Features
Our economic turmoil
• The prices of foodstuffs and non-food items have become so unbearably high
that we do not even know what to do about the situation
About five years ago, if anyone had predicted that Ghana and the world would be facing economic challenges of this dimension, many people would have hooted at such a person in disbelief.
Ghana’s economy was moving forward so well that we were not able to foresee the current economic hardships that have now bedevilled Ghana and the rest of the world. Measures taken by the country in the form of One District, One Factory, and Planting for Food and Jobs, were all measures that were being implemented in the right direction. Planting for Food and Jobs, for example, was meant to bring in enough food items to feed the people in Ghana and export the surplus to other countries.
Seeing it in this light, it was a good step that could have yielded fruitful results had it not been engulfed in this inflationary situation as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russian-Ukraine war. It is unfortunate that things have gone this way, making life quite unbearable for Ghanaians.
As we speak today, the prices of foodstuffs and non-food items have become so unbearably high that we do not even know what to do about the situation. However, this is the time to remain calm and bring people together to live in peace while we take steps to reorganise ourselves and make life better for everyone in this country.
We cannot allow the present unpleasant economic situation to weigh us down so low that we are unable to recover from the crisis. It is an economic crisis that is hitting us hard, such that sometimes we wonder whether the world is really coming to an end.
Food prices are unbearable, and when we find such foods, it becomes difficult to get enough money to purchase them. People are also complaining about transportation fares and many other items that are sold on the market, claiming that prices keep changing every day beyond the control of consumers.
It is, therefore, very hard times, and it is good that the President has recognised this and made it clear that his administration is working hard and taking steps to overcome the situation and make life better for Ghanaians. In such a situation, it becomes difficult for anyone to believe that things can turn around for better economic growth in the future and also improve the welfare of people in this country.
Many Ghanaians appear to have lost hope because the situation is really tough. However, this is the time to remain firm or resolute and move away from all states of hopelessness and instead accommodate some hope that things will be better. It is better to have hope and rebuild destroyed structures than to lose hope and appear helpless to do anything good for ourselves.
In the year 1983, for example, Ghana faced a similar situation, making it very difficult for Ghanaians to believe that the future would be bright. Across the country, there were bushfires. Food crops were burnt to ashes, and all animals in the bush were killed by fire.
It was a pathetic situation at the time, but Ghanaians were able to recover and come back to enjoy their normal economic life.
One of the unpleasant things that readily comes to mind is the shortage of food in the country, as a result of which many old people had to die of hunger. The usual Ghanaian food known as Ga kenkey was bought while an effort was made to cook it.
In other words, this form of kenkey was bought in its uncooked form. During this time, if a person waited for it to be boiled or cooked before selling it, that person risked losing the sale to other customers who were willing to buy the product in its raw state.
This situation tells us how desperate Ghanaians were at the time. In fact, everything was in short supply, with the exception of air, which we could breathe freely for survival.
The situation may appear to be exaggerated because it is now too difficult to believe, but it is true, and all those who are now 50 years of age or older can remember this horrible situation if only they were living in this country.
Many of the young people in this country, 35 years old and under, did not experience this horrible situation because they were either not born or were babies at the time. It was an unbelievable situation that today’s young people, aged 20 and older, could not accept as true. Apart from food, other products were also in short supply. Things like packaged sugar, rice, cooking oils, etc. became known as “essential commodities.” These essential commodities were stored in particular centres that accommodated them and sold to the public on a rational basis. What this meant was that essential commodities had to be rationed so that as many people as possible could buy some for their families.
Fuel for vehicles was also in short supply. The only thing that existed in abundance was salt. God also made air available without charge to the public. What to wear was unconsidered because a man had to consider what to eat and survive before considering anything else. Those of us who were not alive at the time would find it difficult to believe this situation.
Having gone through all this terrible situation, Ghanaians did not die but continued to live to rebuild the economy. Many of the people who were young at the time are now old, apart from those who are dead and gone.
Compared with today, we can say that the situation now, though difficult, is far better than that of 1983, which also saw many Ghanaians being deported from neighbouring countries, particularly Nigeria, where many Ghanaians had gone to seek rescue for a better life. It was not easy at all for this country.
First of all, food is not in short supply today. The problem, however, is that their prices keep rising, making it difficult for people to plan their budgets for their households.
