Features
The just-ended NPP national delegates conference held at the Accra Sports Stadium
• President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo (middle) with the new NPP
National Executives Inset: A section of the
delegates at the conference
The new Patriotic Party (NPP) has always used the electoral principle for the selection of its officers to serve on various capacities in the party. Beginning from the polling station as well as all the constituency and regional levels, the party has successfully carried out internal elections to select the candidates to serve.
The just-ended delegates conference dealt with officers who are to serve at the national level including the position of National Chairman, General Secretary, Women’s Organiser and Nasara Coordinator, among others
The electoral principle adopted by the party as is done elsewhere is good for a number of reasons. In the first place, it allows candidates to freely offer themselves for selection by the party delegates. Additionally, it ensures that the delegates are given the chance to freely select candidates who, in their view, are qualified and fit to play different roles in the party.
Again, the electoral system helps to prevent the imposition of candidates on the party. By preventing imposition of candidates on the party,members are always encouraged to come out freely to support all programmes and activities organised by the selected officers. In addition to all this, the electoral principle brings about openness, transparency and helps to promote unity among family (party) members.
The just-ended conference was well organised. The choice of the Accra Sports Stadium was good because the venue was able to accommodate all the delegates as well as the party leaders and officials invited to carry out certain activities. This ensured that the atmosphere was condusive for the purpose of party political activities.
In the same way, the security of delegates was also ensured. In all, about 3,000 policemen came to provide security at the Accra Sports Stadium. The security was important because it guaranteed protection of the party officials and members from being attacked by any unscrupulous persons who may want to come in and create problems.
The officers from Electoral Commission who came to supervise the elections also played their role well so at the end of it all, the conference proved to be very successful. The success has sent positive signals not only to all parts of this country about good political party organisation but also to other parts of Africa and even the rest of the world. It has gone to re-enforce the view that the democratic credentials of Ghana regarding political party activities grow from strength to strength, making it enviable for the rest of the world
The nature of the campaign required by candidates who offered themselves for the elections was laborious because being a national election, each candidate was expected to go round all the 16 regions of Ghana and mount their campaign to solicit support for their election and re-election. At the end of the day, some of the candidates won the election but others were not fortunate enough to win. It was an endeavour meant to select the best candidates for the various positions declared by the party.
For this reason, all victorious officers ought to extend a hand of friendship in line with the desire for unity to all candidates who were not successful. This is important because it is an internal party affair that must not be allowed to degenerate into party disunity and destruction.
Similarly, all those who participated in the elections must know that they are one people belonging to the same political stock who are vying for victory in 2024. It is, therefore, important for the new chairman, Mr. Steve Ayesu Ntim as well as the General Secretary Mr Justin Frimpong Kodua and all other officers who won their positions, to come together for party unity, progress and development for the good of the country. This is how as a country, Ghana can portray itself as a politically mature country with a high degree of tolerance for one another with the NPP as a peaceful political organisation.
By Dr Kofi Amponsah-Bediako
Contact email/whatsApp address of author:
Pradmat201@gmail.com (0553318911)
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
