.

Rhoda, student

 

We changed our morning recipe of cereals to drinking of hot water, lemon, garlic.

 

The main question one would ask about the use of these self-medicated potions and concoctions is to know how effective they are. Dr. Henry Adrah, a front-line fighter against the pandemic in Ghana shared his experience about this phenomenon. According to his expert’s view, all these home-made remedies have no immunizing or curative power against the virus. Actually, there is even no proof of the fact that they can boost the immune system.

Dr. Henry Adrah - Korle Bu Teaching
Hospital - Accra

 “When it comes to these concoctions   people   take, there is no data to back how   effective that   works!”

 “Most of the time it is psychological. When   the   person takes it, the person feels   relieved  and it   gives him a positive mind to keep going about his      daily activities.”

 

Rather, relying too much on such self-medicated prescriptions may have serious adverse effects on the body, including gastritis and stomach ulcers.

In the current situation, with the health risks involved in self-medicated dietetic remedies, the question that arises is to know what we should eat to stand chances of winning the battle against the virus. Dr. Wise Letsa, a dietitian at the Trust Specialist Hospital in Accra, provides a practical and down-to-earth answer to this concern.

                Dr. Wise Letsa, Deputy Chief Dietitian – Trust Specialist Hospital – Accra

At the end of the day, the main issue is not what to eat. Our banku and wakye are good, we just need to be disciplined in the way we eat them.

Some of our local foods: Banku & Tilapia (on the left); Waakye /WA-chay/ (on the right)

However, taking the right dietetic measures is just a part of the whole picture. To make the picture complete, there is need for strict compliance with the other safety protocols.

                                      Covid-19 safety protocols Mix

The battle is ongoing, let us press on hoping that brighter days lie ahead.

By Valery MBIDA