Features
Bawumia and Ghana economy
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Before the recent lecture on the economy of Ghana Dr Bawumia delivered, some people, including senior lecturers and professors, had expressed various views (positively and negatively) on the state of country’s economy.
Since the lecture given by the Vice President of the Republic, Dr. Mahamadu Bawumia, various opinions have been expressed on his presentation, some of them praising him for a good work done while others, as usual, saw nothing good about what he said or the issues discussed on that day.
PUBLIC REACTIONS
The reaction of the general public, however, showed that in spite of the difficulties the country faced, the Vice President and Head of Ghana’s economic team did well and dealt with all the relevant issues the country is facing.
He began by stating that he was going to deal with the state of the economy, pointing out that there were problems or difficulties but measures had been put in place to ensure that the economy of Ghana was cushioned soundly from collapse.
In talking about the state of the economy, Dr. Bawumia referred to the economic problems Ghana as a country faced prior to the swearing-in of President Akufo-Addo. He went on to explain that in spite of the difficulties, measures were in place to ensure reduction in inflation, elimination of a number of taxes, developing the economy along internally induced growth, among others.
ECONOMIC PROBLEMS
The economy of Ghana today faces a number of problems including rising prices of goods and services. The rising prices have come about because of the COVID-19 pandemic which has affected every part of the world. Indeed, goods cannot be easily transported from different parts of the world to other places where they are needed thereby bringing about shortages in some cases.
Generally, the supply of goods and services have been in short supply but even in situations where such goods and services are not in short supply, it can be seen that the cost of transportation alone has shot up tremendously.
COST PUSH AND DEMAMD PULL INFLATION
This high cost of transportation accounts for rising prices, that is, cost push inflation. In cost push inflation, rising prices of transportation when added to the prices of goods and services further push up prices.
Similarly, in situations where the supply of goods and services are less than expected or fall below general demand, what happens is that demand exceeds supply and pushes up prices. This comes under what is known as “demand pull inflation.”
Both demand pull and cost push inflation are responsible for the rising prices in the country. From this observation, one can say that the unfavourable economic situation in the country, in the form of rising prices, is not the making of the Akufo-Addo administration. The situation has come about because of factors beyond the reach of all Ghanaians.
All countries in the world are going through difficult economic times so this is the period for all analysts to be objective and fair in their discussion of issues in Ghana today. We should be very grateful that the economic management style of the government has not thrown things overboard but rather made it possible for the people of Ghana to go about their normal duties, even in the midst of some difficulties.
COVID-19 PANDEMIC
Until the world, including Ghana, was hit by the COVID-19 pandemic, things were moving on smoothly in Ghana. Inflation, which was initially at 15.4 per cent or thereabout was reduced to about seven per cent. Similarly, agricultural output also increased tremendously from negative levels to appreciable levels even though there was still room for improvement.
With the arrival of COVID-19,everything was thrown overboard and countries that did not have resilient economies fell onto great trouble and experienced food shortages. Fortunately, due to Ghana’s laudable programmes such as Planting for Food and Jobs (PFJs), the country became self-sufficient and even exported food items to neighbouring countries like Burkina Faso, Togo, Benin and Côte d’ivoire among other countries. Had it not been for this programme, things would’ve been worse than we see today.
We have food stuffs all over the country but there is room for improvement in the sense that we need to construct more roads to link up with communities that are producing food for the country. Without this, not much can be achieved in terms of food production. A network of good roads is, therefore, needed in all parts of the country to enhance agricultural production.
At the same time, we need to regulate the supply and export of our food stuffs to neighbouring countries so that Ghanaians will also not run out of food supplies. Fortunately, the Government of Ghana had realised this and banned the export of maize and soya to neighbouring countries until the situation improves in Ghana. It is equally important to note that the economic problems experienced in the world today have come about because of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Many finished products come from that part of the world. The products are fertilisers and other important products needed in the agricultural sector.
ADVERSE CONFLICT
The conflict has, therefore, contributed adversely to other parts of the world including Ghana.
We are happy that the economy of Ghana is able to support itself today and is far from collapse.
With the pandemic moving away, it is strongly believed that all the economic programmes and measures put in place would begin to yield results needed and make the economy a strong one. This means that there will be reduced inflation and more income can be generated from various sectors of the economy to finance its expenditure. Similarly, we can also reduce the rate of exchange with other foreign currencies to make the economy a strong one. Individuals should have confidence in the economy of Ghana and believe in what was presented by Dr. Bawumia
From all indications, the measures taken by Ghana are good and that is why the developed countries of the world have expressed confidence in the economy of Ghana.
DIGITALISATION
Digitalisation is good if for nothing at all, it helps to eradicate corruption and make it easy for goods and services to be accessed without difficulty. For this reason, digitisation coupled with the relevant economic policies will go a long way to enhance rapid growth in all parts of the country so that the ultimate result will be improved upon in the interest of everyone.
