My Poetry Career Unfolding.

She was a the conference director in charge of Junior Chamber International Ghana national convention, this convention was held annually to make account of what had transpired during every year and also to elect new leaders to steer the affairs of the organization in the next coming year.

We were having a chat and she mentioned that they had considered a poetry recital at the forth coming JCI Ghana national convention, however, the poet she had in mind had rejected the proposal due to his other equally important matters he had to attend.

She continued that, I should take it up. I said, “why not”. Then she told me she will have to discuss with her committee and she will give me the feedback.

I was elated by the hearing of the opportunity and started to imagine the atmosphere that day will be.

She later called me one hot afternoon to confirm that, the committee had agreed to let me handle that slot because they knew my capability of delivering. She continued that, I should prepare and present a draft for their scrutiny and perusal.

I didn’t hesitate to say ‘okay’ and that they should expect it as soon as possible.

Some days later, after an afternoon nap, I remembered about the task and it was what I loved to do.

I started to pen down any idea that came into mind and after tried to put together the ideas that represented the organization and the message I wanted to convey to my audience.

In few hours it was done and I recited it to myself to see the fluency and the choice of words.

I also showed it to some poets to evaluate and make known to me, if there were some lop holes in it. They all appreciated it and commended it was an excellent piece for that occasion.

Later, I sent a copy to the conference director so that she could present it to the committee to consider and see if they will approve it.

She gave me the feedback that, they liked it. Then it was left to me to deliver it exquisitely to the audience. So I started memorizing it morning and evening to prevent poor performance.

I researched to find some tips in reciting poetry and they were really utile.

On the 22^nd October, 2011 was the day and it was a Saturday. I was full enthusiasm to deliver because the poetry was in my heart and I believed by time I would finish, it would also be in the minds and hearts of my audience.

I was called after a cultural performance and I was in a bloom to make it count.

I started by introducing myself and how I was humbled by that august opportunity at such a wonderful gathering and I edge my audience to be receptive to my words. This was how it flowed;

YOU ARE THE WORLD

Our world is sick and in messiness

Our world is tattered and ragged

Our world is bedevilled by our actions

Actions that have augmented the myriad of problems

You are the world,

We live in it, we are the hope, we hold the future

We are the titans of solutions, we are of a purpose

You are to serve that purpose

You are to wear the cap of action

You are to claim the call of change

The call from JCI

You are the world,

You are the tread in the fabric of life

You are the beautifying green in the world

You are the fresh perfume scent in the wind

Your actions awake a dying soul and put a heartwarming smile on the face

You are the world,

Let’s defend humanity with our service

Lets become the bridge to a better world

The jewel of peace, the voice of change and the brotherhood of man

You are the life, the spirit and the icon of change in your community

The world, awaits on your smallest action for a greater impact.

You are the world

Thank you!

These were the humble words of my own to inspire my people to change the world and also say “You Are The World”.

The author is the Immediate Past President of Junior Chamber International-University of Cape Coast. (JCI-UCC) Local Org. A certified trainer, a creativeWriter, motivational speaker, poet, self motivated, God-fearing, social entrepreneur and a dynamic leader, who always communicate the idea of PEACE, the youth having a positive mental attitude and creating positive change in their communities. He believes, through our collective efforts we can make Africa (our

motherland) and the world a better place.

By Patrick Adjei Nketia,

Email-poetinsmile@gmail.com

MY QUEST TO SERVE MY COUNTRY; GHANA. Pt 1

On the 6^th October, 2011, I completed the regional registration which was under a less hectic condition. After this mile, I preconceived that, this enormous change I am embracing and its lasting experience will be a positive change unto my life.

I left Cape Coast in the Central Region around 6: 15am and got to Secondi, Tarkoradi in the Western Region just about few minutes to 9 o’clock am.

I located the regional office where all national service personnel’s who were posted to the western Region were to start with their national service registrations (a civic responsibility of a every university graduate to contribute his/her quota to the national development).

I got to the premises and enquired where specifically the registration process was undergoing, I was directed to the area and instantly I recognized a queue of students ready to follow the process.

I first went to a room where you have to be verified and checked according to the University you've completed, then you will move on to take a passport size picture on the veranda in front of the office.

In this room were three men in their mid thirties. One in an African print had his elbow on the record case where they kept their files, one with a bad english ascent was in a striped blue and was seated behind the desk and the other man who was in the national service printed attire was seated with his back turned to the door and had a laptop in front of him. He confirmed by checking the picture you used to register when you were about to complete school. Also there was a queue from outside into the room of which I made my place behind the last person.

