The CSUC Communicator

The CSUC

COMMUNICATOR The ‘Good to Great’ Edition A publication by the CSUC Department of Communication Studies

‘Good to Great’: Ongoing Reforms Success Triangle of CSUC President

Budding Entrepreneur Mothers at War With Their Babies

Issue 3

Volume 1

CHRISTIAN SERVICE UNIVERSITY COLLEGE, KUMASI FAITH

SCHOLARSHIP

INTEGRITY

Accredited by the National Accreditation Board, Ghana; Affiliated to the University of Ghana, Legon and the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technolohgy (KNUST), Kumasi.

JANUARY

2016 ADMISSIONS

Christian Service University College (CSUC), Kumasi is admitting students into its programmes for the January Regular and Weekend Schools.

Degree programmes offered include: ·MA in Christian Ministry with Management ·BSc. Nursing ·BSc. Information Technology ·BSc. Computer Science ·BA Planning and Social Development ·BA Theology with Administration (Regular and Sandwich) ·BA Communication Studies ·BBA with options in: ØPurchasing and Supply Chain Management ØAccounting ØHuman Resource Management ØMarketing and ØBanking & Finance Courses are offered in the mornings, evenings and weekends.

WASSCE candidates, HND Holders and other interested applicants should purchase the application forms at any Ecobank branch and at all major post offices in Ghana.

Applicants who do not meet the basic entry requirements can also enroll in the CSUC Access Course for Mature Students.

CSUC is also offering half scholarships for prospective students with aggregate 6 to 12 to pursue any degree programme of choice. For more enquiries, call 0501-500300 or 0501-500302, or visit the CSUC website at www.csuc.edu.gh.

Locate CSUC on the Odeneho Kwadaso Road, just after the Santasi Roundabout.

CSUC! Excellence with Integrity

Editorial

a well-developed human capital. Now however, Ghana has arguably joined the league of highly indebted poor countries for various reasons.

Primary among them is indiscipline and poor attitudes. Indiscipline has become a conspicuous invisible signage now on the roads, in the markets, in many homes, churches, educational institutions and almost everywhere.

Mrs. Adwoa S. Amankwah Snr. Lecturer - Communication Studies

The previous edition of the “CSUC Communicator” editorialised on the need to equip university graduates with the relevant skills, knowledge and the ability to apply the knowledge gained to solve problems of society and to create sustainable jobs.

That concept seems to have sunk into the hearts and minds of educators and the educated alike. One might ask then that after job creation, what next?

The CSUC Communicator believes the ability to retain and sustain the jobs through positive attitudes such as discipline, hardwork and integrity are pivotal. The focus of this piece is to examine how indiscipline is making a mirage out of the progress we could make as a nation.

At the time of independence, Ghana ranked tenth as the world's leading miner of gold. The Ghanaian soil has rich deposits of aluminium, bauxite, diamonds and manganese. Through these natural assets, Ghana became a middle income country in the league of countries such as South Korea and Mexico (Dzorgbo, 2001:2). Ghana also had the advantage of

The home used to be the citadel of sound training in our moral and cultural values. In the homes, little ones were taught to respect others in deed and in conduct through the use of age old words such as “please”, “sorry” and “thank you”. These days, in the quest at making ends meet and often living according to the Jones's, many parents do not make as much time as our forebears did to train and mentor the children to appreciate and practise some of these simple virtues. In many homes, parents leave communication technologies such as television and the Internet with a conglomeration of both wholesome and unwholesome videos and audio, to babysit the babies and toddlers at home. So a number of these little ones are mentored instead by celebrities and violent cartoon stars, some of whom are not acceptable role models. When the kids grow into adults with undesirable attitudes that the parents do not recognise, the latter then turn to the school and the church for solutions.

The pride of several advanced countries is their level of development. A couple of years back in Ghana, as school children and adults alike sang to patriotic tunes such as “yen ara y'ase ni, eye 'buo den den ma yen…”, there was a strong sense of we-feeling, nationhood and solidarity among us as Ghanaians.

Now however, one wonders whether the youth and children appreciate songs like that. Many children arrive late to school, adults turn up late at work, meetings and functions and various appointments and we laugh it off under the pre-text of Ghanaian time. The teachers have about eight hours or so to teach the syllabus. One wonders how much of citizenship and moral training goes into that time.

The focus of teaching now is to groom the children to write and pass their exams. So can we blame the teacher for not training the child well?

These days, you find a number of young people going to church with no Bibles but rather a mobile phone or a tablet. And as the Church Service goes on, you

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find users of these phones, fidgeting with them, facebooking or whatsapping - in sum, lost in their own world. So the time-tested word of God that is able to convert the heart, transform the mind, activate the will to rightful living is rejected. Within such an atmosphere, how can the Church transform society and contribute to development?

On our roads there is indiscipline galore as passengers and pedestrians alike, throw rubbish ranging from sachet water rubbers, used diapers of babies, toffee and biscuits wrappers on the streets and in gutters. Hence, a number of our previously clean cities are now turning to cities of filth.

Other drivers gallantly drive through the traffic lights even when the traffic turns 'red' to signal stop'.

The institutions and organisations responsible for maintaining discipline, law and order seem to have lost control. They appear overwhelmed by the degeneration and are at a loss as to where to start from in the bid to restore sanity, discipline and

sound moral and ethical values into the society.

It is the view of the CSUC Communicator that all is not lost. There is still time to pick the pieces together.

The CSUC Communicator echoes the recent matriculation message of the CSUC President, Prof.

Sam Afrane. In that speech, Prof. Afrane, indicated that the CSUC would embark on holistic education that integrated sound Christian virtues and values into students. Deriving from that, the Communicator wishes to appeal to society, both the youth and adults not to remove the ancient landmarks (Proverbs 23:10) of our Ghanaian cultural values – respect, honesty, hardwork, discipline and humility but rebuild the broken walls by getting back to God, back to the ancient landmarks of truth, honesty, integrity, love for God and man and back to the way of God. The CSUC Communicator believes that it is then that our land and our people will receive healing in mind, body and attitudes. It is then that our nation would prosper and develop.

Inside this issue:

‘Good to Great’: Ongoing Reforms

Editor: Mrs. Adwoa S. Amankwah Sub-editor: Mrs. Kate Sem-Ackah Layout and Design: Ginn Assibey Bonsu Writing and Proof-reading Team: 2015/2016 News writing and Reporting Class

3 Success Triangle Of CSUC President 3 Budding 24 Entrepreneur Mothers At War With 16 Their Babies Beware Of 22 ‘Akwankyere’ 2

ONGOING REFORMS: Route to making CSUC a world class University

By Adwoa S. Amankwah

Prof. Sam Afrane, CSUC President The President of Christian Service University College, Prof Sam Afrane has disclosed that the CSUC is embarking on critical reforms to promote the growth of the University College in line with his vision of moving CSUC from ‘Good to Great’. A pivot of these reforms is the introduction of Performance Standards which define the activities of the University College and the expected completion time for them. These standards are in three key areas – namely finance, administration and academics.

their ultimate satisfaction.

The system of issuing transcripts has also been streamlined to make it easier, simpler and timesaving for students. Students are assured of receiving their transcripts in a matter of 24 hours to a maximum waiting period of five days. For instance in October 2015, 60 transcripts were issued. Twenty four (24) were issued within 24 hours, 13 were ready in 48 hours and 23 were ready within a week. CSUC graduands abroad can request for transcripts to be delivered to educational institutions outside the country. The processes for online registration subsequent to the payment of fees at the bank have been simplified as well.

In terms of the financial operations of the University College, the CSUC president indicated that the reforms seek to eliminate bottlenecks and minimise time lags for processing and paying claims. For instance, the Finance Office has extended the time for delivering financial services to the CSUC's most cherished partners - its students. To cater for the needs of evening students, the CSUC Finance Office operates to almost 7:00 pm.

