Features
Burning Issues Economic demands and pressure on the national kitty
Various demands come from various sectors of the economy and these demands cannot be overlooked since they are all important towards the developmental agenda of the country as well as helping to improve upon the general welfare of the people.
Such intricate and various demands look justified but in terms of the national kitty, one may wonder whether all such demands can be met with the limited resources available in the country. This explains why economists express the view that the wants of man are unlimited but the resources to satisfy them are very limited.
This position adopted by economists is very true wherever we find ourselves in any part of the world. In comparative terms, the US may have more resources than each of the countries in the developing world. The same rule applies to Canada, Japan, Germany and other rich countries but once again the general rule is that in terms of humans, resources are limited so we cannot satisfy all our needs at the same time.
JUDICIOUS USE OF RESOURCES
This explains why we have to make judicious use of available resources for all competing demands in this country so that only the most important demands can be satisfied at the same time.
The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted negatively on the economies of countries the world over making it difficult for both rich and poor nations to attend to the needs of their respective citizens. As a result of the inability to meet all these demands, there could be uproar and disorderliness, creating needless tension in society.
SEEMINGLY JUSTIFIED DEMANDS
Many a time, each group of people may think that their demand or request is more important than any other thing in society for which reason all resources must be used to satisfy such demand even to the neglect of other equally important ones.
In the educational sector in Ghana for example, teachers across various levels are crying for better salaries and better conditions of service. Various teacher unions such as NAGRAT, GNAT and many others are always putting forward their request for better conditions of service.
Apart from this, there may be the need to build more infrastructure and other facilities for Primary, Senior High Schools as well as Technical and Vocational Institutions. Similarly, there may be the need to supply such schools with equipment for their vocational and technical training and also laboratory work when it comes to the senior high schools.
DEMANDS OF TEACHERS
In the same way, teachers at the higher levels, that is the universities, are also calling for better conditions of service to the dismay of certain sections of the world that may see such strikes as strange. All this puts tremendous pressure on the national kitty which does not have enough resources to satisfy all the demands.
Within the health sector, many villages and towns are still in need of clinics and hospitals as well as health laboratories and equipment to address the health needs of the people. It is for this reason that the Akufo-Addo led government has come up with Agenda 111 which is a programme aimed at setting up a number of hospitals at the district and regional levels, all totalling 111.
IMPROVEMENT
If all these are provided, they will go to improve upon the health needs of the people in the country. In addition, government is expected to find money to bring in drugs which will be used to cater for the same health needs of the people.
When we come to the area of water and sanitation, we will need millions of Ghana Cedis to expand the system for water supply so that people can get good drinking water to keep away from needless diseases. What a world!
In the area of agriculture, we need huge investments for fertiliser to be able to produce abundant food stock to feed the people. In the same way, agricultural implements and facilities are required to facilitate agricultural production in various levels and also to promote agribusiness to make life better for everyone.
RELIABLE ENERGY SECTOR
The energy sector cannot be left out. Indeed, without a reliable or dependable energy sector, the economy cannot grow as expected. It is for this reason that we do not have to joke with the energy sector, making sure that there is always enough energy to propel factories and other business entities to operate.
Again in the area of tourism, huge sums of money are needed to open up the country for tourism purposes. Both domestic and international tourism are important but without developing tourist sites in the country, it will be difficult for us to promote tourism whether at the national or international level.
ACCIDENTS
In addition to all these, accidents are bound to happen which may also require emergency donations from unplanned sources to satisfy our human needs. A good example is the recent Appiatse disaster which led to loss of lives and property. For this reason, the nation is organising donations to rebuild the community of Appiatse.
All these are indications and development of the pressure on the national kitty. Together, they are unbearable. If it is unbearable, then we need to be reasonable in our demands and give the government some time to plan well to satisfy the needs of everyone. It is equally important for the state to be more productive in its business organisation to be able to generate more revenue to satisfy all the demands.
SYSTEM OF TAXATION
At the same time, the system of taxation must be looked at again so that more people can be brought into the tax bracket. In all these, we also need to use technology to bring some improvement into the tax payment system so that corrupt practices can be minimised if not totally eliminated.
These measures are good but it will take a much longer time to bring all of them into fruition so that the national kitty will be filled with more money to address the national needs of everyone in the country. If this can be done, it will help the country as a whole and reduce the high tensions that characterise social relations and interactions.
POUND OF FLESH
No matter how one looks at it, people with varied demands from various sectors of the economy, though justified in their demands, must be reasonable and tolerant instead of demanding their full pound of flesh from the national kitty. Even if they get their full pound of flesh, other people in other sectors of the economy will also place higher demands on them and in no time compel them to deplete the money at their disposal. Such demands may come from mechanics and health sectors and many other areas that may also see the need to demand their own pound of flesh.
It is, therefore, more reasonable for each and every individual or groups of people to be more tolerant and kind to one another so that, step by step, the various competing needs of everyone in the country will be addressed even if slowly, for everyone to be happy.