Some of the personnel’s who did not have their school identity cards (ID) were directed to the man in African print to make their reason known and wait for his word either to go back to where they came from and bring the ID or by divine grace would permit them to continue with any other identification card they had at their disposal that very moment.

Another queue was for the taking of passport pictures after you had completed with the verification process. This man who was taking these pictures, was in a serious mood whilst he conducted his work and anyone who didn’t follow the due process wouldn't take it lightly at all.

He pushed the lady in front of me aside and made a harsh statement that, “if you are not ready, stand aside and put your stuff together before you join the queue”.

This made the gentleman who was in my school t-shirt but didn’t complete from the institution took caution and quickly enquired the due process this stern man was requiring.

After taking my picture, I descended down to continue with the registration process.

Downstairs, were also national service personnel’s who had being posted to that district to serve with that regional national service secretariat.

Some of these personnel’s were my colleagues and others were friends who pursed different courses in the same university. They were seated behind wooden desks and had the places where national service personnel’s had being posted to, typed and pasted in front of their desks.

I enquired and identified the desk I have to attend to. I walked majestically to the desk, already there were other personnel’s who were posted to the same district and other surrounding districts.

I finished with him and had to move to the regional director’s desk for him to append his signature to authenticate my reporting, verification and confirmation to embark on my national responsibly.

He was in a short sleeve shirt, wearing a spectacle on which it had a sticker on one glass of the frames, he was seated on a different chair and had a young woman assisting him by collecting the sheets from the personnel’s as she arranged and stamped them.

She handed them over to him after she was done and he then appended his signature and created a comic atmosphere with some hilarious questions he posed to the “honorable” as he used to call us.

It was declared to us that, he needed not to be asked any question about the process or the national service personnel’s serving their outfit had not done their work accurately.

There were also a number of people around his desk who were waiting patiently for him to finish signing theirs so that they could continue with the eating of the big elephant.

I collected my signed documents and expressed my gratitude for his service.

I then made some phone calls to a colleague who resided in Tarkoradi and lodged in his house for the night.

On the 7^th October, 2011 I woke up around 5:05am. On this bright morning, while I went to take my bath, I remembered the words of a mate who completed the same second cycle institution with me. He told me that, it will be very difficult for me in travelling to Sefwi Wiawso (The place I am posted to) unless I woke up early and get to the station on time.

When I finished bathing and entered the room, I noticed a missed call on my phone and returned the call as quickly as possible to know who was reaching me at that hour.

It was my mate again, who was prompting me to be smart in my preparation and get to the station in time in order to catch a bus.

I met this mate the day before during the registration process and we had a long chat about our past, the experiences we had acquired in the tertiary and what will make us fulfilled in the future.

After this call, my mind was triggered by the imagination of the long journey I was going to embark and my planned activities I will have to accomplish after finishing the registration in the district.

I quickly got all things together and I got ready to set off. As my friend decided to help me with bag, he heard some noise on the ceiling and went to take a peep from the window to know what specifically was meriting that noise.

After the peep, he took a slow head turn and made an eye contact with me because I was much eager to know what it was. I asked, “is it raining”? He answered by nodding his head.

I said, “aooow” and took a deep sigh. I sat on his bed and thought of when this act of nature was going to stop so I could continue this journey.

My friend gave me an assurance that, it will stop in no time.

The rain stopped in about 15 minutes and we zoomed out to get a taxi and in about 10 minutes we were at the yard starring at some parked buses.

I enquired from a man who was standing right beside a bus that, which one of the buses was going to Sefwi Wiawso? He immediately pointed to the bus he was standing beside and made a comment that, “he also had to go to that place and the bus was already filled with passengers and even other passengers on board were standing in it.

I told myself, I am not going lose my guard on this one. I have to get on this bus at all cost.

This man told me that, he had been trying to get on the bus but to no avail. He told me that the bus conductor was the one coming our direction.

The bus conductor was in a black shirt, a waist bag and there were some tickets in his hand.

I approached him and asked if he would sell a ticket to me? He told me point blank that he was not going to sell the ticket to me.

I then went back to my friend and as we stood there for some few seconds. We saw another official who came with another passenger. The official made a statement that; the passenger was of relation to one of the officials in a cubicle nearby, so a ticket was sold to the woman even though the bus was already full.

I saw there was a way, I went to the official and made a claim that, I was going to register for my NSS and I was required to do it only today.

The man who came with the lady told me that, he had no authority unless the bus conductor.

So I asked him that, “would there be another bus moving to Sefwi Wiawso?”

He answered that, this was the 3^rd bus moving and there would not be any other going there.

This answer sparked my adrenalin to do something to get on the bus.