Secondly, no Ghanaians have been deported to add to the numbers of people in the country who are already hungry. Again, fuel is available, except that the price keeps rising.
Against this background, therefore, it is clear that the economic situation today, though not the best, is far better than what was experienced by Ghanaians in 1983. Things improved after 1983, beginning in 1985. It is, therefore, clear that the present situation can also be overcome and that we do not need to fight against one another and insult one another as we try to find solutions to the economic problems confronting us.
The President of the Republic has pointed out that we should rally behind him to overcome the problems so that life can be made better for every Ghanaian. In his own words, “This too shall pass.”
Ghanaians must remain united to overcome the current economic challenges so that no one can bring disunity among us and tear the country apart. The Executive, Legislature, Judiciary, and everyone else should work together to ensure that this problem is resolved quickly, after appropriate economic growth strategies are implemented.
Let us remain united to overcome this economic turmoil that is confronting this dear nation of ours.
Contact email/whatsApp address of author:
Pradmat201@gmail.com
(0553318911)
By Dr. Kofi Amponsah-Bediako
When Abigail Fremah steps up to the Armwrestling table, the noise fades, the tension settles, and order takes over.
Despite a calm, but firm and meticulous disposition, she has become one of the quiet forces shaping Ghana’s growing reputation in the sport, not as an athlete, but a referee trusted on the continental stage.
Abigail’s journey into Armwrestling did not begin at the table. Like many Ghanaian sports enthusiasts, she grew up playing several disciplines. Football was her first love, but she also featured in volleyball and basketball during her school years. Sports, she says, was simply a way of life not just for her.
“It runs through the family. All my siblings are into sports,” she stated.
“I was involved in almost every sport in school, football, volleyball, netball, hockey; I did everything,” she recalls.
Her academic background in Health, Physical Education and Recreation laid a solid foundation for her sporting career. While on scholarship at the university (University of Cape Coast), she often used her modest budget to support young athletes, sometimes sharing skills and even T-shirts at programmes she attended. Giving back, she explains, has always been part of her motivation.
However, as she matured as an athlete, Abigail made a critical self-assessment.
“Armwrestling involves a lot of strength,” she admits. “Looking at my body type, I realised I couldn’t fit properly as a competitive athlete.”
That moment of honesty pushed her to a different trajectory but equally important path in sports; which is officiating.
During her National Service, she was encouraged by Mr Charles Osei Asibey, the President of the Ghana Armwrestling Federation (GAF), to consider officiating. He introduced her to a technical official, Mr Hussein Akuerteh Addy, who formally took her through the basics of Armwrestling officiating in 2021.
“I started as a case official,” she says. “We moved from region to region every week, officiating competitions. That’s where it all began.”
By 2022, Abigail was actively involved in national assignments, though she missed the African Championship that year. Her breakthrough came in 2023, when Ghana hosted the African Armwrestling Championship.
It was her first experience officiating at a major international competition and it changed everything.
“That was my first national and international exposure at the same time,” she says. “It really opened my eyes.”
Today, Abigail is a World Junior Armwrestling Referee, a status earned through performance, consistency and discipline. She explains that progression in officiating was not automatic.
“It’s all about performance, your appearance at African Championships, your conduct, how you handle pressure; that’s what takes you to the world level,” she stressed.
As a referee, Abigail’s priority is safety and fairness. Armwrestling, she notes, comes with risks, particularly injuries to the wrists, elbows, shoulders and arms.
“If athletes don’t follow the rules or refuse to listen to officials, injuries can happen,” she explains, adding that focus was everything.
Before every match, she ensures that all equipment which includes elbow pads, hand pegs and table alignment were properly set. Athletes are not allowed to cover their elbows, must grip correctly, and must follow the referee’s commands precisely.
“We make sure everything is fixed before the grip,” she says. “Once we say ‘Ready… Go’, there should be no confusion.”
She is also firm on discipline. Warnings are issued for infractions, and repeated misconduct attracts penalties.
“The referee must be respected, if you don’t listen, the rules will deal with you,” she says.
Abigail credits her confidence partly to her sporting family background. Her mother was a volleyball player, while other family members also participated in sports. Though they were initially concerned about her safety, her rise to the top reassured them.
“They were afraid at first,” she admits. “But they were also very proud, especially because some of them never got the opportunity to reach this level.”
