Features
Honourable Henry Quartey …Dynamic and effective
Some ministers in the Akufo-Addo-led administration are working hard and must be commended by Ghanaians but in the case of Honourable Henry Quartey, his commitment towards hard work, dynamism, effectiveness, zeal and achievement, among others are incomparable as regards what he is trying to achieve as Greater Accra Regional Minister.
His desire to transform the city of Accra into a clean one in line with the vision of the president, is a task that is not easy to achieve looking at the stubborn nature of many Ghanaians residing within the city.
SANITATION
Many people in Accra do not keep to sanitation guidelines, throwing rubbish into gutters and blocking the smooth flow of water in various parts of the city. Other people are also putting up structures in unauthorised places and making it difficult for the flow of water into demarcated drains especially after the rains.
It takes the boldness of a person charged with that responsibility of ensuring discipline in the city to be able to go about measures geared towards sanitising the area. Many people given the responsibility will not be able to perform creditably well due to a number of factors. In the first place, many of them wlll lack the boldness and alacrity to confront a task ahead and bring about the desired results.
The results will be admired by every person in Ghana but taking steps to achieve it is what will be difficult for many people to do. It is in the light of this that Hon. Henry Quartey, determined as he is, must be given every encouragement and support, to achieve the task we have all set for him.
SLOGANS
Slogans like “keep the city clean” have been exhibited in Accra for years yet people or residents never bother to give practical meaning to this slogan. Since the 1970s, when some of us were children and are now grown into old people, such a slogan had been displayed jn places such as Accra, Sekondi-Takoradi, Kumasi and a few other places. In spite of this, can we really say the desired purpose was correctly achieved by city authorities and the people of Ghana?
If the answer may be no, then we have all failed as a people and must, therefore, begin to change our lives for the better as far as cleanliness in our cities is concerned.
GENERAL COMPLAINT
Everyone in Accra complains about the chaotic situation in the capital yet no one is prepared to take up the task and help to solve the problem.
The time has, therefore, come for each and every one of us to recalibrate our minds not just once but on continuous basis so that our mental faculties as a people will start working again to put things in order for the capital so that it will look as one of the best cities on the continent of Africa as far as cleanliness is concerned.
One notable admirable thing about Hon. Quartey was his desire, at the initial stages to involve all stakeholders about keeping the city clean and making Accra work. He consulted all parliamentarians, those in government and in opposition, as well as District and Municipal Assemblies in the Greater Accra Region and also traders and their associations together with other people who operate businesses in the city of Accra.
THOROUGH DISCUSSION
The issue was thoroughly discussed for everyone to see the way forward. This approach is good because no one was left out as far as the entire programme is concerned. For this reason, it’s expected that all stakeholders will collaborate to ensure that the ultimate purpose is achieved.
The regional minister has used the right approach because all stakeholders have been consulted and this is what makes him as acceptable leader for greater Accra. It’s important that other regional ministers emulate him to bring sanity to their areas of control.
UNTENABLE ARGUMENT OF TOO MUCH POWER
The argument that he assumes too much power is untenable and what he’s involved in is in the interest of the entire nation. He is not self-centred, looking for glory for himself alone but collaborating with all entities to achieve the ultimate purpose in the interest of Ghana.
There is no doubt that the regional minister is dynamic. His approach to things is not static but keeps changing in a positive manner to ensure that his solutions become workable.
In spite of the obstacles confronting him, Hon. Quartey is ready to succeed. He has already attained considerable success and should be commended by all.
Seen in this way, we need to continuously support him so that at the end of the day, the national capital will work again as expected not only for him as a regional minister but for the nation as a whole.
HONOURABLE HENRY QUARTEY
Before the appointment of Honourable Henry Quartey, Member of Parliament for Ayawaso Central, little did we know about him as a committed and bold person who was prepared to hold the bull by the horn and work hard to transform Greater Accra into a sanitised area
So far, he has proved himself as a leader who is selfless and willing to serve his country to the best of his ability. Many people appointed into offices first think about their own comfort before creating subsequent impression that they are in to perform their duty.
In the case of the Greater Accra Regional Minster he has so far proved that he is selfless and even prepared to endure some hardships in the course of beautifying the city of Accra. He has often been seen standing in the sun and moving with certain individuals in dirty surrounding areas to get the job done. Some of us keep wondering how many Minsters or officials are prepared to go through such conditions. It is for this reason that the man Henry Quartey must be massively supported to complete the task.
Thus, instead of commending and encouraging him, we shouldn’t discourage and destroy him in a manner that will not get him to beautify the city with other officers. We will continue to support him until his job is done appropriately as expected in line with the interest of our dear nation
In 1 Samuel 8:1-4, we read of the leader of Israel at the time growing old and making his sons judges in Israel. These sons didn’t follow their father’s example but were only interested in making money, there by accepting bribes and going about their duties in a dishonest manner
Some people appointed to serve the people of this country have also succumbed to bribery and corruption but use the media to create the impression that they are working, though false.
For many years to come Honourable Henry Quartey will continue to be remembered for his principles, boldness, dutifulness and fairness to all in an effort to beautify Accra for all Ghanaians. May God bless him abundantly.
Contact email/whatsApp of author:
Pradmat2013@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