Reward systems have been instituted to recognise and reward outstanding students in every department. In the first semester of the 2015/2016 academic year, a team of best students who met this criteria, accompanied the President Prof. Sam Afrane, on a day's educational tour to Ashesi Universty. The purpose of the trip was to enable CSUC students to interact with Ashesi University students, sit in their lectures and experience Ashesi's uniqueness as one of Africa's best universities.

Regarding the improvement of academic systems of the University College, Prof. Afrane said that the issuance of 'examination pass' to students to allow them to write their examinations is now effected by the CSUC Finance Office. Students are issued with examination passes after settling their fees. This procedure has reduced the multiple cumbersome steps students had to go through every semester as they moved from one office to another to go through the process of securing a pass. The effect of this is a savings in time and effort by the student, leading to

The CSUC president believes that cordial staffstudent relationships would contribute to building a healthy University College. In this respect, both teaching and non-teaching staff in the first semester of the 2015/2016 academic year, were taken through customer service focussed seminars and the perennial pre-semester retreat facilitated by Prof.

Mrs. Ibok Oduro, the Head, Food Science Department KNUST, also covered staff-student relationships.

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By Paul K. Acheampong, Ernest Okai, KwadwoAdu-Gyamfi

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The Success Triangle of new CSUC President

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Final year students are not left out in these reforms.

Seminars, workshops and lectures are being conducted to prepare and equip CSUC final year students with relevant soft skills required for the job market. The CSUC would groom professionals who would serve with integrity, excellence, moral uprightness and godliness in their various fields of

endeavour. Finally, students' satisfaction surveys have been conducted to solicit students' concerns and suggestions for greater efficiency of the CSUC system. Prof. Afrane was quick to add however, that “nobody succeeds alone, so I would work with both staff and students to achieve these goals”.

Entrepreneurship

The President of the Christian Service University College, Prof. Sam Afrane, has outlined a threepronged approach encapsulated in the imagery of a triangle as his vision for CSUC. Under the theme of “good to great,” Prof.Afrane has indicated that professional programmes, entrepreneurship and ICT-savviness – are the concepts that are going to drive his mission and his work at the CSUC. At the centre of his vision for the University College will be a Christ-centred approach to all that will be done.

“Every institution must be known for something.

Our university must be known for three things: its sound professional programmes, strong and market-driven entrepreneurship and ICT savviness.

Students who come here to study and go back to work within the domains of the professions they studied must attest to this,” emphasized Prof.

Afrane.

“Students who come here must go out to set up their own jobs or find work to do. I’m looking forward to a time when employers would come looking for qualified people from the CSUC. Afterall, the main

point of going to school is to get a job after school”, Prof Afrane added.

In terms of the ICT savviness, the President indicated that ICT would be fused into all that students and staff do, as in teaching, learning and research coupled with administration. In this regard, he has set in motion the ‘laptop per student’ initiative, where students will be able to acquire a quality laptop for their studies and pay by instalments.

The President added that Christ would be at the centre of this three-pronged approach in that the CSUC would endeavour to inculcate sound ethical and Christian values on to students so they can go out and positively impact their world. The CSUC would groom professionals who would serve with integrity, academic excellence, spiritual uprightness.

Prof. Afrane was quick to add however that “nobody succeeds alone, so I would work with both staff and students to achieve these goals.”

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Communication Studies Department makes great strides

By Kate Sem-Ackah

Head, Department of Communication Studies - Mr. Asuamah Adade-Yeboah (Snr. Lecturer)

The head of Department of Communication Studies at the Christian Service University College, Mr. Asuamah Adade-Yeboah, has highlighted the significant progress the Department has made within the few years of its existence.

"Over six years ago, we started the department with less than 30 students but now they are increasing, every year the student number increases. Now we have almost 200 students," Mr. Adade-Yeboah said.

As the only accredited Communications Department located in the northern sector of the country, the Department is branding itself through the quality of graduates they produce, the tuition and professionalism the lecturers impart to students and opportunities for hands on practice they give them.

At the Communication Studies Department, students offering the four main specialisations; Advertising, Public Relations, Broadcast and Print Journalism have the opportunity to put theory into practice. “Broadcast Journalism students have hands on training and practice at the Communications Studio, Print Journalism and News Writing Students produce news articles, foremost is this news magazine, Public Relations students have the opportunity to organise events, write speeches and conduct protocol duties whiles Advertising students produce Advertising copies and multimedia documentaries,� explained Mr. AdadeYeboah.

The Head of Department added that the solid training being given to the students is ultimately positioning them well in the world of work and academia as in the coming years, the Department hopes to begin a Master of Arts Degree in Communication.

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Ministry to Evening and Weekend Schools Part of on-going reforms

The Chaplaincy Unit of the University College has started holding vibrant and spirit-filled worship services to cater for the spiritual and emotional needs of evening and weekend classes as part of the ongoing reforms. "'Weekend and evening students are an integral part of the CSUC, so these services are practical steps at sharing our major core values such as, ‘acceptance of the Lordship of Jesus Christ, integrity, mutual support and care’ with them" said Prof. Sam Afrane, President of the CSUC..

gospel of Jesus Christ and share its Christian values with them.

"I have been enormously blessed and ministered to by attending this service. I look forward to the next service soon" said Benjamin Kenneth Nkrumah, a level 200 Communication Studies student of the Evening School.

Rev. Dr. Peter White, the Assistant Chaplain added that "the worship services are being well attended by both staff and students. The rich time of fellowship during these services makes it an event you would not want to miss.”

According to the University College Chaplain, Rev. Dr Margaret Asabea Aboagye, the services are meant to provide a platform where the CSUC can impact its student population with the salvation

New Academic Programmes Part of on-going reforms

The CSUC's January 2016 admissions drive has been boosted with the accreditation of the BSc. Information Technology programme. The successful accreditation of this programme comes as part of efforts by the University College to mount new academic programmes.

"We have submitted applications to both the National Accreditation Board for accreditation and the University of Cape Coast for affiliation for the following programmes; MSc. Accounting and Finance; MSc. Project Monitoring and Evaluation; B.Ed. Basic Education and B.Ed Early Child Education," revealed Prof. Sam Afrane, the CSUC president.

"We are also working on Physician Assistants' Programme to be submitted early next year. We pray that we get the necessary approvals to enableb us start some of these programmes in January, 2016," Prof. Afrane added.

Introduction of distance learning and problem-solving approaches Part of on-going reforms

The CSUC Executive Committee has initiated a process of introducing distance learning and problem-solving approaches in the teaching methodology of the University College as part of the on-going reforms.

These initiatives will position CSUC strategically to reach out to many potential students living outside the Kumasi metropolis. The reform is also meant to shift the mode of teaching from the “teacher-centred learning approach” to the “student-centred learning paradigm.”

This mode of teaching using the 'Moodle' platform is more interactive and problem-based in that it will present students with information on the course and encourage them to research to look for solutions to problems presented during the lesson. 'Moodle' is hosted on the revitalised CSUC website.

Currently, twenty lecturers are undergoing training in use of the software and it is expected that by the next semester, about 30 percent of courses will be running via this mode.

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CSUC

the obvious choice

As the quest for having a degree is becoming the basic job requirement, lots of people including those already employed are advancing themselves academically by going to universities. With several private and public universities available in the country, one wonders what is making Christian Service University College, CSUC, a preferred choice for students. Several reasons were given by some continuing and fresh students of the University College on why they chose to enrol at CSUC. Mr Kizito Cudjoe, a Level 400 Communications student, majoring in Public Relations said he chose C S U C mai nl y b e c au s e o f t h e d e g re e i n Communications that the University College offers.

