The start of the new year 2025, by far in history is one of the fastest Januarys I have ever witnessed. 

The past year 2024 being an election year ushered us into the new year with a change of arms in government and to the glory of God ‘the gateway to Africa’ made history once again with a peaceful election. The Lord took us ‘back to the John’s.’ Indeed what God cannot do does not exist. Well, as a believer I definitely know it was predestined.

Fast forward, January 7th came and again what a historic moment it was. A spectacular inauguration with almost all heads of states trooping into the country to see it for themselves. With the most riskiest of them all being Captain Ibrahim Traore’s side gun and having to exchange pleasantries with the President, but the Lord saw us through again.

Captain Ibrahim Traore with side gun exchanging pleasantries with John Mahama

Getting into office, definitely President elect had a peculiar task to appoint members to the office of the president which he deemed fit to work with and also to help push ‘the reset’ agenda. With most interest in the ministerial positions and the appointment committee.

Thursday 30-01-2025 an unprecedented incident ensued in parliament during the vetting of nominees for various ministerial positions which particularly had to do with ‘time management’  yes ‘time management’.

The popular metaphor “the tables will turn”: backgammon and similar games belong to a class of board games referred to as “tables,” a general name given to games played on a board with dice. If the game wasn’t going in your favor, you would have to “turn” them figuratively, if you wanted to win. You can’t actually “turn the tables” in a game of backgammon, although that would be nice.

This phrase is a metaphor, a substitute for the common idea of a “comeback,” because you would have to reverse the board/the players’ current positions/situations in order to change the outcome.

Brethren, a proverb goes; “a true leader’s legacy and greatness are not defined by physical monuments like statues, but by the positive impact and actions they leave behind during their reign; their deeds and accomplishments will naturally be remembered and speak volumes about their character even after they are gone.”

Fair enough, “the tables will definitely turn” but in the wrong way? A capital NO. Whatever hardship you’ve been through, definitely know that;Yes, the tables will turn for your good one day.

It doesn’t matter your age, your qualifications, who is ahead of you, what your age mates are doing or have done, my brother, my sister, “the tables will turn” but in our quest to turn the tables may we not end up breaking the legs .

To end with, as I rightfully said, being a believer, I will end with a text from the holy bible in Ecclesiastes 9:11 (NKJV)

“I returned and saw under the sun that— The race is not to the swift, Nor the battle to the strong, Nor bread to the wise, Nor riches to men of understanding, Nor favor to men of skill; But time and chance happen to them all.”

Do make sure the legs of the table doesn’t break after turning it. lol

The right way always is with God, for him to order your steps. Be inspired.

Cloves are tiny, but mighty! They’ve been used for centuries in cooking and medicine, and their benefits are still valid till date.

Let’s see 10 health benefits of cloves:

1. Cloves are rich in nutrients

They contain Vitamin C, manganese and antioxidants.

Together they boost immunity, protect bone health and protects your body against oxidative damage.

2. Helps in digestion

Cloves stimulate the production of digestive enzymes, helping with issues like gas, bloating and nausea.

Try taking clove tea or chewing a piece after a heavy meal, your tummy would thank you.

3. Natural pain relief

Cloves can numb pain and reduce inflammation. It was used centuries ago to relieve pain, especially tooth ache.

Apply clove oil to a sore tooth or inflamed gums and you’d get instant relief.

4. Supports respiratory health

Cloves act as a natural expectorant, helping to clear your airways and making breathing easy.

If you’re battling with cough or bronchitis, inhale the steam from clove-infused hot water to open up your airways.

5. Boost immune system

Cloves have antibacterial properties, and also high in Vitamin C. It gives your immune system an extra boost.

Next time you feel down, remember to sip some clove tea.

6. Balances blood sugar levels

Cloves help improve insulin sensitivity, making it a good option for diabetics or anyone that wants a stable blood sugar.

You can add cloves to your meals for this effect.

7. Natural aphrodisiac

Cloves have stimulating properties and can improve libido and enhance overall sexual health.

Research is still ongoing, however it’s been successfully used as a natural aphrodisiac.

8. Protects you from chronic diseases

Cloves contain a potent antioxidant called eugenol. This serves as your body’s defense against free radicals that cause chronic diseases.

It reduces your risk of cancer, and heart diseases.

9. Fights infections

Cloves contain both antibacterial and antifungal properties.

It fights against both bacterial and fungal infections.

For fungal infections like athlete’s foot, apply it directly on the affected toe.

10. Oral health

Cloves are natural solutions for keeping your gums and teeth healthy.

They fight against gum disease, cavities and bad breath.

If you have an oral problem, now you have a tiny solution.

Isabelita Hermona: The first notable African woman artist to achieve significant acclaim in European painting and the first Ghanaian to receive “Western Education”.

ISABELITA HERMONA OF ELMINA (1632 -1692)
“Gratitude,” said Lord Halifax, “cannot be bought; it must be innate.” In the 17th century, a little girl in Elmina, Gold Coast, displayed remarkable humanity. Her sympathy saved Spanish traders from being killed and their goods confiscated by Portuguese traders who had declared an illegal monopoly on trade.

The Portuguese fiercely defended their monopoly in the Gold Coast during the early 16th century, building forts in Axim, Shama, Elmina, and Accra to guard their territories.

This forced the English to trade elsewhere, as locals feared the bloody reprisals from the Portuguese. By 1640, when Portugal regained independence from Spain and went to war with Holland over Brazil, the Dutch captured Axim (1642) and removed the Portuguese from the Gold Coast.

As part of an agreement involving the exchange of colonies in Brazil and the Gold Coast, the Dutch enforced the monopoly on the Gold Coast with even harsher measures.

During the last weeks of Portuguese control, a Spanish boat was captured, dragged to the shore, and burnt, and its goods were destroyed. A young girl named Esi, from the Royal House, intervened by throwing a stone at a Portuguese trader. This spurred the villagers to act, leading to the Portuguese retreat and the Spanish traders’ escape.

After the Dutch took over, they treated the Spanish captain, Pedro Acunar, a wealthy and renowned trader, more leniently. Pedro wanted to take Esi to Spain to repay her, but it took six years following the exchange of letters for her parents to agree.

In 1649, Esi went to Madrid. Renamed Isabelita Hermona in Spain, she received a top education and became an accomplished artist. She studied under renowned artists such as Velázquez and his son-in-law, Juan Bautista Martínez del Mazo, and made a special study of the works of the Watteaus (father and son), Rembrandt, Franz Hals, and Van Dyck.

Returning to Elmina in 1691, she found little opportunity for her talents and moved back to Europe (Holland), where she died in 1692.

Isabelita Hermona remains the first notable African woman artist to achieve significant acclaim in European painting. She was one of the women who inspired young Fante women in Elmina to study history of the world and the arts, as well as mathematics and more.

Isabelita Hermona is the first Ghanaian and perhaps African woman born in Africa to have formal education and so far only African woman artist of note, to achieve so much from European schools of painting.” source (Everything Fante)

#FantiHeroesMonth