Features
Kamala Harris’ visit: Significance
• President Akufo-Addo with US Vice President Harris
The visit to Ghana by US Vice President, Her Excellency Kamala Harris, did not come about merely out of the blue but as a result of systematic and deliberate calculation on the part of the US government, seeing that Ghana is a great country in Africa and plays an important leadership role on the continent.
The leadership role played by Ghana can be seen in terms of peace, democracy, rule of law, economic development, and matters relating to security. These are issues that are of great importance to both Ghana and the United States.
VISIT
Against this background, the visit by Kamala Harris is significant in a number of respects. To begin with, the visit is meant to promote cordial relations between the two countries. The US is far away from Ghana and separated by the Atlantic Ocean.
In spite of this, the two countries are so close to each other because the world has become a global village, and what happens in one part of it affects the other. For instance, developments in Ghana can affect residents of the US, just as happenings in the US can also affect Ghana.
COLLABORATION
In the world of today, there is competition in the area of trade and other activities, but in spite of this, there is a need for great collaboration with each other. This collaboration can come in the form of economic cooperation, economic growth, and trade with each other. It is only when countries embark on this venture or go in this direction that there can be meaningful growth and development between countries.
Collaboration between Ghana and the US has become very necessary because no country is an island. For a country to be able to promote its economy, that country will have to collaborate economically with another. In light of this, the US has found it necessary to seek economic cooperation with Ghana in the interest of both parties.
Economic partnership in this manner has become very necessary. The two countries already have good relations, but in the world of today, there is a need to deepen this relationship so as to maximise the interests of both countries. Indeed, the visit to Ghana can be placed within the larger context of US-Africa relations.
SIGNIFICANT LEADERSHIP ROLE
Ghana is highly respected in the US because of the significant leadership role it plays in Africa. The US cannot visit all countries in Africa at the same time, but it chose to visit Ghana to symbolise its desire to promote US-African relations.
The just-ended visit focused on economic growth with Ghana, which is seen as an important player on the African continent. As was pointed out by Kamala Harris, it is the intention of the US to stimulate economic growth in Ghana and promote investment in the country. The promotion of investment is very important because that is what will lead to economic growth.
ENSURING SAFE SECURITY
In addition, the US is more interested in ensuring safe security on the African continent. Security is very important because, without such security, investment and economic growth cannot be effectively promoted in Ghana and the rest of the continent. In West Africa, the US is aware of the threat that is likely to occur in any country along the West Coast, and that is why it is concerned about helping countries in West Africa protect themselves against needless external aggression. Ghana has taken steps to ward off such possible external aggression but collaboration in this area is crucial not only to Ghana but to its foreign allies like the US.
It is against this background that Kamala Harris announced USD 100 million in assistance to countries in the West African subregion to fight any form of aggression and instability that may be promoted by terrorist activities and terrorism in general. The amount from the US is meant to assist countries like Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea, Togo, and Benin in their preparations against external activities usually stimulated by terrorism.
INFLUENCE GHANA’S EXTERNAL CREDITORS
What is also important about Kamala Harris visit to Ghana is the commitment of the United States to influence Ghana’s external creditors to help with the restructuring of its external debt and make it easier for Ghana to transform its economy. This appeal is most welcome, so Ghana needs to utilise it to achieve the maximum benefit. The US has therefore appealed to Ghana’s external creditors to do all within their power to assist the country in overcoming its economic challenges in order to have a successful encounter in the IMF negotiation.
One striking observation made by Kamala Harris is that Ghana’s economic difficulties have come about as a result of global economic challenges, namely the Russia-Ukraine war and also the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Great minds in the United States have therefore realised that the unfavourable economic conditions in Ghana have come about as a result of factors that are external to the country and over which Ghana has no control.
GREAT CONFIDENCE IN GHANA’S LEADERSHIP
The visit goes to show the great confidence that the United States has in the leadership of Ghana and the desire of the Ghana government to turn things around and make the economy better for all Ghanaians. This explains why a country like the United States is pledging great support for Ghana’s economic programmes to help it overcome its economic challenges.
The visit is very timely, especially at this point in time when external factors have made life unbearable for Ghanaians. It is a positive indication that Ghana is on the right path, and with a little support from its foreign allies, it will be able to overcome the challenges facing it. Compared to other countries in Africa and other parts of the world, Ghana, in spite of its economic difficulties, is very well positioned to strive and come out of its economic challenges. The argument by the opposition in Ghana that there has been reckless spending on the part of the government is neither here nor there, especially coming from people whose only political motive is to destroy the hardworking government in order to get the opportunity to come to power.
POSITIVE DEVELOPMENTS
The positive developments going on in all sectors of the economy show that the country is on the right path, and very soon, the effect of efforts made today will be felt. Kamala Harris has left Ghana and continued to visit Tanzania and Zambia, which are also considered allies of the United States. It is expected that both Zambia and Tanzania will also maximise the potential benefits that they are likely to derive from the visit of the US Vice President.
In conclusion, it is gratifying to note that of the countries in Africa, the US chose to visit three countries, the first being Ghana, in order to deepen its relations on the African continent. Apart from matters relating to economic growth and development and security issues in Africa, the visit at this time was also meant to check the influence of Russia and China on the continent. The world needs peace everywhere, so it is expected that the African continent will pursue the path of peace, not aggression, with all its allies and collaborators to achieve peace, security, economic growth, and a better life for everybody.
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