He said as a journalist, he wanted a degree in communication and CSUC is the only university in the northern sector of the country that is offering that course.

“I am a reporter with the Business and Financial Times, Kumasi Office and when the desire to acquire a degree came, I needed a University in Kumasi that runs a degree in communication so I can easily combine mine education and career so CSUC was a preferred choice,” said Kizito Cudjoe.

Concerning the Faith and Practice Programme, every student has one credit hour every month

By Awuah Samuel Baffour Benedicta Akoma Boateng Yasmin Selorm Krakah Beatrice Spio-Garbrah where the students are practically taught key values of the University College based on biblical principles and real life situations, so for me, I don’t miss these sessions’ added Mr. Cudjoe.

He also touched on the lecturer-student ratio as another motivating factor that made him choose CSUC. He explained that unlike some universities that have lecture halls fully packed with some students even standing outside during lectures, the same cannot be said of CSUC. The lecture halls often have about 60 students or less. This makes teaching and learning very effective as with time the lecturers get to know all their students with time. Students also have access to the lecturers even after lectures for further explanation of topics not well understood during lecture periods.

Another interviewee, a level 400 BBA student, Richard Amponsah Dwomoh said he was encouraged to choose CSUC by a friend, Kojo Marfo, an old student of the University College.

‘As a journalist, my salary is not very good and when I was contemplating going to the University, how to pay was a major setback but Kojo Marfo talked about the flexible fee-paying system. Kojo explained that all I needed was 60 percent of the total fees to enable me register for the semester and pay gradually

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before the end of semester exams commences. In the view of Richard Dwomoh, that was the major motivating factor for choosing CSUC. “Now with the intervention of the University College SRC, students now pay 50 percent of the total amount of the school fees and we can register so it has helped me very well”, said Mr. Richard Dwomoh.

The central location of the school also served as a major reason why Richard chose CSUC. The school is located at Odeneho Kwadaso off the SantasiObuasi Road. It is not a traffic prone area and this he stated also inspired him to select CSUC. "I was also inspired by where the University College is located. One can easily get transportation to and from school irrespective of the time so I opted for CSUC above the other universities and I have not regretted that decision. With the work I do as a reporter and producer at Kapital Radio, I have a tight time schedule. Sometimes I have to do production late afternoon but because getting a vehicle to school is not very difficult.

I donot panic when I have to come to school” added Richard.

“Rev Dominic Yamoah, my friend and an alumini recommended the University Collegem to me. He is now a Rev Minister with the Methodist Church, Tamale Diocese. He explained that the Certificate awarded after school equals that of the other Theology institutions in the country and advised that I choose CSUC”, chipped in Pastor Elijah Arizi, a level 100 Theology student.

“What I also like about this university is that morality in terms of decency in dressing is also commendable. Unlike some universities where students wear indecent dresses to lectures, the same cannot be said here” added Pastor Arizi.

Miss Portia Opoku, a level 300 Nursing student said she was advised by other nurses who have graduated from the University College that the CSUC Certificate is accepted in government hospitals just like those from the other public universities. She expressed her satisfaction about the subjects taught so far and the practicals that they do to be well groomed.

Picture source:m ybrow

nbaby.com

For all these students, they are happy that they chose to enrol at CSUC.

One may think that, having a job or being a career woman, being married and having children is good enough for the average Ghanaian woman. But, what do we see today? We see women 'running' after degrees, masters, PhDs, doctorate degrees just to mention a few. Fortunately (for the mothers) and unfortunately (for their babies) almost all universities in the country now offer evening and weekend programmes that suit these career women and mothers. There is no question that being both a

The challenges of the career woman - motherhood and education

By Yasmin Selorm Krakah

parent and a student is a very challenging balance to maintain.

Dorothy Anderson is a level 400, bachelor of business administration (BBA) student at Christian Service University College (CSUC). She narrates her ordeal being a wife, a mother and a student. She says that managing the home and school was “just too much.” She couldn't find the exact words to describe it. According to her, she was a student who used to sit in the front or the middle rows during a lecture, but when the baby came in, she always had to sit at the back. Again, she had to make sure the baby was asleep before she entered any lecture hall.

So sometimes you see her walking on campus with her little angel at her back, trying to put him to sleep before entering the class. In the course of the lecture,

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should the baby wake up, it could mean the end of lectures for her, otherwise, she had to take baby out and feed him, change him, care for him and make him feel alright and comfortable before joining in the lecture. Meanwhile, the lecture was still in session when she was away. Dorothy lives at Abuakwa, a suburb of Kumasi and indicated that, sometimes she got home at around 9:30 pm or 10:00 pm, by which time the baby might be asleep.

That notwithstanding, she has to wake baby up to bath and probably feed him again before putting him to sleep. This greatly affects both baby and mummy's sleep. Unfortunately, Dorothy has no one to help her care for the baby, but the best part is that, she has an understanding husband who supports her in all these. To her, keeping a home, a job and furthering one's education isn't an easy task at all and ladies doing this should be applauded and commended.

Another student I spoke to, Louisa Appiah, a communication student also at Christian Service University College (CSUC) also mentioned the difficulties associated with being a student parent.

According to her, on daily bases, she drives her children from Adowato-Adomanu to her mother who lives at Danyame (all in Kumasi) before coming for lectures. Her number one challenge is concentrating in class when the children are not with her. “Are they ok?”, “Are they disturbing their grandma too much?” “Are they eating well and adapting to their grandma well?”, “Are they crying?”

Personally, I worked with the biggest domestic airline in the country. I'm married and have a child.

Combining schooling with my career and family life

has been one tedious and difficult task. It got so bad when I was working with the Airlines, that sometimes for almost a week or so, my little boy would not have seen my face. I left home very early when he was still asleep. He on the other hand goes to school, comes back and is expecting to see mummy and mummy is still not around.

I close from work and move to school, I go through lectures successfully and close from lectures between 8:00pm and 8:30pm. When I get home by 9:00pm, my baby boy would have been fast asleep and this cycle continues for several days until you are off duty once in maybe two weeks or so.

Sometimes I hug him, kiss him, hold him close yet he doesn't see any of those. A driver takes him to school in the, morning and his aunty or grandma picks him up after school and takes care of his feeding, bathing, homework etc. Gradually, that motherbaby bond becomes faint and baby gets more attached to other care givers. Hmmmmm Parents who double as students mostly do so to upgrade themselves and in a way increase their salaries at their various offices, so to speak. They also do so to acquire knowledge and broaden their horizon. Even though it isn't an easy task, everyone should endeavour to upgrade herself to be in tune with the changing times. Student-parents should be encouraged every now and then to keep pushing up the academic ladder. To mothers who are using children as an excuse for not furthering your education, I say place no limitation on yourself, come join us, lets skip the challenges associated with student-parenting, for ourselves and for the future of our children.

ACHIEVING ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE THROUGH THE HOLY SPIRIT

By Rev. Dr. Peter White

Often, Christians relegate the works of the Holy Spirit to ministry in the Church and therefore do not really see the important role of the Holy Spirit in our daily and academic lives. In view of this, you will see students struggling to achieve their academics goals. Having been in the academia for a while, I have come to the conclusion that students can do better and achieve academic excellence with ease

when they learn to rely on the Holy Spirit in their daily lives.

The truth is that, human beings are limited in diverse ways that is why it is very important that students learn to rely on the Holy Spirit. I quite remember that during the first week of my MastersDegreeprogramme at the University of Ghana, Legon, I struggled to really capture the

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import of what the lecturers were teaching. That was when I saw how limited I was and it became the turning point in my life to rely on the Holy Spirit to be the helper and teacher in my academic pursuit.