Ghana is a great nation so we all need to work hard and support the government to make it possible for economic activities to flourish and improve upon the welfare of everyone in this noble country.
Contact email/whatsApp address of author:
Pradmat2013@gmail.com (0553318911)
By Dr Kofi Amponsah-Bediako
“A woman who abandons her baby in a dustbin at Kasoa Lorry Station is not always a wicked woman. Sometimes, she is a wounded woman whose mind has broken, whose family has rejected her, and whose society has left her with only one terrible option: disappear or be disgraced.”
That is the hard truth Ghana must hear.
In the last 10 days alone, our nation has been confronted with the same painful headline, twice.
Case 1 – Kasoa Main Lorry Station, Central Region: A newborn baby girl was found abandoned inside a dustbin at the public toilet of the Kasoa Main Station. A woman who went to use the facility discovered the infant and raised an alarm. Commercial drivers and bystanders quickly retrieved the baby and rushed her to the Kasoa Polyclinic for emergency medical care.
Case 2 – Asante Bekwai, Ashanti Region: On Thursday morning, August 20, 2026, a two-week-old neonate was reportedly abandoned by an unknown nursing mother at Bekwai in the Ashanti Region. Residents who came across the child raised the alarm. The baby was admitted to the Bekwai Government Hospital as police commenced investigations.
Let me be clear from the start: Newborn abandonment is wrong. It is dangerous. It is criminal. And it can kill. This article does not excuse it. But if we only arrest and shame, we will never stop it. We must treat the root, not just punish the fruit.
What exactly is newborn abandonment? – The two definitions
The Legal Definition: Under Ghana’s Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29), Section 96, and the Children’s Act, 1998 (Act 560), abandonment of a child under 12 years is a criminal offence. It is classified as exposure and abandonment, punishable as a misdemeanor or felony. The law sees the mother as a perpetrator.
The Psychological definition: In clinical textbooks, newborn abandonment is defined as the intentional, permanent relinquishment of all parental rights, care, and responsibilities over an infant within the first 28 days of life without making formal, legal arrangements for care.
To understand this crisis properly, we must not confuse it with child abandonment. Newborn abandonment happens within 0-28 days of life, often driven by acute panic, denial of pregnancy, or postpartum psychosis where the attachment bond never formed. Child abandonment, on the other hand, involves toddlers to teenagers where a bond existed but collapsed over time due to chronic poverty, family breakdown, or parental burnout. One is an acute crisis of the first month; the other is a chronic breakdown over years. Both are harmful, but they need different interventions.
Psychologically, newborn abandonment is the ultimate rupture of the primary attachment bond. Think of a 19-year-old university student who secretly gives birth alone in her hostel room, wraps the crying baby in a polythene bag, and drops it at a refuse dump at midnight. That is not just a crime scene; it is a scene of extreme panic and psychological dissociation.
Why would a mother carry a baby for 9 months and then abandon it?
This is the question every Ghanaian asks. If you wanted to abandon it, why not abort? The answer is deeply psychological:
1. The psychodynamics of denial of pregnancy: This is a profound defense mechanism, not a lie. The mother’s subconscious mind completely rejects the reality of the pregnancy. She does not gain weight normally, feels no kicks, does not seek antenatal care, and genuinely convinces herself she is not pregnant until sudden, shocking labour pains take her by surprise in a toilet or bedroom.
2. Fantasy of a dissolving problem: This is called cognitive avoidance. She believes “my boyfriend will come back,” “my mother will forgive me,” or “something miraculous will happen before birth.” So she waits, paralyzed, until the baby is here.
3. Barriers to safe abortion: Deep religious guilt, moral anxiety, fear of dying from a back-alley abortion, lack of money for a safe procedure, and family laws force her to carry to term even when she feels incapable.
4. The shock of reality and acute panic: Upon delivery, the physical presence and crying of the newborn shatters all denial. Confronted with immediate exposure, shame, and reality, her brain enters a trauma response — “fight, flight, or freeze.” For many, it becomes “flight” — physically escape the threat of exposure to survive socially. That is why babies are left in places where others will find them -lorry stations, churches, hospitals.
Source:
Counselor Prince Offei, CPAC’s founder, is a leading Mental Health Professional, Marriage Counsellor, Author, ADR Expert/Arbitrator, and Spectator Newspaper Columnist. He writes on relationships, marriage, parenting, special needs support, and their connection to mental health. For therapy, counselling, or enquiries, contact Counselor Prince & Associates Consult (CPAC) in Accra on 0559850604 / 0551428486.
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Features
Environmental stewardship is an act of worship: The Islamic response to climate change, environmental degradation (Part 4)
The environmental consequences of illegal mining have reached alarming levels in Ghana. Several major rivers, including the Pra, Ankobra, Offin, Birim and Tano, have experienced significant pollution from illegal mining activities, increasing the cost and complexity of water treatment while threatening the availability of potable water for millions of citizens (Water Resources Commission, 2024; Ghana Water Limited, 2024). These developments underscore the urgent need for stronger environmental governance and collective action.
