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Expediency, the sin of ease and convenience
The question of expediency frequently arises to plague us; the question as to whether or not, under pressure of circumstances, to accomplish seemingly desirable ends, we should resort to things which, ordinarily, we would not do the question as to whether or not evil is to be condoned in some people, and some places, and under some circumstances, and not under others.
Expediency, in the terms in which we have referenced to, has been defined as “subordination of moral principle for the sake of facilitating an end or purpose; conducive to special advantage rather than what is universally right; characterised by mere utility rather than principle”and much has been written and spoken in justification of the uses of such false expediency in justification for employing evil devices with allegedly good motive. But the fact is that evil is where you find it, and the expedient of making an alliance with it is hazardous even when it would seem to serve good purpose. If evil comes with high credentials, it is still evil.
If it is found in places that are ordinarily above reproach, it is still evil. A public lie that deceives millions is fundamentally no different from a personal untruth from one man to another, except that its results are more far-reaching. An official proclamation based on falsehood
in any man’s country, even though it seems to be the expedient thing, is no different fundamentally from a vicious story whispered over the back fence. A misrepresentation of fact concerning a world problem is no different, fundamentally, from the
swindling of widows and orphans on a small scale, except that it is worse by the multiple of the number of lives it affects. Evil is where you find it, and it is what it is, no matter where you find it, or who proffers it, or for what purpose. And if we want to live in a world free from it, we must fight it where we find it, without regard to personalities or expediency; and we must be equally as wary of it when it comes with high credentials as when it comes with no credentials. On the question as to whether or not an allegedly desirable end justifies false and evil means, perhaps we can do no better than read again the immortal utterance of Abraham Lincoln:
“You will never get me to support a measure which I believe to be wrong, although by doing so I may accomplish that which I believe to be right.” He who makes an alliance with evil for a present advantage is inviting future trouble. False expediency always returns to be paid off. Perhaps it would not be amiss again to remind ourselves that every man should have a set of sound principles to which he can turn when any proposal is presented to him.
When a person has a sound and acceptable set of principles, the everyday decisions of life are
much less difficult. In some respects, perhaps, the problem could be compared with the procedure on a playing field: If a referee knows the rules, if he knows the principle that covers each play, he can immediately settle each situation. But if he doesn’t know, or if he doesn’t definitely decide, or if for any reason he departs from the rules of play, he finds himself in an embarrassing and untenable situation.
Expediency sometimes persuades people to meet pressing problems by compromising principles. But the part we sometimes forget is this: When once we have compromised a correct principle for any purpose, however justified it may seem at the moment, we are thereafter embarrassed by it. We and others can always look back and see that one exception was made, and if one was made, why not another? No matter what the pressure, no matter what the advantages, no matter who the personalities, it is always unfortunate when any person moves beyond the bounds of ethics or honour or honesty.
It is always unfortunate when a person’s principles become too flexible to be trusted, when a person is persuaded to step just a bit beyond safe bounds, for if he takes one step beyond bounds, why can’t he take two? And if he takes two, where can he stop? The fact is that when a person has once stepped beyond the bounds, he had made the next stopping point difficult to determine. And this is where basic virtues and proved principles play an indispensable part: They establish the point beyond which one knows he cannot safely proceed. Life can be simpler, safer, and more satisfying if a person has a sound set of principles from which no preferment or profit or persuasion could induce him to depart.
By Samuel Enos Eghan
For the first time in its seven-year history, the celebrated Guinea Fowl Bazaar has been brought to Accra, marking a significant expansion of an event that has, for the past six years, been a staple in Tamale.
The two-day cultural and culinary festival, held from May 1–2, drew over 500 patrons and featured nearly 20 vendors, to promote Northern Ghana’s rich food culture particularly guinea fowl delicacies.
Hosted by By Faith Catering Services, the bazaar brought together traditional leaders, cultural groups, food entrepreneurs, and government representatives in a display of heritage and enterprise.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Angelo Dogbe, the Northern Regional Director of the Ghana Tourism Authority underscored the importance of promoting indigenous cuisine as a tool for economic development and cultural preservation. Chiefs from the Northern Region also graced the occasion, lending traditional authority and reinforcing the cultural significance of the festival.
A major highlight of the bazaar was a series of captivating cultural performances representing the diverse tribes of the Northern Region. Attendees were treated to traditional music, dance, and attire, transforming the venue into a lively tapestry of Northern identity and pride.
Vendors expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity to showcase their products to a new audience in the capital. Many noted increased visibility, networking opportunities, and strong sales throughout the two-day event.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of By Faith Catering Services, Mrs. Matilda Zenabu Pipio described the Accra edition as a strategic move to broaden the reach of the festival and create new economic pathways for vendors and producers from the north.
She announced plans to make the Accra bazaar an annual event, emphasizing its potential to boost employment, promote guinea fowl production, and introduce more Ghanaians to the unique flavours of Northern cuisine.
She said, the event is a platform for cultural exchange, economic empowerment, and national unity through food.
She commended partners and called on more organisers to support and invest in initiatives like this.
Meanwhile, the organizers of Guinea fowl Bazaar paid a courtesy call to the Editor of Spectator, Mrs. Georgina Naa-Maku Quaittoo and Mr. David Adadevoh, Acting Editor of The Ghanaian Times.
Both editors lauded the initiatives and encouraged the organizers to sustain it.
Organizers for the initiative and called on stakeholders and cooperate bodies to support this good course.
By Geoffrey Buta.
MTN Ghana has hosted more than 200 students from various educational institutions in Accra for an engaging, hands-on technology immersion at MTN House, bringing classroom theory to life and fueling interest in STEM and digital innovation.
Students from Ashesi University, Ghana International School, Cradle Star Academy, and Kinderland School explored MTN Ghana’s rich history, core values, customer-focused innovations, and digital transformation agenda.
They were introduced to the company’s sustainability and social impact initiatives, spanning education, youth empowerment and community development. A key highlight of the visits was a tour of MTN Ghana’s Network Operations Centre (NOC) and data centres.
The students gained first-hand exposure to the advanced technology, systems, and expertise powering seamless connectivity for millions daily – offering a rare look into how MTN ensures network performance, security, and resilience.
Speaking on the initiative, the Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer at MTN Ghana, Adwoa Wiafe, noted, “Hosting students at MTN House reflects our commitment to shaping Ghana’s digital future. As we deliver our Ambition 2030 strategy, we are deepening investments in youth development through programmes like the Bright Scholarship, the MTN Digital Skills Academy, and collaborations on the One Million Coders Programme and the Girls in ICT initiative led by the Ministry of Communications, Digital Technology and Innovation.”
Paschal Paaga, Manager for IT Projects Implementation, emphasised the importance of experiential learning.
‘’By opening our doors, we are helping to bridge the gap between academia and industry. We want young people to see the real-world impact of technology and be inspired to pursue careers in STEM.”
For many participants, the experience was transformative. Maame Sapomaa, a Level 300 Information Systems student from Ashesi University, shared, “The visit was incredibly inspiring. Everything we have learned in the classroom came to life, and we were exposed to new concepts beyond our studies. It has motivated me even more to pursue a career in technology.”
As MTN Ghana advances its Ambition 2030 vision, the company remains committed to driving digital inclusion, platform-led innovation, and building strategic partnerships that support Ghana’s long-term socio-economic development.
