Editorial
Decision to go to IMF is appropriate
After series of debates as to whether the country should go to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for support, the Government of Ghana has taken the decision that at this time of the global economic situation, the country needs to go for some assistance.
The assistance from the IMF has become necessary because, according to the government, the COVID-19 pandemic together with unfavourable global economic condition has made it difficult for the country to stand on its own, looking at the serious challenges affecting Ghana just like many other countries in the world.
It has been explained that support from the IMF will help the country to get balance of payment to enable it perform better in the days ahead.
The IMF is an international body that has been set up to achieve balance of payment support for member countries which decide to go to it (international body) for assistance. It is a body that plays a useful role in the economic development of member countries, among others.
Under President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, every effort has been made to ensure that the economy performs better as regards the welfare of Ghanaians. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic which affected all parts of the world forced the government to spend heavily to save the lives of the people in this country.
The President pointed out that, in the case of economies that were destroyed by COVID-19, it would be possible to revive them whereas in the case of human lives, they could not be revived once lost.
In light of all these, The Spectator is of the view that the people of Ghana ought to support the government, so that at the end of it all, a developmental agenda can be pursued for Ghanaians, irrespective of political affiliations.
We are very much aware that 100 countries have applied to the IMF for one form of bailout or the other. In this connection, therefore, it is clear that the unfavourable global economic situation together with COVID-19 has adversely affected every country in the world.
In view of the unfavourable global economic situation, the IMF threw out invitation to countries that wanted assistance to come forward.
From this perspective, it is appropriate for Ghana to take advantage and go to the IMF for assistance, contrary to its previous position that it would not go for help.
In fairness to the government, this paper acknowledges that from 2017 up to the first quarter of 2020, the economy of Ghana was performing creditably well to the admiration of many countries in the world.
Unfortunately, the sudden emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic ate substantially into the resources country and threw all projections out of gear.
As if this was not enough, the high price of crude oil worldwide, moving far above the $100 mark also added salt to injury and worsened the economic conditions of the country.
As a member of the IMF, therefore, Ghana has every right to seek assistance from this international body, so that the economic situation can be made a bit bearable for the country.
The Spectator, however, wishes to urge the team negotiating with the IMF to prepare adequately and ensure that the best alternatives and options are what are given the country.
The economic situation all over the world in both developed and developing countries has become very unfavourable and harsh, making life extremely difficult for ordinary people.
In this connection, we are urging all Ghanaians to remain calm in the hope that, what comes out from the negotiation with the IMF will be in the best interest of the country.
Yesterday was the International Day of Families (IDF), a global celebration of families and their significance that aims to increase awareness of social and economic challenges.
Every year on May 15, the United Nations observes IDF, a day that emphasises the value of families in social development and advocates for family-friendly legislation.
The UN General Assembly created the Day in 1993 to bring attention to economic, demographic, and social issues that impact families, such as urbanization, digital transformation, and climate change.
Because of this, the government, local communities, and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) utilise this day to advocate for family-oriented policies like childcare and financial assistance to strengthen communities and advance health and education.
Children must live in a positive home setting that offers affection, love, care, support, pleasant relationships, discipline, and fairness since they are vulnerable and require assistance in a variety of ways.
In support of this year’s theme, “Families, Inequalities and Child Wellbeing,” The Spectator thinks that providing this supportive atmosphere for children will help advance their wellbeing.
In the meantime, today, May 16, is the “International Day of Living Together in Peace,” which aims to uphold the desire to live and act together, united in variety and differences, in order to create a sustainable world of harmony, solidarity, and peace.
This year’s theme, “Living Together in Peace: Building Trust through Dialogue, Inclusion and Reconciliation,” is appropriate since the day serves as a reminder of how crucial it is to promote compassion, understanding, and connection despite differences.
“Living together in peace is all about accepting differences and having the ability to listen to, recognise, respect, and appreciate others, as well as living in a peaceful and united way,” according to UNESCO.
In order for peace to prevail, individuals must choose to listen to and uphold the dignity of those whose experiences, opinions, and histories may differ from their own. We must recognize that coexisting peacefully is a practical endeavour rather than an abstract one. And in order for peace to prevail, individuals must decide to pay attention and uphold the dignity of those whose backgrounds, experiences, and opinions may differ from their own.
Respecting people’s opinions is important because it fosters trust and improves relationships. After a quarrel, most people find it hard to make amends, but The Spectator encourages people to talk, which is one approach to mend broken relationships. Tensions are reduced and the circumstances for peace are established through dialogue.
Each of us has a part to play in creating peaceful environments therefore as the theme draws attention to the daily work of peace in diplomacy, in institutions, families, schools, workplaces, communities, places of worship, and public life, let us uphold peace in high regard.
Dear Editor,
I write to express concern about the uncertainty facing many National Service personnel after completing their mandatory service.
Every year thousands of young graduates are posted to various institutions across the country where they contribute significantly to productivity and service delivery.
Unfortunately, after their service period, many are left unemployed despite demonstrating competence, dedication, and commitment to duty.
In many offices, National Service personnel perform the same responsibilities as permanent staff and in some cases help reduce workload pressures.
It is therefore discouraging that after gaining practical experience and contributing to national development, they are often asked to leave without any opportunity for permanent employment.
This situation has contributed to rising unemployment and frustration among the youth.
I would like to appeal to the government, public institutions, and private organisations to consider retaining hardworking National Service personnel whenever vacancies arise.
Creating a clear pathway for permanent employment after service would motivate young graduates to give off their best and also help reduce graduate unemployment in the country.
Eugene Ampiaw
Mamprobi-Camara.
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