Since then, my life has never been the same. Before that experience, I only knew the role of the Holy Spirit in relation to ministration of the Gospel and studying the Bible but had no knowledge of the relevance of the Holy Spirit to academic life.

It is very essential at this point to note that the grace and the power to achieve academic excellence come from the Holy Spirit. According to Daniel 1:17, what made Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah to have knowledge and skill in all literature or subjects, and be ten times better than their other colleagues was the divine ability God gave them.

The Scripture said, “God gave them knowledge and skill in all literature and wisdom”. In Daniel 6:3, we read, “Daniel distinguished himself above the governors and satraps, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king gave thought to setting him over the whole realm”.

Excellence is a quality of being outstanding. God is a God of excellence and therefore wants believers to exhibit excellence in every sphere of their lives.

Although the Holy Spirit is one, his manifestations are in diverse ways. In Daniel 6:3, the Holy Spirit manifested himself in the form of the Spirit of excellence. Students can equally pray to God for the spirit of excellence to manifest in their academic lives and it shall be done. In a similar way, students can also ask God to endow them with the knowledge

THE CHANGING FACE OF KUMASI

By Patrick Y. Dogbey and EbidoEsanyen

Kumasi has evolved over the last decade and half, and will continue to grow. What a change a decade and half makes. Kumasi has come a long way. Our forebears prided themselves on living in the garden city of Kumasi. Now new infrastructure such as shopping malls and air transport services have sprung up.

Air transport as a means of commuting from one city to the other, has over the years improved. There is a sharp rise of domestic airline operations from a single flight to multiple flights per day. According to an editorial published in “Graphic Online” March 2014, passenger numbers from 85,156 has risen to 600,000 as of 2013. This reaction from the industry players is unbelievable but impressive in a sense.

and skill they need as far as their academic lives are concerned and it will be so. In fact, the Holy Spirit can transform a dull student into a first class student. Jesus Christ said “but the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you” (John 14:26). In this context, it is clearly noted that the Holy Spirit is a teacher and also gives retentive memory to those who ask for His help.

Additionally, the following personal effortmust also be made; · · · · · ·

Always invite the Holy Spirit to give you understanding during your lecture periods and personal study time.

Have a timetable for learning.

Live a disciplined life Minimise the use of social media.

If possible join a study group.

Visit the library for further study and get acquainted with books and materials in your area of study. Great achievers always go the extra mile.

Having said the above, you cannot experience the help of the Holy Spirit, until you have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. This is an opportunity for you to invite Jesus Christ to be the Lord and Saviour of your life (Roman 10:9-10). I wish you all the best in your academic endeavours, and may the Holy Spirit help you to achieve your academic goals in the name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

Added to that, indigenous businesses have taken advantage of the aviation boom. The latest is the youngest of the Ghanaian registered operators, Africa World Airlines, making Kumasi’s skyline busy on daily basis.

The hospitality industry has enjoyed its fair share of the change in the metropolis. Hotels, amusement parks, chain of restaurants just to mention a few,are cashing in due to influx of visitors on daily basis. A region touted as peaceful and with less traffic congestion by some tourists, has over years has won the hearts of many Chinese and other nationals into the region. Many tourists feel welcomed due to the first class African hospitality they enjoy. The Royal Seat of the Ashanti Kingdom is an added advantage which drives people from all walks of life to come do business.

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Education

for Total Life

Part of on-going reforms

As part of the on-going reforms at the CSUC, the Executive Committee has decided to introduce the 'Education for total life' string of courses to enrich the teaching curriculum and prepare students to live a more fruitful and holistic life after graduation.

These courses are; Life Planning, People and Society, Entrepreneurship and Leadership Development and they would complement already existing courses namely Biblical Studies and Ethics.

According to the CSUC President, Prof. Sam Afrane, the courses will be integrated into the

undergraduate programmes at different levels and they will be taught on seminar basis by experienced resource persons.

“We hope this will bring a new dimension to our training of students and invariably, enhance our competitiveness,” Prof. Afrane added.

Quality Education on the wheels of

CSUC's e-Library

By Adwoa S. Amankwah & Richard Opoku

“Anyone who wants to learn something more other than examinations will find that the library is very important to achieving that goal because it is the powerhouse of learning for universities,” asserted Rt. Rev. Prof.Osei Safo Kantanka, the Chairman of the CSUC Council. Prof. Safo Kantanka said this during the commissioning of the six-storey state of the art ICT and Library Complex of the CSUC. The President of the CSUC, Prof. Sam Afrane added that the library is stocked with electronic books and materials that will make it easy for students to access them from their homes, wherever, they may be. This facility will remove inconveniences and excuses students make such as demands of their work schedules not allowing them to have more time to read and prepare for assignments and other presentations.

“The e-library carried on the wheels of distance learning will enhance students' post-classroom studies, research and enquiries. Lecturers will get their teaching learning materials online through the e-learning mode to enable students interact more

effectively with the study materials as they apply it to conduct research and build their knowledge base,” said Prof. Afrane.

“We are excited about the space and facilities afforded us by this new library,” said Mr. Frank Adu Duffour, the Students' Representative Council president.

“The main advantage of this library is the space; there is a staff reading room, conference room, suite for focus group discussions,” the Council Chairman said.

Mr. Yaw Senya, the CSUC Librarian added that the library has almost a 160 seater capacity, more computers, lockers for all patrons, a graduate research and reading room and an open access facility. He added that the facility has a sound-proof space that is congenial for learning.

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The CSUC-Alumni Partnerships

By Adwoa S. Amankwah

As part of the ongoing reforms, the Partnership Development Office and Alumni Relations Unit, has worked hard to improve the University College's relationship with its alumni and strengthen the CSUC Alumni Association.

In this respect, electronic voting for local and international alumni was organised on the 15th of December, 2015 at the CSUC to elect substantive executives for the Association.

The University College takes cognisance of the invaluable contribution the alumni can make to brand and publicise the CSUC. In its turn, the CSUC would contribute practically to the development of its alumni by organising professional short courses, seminars and workshops for them.

CSUC School of Business Team Projects

By Nkrumah Stephen, KwadwoAdu-Gyamfi & Osei Kofi Serebour

In line with CSUC's proactive problem-based teaching-learning approach, level 400 students of the CSUC's School of Business have presented their team business proposals.

The team business proposals, an epitome of the problem-based learning approach, is a learning mode where lecturers of the related areas guide students to identify problems in industry, investigate them and apply the requisite solutions to resolve them.

Frank Adu Duffour, level 400 Accounting student and his team for instance investigated a Small to Medium Scale Enterprise (SME) named Winkyd off the Tanoso-Abuakwa Road. The SME operated largely as mobile money merchant separately from giant companies such as MTN. According to Mr. Duffour, although Winkyd Co. Ltd was tastefully decorated, his team discovered that Winkyad had a low market share framework. So the team got to work applying workable business

principles that they put together as recommendations to help grow that business. “We have recommended to the owner of Winkyd to employ and train appropriate staff with the required skills and competence. We also suggested that they have a higher cash reserve so they can make higher payments for clients who might want to transact amounts such as 500 Ghana cedis and above,� explained Mr. Adu Duffour.

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The typical schedule

of a student nurse

By Kate Sam-Ackah

The CSUC Department of Nursing seeks to train highly qualified and competent degree nurses who will attend to patients with compassion, skill and excellence. Hence as part of regular practical training students are given, they are trained through practical attachments to hospitals and in house by their lecturers to conduct typical duties that they are expected to perform (via a simulation exercise).

Below are some of the duties they are trained to perform as future nurses.

Felix Addo a level 300 student who took part in the simulation process had this to say " the whole procedure was cool but because I was under close supervision I was a bit nervous, which is normal though�

According to Madam Constance a Clinical instructor at the demonstration lab "the students seem to be applying the correct procedures per the tasks they are performing, for both practicing and student nurses. And that is a very good thing".