Part 2 will be followed as soon possible, so please don't forget to follow this link.

Thank you...

PATRICK ADJEI NKETIA (JCI UCC President) SERVES 250 nets to a COMMUNITY in a project dubbed "JCI UCC FIGHTs AGAINST MALARIA"

After months of campaigning, JCI UCC raised an amount of 15,000 Ghana cedis for the purpose of the project (refer to Financial Report) with Ministry of Health being the main sponsor.

The programme started at 6:00am, on 25th September, 2010 at Amamoma Palace premises. Announcements made the previous day had drawn the community folks to start with a clean-up exercise.

The JCI UCC members teamed with the people of the community in ridding the community of mosquito breeding spots.

Activities such as weeding of bushes, sweeping and clearing of heaps of filth and rubbish, and draining of some stagnant waters were done. During this period another team was getting the durbar grounds set for the official opening of the event.

Some media partners such as TV Africa, ATL FM, Daily Guide newspaper, Daily Despatch were present to take coverage of the event. At about 8:40am, the programme officially started.

The Project Chairman, Prince Ampofo said the opening greetings after which the JCI UCC Chapter President, Patrick Adjei Nketia introduced the dignitaries present and acknowledged them on their supportive role in respect of the project.

He also thanked the over 300 people who were gathered at the durbar ground for their commitment and hard work in during the clean-up exercise.

Some dignitaries present were: Nana Tufohene (Nana Egyir IV) Chief of Amamoma Hon. William A. Mensah Senator- JCI Ghana Mr. Lawrence Bosiwah Patron of JCI UCC Chapter Hon. Anick Opoku-Preko National Vice President- JCI Ghana Hon. Abraham Quaye 2011 National President- JCI Ghana Hon. Patrick Mann Exec. Vice President- JCI Accra Elite Chapter ,the elders of Amamoma community were also present to grace the occasion.

Hon. Anick Opoku-Preko supported by Hon. William A. Mensah took the people through the causes and effects of malaria, and also how to avoid the malaria disease and the use of treated bed nets.

The participation of the town folks was evident as they asked questions and also effectively contributed to the talk. The benevolence of the Ministry of Health had made available two hundred and fifty bed nets for distribution to the town folks.

Preference was given to pregnant women, nursing mothers and children during the distribution. Some questionnaires were given out by the JCI UCC team to various individuals to find out their previous knowledge on the use of the treated bed nets in guarding against malaria.

Correlating the questionnaires revealed that about 90% of the sampled populace had never used a mosquito net before, though had heard about it and agreed to its efficiency.

It became evident that most of the people had no idea where to purchase a net and that the few users of the nets hardly changed or treated the nets over time. It therefore became clear that the education on malaria had gone a long way to help the people of Amamoma.

Provisions were made for all pregnant and nursing mothers to see two medical professionals who had been invited by JCI UCC. The medical professionals gave them medical advice on their health and lifestyle. By 11:05am, the programme came to a successful end with vote of thanks given by Patrick Adjei Nketia, 2010 local President.

He expressed his gratitude towards the Amamoma Chief and his people, the Ministry of Health, JCI members who had travelled all the way to grace the occasion, the media and all who had contributed towards the success of the event.

The chief, Nana Tufohene (Nana Egyir IV) together with his elders, in response, expressed their heartfelt felicitation for the kind gesture bestowed on them by JCI UCC and the Ministry of Health and promised to further intensify the campaign malaria in the Amamoma community. He further requested the support of government and donor organizations in the construction of a public library complex for the community. After a short photo session the programme folded up with a prayer by Daniel Kwame Morrison (PRO-JCI UCC). Everyone dispersed to their various residences.

PATRICK ADJEI NKETIA (JCI UCC President) Orchestrates A BLOOD DONATION PROJECT

Donating blood is a simple thing to do but it can make a big difference in the lives of others.

JCI UCC one of the leading organizations in the University Of Cape Coast in collaboration with the University Hospital embarks on a 4 day blood donation project dubbed, “Donate Blood To Save Lives”. The four day event was scheduled from the 28^th Sept. to 1st of October, 2011.

The event was proudly sponsored two Senators in JCI Ghana namely Sen. Mannan Waru and Sen. William A. Mensah and some corporate Institutions like Airtel, Coca cola, Eygapa Image and Mildrick Group.

Each JCI member believes that in order to create lasting positive change, we must improve ourselves and the world around us.

In view of this, young, self motivated and enthusiastic members of JCI UCC upon hearing an announcement from the University’s radio station (ATL fm) regarding the University Hospital running short of blood at the blood bank sort out to find a critical and strategic solution to help save lives.

