Features
Burning Issues: MPs, respect Speaker
Not long ago we heard of some misunderstanding between members of the leadership of Parliament. The Speaker, it is clear, is not happy with the 1st Deputy Speaker while the 1st Deputy Speaker is also unhappy with the Speaker.
What came as a shock to many people was the shout of “Shut up!” to a member of Parliament when the Speaker wanted his MPs to be punctual and conduct themselves in a dignified manner.
DIGNITY AND PARLIAMENTARY DUTIES
Dignity is very important when it comes to parliamentary duties. In fact, members of parliament including the Speaker are expected to express themselves in a dignifying manner so as to serve as good examples for the rest of society.
It is in the light of this that the recent pronouncement of “Shut up” came as a surprise to many of us. It is our wish that such a thing will never happen again in parliament.
SHOW OF RESPECT
Members of parliament are not children but people who know their left from their right. This is why the general public is expected to show special respect to all parliamentarians and recognise them as leaders who must be placed high in society. Also, the title “Honourable” is used to show the dignifying role they play in society. All these go to show that they are people who deserve our respect from all angles. The respect should not only come from the public but from among members of parliament themselves.
If members of parliament, therefore, will not respect their own selves, then why should they expect members of the public to respect they themselves. In other words, members of the public are not likely to show respect to the parliamentarians if the parliamentarians themselves cannot show respect to one another.
UNFAIR ATTACKS TO SPEAKER
During the time of Rt Hon Speaker, Prof Mike Oquaye, some of the MPs from the minority attacked him unfairly claiming that he was treating them like children. This unfortunate situation prevailed for some time until Prof Mike Oquaye was replaced by Rt. Hon. Alban Bagbin. For Alban Bagbin to shout “Shut up” in parliament shows that he was treating parliamentarians as kindergarten school children, a situation which to some of us, is very unfortunate.
This is not to say that respect for parliamentarians is expected to come from only the Speaker. Rather, the respect must be reciprocal. While the speaker is expected to respect parliamentarians who work under him, all the MPs must be seen as people who also respect the Speaker. If the MPs will not respect the Speaker and his deputies, then they are calling for nothing but disorderliness in parliament and thereby setting very bad example for the rest of the people in the country.
IMPORTANT SEGMENT
The Speaker represents an important segment of our population and should, therefore, be accorded the respect he requires. Anyone who does not show respect to the Speaker is seen as committing an abominable act which must not be permitted by anyone in the country.
We need to set good examples for ourselves. For this to come about, we need to put up good behaviour at all times and exhibit exemplary lives to all people we come in contact with, including our places of work.
If such respect is not exhibited to the leaders in parliament for example, then we have no right to demand respect from other members of society.
NO DICTATORSHIP
Thus, the simple rule is that the Speaker must show himself as a parliamentary leader who must respect all the people he works with. He should never behave as a dictator or an autocratic person who thinks that the power he wields is equal to that of the almighty God.
In the same way, all members of parliament must show special respect to the Speaker and accord him the reverence he needs at all times. If the respect comes from both ways, that is from the leadership of parliament to the other parliamentarians while the other parliamentarians also show special respect to the leadership of parliament, there will be peace and dignity in the legislature and this good behaviour will transcend to all facets of society including children.
In conclusion, therefore, we want to emphasise and state that the Speaker and his deputies must respect the rest of the MPs, while the rest of the MPs should also respect the leadership of parliament. This is how the legislature should behave as a House of dignity for the entire country.
What this means is that the Speaker must respect the MPs while the MPs also respect the Speaker.
Contact email/whatsApp of author:
Pradmat2013@gmail.com (0553318911)
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I experienced something on Monday, June 15, that really frustrated me. I had to go to the ministries but I could not get up early that day so I decided to pick a taxi and get to the Tuba Junction.
When I got there I realised that Traffic had built up from the Toll Booth towards Accra. After a while I got a Taxi and it was when we got to a certain spot on the road, that I realised why there was a traffic jam.
There is a short stretch of the road where each time it rains heavily, loose material run down the hill onto the road, blocking one side of the road. Vehicles from Kasoa to Accra are then forced to move into one of the lanes of those going towards Kasoa from Accra.
The two lane road from Accra to Kasoa becomes a single carriage way. That was the reason for the traffic jam from the toll booth onwards.