Some students also had practicals on setting up an IV infusion

These students are filling a patience care plan for potential patients

A student simulating an intervention for a fever patient

The nursing department in the University is a thriving department, with the intention of churning out high grade health professionals for the Health Sector in Ghana was inaugurated in September 2014.

Clinical instructors evaluating students performance

Security on

CSUCcampus

By Kwawu Celia Efe Seyram, Ansah Jeffrey and Owusu Moses Kobi

Security is invisible and many institutions mostly those found in the developing countries feel reluctant to invest much because it is only considered as expenditure on the balance sheet. “CSUC for many years now has been on top of security and has recorded low incidents of security threats because the University College does not take security of staff, students and visitors for

14

granted"revealed Mr. John Azeeko, Chief Security

commercial vehicle you board during your

Officer at CSUC.

rounds.

Mr. Azeekosaid that owners of vehicles on campus

-

Never board a taxi with all-male occupants

are advised to adapt the reverse parking style so that

already in. Beware also of taxis with a female

in cases of emergency and incidents such as fire

occupants. The female passenger may be

outbreak, drivers can quickly drive off.

used as a deco to rob you.

-

lit areas

In ensuring students' safety during lecture hours, the security check point is closed and security

-

Avoid using isolated foot path and shortcuts.

officers move around both inside and outside campus to ensure that cars are safe from robbery.

Always walk in pairs, or in groups and at well-

-

Avoid the services of errand boys; they may

Inspector James Oubik Senaki of the Mobile Force

monitor your movements and rob you later

Unit Ashanti Regional Command of the Ghana

or give information to their accomplices.

Police Service said the presence of the Police at night

-

the hostels, they may be criminals.

on the main street adjacent the CSUC campus has brought relief to both students and drivers. It has

Do not entertain hawkers on campus and at

-

Beware of the type of friends you entertain in

contributed to reducing the rate of robbery attacks

your rooms; they may be predators and

in the Odeneho Kwadaso Area.

criminals.

Tit-bits from the CSUC Security Unit -

-

Report every unusual occurrence promptly

Remember to lock your door whenever you

to the security office for immediate

are leaving your car and your room or office.

assistance.

Change promptly the lock in your door when

-

Ladies must not wear heels when going for all

your key is missing and also report the

night church service and clubs but rather flat

incident.

shoes to be able to run when there's an

-

Lock your door when asleep.

incident.

-

Record the registration number of every

Eat well and keep fit

By Antwi Godfred, Dufie Nyamekye Sarah, Ngozi Gladys, Gillian Anima Asare

CSUC mini-mall

Education at CSUC has been made easier, more convenient and enjoyable with the establishment of the CSUC mini mall right on the ground floor of the six-storey Executive Hostel on the CSUC campus.

Sales person, Ivy Debrah says both students and staff patronise the mall. The prices are very affordable much like that in town. Some of the items on sale include books, drinks, confectionary, provisions and toiletries.Come get your groceries and other essentials at the mall. We are open from Monday to Friday, 8am-7pm and Saturdays 8am to 5pm.You are warmly welcome to visit the shop.

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KEEP FIT

The CSUC Executive Hostel, among a number of other facilities that it has such as a hair salon, a laundrette, reading rooms, prayer hall, and mini mall, also boasts of a modern gymnasium on the ground floor of the Hostel.

The gymnasium has modern accoutrements for exercising the body. The equipment enables patrons – both students and the public - to work out and stay fit. The registration and training fees are moderate and very affordable. Please feel welcome to call in.

Gymnasium

MOTHERS AT

WAR WITH

THEIR

BABIES

By Monica Nyarko and Amoako Richard Kusi

It is amazing how we condemn murderers but we give our support to mothers who claim they do not want their pregnancies, to kill their unborn babies.

When a pregnancy is intentionally terminated so that it doesn’t result in the birth of a child, it is known as abortion.

The question I keep asking myself is, does any human being have the right to determine whether another human being must live or not? Some mothers have become silent killers. Families and society have turned blind eyes and have developed deaf ears to these atrocities against humanity. Our only excuse is that the mother is not ready for a baby now.

As a society, it is our communal duty to be each other’s keep whether born or unborn. We should always remember that from the first time a woman misses her period, the baby’s heart begins to beat.

This makes the so called fetus a hundred percent human.

We preach about world peace yet mothers are at war with their own babies. Let us not forget that abortion does not end it all. Some women after having an abortion are tormented emotionally. There are feelings of regret or anger. Others also have a feeling of shame, nightmares, isolation, insomnia and loss

of confidence. Besides the emotional effects others also experience physical effects. Some women have abdominal pains and cramps, they may also have serious bleeding. Others have their wombs damaged to the extent that they will never conceive again.

“Abortion can cause heavy bleeding, pelvic inflammatory disease, cervical damage and uterine perforation” explained Dr. Kwaky, a gynaecologist at the Afari Community Hospital.

People make the mistake that abortion is solely an emotional issue and therefore can not be related to effects on the economy but this is a wrong perception. Most of these abortionistsdon’t pay taxes to the government on the profit being made illegally. It is horrible that these innocent babies are murdered but can you image the contributions these millions of lives would have made to improve our economy? Perhaps one of them could have found a cure for AIDS, cancer or asthma just to name a few.

However, a pregnancy can harm the mother or if both mother and child can loose their lives, it is necessary to perform a surgical abortion by a licensed medical doctor. In the case of incest or rape resulting in pregnancy, the question of abortion is more ethical.

But I keep asking myself this, must an innocent baby suffer a death penalty because its father is a criminal? We must always remember that that child is also a part of the woman. The bond between the mother and child is stronger because of the umbilical cord that binds them together. The Bible says we should train a child the way he should go, so that when he grows he will not depart from it. I believe the son of a raped victim, if he is brought up properly, could grow up to be a better human being.

We must all be capable of recognizing the worth, rights and intrinsic value of human life.

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Dumsor:

At what cost?

By Charles Opoku & Onwudiwe Francis

Ghana is currently undergoing electricity crisis, popularly called "Dumsor", which is having a monumentally bad effect on the nation's people, its industries and the economy and the government seems clueless about how to resolve this situation.

However, the situation has compelled ECG, Ghana's main power distributor, to introduce a load shedding timetable to manage the situation and regulate the supply but many times this schedule is not accurately followed. This has drawn a wide range of reactions from domestic power consumers as many small scale business owners complained about the adverse effects this is having on their businesses.

The notable small scale business owners hugely affected by ordeal are the cold store owners, hair salon owners, printing press owners and the likes whose operations are largely dependent on the use of power supply. Apart from the supply being erratic and inconsistent, it has also become very unpredictable which incapacitates these business owners in their plans for their businesses.

"I don't bring in much stock as I used to anymore for the fear that the stock might go bad which will make me lose money because of dumsor", said Abena Konadu, a cold store owner. "We are not even sure of when the lights will be on or off because the load shedding schedule is not followed. The situation is badly affecting our businesses, cartons of fish are left to go bad and we discard them everyday ", she added.

"These days when we go to work, we only resort to playing Ludo and chat all day because there is absolutely no work to do due to the power supply", stated Comfort Agyeiwaa, a hair salon owner. She added that since the epileptic supply of power became intense, she has lost all her customers because she cannot service their needs when these customers make the call.

The current erratic supply of energy is causing industries to lay off workers because they afford to run these industries with a large staff. According to Adom-online, about 560 members of the Industrial and Commercial Workers Union (ICU) have been laid off since January as a result of the energy crisis and other industrial concerns. Speaking on Adom FM's Dwaso Nsem, the General Secretary of ICU, Mr Solomon Kotei revealed that the inconsistencies in power in power supply has affected production in most industries and thus compelling them to lay off workers. Adom-online also reports that the Chocho industries have revealed plans to lay off workers if the erratic power supply persists.

