Features
Iron ore and bauxite – key to potential income generation
• Bauxite is important to Ghana’s economy
News about iron ore deposits in certain parts of the country particularly the Oti Region is welcoming news that cannot be taken for granted because iron ore generates steel which can be used to support the building and construction industry.
Countries like Canada, Australia and Brazil together dominate the world’s iron ore exports. Each of these countries export substantial portions of iron ore to other countries, deriving substantial revenue from these exports.
The seven largest of iron ore producing countries in the world account for about 3-quarters of total world production. Almost all portions of the iron ore, 98 per cent, is used in steel making. Such a vital product brings in millions of dollars to the exporting countries. In all, countries that export iron ore number about 50.
Apart from iron ore, the country Ghana is also endowed with large amounts of bauxite which can also be used to support the country’s aluminium industry. Thus, Ghana is fortunate to have iron ore and aluminium to develop its construction and building industry.
The Ghana Integrated Aluminum Development Corporation (GIADEC) is confident of attracting over US$6 billion private capital to actualise a harmonised aluminium industry.
The country envisioned an integrated industry soon after independence, but GIADEC is now stepping up efforts to develop a comprehensive aluminium industry in line with the country’s renewed commitment to use its bauxite endowments to become an automobile and industrial hub within the continent.
It is also banking on the integrated aluminium development plan to unlock the potential of Ghana’s construction, pharmaceutical, electric cable manufacturing and packaging industries.
The Bauxite mineral is very important to the economy of the country since it can help to build up various sectors of the economy and generate more income to improve upon the welfare of all Ghanaians. The Pharmaceutical industry cannot thrive without the aluminium industry which is also dependent on Bauxite.
Thus, if the country is fortunate to have Bauxite for the development of its aluminium industry, then every effort will have to be made to ensure that the integrated aluminium system being built is made to succeed to the full. This will make the country less dependent on other countries as far as its pharmaceutical needs are concerned.
The integrated aluminium industry in the country can also go a long way to help in the development of the building and construction industry. The building sector cannot thrive without support from aluminium. If there’s no aluminium to support that industry, then the country will have to import to support its aluminium needs from other countries.
Needless to say, the Russian-Ukraine conflict has taught us a lesson that we cannot always depend on imports from other countries. It is said that Russia and Ukraine are only two countries in the world yet they are able to use their resources to control the entire world. Ghana has learnt its lesson and cannot continue to depend on imports from other countries.
The country will have to limit itself to only essential goods that cannot be produced here but where it is possible to produce anything internally, every effort will have to be made to ensure that this is done successfully so that the country can depend on its own self and export some of its products for some income.
The production of iron rods and other items like steel and many others can all be produced here in Ghana to help strengthen the construction industry. Such a move will make the development of housing in the country cheaper than can be envisaged so that with time, housing units will become generally affordable in the country.
This is what the country should work towards to make life better for its people. If this agenda is pursued vigorously, it will help to bring in much economic improvement to the country.
In the past, the Bauxite mined in this country was exported in its raw forms and we thought that we were making enough money but later we realised that this was not the case. The Volta Aluminium Company (VALCO) was established to perform a certain role in this country through the use of the Bauxite but things did not move the way expected.
The country has a second chance, having learnt its mistakes in the past, to take corrective steps to amend its ways so as to export only value-added products to generate more income.
In addition, the aluminium products in the country must be well developed to serve the domestic needs of people in the country and make life better for everyone. The aluminium industry which is dependent on Bauxite should, therefore, be well defined,
properly organised and efficiently integrated in a manner that will serve the multipurpose agenda of all Ghanaians.
This is what the Ghana Integrated Aluminum Development Corporation (GIADEC) seeks to achieve and must be implemented to the letter and for ultimate growth and development of this wonderful country.
Email address/whatsApp number 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