Day 1 of the event begun at the Kwame Nkrumah Hall of the University of Cape Coast with four representatives from the Cape Coast hospital, members of JCI UCC and a member of JCI Accra Royale ensuring the success of the event.

The hospital personnel came along with blood donation materials as well as incentives to motivate prospective donors.

Turn out for the first day blood donation exercise was very encouraging with over forty individuals donating for the worthy cause.

Speaking with the senior blood donor coordinator, Mr. Martin Ampofo, he stated that a prospective donor must weigh not less than 50 kgs, must not engage him/herself in a risky lifestyle and must have a normal blood level. He added that, asthma, pregnancy, breastfeeding, menstruation, skin infections, alcoholism and hypertension are some of the hindrances of donating.

He also mentioned that an individual would benefit immensely when he/she donates so that they would know their blood group, receive free health check and receive a donor certificate which entitles him and his family to receive blood in time of need.

He added that an individual is required to donate a minimum of 450 ml of blood which is stored in a blood bank fridge with temperature of +2 to +8 degrees.

The serve life of blood takes 35 days before its discarded. However, Mr. Ampofo emphasized that they barely discard blood. Rather, when they do not need it they in turn give out to other hospitals for usage.

Seated at the Junior Common Room (JCR), I watched with interest as personnel from the hospital attended to individuals with much patience, beaming .with smiles.

It is advised that a prospective donor must take a lot of fluids prior to the donation. The personnel and volunteers first of all signed prospective donors in and went through basic eligibility checks and donation info with them.

Prospective donors were then weighed and their blood level checked. Once they are qualified, they were made to sit and their arm with stretched and alcohol will be used to wipe where the sterile needle will be inserted. At first you will feel a quick pinch but over a few seconds you feel okay. The actual donation of blood takes between 8-10 minutes per a donor.

After donation, donors were given donors certificates and incentives. They were again advised to continue drinking water throughout the day of their donation and desist from exerting themselves with heavy lifting or exercise for the rest of the day.

Due to the high patronage of hall residents than expected, personnel ran out of incentives and the exercise came to an on that first day.

That evening, the senior donor coordinator and President of the local organization, Patrick Adjei Nketia visited Adehye and Valco Halls respectively to sensitize hall residents before the donation the next day.

On the 29^th September, the hospital personnel’s were beefed up by their counterparts from another hospital in the district since they were to serve two different halls. They divided themselves into two teams and worked in the two halls whist they were assisted by JCI UCC members.

Prospective donors in various halls trooped into the JCRC upon hearing that the medical team was around.

JCI UCC did tremendously well as they directed prospective donors through the checks, packaged incentives and served donors after they have finished donating.

As Valco Hall was recording over 25 donors, 2 hours into the exercise, Adehye Hall, which is a female hall was recording less than 10 donors because of their menstruation many ladies did not qualify to donate.

In the evening, we recorded over 30 donors in Valco and over 20 donors in Adehye Hall.

On the 30^th September, we had a little challenge with one of the halls we intended to visit due to a ban that hall was serving. However, we focused on the other hall called Atlantic Hall.

All necessary arrangements were done by JCI UCC members and when the hospital personnel’s arrived at Atlantic hall.

JCI UCC members conveyed all the materials from the car into JCRC were the exercise was to take place.

The Hall Master came into the JCRC and saw the worthy cause the members of JCI UCC had embarked and acknowledged us that it was a good job done. He added that, he had heard of the shortage of blood in the blood bank so he didn’t hesitate to approve our letter of request when it got to his desk.

JCI UCC members were elated by the words of the headmaster and believed they had indeed championed a noble cause.

The media also came to interview the President about the reason and importance of this project and what he would like tell other youth organizations.

The President said, “they (JCI UCC) are active citizens and they find solutions to the problems in their communities and they believe that service to humanity is the work of life”.

In the evening, the hospital personnel’s recorded over 30 donors and encouraged JCI members that they had done a good job.

On the 1^st October and which marked the last day of the project happened in Oguaa hall the first ever built hall in the University Cape Coast, in spite of the fact it was scheduled to have happened in Amamoma, a community within the University.

After all arrangements had been made, we called to confirm our coming and unfortunately, we were told by the chief that, they will be having a big funeral on the said date of the project and it was taking place on our said venue.

Oguaa hall also responded massively to the call to “donate blood to save lives” and it a remarkable project organized by the members of JCI UCC.

After the entire program, we recorded 152 units of blood donated.

The hospital personnel’s acknowledged JCI UCC members for such a remarkable sense of active citizenship and edged them to continue their good work to save lives and in making our world a better place to live.