"The total number of employees laid off as a result of dumsor is about fifteen (15), but I still have the intention of laying more off next month", said Alhaji Mustapha Oti Boateng, Chief Executive Officer of Chocho Industries Limited in a interview with Adom TV's Samuel Sefa.

He added that his industry spends GHC1000 daily on fuel because of the intense load shedding and as a result has increased its cost of production.

Many industries are now operating on their own power plants and generators in order to satisfy the needs of their customers or keep their industries from collapsing. This, in effect, has increased the cost of production of these industries. This extra cost is transferred to the consumers as prices of goods and services are therefore increased in order for business owners to have their profits at the expense of the consumers.

"The price of the cost of making my hair has increased because my hair dresser uses a generator", said a customer of a salon. She also added that sometimes the noise and pollution made by the generator makes life unbearable for them at the salon.

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Cracked

Calabash Poem by Mrs. Cecilia Boakye Botwe

Smiling brightly round all, the plumped plantain leaf was a better cover Amidst green carpets, tender and soft to sit on Songs of birds infiltrated the cool hideout As they marched pass, uncaring of they that sat closed by Slowly but surely, carrying heavy loads to where one could not find or trace easily A crawling one climbed the nearby palm tree, exhilarated by the bright smile that fell on it Fetching firewood for the fire Touch of magic Falling with stomach flat on the surface of mother earth Taking deeper breaths of life blew, blew, blew Fetching, adding more firewood The tiny glow was a welcoming reward Soon sounds of rumbling waves echoed, mixed with the chirping Ears tingled with hope, anticipating the calming down of the empty bowl

THE INTEGRITY OF EXAMINATIONS AT CSUC

By Adwoa Animah, Appiah Francis and DeGraft Anokye Emmanuel

It is that time of the year again. It is the examinations season at CSUC. The campus is quite with few distractions. Small clusters of students meet under tree, in classrooms, under canopies, in vehicles and other places reading, researching, discussing their notes and so on, all in preparation for their examinations.

During examination periods, no lecture hall is opened for students to access; they are closed until the time for writing the papers to ensure the orderly arrangement of examination venues and prevent students sending or hiding foreign materials "apoo" into the halls before the examination starts.

Sitting and whispering excitedly Ending the long wait, hands took and finished Sent to fetch the calabash was but a bother Entering into the enclosed for it Not seeing but touching Pulling and pulling, scrambling and scrambling Nicely shaped, curved roundly Placing it separately, rest covered by palm hands None could compare its sweet aroma as patched lips sipped Pouring endlessly Heavy lids wandering to and fro Seeking, searching, seeing all but nothing Hitting on it, cracked and pushed rudely Selling and exchanging for the metal Heavy lids lost in faint memories Still holding on to the shadows Heavy lids slumber on, hoping against hope

Students are thoroughly checked before entering the hall, mobile phones, sheets and other materials are not allowed inside. Items allowed into the examination halls are students' identification cards, which show that the person is a student of the school, examination pass, which also shows that the student has fully paid his or her fees as well as pens, pencils and calculators.

All examinations are conducted in a spacious hall, and the number of invigilators depend on the size of the students at the hall. Checks at the Examination Board suggest that one invigilator supervises 20 students.

Writing of examination papers is mostly done in the evening, between the hours of 5pm and 8pm, in consideration of the students who are workers, throughout the week with the exception of Sundays.

Some of the regular students write theirs at 8am and 12pm.

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Students who are caught cheating during examinations are punished, and the type of punishment is dependent on the magnitude of the cheating.

write the paper. Students caught cheating are sometimes counseled to determine if they need help psychologically, spiritually or need assistance in learning.

In an interview with the Examination Coordinator Rev. Justice Boffah Pokumensah, a Communication Lecturer, he said there are five sanctions that are meted out to students caught cheating during examinations. These are: warning, cancelling of the paper, counseling, rustication (for one year) and dismissal.

Rustication takes the form of suspension of the student for two semesters (one year), and the student is allowed to write all papers again.

Depending on the gravity of the cheating, student is dismissed outright from the school.

In warning, a letter is served to the student reprimanding and warning him or her to desist from the act. The paper in which the student is caught cheating in is cancelled and the student made to re

FAPP

By Monica Nyarko and Amoako Richard Kusi

The University Examinations Coordinator, explained that the students are brought before the Disciplinary Committee and upon interrogation, appropriate sanctions are recommended to the President of the school for implementation.

Integrating Faith with Practice

Christian Service University College is not the first Christian institution to introduce mentorship programmes. Christian universities such as Pentecost University College and Valley View University College also have such programmes. But what distinguishes the Christian Service University College mentorship programme from the others, is the fact that students are put into small families (groups) with each family having its own mentor.

The idea behind this is to enable CSUC reach out to its individual students and meet them at the point of their need holistically – academically, spiritually, socially.

Rev. Dr. Peter White, the facilitator of the FAPP Programme explained that the Programme aims at inculcating sound Christian values and principles into the lives of students as part of CSUC’s core mandate. Therefore, even though the Programme attracts one credit hour, it is still mandatory for every student and a pre-requisite for successful graduation and students are credited based on participation and attendance.

Mr. Ginn Assibey, a lecturer at the Department of Communication Studies and one of the mentors for the Programme, is highly delighted to be a part of this wonderful programme because it allows him to share his Christian Faith and also impact his strong

moral values and life experiences with his mentees, stressing that, “as a FAPP leader, I have witnessed a significant improvement in attendance and participation of my members.”

A number of students are of the opinion that FAPP is a good programme and it has helped in shaping both their academic and moral lives. Others also said that through the FAAP programme they now have renewed energy to go about both their academic and normal daily lives.

“FAPP has helped me to manage my time well”said YawAgyarko, a level 300 student of Communication Studies.

“FAPP is a wonderful idea and I applaud the authorities for it because it has enriched my spiritual life more” added level 400 Business Studies student Justice Awuah.

It is the hope of the C.S.U.C authorities that students will take full advantage of this programme to elevate the quality of their studies and their lives outside the campus.

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KNUST Pro-Vice Chancellor recommends 'observational' mode of study.

By Baidoo, Bernard Ofori, Isaac Opoku, Nkrumah Stephen The Pro-Vice Chancellor of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) and guest speaker at the 40th Matriculation ceremony of CSUC, Prof. Samuel Nii Odai, has urged students to adopt 'observation' as a field of study to advance the development of the society.

Prof. Samuel Nii Odai, speaking on the theme “the opportunities and challenges of university st education in the 21 century – implications for first year students,” advised students to study how society works, identify problems that need solutions and apply the knowledge they have acquired to solve them.

“You get paid for solving problems and doing what others do not want to do. So while at school, develop skills you can use in the future” Prof. Odai asserted.

Citing the trend of leadership in the major thriving industries in Ghana, namely mining, timber and petroleum, Prof. Odai said these industries are often managed and driven by foreign expatriates. This is because modern economies transcend geo-political boundaries.

“But the problem with us as is that, foreigners are willing to solve problems that our people consider to be beneath them,” added the KNUST Pro Vice Chancellor.

Prof. Samuel Nii Odai - Pro-Vice Chancellor, KNUST

Prof. Odai cited the case of China, where within the Shanghai province, an enterprising business man has set up a growing online shopping mall “Alibaba.com” - that delivers groceries, foodstuff and other basic necessities to the doorsteps of busy online shoppers.

“The businessman identified a need and went out to solve it. He has been so successful at this that his business is providing stiff competition to Amazon.com, the renowned online shopping company” added Prof. Odai.