VERY DIFFICULT TIMES
We are in very difficult times so no matter how justified we may think we are in our demands, we would have to agree to care for each and every person in the country by being a bit more tolerant, knowing that others are also depending on the national kitty for their survival.
Contact email/whatsApp address of author:
Pradmat2013@gmail.com (0553318911)
BY DR. KOFI AMPONSAH-BEDIAKO
The driver stopped the vehicle at the gate of the large, fenced property along the Nsawam Highway, and Kakraba stepped out to meet the several workers who had gathered to wait for him.
He greeted them and went straight to the point.
“Gentlemen, I am glad to see that you have almost completed the clearing of the land. I’m happy to report that we have concluded all arrangements with Nana Serebour, and construction of the palace will start in a few days.
“I will need you to go and level the ground, and then come back to start this project. Some workers from a construction company will come and join us.
“My plan is to build twenty houses in four months. Then we will do twenty more until we reach two hundred.
“I am relying on you to help me deliver good-quality work to satisfy our clients and, as I have already indicated to you, I will reward you for your work.”
After an hour’s discussion, he closed the meeting and moved to drive away. Wofa Yaw drew closer.
“Director, can you please spare me five minutes? I would like to discuss a small issue.”
“Why, Wofa Yaw? Your wife has threatened to leave you?”
“No, Director. My wife will never leave me. This concerns a young niece of mine.”
“I hope it’s something I can help with. Please sit in the car and let me hear you.”
“Boss, my niece, Beesiwa, is a polytechnic graduate, very beautiful and with very good character.
“Unfortunately, her parents virtually forced her into a relationship with an idiot based in the US, which affected her badly. She has now recovered from that experience and, Boss, I am respectfully asking if you would find a job for her.
“I promise you that you will never regret it.”
“Well, Wofa Yaw, let me meet her and speak with her. I may be able to help, maybe not in the way you expect, but let me meet her.
“I will not be back here for another week, but I will be at the office throughout next week. You can come with her.”
On Monday morning, Wofa Yaw and Beesiwa were seated at the office by nine o’clock. Three young ladies welcomed them warmly, offered them soft drinks and assured them that Kakraba would be there shortly.
They then returned to their desks and sat behind computers with large screens displaying various building designs.
Kakraba walked in and greeted them warmly. After chatting briefly with the three ladies, he ushered Wofa Yaw and Beesiwa into his office.
“Director, this is my niece, Beesiwa. I mentioned her to you when you came to Nsawam.”
“Yes, indeed. Madam Beesiwa, you are very beautiful, just as your uncle said. Wofa Yaw is my colleague.
“We have just started a building project that will take about three to four years. He mentioned that you have a small problem, so I said I would like to meet you and see how I can help.
“So, Beesiwa, please tell me a little about yourself.”
Beesiwa described her childhood, her school experience, her brief work at the bank and the nasty episode with Sammy Abrokwa, which shattered her peaceful life. She also explained how she had been recovering from the experience.
“I am really sorry to hear this,” Kakraba said. “Now, here is what we are going to do.
“We are a small but very busy company. The three ladies out there spend most of the day on site and come back to report on their work in the morning.
“I have three main projects. The big one is an estate project in Nsawam, where your uncle is one of my main colleagues. I need a personal assistant who can take care of my activities, especially when I am not in town.
“Now, we will have to start with trust. Based on what I know about Wofa Yaw, and based on what you yourself have told me, I think we can start on a sound basis.
“So, Wofa Yaw will take you to my home. You can move into one of the four guest rooms.”
“Sir, I have taken some computer lessons, and I have even done graphics and web design,” Beesiwa said.
“Fantastic! I will give you a good phone and a laptop. I will also arrange computer lessons for you.”
“Now, Wofa Yaw, take her home. My sister, Kuukuwa, will meet you and show you around, and then you can return to Koforidua.
“When would you like to start work?”
“Sir, I would like to start today, but I would need to go and bring my things.”
“No problem. Take a taxi to my house, meet my sister, and let me know what you decide.”
Later that day, Kakraba and the three ladies met with some bank officials to conclude the sale of the three buildings at Adabraka.
They closed at five-thirty and, after rewarding the ladies for their hard work, Kakraba got home just after dark.
He was surprised to find Kuukuwa and Beesiwa sitting at the table enjoying supper.
“What’s happening here?” he asked. “Beesiwa, I thought you would return to Koforidua.”
“She changed her mind,” Kuukuwa said. “We went to the mall and bought a few things for her. Then we came back to cook. She has made some nice changes to your bedroom and cooked a couple of interesting dishes. Sit down; we will serve you.”
“Well, I certainly can’t refuse that. It’s been a busy day.
“So, what’s the plan now? Will Beesiwa go to Koforidua tomorrow, gather her things together and come down?”
“No, I will stay here for a while,” Beesiwa replied. “Kuukuwa bought me the things I need, so I may go back next week. I’m ready to start work. What would you like me to start with?”
“Well, you can come to the office tomorrow morning, meet the three girls and get a feel for what we do.
“Since you are living here, at least for now, we can discuss the plans for the next few weeks.
