Features
How some people have underdeveloped Ghana
• Illegal mining activities have degraded our rich lands and polluted some of our water bodies, among others
When Nana Nkosuohene, the Odikro of Nkatiekrom swore before his people that he was determined to stamp out corruption from society, many were those who doubted him because previous leaders in that village could not measure up to that expectation.
However, when this Odikro assumed power and was installed as such, he began to come out with changes that in no time the entire community benefitted from. Until the time of this progressive and dynamic Odikro, many were those who felt that he could not implement his plans to make life better.
He kept telling his subjects that Rome was not built in a day, so if he was given the needed support, he would be able to come out with the desired results. With time, he proved his critics wrong and after some time, everyone turned round to praise the Odikro of Nkatiekrom, Nana Nkosuohene. Many were those who were involved in corrupt practices and laziness, a negative development that turned back the clock of progress. But determined as he was, Nana Nkosuohene was able to make progress and develop his community for the common good. This situation is comparable to what is happening in Ghana today.
HIGH HOPES
The high hopes of Ghanaians for quality life in the years after independence, having taken their political destiny into their own hands by virtue of their independence on March 6, 1957, were comparable to rains from the sky surely bound to fall to the ground.
So high were the hopes that, it was thought that within a few years after independence the country would be able to produce enough food and industrial goods to satisfy its needs and even have surplus for export, build up dependable or reliable infrastructure in the form of transportation systems – air, land and sea – as well as reliable energy and water supplies, among others, not forgetting quality social services in the form of good health, education and comfortable welfare systems. However, this was not to be because the pace of development at all fronts has been abysmally slow and below expectation.
SECTORS
The educational sector, for example, has been moving forward and backward, failing to equip the youth with the requisite knowledge and skills needed to address the challenges the nation is facing. It is interesting to note that at a time when the country needed a consolidation of direction towards the achievement of goals in the educational sector, a result-oriented Senior High School (SHS) system, for example, was reversed in 2013 from its original four-year duration to three years to create two streams of SHS graduates at the time to fight over limited places in tertiary/professional institutions.
Again, one crucial problem was accessibility to SHS as well as technical and vocational institutions at the second-cycle level. Fortunately, President Akufo-Addo’s free education policy at this level took effect in September 2017 to reduce the burden on parents and open up accessibility to many students.
Many people, including government officials, tend to focus on only expansion in accessibility to SHS under President Akufo-Addo. What many of them fail to point out is increase accessibility to vocational and technical schools. Indeed, government is rightly encouraging many people not only to focus on grammar education, i.e. SHS, but technical as well as vocational education which have all been made free, alongside the SHS, under President Akufo-Addo.
Besides, the energy sector has been poorly managed over the years, resulting in serious consequences. With good maintenance culture, the Akosombo and Kpong dams together with the Bui dam, Atoabo Gas plant and the Aboadze thermal plant could ensure steady supply of energy. In addition, independent power producers as well as exploitation of new sources of energy, if well executed, could have a more positive impact on the country’s economy.
Unfortunately, what did we see recently or a few years ago under the previous government? We saw unreliable, erratic power supply that came to be known as “dumsor”. Until recently when the situation improved, power generation proved to be inadequate while its distribution was so poorly done that it led to frequent power outages, sometimes leading to destruction of gadgets, burning of homes and offices and even loss of precious lives.
GOODS AND SERVICES
In addition, Ghanaians appear not prepared to produce their own goods and services for the nation, preferring massive importation of goods which has led to the growth of foreign economies rather than that of Ghana. The current government’s Planting For Food and Jobs programme will help to address this problem. Similarly, our value-added exports have dwindled over the years, bringing in far less revenue than expected.
It is the hope of Ghanaians that the One-District, One-Factory programme will be successfully implemented to result in value-added exports. This is important because massive imports have not helped the country.
No outsider will come to Ghana to build this nation for Ghanaians. Yet, many people care less about the future of this country while corruption has become the order of the day. It is a common thing to find political leaders linking up with certain individuals and organisations to dupe the nation in various ways. This behaviour, unwarranted as it is, is what, for example, has led to what may be called the “woyomisation” of the economy of Ghana.
SELF DESTRUCTION
As a young person studying at the University of Ghana for a Bachelor’s Degree some years back, I was introduced to a book titled “How Europe Under-developed Africa” by Walter Rodney. The author sought to put the woes of Africa on the Europeans who cheated Africans through what was perceived to be exploitative trade. While this was true to some extent, it makes Africans not responsible for their own misdeeds. In the same way when we come to Ghana, Ghanaians also cannot escape blame for the sorry state of affairs in the country today, especially after 64 years of political independence.
Our problems relate to poor attitude to work, illegal mining, embezzlement of public funds, humongous corruption, lack of patriotism, poor sanitation, lack of proper planning, etc. In light of all this, is it not right to raise questions on the need for critical self-auditing?
If it is, then the urgent desire and determination to re-think our positions towards a selfless, positive, realistic, and result-oriented transformation, in line with President Akufo-Addo’s vision, is what we need now!!!
All Ghanaians need to agree to this and realise that we need to put our heads and efforts together to rebuild our country now that we have a leader who is genuinely prepared to lead the way to achieve our avowed national aspiration, progress and development.
Contact email/whatsApp address of author:
Pradmat201@gmail.com (0553318911)
BY DR KOFI AMPONSAH-BEDIAKO
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