Mrs. Mabel Gyamfi, proprietor of Pat Doramo International School in Kumasi and a parent of one of the matriculants, added that she educates her ward at CSUC because at the University College, students are sure of being given the right Christian, academic and moral training that will enable them

Mirror of Life Series on combating crime and drugs

By Adwoa S. Amankwah, Obeng Abigail, Kwame Antwi Adomako Divisional Police Commander of Suame, Chief Superintendent D. O. Lomotey, has urged CSUC staff, students and the public not to display personal items such as expensive and sophisticated mobile phones, bags, laptops and tablets in public. Chief Superintendent Lomotey disclosed this during the CSUC Theology Department's Mirror of Life Seminar Series on combating crime and drugs.

According to him, such personal belongings catch the attention of thieves, robbers and drug addicts, who make the owners of these properties their target.

“Some drug addicts go to the extent of stealing family valuable items and huge sums of money to satisfy their craving for drugs,” added one of the

20

facilitators, Prof. Mrs. Thelma Owusu-Daaku, former president of the CSUC and professor at the Department of Clinical and Social Pharmacy, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST).

Superintendent Justice Essumang, Regional Paralegal Officer chipped in later.

Prof. Mrs. Owusu-Daaku advised seminar participants comprising of CSUC staff and students, JSS pupils and teachers of Martyrs of Uganda School and members of the public to avoid a dependency on drugs in the first place.

Mrs. Christine Nancy Adjei Glover, lecturer at the Theology Department and the main organiser for the Mirror of Life Series said the topic - combating crime and drugs - was selected as means of enlightening the youth on the dangers of engaging in crime and drug addiction.

He advised participants to desist from acts that will take them to the prison.

“Once you are brought into the four corners of the prison, it's our duty to ensure you stay here”.

A section of the audience

Chief Superintendent Lomotey

FIRE SAFETY AT CSUC

By Kwawu Celia Efe Seyram, Ansah Jefferey and Owusu Moses Kobi

As part of routine measures to ensure fire safety at CSUC, the Universty College liaises with the Ghana National Fire Service, Regional Headquarters, Kumasi-Atonsu or the KNUST Fire Station for periodic fire safety training for its security personnel, students, teaching and non teaching staff. The purpose of the training is to learn about fire management. Staff are advised to turn off their electrical gadgets such as fridges, air conditioners and lights after close of work.

According to Mr. Joe Kontor-Manu, Senior Estate Officer at CSUC, fire smoke detectors, fire safety indicators and fire extinguishers have been installed at vantage points in the buildings - lecture halls, offices and corridors - to enhance quick detection and extinguishing of fires before calling on the Ghana National Fire Service for assistance.

Mr. Felix Appiah, the Hostel Manager explained the rules and regulations concerning the use of

CSUC Security Personel demonstrating the use of the fire extinguisher

prescribed gadgets such as electrical irons, laptops, cookers and so on at the hostel. He added that students cook at the balcony in line with fire safety practices.

In sum, the management of CSUC has put in place effective measures to ensure a fire- free campus. But in the event of any fires, just apply the PASS method to use the fire extinguisher.

1. P – Pull the safety pin 2. A – Aim/point nozzle to base or seat of the fire 3. S – Squeeze/press the handle and 4. S – Sweep the nozzle left to right Poor awareness of what fire is and how it can be prevented has led to a lot of fire outbreak.

Information about fire, how to prepare for fire disaster and how to prevent fires can be found in many parts of the institution.

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BEWARE OF

‘AKWANKYERE’

By Rev. Dr. David Okai

While the Lord Jesus Christ implores His Church to “pray to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest” (Matt. 9:38 NKJV), there are unscrupulous self-made prophets, pastors, evangelists, apostles and teachers who distort the real meaning of Biblical counseling to suit their nefarious enterprise popularly known as “akwankyere” This untoward scheme is deeprooted in the Ghanaian society. Flamboyantly promoted by so-called men and women of God, the “akwankyere” endemic causes a lot of chaos to the Ghanaian populace.

Jesus warns His disciples to “beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves…by their fruits you will recognize them.” (Matt. 7:15-20 NKJV).

Though there are many characteristics of false ministers, few of them are listed below; 1.Practitioners (false counselors/ministers) quote and interpret biblical passages out of context to suit their whims and caprice –to firmly support their business.

2. They condemn theological education.

3. They are not accountable to any Christian organization –they go ‘solo’.

4. They sell all types of anointing oil, banner/sticker, soap, perfume, handkerchief, bottled holy water, and so on to their counselees.

5. They minister according to the strategy of Satan, with powers, signs, and lying wonders (2 Thess.

2:9).

6. They do not teach nor preach Biblical Christian values 7. The reality of Heaven and Hell are insignificant to them.

Practitioners of popular “akwankyere” mechanized business subject their counselees to various types of abuses. Here are few examples; 1.Some counselees are raped.

2. All counselees are financially exploited.

3. Almost all counselees are tortured emotionally and psychologically with fear of family members and others bewitching them.

4. Others are inflicted with chronic health issues as a result of unbiblical fasting.

5. Some of the counselees end up in prisons with fake travel documents in foreign countries.

6. Some counselees experience unrepaired broken marital and family ties.

7. The faith of counselees is exclusively rooted in these false prophets (practitioners).

Prayer for both false prophets/counselors and their counselees; I pray that the Holy Spirit will open their spiritual minds to enable them comprehend the magnitude of God’s love for them and further lavish upon them an unquenchable thirst to love and serve God through faith in His Son Jesus Christ.

Counsel for both false prophets/counselors and their counselees; I counsel them to accept Jesus Christ into their life for a perpetual communion with the Godhead. Be part of a church that ascribes Lordship and Headship to Jesus Christ, and fellowship with them with deep sense of commitment.

Remember, “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.

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Fight Breast

Cancer Dr. Mrs Beatrice Wiafe Addai - President, Breast Care International (BCI)

BY APPIAH FRANCIS & SPIO-GARBRAH BEATRICE

Breast surgeon, consultant in breast care management and President of Breast Care International (BCI), an NGO championing the fight against breast cancer, Dr. Mrs Beatrice Wiafe Addai urges women to fight the breast cancer disease. She explains that perception surrounding it makes it difficult to fight the disease.

"Most breast cancer patients feel it is spiritual and should be handled spiritually, but that is not so," Dr. Mrs. Wiafe Addai explains.

"In view of this they spend a lot of time at prayer camps fighting the disease. Some also apply herbs on the breast as a way of curing the disease. While doing that they are wasting time, so by the time they come to the hospital the disease has already spread to the target organs which are the liver, the lungs, the brain and the bone, and their chance of surviving is very slim" added Dr. Mrs Wiafe.

Breast Cancer is a malignant tumor that starts in the cells of the breast. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 70 percent of all cancer deaths occurs in the developing world and by the year 2030, 75 percent of all cancer deaths will occur in the developing world. It is also estimated that one out of every eight women can develop breast cancer in her lifestyle, and in every 69 seconds, a woman somewhere in the world dies of breast cancer.

FIGHTING BREAST CANCER In view of all these misconceptions surrounding the disease, breast cancer has been stigmatized in the country so a lot of people do not want to associate themselves with the disease.

She further explained that trying to change the mindset of people has been a very difficult task especially when they have formed their perceptions

about it already. "In order to change these misconceptions, BCI has targeted the youth in the junior and senior high schools for the education of the disease. These groups of people can read, write and access the internet for information on the disease. By the time these people are grown up they will not be superstitious as the old aged and they will be able to educate their families and their communities on the disease", she added.

