Features
Ghana becoming a developed nation — Part 3
The developed nations have one characteristic in common, which is systems. Systems are the surest way of preventing corruption, ensuring discipline in all aspects of national life. In a lay man’s term, a system can be described as a designed structure which processes what is put in, called the input, and processes it to produce a product called the output.
In developed nations, specific systems exist to address specific societal challenges and that is what has ensured that they have advanced in how their societies are run. A teacher in an advanced country sees himself or herself as a failure if a certain percentage of the students fail in the exams. That is the mindset and also the accepted norm because the rationale is that if a teacher teaches his students well, they should pass the exams he sets for them.
On the contrary, in this country, teachers are left off the hook and students are rather blamed for not being serious when they fail exams, so there is no pressure or motivation for the teacher to strive for excellence.
The mindset of any society determines the rate of development of that society. The mindset of Ghanaians must be worked on and treated as a national priority. The National Commission on Civil Education (NCCE) will have to drive this throughout the country. The Ministry of Education also will have to design or inculcate a mindset change education into their curriculum.
When a country has a mindset of cleanliness, it becomes evident on the streets. The environment is kept clean, people deliberately ensure that people do not litter the streets, and the citizens serve as enforcement agents of cleanliness. We all know that a healthy environment is necessary for healthy living.
A healthy environment impacts positively on the general health of the population by eliminating diseases like cholera etc. A clean environment also promotes tourism which impacts positively on the national economy. Hence, the mindset of a nation is very essential in its development.
A right mindset will make citizens motivated to engage in behaviours that promote national development. The developed countries have a mindset of patriotism, together with values like truth, honesty, justice etc., which are components of morality. A careful study of advanced countries which are not even majority Christian countries reveals that they practice values which are clearly stated in the Bible, for instance in Philippians 4:8.
This observation makes one wonder if indeed the majority of the people in Ghana are really Christians because if we were practicing truth and honesty etc., our country should have been rubbing shoulders with the advanced nations, given the census results that Christians are about 72 per cent of our population.
If the citizenry have an anti-corruption mindset, it would manifest in their attitude towards corrupt behaviour. They will be willing to expose it wherever they encounter it. A people with a mindset of patriotism need no motivation to do that which is right at all times.
A person with the right mindset will never consciously and deliberately destroy forest reserves and water bodies for his or her selfish gains. We need a mindset renewal for our forward march towards development in our quest to become an advanced country which we are capable of achieving if we renew our collective mindset.
NB: ‘CHANGE KOTOKA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT TO KOFI BAAKO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT’
By Laud Kissi-Mensah
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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