“Sometimes there are gaps when I travel up north. You can take care of things from now. I think the girls would like having someone like you around.”
By Ekow de Heer
SKIP THE QUEUE, TAP THE NEWS
You can now read the Ghanaian Times and The Spectator newspapers from the comfort of your device via TimesNewsPlus.
Join our WhatsApp Channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbBElzjInlqHhl1aTU27
A frequent question following breast surgery is whether human tissue possesses the regenerative capacity to restore an excised organ.
From a strict physiological standpoint, a completely removed breast cannot regrow. Unlike certain organisms that can regenerate complex limbs or organs, adult human tissues—particularly specialised glandular structures—lack the cellular machinery required to rebuild an entire organ after its total surgical removal.
Instead, the body heals the surgical site through processes such as scar tissue formation and re-epithelialisation rather than complete cellular regeneration.
What a mastectomy actually removes
To understand why natural tissue regeneration does not occur, it is important to examine the surgical scope of a mastectomy.
Depending on the type of procedure and the medical reason for surgery, a mastectomy may involve the removal of:
Glandular architecture: The milk-producing lobules and ducts that form the functional core of the mammary gland.
Adipose tissue: The fatty tissue that contributes to breast volume, projection and contour.
Other breast tissue: The extent of tissue removal varies according to the type of mastectomy and the need to achieve appropriate surgical clearance.
Because specialised breast structures are physically removed, the body does not rebuild a complete mammary gland. Instead, healing occurs through tissue repair and scar formation.
Distinguishing residual tissue from “regrowth”
Patients or observers may notice changes in the chest area after surgery, sometimes leading to misconceptions about tissue regeneration.
Skin- and nipple-sparing procedures
Modern breast surgery may preserve the outer skin envelope or, in selected cases, the nipple-areola complex. Small amounts of breast tissue may remain depending on the surgical technique. Any changes in remaining tissue due to hormonal fluctuations represent residual tissue responding to the body, rather than the regrowth of a completely removed breast.
Adipose accumulation
Weight gain after surgery can increase the amount of subcutaneous fat across the chest wall. However, this is part of general body fat distribution and does not represent the regeneration of a mammary gland.
Modern reconstructive pathways
Because a completely removed breast does not naturally regenerate, modern medicine offers reconstructive options aimed at restoring physical symmetry, contour and body image.
The two main approaches are implant-based reconstruction and autologous, or tissue-based, reconstruction.
Implant-based reconstruction
Implant-based reconstruction uses synthetic medical devices, typically filled with silicone gel or saline, to rebuild the breast mound following a mastectomy.
The two-stage process: This approach may begin with the placement of a temporary tissue expander to gradually create space and stretch the surrounding tissues. A later procedure may then be performed to place a permanent implant.
Recovery profile: Implant-based reconstruction generally involves a shorter initial surgery and recovery period compared with procedures that require tissue to be harvested from another part of the body.
Long-term considerations: Breast implants are not lifetime devices and require ongoing medical monitoring. Some patients may need additional procedures over time because of complications or changes in the implant or surrounding tissue.
Autologous or tissue-based reconstruction
Autologous reconstruction uses the patient’s own living tissue to create a new breast mound. Tissue may be transferred from another part of the body, commonly the lower abdomen, using procedures such as a DIEP flap.
Natural look and feel: Because the reconstruction uses living tissue, it can provide a natural warmth, texture and softness. The tissue may also change with the patient’s body weight over time.
Long-term durability: Once healing is complete, autologous reconstruction can provide a long-lasting result without the need to replace an implant. However, some patients may still require further procedures.
Complex surgery: This option usually involves a longer operation and recovery period. In microsurgical procedures, surgeons may need to reconnect tiny blood vessels to establish blood flow to the transferred tissue.
Direct comparison
When choosing between these two reconstructive pathways, patients and their surgical teams must consider several physical, medical and lifestyle factors.
Surgical burden: Implant surgery is generally less invasive, while flap reconstruction involves surgery at both the chest and the donor site.
Foreign material versus native tissue: Implants involve the use of a medical device, while autologous reconstruction uses the patient’s own tissue.
Recovery: The recovery timelines and rehabilitation requirements differ significantly between the two procedures.
Recovery and physical rehabilitation
Recovering from breast reconstruction requires patience, careful pacing and, in some cases, structured physical rehabilitation.
Because implant-based and autologous tissue-flap procedures involve different surgical techniques, their healing timelines and physical therapy milestones can vary considerably.
Understanding these differences is important for patients considering reconstruction, as the choice involves more than restoring physical appearance. It also requires careful consideration of recovery, long-term monitoring, lifestyle and individual medical needs.
Part 2 will examine recovery timelines, physical therapy milestones and other factors patients should consider when choosing between reconstructive options.
By Robert Ekow Grimmond-Thompson
SKIP THE QUEUE, TAP THE NEWS
You can now read the Ghanaian Times and The Spectator newspapers from the comfort of your device via TimesNewsPlus.
Join our WhatsApp Channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbBElzjInlqHhl1aTU27