PREVENTION Dr. Mrs Wiafe Addai, who has over twenty years of experience as a medical doctor, said breast cancer is a curable disease, when detected early and appropriate action taken, it is a highly treatable disease. She outlined some of the prevention on the disease below.

Though primary prevention is not possible, it can be prevented by regular screening of the breasts. It is important to note that disease is not painful in most women.

Breast Care Examination (BCE) is another way of detecting the disease. Every woman should examine her breast at least once every month. It is also advised for clinically breast screening by the qualified person who will examine the breast for lumps at least once a year.

Another type of screening is Mammography, which should be done from age forty, and age thirty five with those who have positive family history.

Women should also do away with misconceptions surrounding the disease. Breast cancer is not caused by the witchcraft. It is preventable, treatable and survivable. Please note that EARLY DETECTION SAVES LIVES.

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Tracing the footprints Paul K. Acheampong - Ceo Classic Graphics

of a budding entrepreneur

By Kate Sem-Ackah, Comfort Kumatse

In 2006 with very little capital, I rented a shop at Asafo in Kumasi, got a printing machine from someone at the cost of 100 million cedis. I paid an initial deposit of 40 million cedis and was left with 60 million cedis. The owner of the machine gave me six months to pay for the rest of it. I worked 24 hours a day to pay the rest of the money.

My ability to pay within the time given me, fostered a relationship built on trust between Mr. Appiah Kubi (the owner of printing machine who lived in Germany) and l. In 2007, Mr. Appiah Kubi brought me another printing machine, which I bought. I paid for it in that same year and I set up another shop.

In the same year, 2007, he brought another machine to me and asked me to become his representative in Ghana. Since then, I have been selling printing machines, heavy duty machines and other printing accessories as well.

2008 came and Mr. Appiah Kubi brought me a machine for pre-press work, to get copies ready for printing. I set up a designing section.

Before the pre-press machine came in, work was slow, the quality was not too good, but with the new machine, the job got done faster, the quality was better and this attracted more customers to my shop and more contracts for my business.

Now, my company is one of the leading publishing houses in the Ashanti Region. We deliver on time, offer affordable prices, focus on quality and educate customers on various publishing issues.

In future, we aspire to be the first printing house in Ghana, set up a printing school to train people to deliver quality publishing starting from designing to the post-press stage to service the print industry in Ghana.

Classic Graphics has international partnerships with foreign companies. It is the sole representative for Vanxon Company Ltd in Holland, formed in 1872, one of the biggest ink manufacturers in Europe.

My piece of advice to young people is that they should be faithful and disciplined in all that they do, trust in God and work hard. It is not where you come from but what you do with what you have that matters.

I am Paul K. Acheampong, level 300 Print Journalism student of the Communication Studies Department and best student entrepreneur for the CSUC Ransford Senavoe Awards (2014/2015).

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25

Louis Van Gal

CUP OR BUST FOR VAN GAL? Emmanuel Amankwah and William Nana Yaw Wilberforce

Manchester United manager Louis Van Gal takes charge of the old Trafford outfit for the second time after guiding them back to champions’ league football in his first season. This was seen as a good job done from most fans of Man United since they had a turbulent season under previous manager David Moyes, that led to the club finishing 7th and missing out on Champions league football. But new manager Van Gal has overseen a major overhaul of United’s squad bringing in top-notch names to old Trafford. With the huge spending in his first season as well as the start of this new season, nothing short of a major trophy for United is expected.

Van Gals’ first season at United saw players like Ferdinand, Evra, Vidic, Welbeck, Nani and a host of other first team players depart from the club. New recruits were Shaw, Ander Herrera, Daley Blind, Angel Di Maria, Marcos Rojo and Radamel Falcao.

Van Gal had a tough start as United’s manger last season managing just three points from possible 15 points. But United bounced back strongly as the season progressed winning some important games like the Manchester Derby, beating Liverpool on both legs and Arsenal as well.

This current season has also seen further changes at the old Trafford outfit that saw players like Di Maria, Robin Van Persie, Radamel Falcao amongst others headed for the exit door for Memphis Depay, Bastian Swienstiger, Anthony Martial and Sergio

Romero. The Dutchman seems to have gotten the caliber of players who would fit into his “philosophy” and nothing but success is expected of him at the end of this season.

United has started the season well as compared to last season. They lie 4th on the premier league table with four points separating them from leaders Manchester City. They are also on top of their champions’ league group with seven points with two matches to go. But there is a bit of inconsistency in their performance so far this season drawing most of the games and failing to score for three matches in a row that included their early exit of the capital one-cup against championship side middlesborough. This has led to criticisms of the Dutchman’s style from most of United’s former players particularly Paul Scholes who blamed United’s lack of goals on how Van Gal sets up his team. But the former Bayern Munich manager seems not concern about his critics and pledged to do everything he can to get Man United to where it belongs.

Will the Dutchman prove his critics wrong or will it be another frustrating season for the Red Devils since the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson. Well, that will be known at the end of the season but Van Gal certainly knows with this huge spending, a trophyless season for United under his care will not be a good record on his CV.

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CSUC fundable projects: support a worthy cause The Christian Service University College has over the years depended on the fees of studentsas its main source of income to finance its day-to-day administration and management. This source of income is also used to finance capital projects.

The challenge faced by managers of CSUC is that, the reliance on fees affects the completion of projects embarked on by the University College.

Three-year projects are completed in five years and this situation does not augur well for the development of the University College in terms of expansion of academic facilities, student enrolment, staff recruitment and staff development.

Capital projects require a lot of financial investment and CSUC needs support to fulfil and surpass its mission of providing a sound Christian and ethical environment for training people who will transform the society. The Christian Service University College needs the support of corporate bodies – private and

Fundable Projects Alternative Energy Project ICT Expansion (Computers and ICT gadgets and tools ) Operation “Support Us Complete Payment” Scholarships – brilliant but needy students Annual Awards For Staff Staff Training And Development Internship Development Centre

For enquiries, please contact: The President Christian Service University College P. O. Box 3110-Kumasi Tel: 0501-500-302

public; partners, individuals and families who share and believe in the core values of the institution to support the development of the University College.

The Christian Service University College(CSUC), was established as Christian Service College in 1974 to train people for Christian ministry. It became a University College on 31st October 2005 and currently runs undergraduate degree programmes in Theology, Nursing, Planning and Social Development, Computer Science, Information Technology, Communication Studies and Business Administration. The University College also offers a master’s degree programme in Christian Ministry and Management and plans are advanced to start a Master of Business Administration (MBA)programme.

The following are the fundable projects that CSUC is seeking support from corporate bodies, families, individuals and Christian organisations for.

CSUC Community Radio Project / Communication Laboratory Replacement of lecture hall chairs Expansion and purchase of equipment for the Nursing Demonstration Centre CSUC Auditorium Refurbishment Business Plan Competition among students

CSUC Centre for Leadership and Professional Development - 2016 Up-coming Courses Executive Certificate in Project Management - February - April, 2016 CERTIFICATE In Public Relations - February, 2016 CERTIFICATE in Biblical Counselling - February, 2016 CERTIFICATE In Strategic & Financial ManagementFebruary - March, 2016 CERTIFICATE In Public Speaking Skills - March, 2016 Certificate in CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP - March, 2016 Project Management for Faith Based NGOs- March, 2016 CERTIFICATE COURSE: Finance for Non-Financial Managers - April, 2016

"SPECIAL TRAINING PACKAGE FOR CHURCHES” 1. Church Administration (Foundational Package) 2. Church Financial Management & Investments 3. Church Growth Strategies 4. Conflict Management 5. Christian Leadership Skills for Church Leaders SPECIAL ON-SITE & TAILORED TRAINING PACKAGE FOR PARA-CHURCH ORGANIZATIONS

For further enquiries, please call: +233 (0) 206950845

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