This has been a perineal problem and yet, no permanent solution has been found till date. The area falls under Ga South and even though, a new MCE has taken over, the technocrats are still there and so the problem is not new to them.
There is therefore no excuse for the inability of the Ga South Metropolitan Assembly to resolving the problem on that stretch of the road. Apart from the Ga South Metropolitan Assembly, another institution that must be held accountable is the Ghana Highways Authority.
The Highways Authority cannot say they are unaware of this issue. The fact that the problem falls within the area of responsibility of the Ga South Assembly, does not relieve the Ghana Highways Authority, of their responsibility of ensuring that our highways are maintained in a motorable state at all times.
A collaboration between the Ghana Highways Authority and The Ga South Municipal Assembly is required for a permanent resolution of the problem.
There was another traffic jam at a place called Atala about 250 metres to the traffic light at Old Barrier as a result of an issue similar to the one close to the toll booth, that I talked about earlier.
When we got to Weija junction, we encountered another traffic jam. The cause of this jam was a bad condition of road about 80 metres from the traffic light at Ga South Hospital heading towards Accra.
Due to the bad nature at that section of the road, vehicles are compelled to slow down resulting in a traffic jam stretching all the way to Weija Junction.
I started wondering if that short stretch of road cannot be sorted on one Sunday when traffic is usually light. When we got to the traffic light at Odorkor, there was another issue.
When the traffic light shows green, there is a slow down because there is a big pothole or should I say manhole in the outer lane, right at the traffic light. Vehicles in the outer lane are compelled to swerve into the second lane thereby causing a traffic to slow down and resulting in a traffic jam.
It is very important to take into account the effect of traffic jam on the national economy. If we are able to assess the value of the loss to the economy of the nation, I believe the issue of traffic jam will be prioritised.
Imagine persons working at various Government Organisations like Registrar General’s Department, Ghana Ports and Habours Authority, Ghana Revenue Authority, CEPS etc. and lives at Kasoa and whose job is to collect revenue for the state and is held up in traffic.
Just imagine the effect their lateness to work will have on the economy if you consider the delays in say clearing of goods at the port and as a result traders cannot sell their goods for government to generate the required taxes.
Let us deal with the traffic jams on our streets to promote economic growth. God bless.
By Laud Kissi-Mensah
Mortality is an inherent aspect of life, a universal experience that has sparked philosophical, theological, and scientific inquiry throughout human history.
This article aims to provide a comprehensive and nuanced exploration of mortality, acknowledging the complexity of the topic and the diverse perspectives surrounding it.
The biological imperative
From a biological standpoint, death is a natural part of the life cycle. It serves as a mechanism for the evolution of species, allowing for the passing on of genetic material and the adaptation to environmental changes.
Evolutionary perspective: Death allows for the recycling of resources, promoting the survival and adaptation of species.
Life span and senescence: Cellular aging and the limitations of biological systems contribute to mortality.
Philosophical and existential perspectives
Existentialism: Emphasises individual freedom and responsibility in the face of mortality.
Meaning and purpose: The finite nature of life can prompt individuals to seek meaning and purpose.
The human condition: Mortality is a fundamental aspect of the human experience, shaping our perceptions and values.
Cultural and spiritual views
Afterlife and spirituality: Many cultures and religions believe in an afterlife or spiritual continuation.
Rituals and mourning: Cultural practices surrounding death reflect the significance of mortality in human experience.
Legacy and remembrance: The impact of one’s life can transcend mortality.
Ethical considerations
End-of-life care: Ethical debates surround issues like euthanasia, assisted dying, and palliative care.
Quality of life: Balancing the value of life with the quality of life is a complex ethical issue.
Resource allocation: Societal decisions about healthcare and resource distribution involve considerations of mortality.
Psychological impact
Grief and loss: The experience of mortality can evoke profound emotional responses.
Fear and anxiety: The awareness of mortality can lead to existential anxiety.
Appreciation and gratitude: Recognising mortality can foster appreciation for life.
Conclusion
Mortality is a multifaceted aspect of human existence, influencing how we live, relate, and find meaning. Understanding and acknowledging mortality can prompt deeper reflections on life and our place in the world.
By Robert Ekow Grimmond-Thompson
