Features
Ending the year with blessings; embracing the New Year with hope
Gradually, the year 2021 is drawing to an end, and in less than two weeks, the whole world including our dear nation, Ghana, will be embracing the New Year (2022) with pomp and pageantry. It has been a very difficult and tortuous journey to this point, but the good Lord has favoured most of us as we continue to be alive and, therefore, we must continue to give glory and thanks to Him for protecting our lives.
It is a fact that many were those who could not stand the test of time and, therefore, could not survive the year 2021 due to a number of factors including sickness, road accidents, disasters, murders among others. The deadly disease, the Corona virus pandemic with its attendant devastating nature which continues to wreak havoc and having a major toll across nations throughout the world had claimed many lives globally. To those who lost their lives as a result of some of these unfortunate incidents, we pray that the good Lord will protect their souls and grant them eternal rest. We also wish to console the various bereaved families for losing their loved ones.
PRAYING FOR GOD’s PROTECTION AND LOVE
As the year draws to an end, it is imperative for those of us who are alive to resolve ever than before to put our trust in the Almighty God and continue to pray to Him to grant us the needed protection as we strive to enter the New Year. We must kneel before Him and pray without ceasing by calling on Him to wipe out our sins completely.
Indeed, Ghanaians have not found life easy at all this year as the cost of living continues to escalate beyond bounds. The hardships across the country are so unbearable with people struggling to make ends meet. Prices of goods and services keep going high each and every day while people continue to complain bitterly. It is just the survival of the fittest as those who don’t have the means continue to starve due to lack of dependents. It is only just a few in society made up of government functionaries, businessmen, politicians as well as some so-called men of God who use their services to cheat and exploit the innocents in the society who are making it in the society through their ill-gotten wealth.
OUR POLITICIANS AND ECONOMIC HARDSHIPS
Aside all these difficulties being encountered by the citizenry, our politicians especially, the ruling government continue to impose all kinds of ‘killer’ taxes on the already burdened and suffering people of Ghana without justifiable reason. While those at the helm of affairs demand that the people should tighten their belt and face the economic challenges squarely, they (themselves) and their families continue to live affluent and extravagant lives. These politicians who rode on the back of the people to power and the positions they occupy at the moment, have soon forgotten how they came to power and, therefore, continue to exploit and feed fat on the citizenry. They continue to milk the economy and when people talk or complain they become an automatic enemy to the state.
The notion most Ghanaians are have in their minds at the moment is whether it is right to pursue this noble path of democracy which we are all craving for, because we thought that will make life easier and better for us and reflect in our living standards. However, it looks as if they have been disappointed by the very people they gave them their mandate to protect the economy and for that matter their living standards. They have depleted the public purse and are using the COVID-19 pandemic as a cover-up, thereby imposing all kinds of taxes on the people as a means to revamp the shattered economy.
ERADICATING CORRUPTION IN THE COUNTRY
As the year comes to an end, it is the prayer of every Ghanaian that the good Lord will influence the minds of our leaders to show remorse to the people and provide the kind of leadership that will inspire confidence and promote good governance in our dear country. Those who don’t know God or Allah, must begin to know Him now and follow His footsteps. It is our prayer that corruption that has entrenched itself in our economy and having a major effect on the people should be a thing of the past. We also pray that the good Lord will influence the lifestyles of our politicians, especially those managing the economy so that they can live modestly to enable the people to have confidence in them.
ESSENCE OF CHRISTMAS AND THE LESSONS FOR GHANAIANS
Soon, we will be entering into the Christmas festivities which call for Christians to make the love and sacrifice of Jesus Christ worthwhile by living good lives. The season calls for the sharing of good news and good things. As we mark the birth of Jesus Christ, let us all in our various capacities, put a smile on the faces of the less privileged around us, a reason Jesus Christ came to us.
Christian or the muslim religion should factor God or Allah into governance and work for justice and peace. The government must work assiduously to bring back the good times. This can only be done through respect for the rule of law, justice and accountability.
Christmas is the celebration of the birth of Christ. A time for us to understand the lessons from Jesus and reflect on them. Jesus, we are told in the scriptures, brought new religion based on love and vision of a God who is full of compassion and forgiveness, a vision of doing everything with a positive mindset and from a place of love. Therefore, the essence of Christmas is love and that is why God gave His only begotten Son that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.
My prayer is that our days will be merry and bright because the radiance of the King of Kings has filled our hearts causing us to mediate in purity, rebirth, unique and eternal presence in our world.
ENTERING THE NEW YEAR WITH HOPE
As we prepare to enter into the New Year (2022), it is important for us as Ghanaians to change our way of life and thinking and chart a new path in our journey towards success. We must shake ourselves from the negativities of the past years, especially 2021, which have put our economy in bad light in international circles so that we will continue to be cherished by the outside world. Our political leaders need to wake up from their slumber and provide effective leadership that will touch the hearts of many including Ghanaians in general.
WE NEED PEACE AND TRANQUILITY TO FORGE AHEAD
For goodness sake, we need peace and tranquility in our dear country and the only thing that can bring about this crucial requirement is for our politicians to embrace dialogue and consensus building to resolve their differences. Constructive criticisms are necessary in democratic practice, however, they must be followed up with tangible solutions instead of confrontational stance which serves no useful purpose whatsoever. Let us remember that politics has come of age in this country and, therefore, there is no need turning backwards because it will not help anybody or particular groupings.
Let me use this medium to wish my numerous readers and patrons, Merry Christmas and a Happy and Prosperous New Year in advance!
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By Charles Neequaye
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
