Features
E-levy: Its relevance to technology
Even though E-levy has been passed by Parliament and given Presidential assent to make it a law in this country, its initial uncertainties that characterised its debate in Parliament made it look as if that law could never be passed.
Many people have argued that the levy is good and would help in the mobilisation of domestic financial resources for the country, other people particularly those in the minority in Parliament still continue to counter-argue that the E-levy is not good and should be scrapped.
SCRAPPING OF E-LEVY
Some members of the opposition have even indicated that if they are able to return to power in 2024, they will scrap the levy. This cannot be believed since the reality is that more domestic resources will be needed at any point in time to carry out socioeconomic development. There have been instances where similar arguments had been put forward in the past yet when the National Democratic Congress had the opportunity to come into government, they could not tamper with the programme they described as inappropriate. An example is the Health Insurance Scheme introduced by the Kufuor administration to promote quality healthcare for Ghanaians.
The NDC was in power from January 2013 to 7th January, 2017, but they were not able to tamper with the Health Insurance Scheme.
This shows that the opposition sometimes makes noise for political power but not to promote any meaningful socioeconomic agenda. It is in light of this that Ghanaians, no matter where they are in this country, ought to be careful about certain policies being promoted by government to promote their welfare.
TECHNOLOGICAL TRENDS
It is important for every Ghanaian to note that the E-levy that has just been passed is fashioned along the direction of technology. The world is going technological in its activities and certain activities that were carried out in traditional forms or in form of face-to-face interaction are gradually becoming outmoded and, therefore, giving way to technological use and advancement.
Instead of carrying out money in bags and taking them to certain destinations to relatives and friends, technology has now made it possible for such remittances to be carried through technological means in form of MoMo for example. The good thing about the use of technology in this way is that it is fast and safe, preventing a situation where the sender can easily be attacked by armed robbers.
E-HEALTH
Again, in the world today, even medical care is gone technological so it is possible for patients to meet their medical doctors via Zoom for treatment. This is what has given way to e-health. The only aspect of medical care which may need face-to-face interaction is when samples of blood and other things may have to be presented physically for testing and analysis.
From the way things are going, the taxing of money transactions electronically forms only one of the aspects of taxation.
What this means is that all activities that are going technological such as e-health, e-pharmacy and e- agriculture and business provide fertile grounds for taxation by government. Many people also place orders from shops to have their goods delivered to them. In the same way, food ordered from restaurants are also delivered. All these are new forms of business transactions that call for taxation for use by the state. The world, including Ghana, is undergoing rapid transformation as far as electronic transactions are concerned. We cannot remain in our old fashion or way of doing things so the time has come for us to be able to adapt to the new ways of doing things especially in this era of the use of technology for trading.
MORE REVENUE FOR DEVELOPMENT
The E-levy as we know will bring in more revenue to enable government be able to undertake numerous projects for socioeconomic development. There is no doubt that ultimately it is the welfare of Ghanaians as a whole that will be enhanced or improved upon in this way. In light of all this, the E-levy is good and must be encouraged by every person in this country.
Having said this, however, the point must also be made that other sources of income to the state will have to be enhanced and intensified to enable the state carry out more developmental activities. Property rates for example ought to be taken seriously. People with houses and other properties ought to be encouraged to pay property rates so that we can see more development in this country.
PARKING TOLLS
Also, free lands or spaces can be turned into car parks. If this is done, parking tolls can be taken from all those cars that make use of such parking spaces. The end result will be more revenue for the state.
It is only when we go this way that the state will be able to pay and cater for unemployment benefits and free medical care as well as old age support for people who deserve them in this country.
ROAD TOLLS
In the same way, the road tolls that have just been scrapped ought to be brought back. If these things are done, national revenue will shoot up tremendously and make it possible for the state to support its citizens in various ways. For example, subsidies can be provided for farmers and other producers in the country who may need them.
It takes great thinking outside the box for a state to generate more revenue for its people. The population of Ghana (now over 30 million) needs to be provided for adequately by government through the establishment of a welfare system in the country. This is possible so let us move forward in unison as one country and achieve this as a national goal.
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
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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
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