Features
The economy: Any Hope?
Many Ghanaians appear to have lost hope in the country following the rapid rise in prices affecting all kinds of products.
The economic situation is affecting everyone and knows no political colour. People following the NDC have been affected just as much as those who support the NPP, CPP and other political parties. What this means is that all people in the country have been badly hit by the unpleasant economic situation.
In fact, businesses are not doing well. Apart from that, all economic activities have also been affected, making life uncomfortable for all people in the 16 regions of Ghana.
In spite of all this, people are working hard and doing what is expected of them to overcome the challenges they face. This is quite encouraging because it is the only way to survive the current economic doldrums.
What has happened to the country sends a big challenge to all Ghanaians to be calm and work together towards finding a lasting solution to the problem. No one will ever come to Ghana to solve the economic problems Ghanaians are facing today.
We may seek collaboration with other entities in the world, but much will depend on Ghanaians themselves, who may have to work hard and be committed to national progress and development. Thus, there is hope for the country, but we will have to put our heads together to overcome our challenges and move forward.
Every community and district will have to organise themselves in a positive way so that better lives can be attained by such communities. If these communities do well as envisaged, it will help push up economic development for the districts and regions in which they find themselves.
Again, as each district and region progresses in this way, they will all converge at a point where all 16 regions of the country will be seen to be moving forward.
This means that the entire country will be moving forward in a positive direction. This is what is needed for our future progress.
When we work in this way, the entire country will develop economically. In other words, all locations in the north, the middle, and the southern belt will all contribute to the economic success of the nation.
In spite of the current economic conditions, there is hope at the end of the tunnel. Everyone is expected to play a role in this so that the economic situation can be overcome. When this happens, the sky will be the limit as far as economic development is concerned.
Ghana, as a country, has an abundance of resources. Some of these resources are gold, klinker, salt, and many others. What it needs to do is make full and effective use of all these resources.
In utilising natural resources, we need to ensure that technology is also applied to help the country maximise the benefits obtained from them. This can be possible if we remain committed to it.
Gone are the days when our natural resources were exported in their raw form. Today, the trend ought to be reversed, so we need to add value to them so as to be able to maximise the benefits we derive for the country.
This will have to be done in addition to the implementation of the current ongoing programmes. If this is done, much progress can be made.
Examples here are Planting for Food and Jobs, One District, One Factory, and other programmes that have been rolled out by the government. These are all good programmes that must be kept and implemented well.
Thus, if the current programmes being rolled out by the government are good, then we need to continue with them. Again, if the nation’s existing natural resources are fully exploited and effectively used, the benefits to the nation will be maximised, and the country’s revenue will be enormous. When revenue is huge in this way, it means that most of our needs or demands can be met. In such a situation, life will be better and more elegant as far as the economic development is concerned.
Therefore, the people of this country must have hope and know that the current problems are surmountable. If they are overcome, then there is hope for the future.
Once again, the question is whether we can overcome the current economic difficulties. Yes, we can, so no one should lose hope because Ghana will soon be on the verge of recovery.
Email address/whatsApp number of author:
Pradmat201@gmail.com (0553318911)
BY DR. KOFI AMPONSAH-BEDIAKO
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
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