Islam equally emphasises accountability in governance. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) taught that every leader is responsible for those under his or her authority (Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 7138; Sahih Muslim, Hadith 1829). This principle extends to public officials entrusted with environmental regulation, traditional authorities responsible for communal lands, mining companies, local assemblies, and community leaders. Environmental protection cannot succeed
where accountability is absent.
At the same time, addressing galamsey requires more than law enforcement. Sustainable solutions must tackle the underlying socio-economic realities that drive individuals into illegal mining. Many young people are motivated by unemployment, poverty, and limited economic opportunities. Islamic principles of social justice therefore call for the creation of alternative livelihoods through sustainable agriculture, vocational training, responsible small-scale mining under strict environmental standards, entrepreneurship, and skills development. Environmental protection and economic empowerment should not be viewed as competing priorities but as complementary goals that promote human dignity and national development.
Faith communities also have an indispensable role to play. Mosques, churches, schools, traditional councils, and civil society organisations possess significant influence in shaping public attitudes and behaviours. Imams, in particular, should consistently remind congregations that wealth acquired through actions that destroy communities and Allah’s creation cannot be regarded as a blessing. Religious education should cultivate environmental ethics alongside spiritual devotion, reinforcing the understanding that protecting rivers, forests, and farmlands is an expression of gratitude to Allah and a fulfilment of the trust of Khalifah.
Ultimately, the struggle against galamsey is more than a campaign to protect natural resources; it is a struggle to uphold justice, preserve human dignity, and honour the trust that Allah has placed upon humanity. Lasting solutions will require strong governance, responsible citizenship, sustainable economic opportunities, and renewed moral leadership. Only when these elements
work together can Ghana safeguard its natural heritage for present and future generations.
Water conservation, waste management and sustainable development: Practical expressions of Islamic stewardship
Religious education should cultivate environmental ethics alongside spiritual devotion, reinforcing the understanding that protecting rivers, forests, and farmlands is an expression of gratitude to Allah and a fulfilment of the trust of Khalifah.
Ultimately, the struggle against galamsey is more than a campaign to protect natural resources; it is a struggle to uphold justice, preserve human dignity, and honour the trust that Allah has placed upon humanity. Lasting solutions will require strong governance, responsible citizenship, sustainable economic opportunities, and renewed moral leadership. Only when these elements
work together can Ghana safeguard its natural heritage for present and future generations.
Islam is not merely a religion that condemns environmental destruction; it also provides practical guidance for preserving and sustaining the natural world. Through its teachings on moderation, cleanliness, conservation, and responsible consumption, Islam cultivates an environmental ethic that remains remarkably relevant to contemporary challenges such as water scarcity, pollution, waste management, and climate change. These teachings encourage Muslims to become
responsible custodians of Allah’s creation in both private and public life.
Water conservation: A sacred responsibility
Water occupies a unique position in Islam as the source of life and an essential element of worship. Allah says, “And We made from water every living thing. Then will they not believe?” (Qur’an 21:30, Sahih International). This verse reminds believers that water is not merely an economic resource but a divine blessing upon which all living creatures depend. The importance of water is further reflected in Islamic acts of worship. Muslims perform ablution (wudu) before the five daily prayers and ritual bathing (ghusl) under prescribed circumstances.
Yet, despite its central role in purification, Islam strongly discourages wastefulness. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) once advised one of his companions not to waste water while performing ablution, even when using water from a flowing river (Sunan Ibn Majah, Hadith 425). This timeless guidance establishes the principle that abundance does not justify extravagance.
Conservation remains a religious obligation regardless of the apparent availability of natural resources.
This Prophetic teaching carries profound implications for contemporary Ghana. Illegal mining has severely polluted many rivers, increasing the cost of water treatment and limiting access to safe drinking water for numerous communities. Climate change has also intensified seasonal variability in rainfall, placing additional pressure on freshwater resources (IPCC, 2023). Against this
backdrop, conserving water is no longer simply an environmental preference—it is a moral imperative grounded in Islamic teaching.
Water conservation should therefore become a shared responsibility among households, educational institutions, industries, and places of worship. Simple practices such as repairing leaking pipes, harvesting rainwater, protecting riverbanks, avoiding contamination of water bodies, and promoting efficient irrigation contribute to safeguarding one of Allah’s greatest blessings. Every effort to preserve water is an investment in public health, food security, and the
wellbeing of future generations.
Unfortunately, indiscriminate disposal of refuse remains a significant challenge in many communities. Plastic waste clogs drainage systems, contributes to flooding during the rainy season, pollutes rivers and beaches, and threatens marine ecosystems. Open burning of waste further degrades air quality and poses serious health risks, particularly for children and the elderly (UNEP,2024).
The author is Chief Imam of Katamanso Municipal and Certified Counsellor and Governnace Expert.
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