Features
Ghana Becoming a Developed Nation — Part 1
I am one of those Ghanaians who believe that Ghana can become a developed nation like South Korea or Singapore, and so I have decided to do a series on how we can transform our nation from where we are now to where we ought to be.
This country has approached the IMF about 17 times, simply because our economic health as a nation is not up to scratch. It is a historical fact that when Ghana became a Republic, we were economically better off than some of the countries popularly known as the Asian Tigers. However, about two decades later, they had overtaken us and are now considered developed nations, while Ghana lags far behind.
A careful study of the factors accounting for the rapid development of those countries reveals one important element common to all of them: morality. John Locke once said, “The strength of society lies in the moral integrity of its citizens,” and until values like honesty, accountability, and patriotism become the norm, our desire to become a developed country will remain elusive.
After independence, Ghana, under the leadership of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, embarked on a plan to develop the country. Factories were established, and although some were sited in locations chosen for political reasons, the country was largely on track. Dr. Nkrumah himself was not corrupt.
The problem arose from appointing individuals in government who lacked patriotism and engaged in corruption. Instead of cracking the whip, the leader prioritized friendship and loyalty over moral integrity, and this marked the beginning of our troubles. Corruption, like a virus, spreads quickly if left unchecked. Soon, heads of government institutions and industries started to act independently, and the growth expected from national plans never materialized.
There were, however, a few shining examples of patriotic and upright leaders, such as Kofi Baako, the Minister for Defence and a confidante of Dr. Nkrumah.
The lessons we can draw from nations whose GDPs were at par with Ghana in the early 1960s but have now left us behind emphasize the enforcement of rules, regulations, and laws to guide national actions. We need a leader in the mold of Dr. Nkrumah who will strictly punish anyone engaging in corruption. An immediate step is separating the office of the Attorney General from that of the Minister of Justice.
This is the first essential step toward establishing a system that can effectively fight corruption. As President Obama once said, Ghana does not need strong men but strong institutions. If we put effective systems in place by removing the Attorney General’s Office from the influence of the Executive, we will make significant headway in stopping the leakages from our national coffers.
We must also use digitalization to establish systems that make corruption difficult to execute. Digitalization reduces human interaction, which often facilitates corruption, and provides a traceable footprint that allows culprits to be identified and dealt with severely, making corruption costly and unattractive.
NB: ‘CHANGE KOTOKA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT TO KOFI BAAKO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT’
By Laud Kissi-Mensah
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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