Looking ahead, Abigail is optimistic about the future of Armwrestling in Ghana. In less than a decade, the country has produced African and world-level medalists, a sign, she believes, of great things to come for Ghana.
“Whenever we go out, we come back with medals such as gold and silver,” she says, and to her that was a sign of growth.
In the next five to ten years, Abigail sees herself rising to become a World Master Referee, the highest officiating level in the sport. Until then, her routine remains intense, training four times a week, working closely with athletes, standing on her feet for hours, and constantly refining her understanding of the rules.
“I love this sport,” she says simply. “That love is what keeps me going.”
Abigail encouraged women to be bold and intentional about their place in sports saying “don’t limit yourself because of fear or stereotypes.”
She also urged women to invest in learning, discipline and consistency, stressing that respect was earned through performance.
For Abigail, as Ghana’s armwrestlers continue to make their mark, she will remain where she is most effective at the table, ensuring the game is played right.
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
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As he had promised Aperkeh, the elderly man and his wife and three daughters stopped by Aperkeh’s parents’ house. Mr Amando and his family were preparing to settle in for the night.
“Brother Ben and family”, Mr Joshua Amando said warmly, “although I know you are here on a matter that can hardly be described as joyous, it is still good to see you. You are welcome. Please sit down while I bring you water”.
“Yes, we will take water, even though we are hardly thirsty, because this is our home”.
“Okay, Ben”, he started after they had drank, “Let me go straight to the point. My daughter Priscilla has told me about the goings on between her brother Aperkeh and our daughter Stella.
Before informing me, Priscilla had expressed concern to Aperkeh about some habits he is adopting, especially the late nights and the drinking. She tells me that one Saturday morning, she was there when Stella complained about his drinking and some girls who had come to the house to look for him, and he assaulted her.
I called him and complained, but all he could say was that I don’t know what caused him to react that way, so I could not judge him. Now he does not answer my calls.
I have sent Priscilla to his house to call him, but he has refused to come. Unfortunately, Ben, my son is a much different person than the young boy who completed university and started work at the bank. I am really embarrassed about his treatment of Stella”.
“Joshua, let me assure you that even though what is happening is very unfortunate, it will not affect our relationship.
We have been friends since childhood, and I thought that with their parents’ blessing, the relationship between Aperkeh and Stella would grow to become a blessing to all of us. But there appears to be a real challenge now.
Stella thinks that Aperkeh wants her out of his house, and indeed Aperkeh himself told me that, about an hour ago.
So I’m taking my daughter home. I suggest that you do what you can to straighten him out, but if it does not work out, let’s accept the situation and continue to be one family.
I am sure that being the well behaved girl that she is, Stella will meet a young man who will cherish her. Fortunately, this problem is happening early in the day, so they can sort things out if possible, or move on with their lives if they are unable to stay together”.
“I’m really grateful for that, Ben. I will do my best in the next few days to reason with him, because apart from the relationship with Stella, Aperkeh is risking his job and career with this lifestyle.
A good job and salary offers an opportunity to gather momentum in life, not to destroy yourself”.
“Okay Brother Joshua. We will say goodnight. I hope to hear positive news from you”.
As he descended in the lift from the fourth to the ground floor, Aperkeh wondered who would be waiting at the reception to see him at nine on Monday morning. He had spent good time with both of his new girls during the weekend, so it had to be someone else. He got out of the lift and pulled a face when he saw Priscilla.
“Priscilla”, he said as he sat down by her, “what do you want here? You know Monday morning is a busy time at the bank. I am a very busy person, so say what you want, I have work to do”.
“You are very funny, Aperkeh. You are telling me, your sister, that you have work to do, so I should hurry up? Okay, Dad says I should advise you to come home tonight, because he wants to discuss the issue of Stella with you. He sent me to you twice, and you did not come.
He has tried to call you quite a number of times, but you have refused to answer his calls. He says that if you do not come tonight, you will be very surprised at what he will do. He says you will not like it at all, so better come.
“What is all this? Why won’t you people leave me alone? Stella is very disrespectful. I told her that if she wanted to continue to live in my house, she must obey me. It is that simple.
She chose to continue ordering me about, controlling me in my own house, so I told her that if she could not live under my conditions she should leave. And she left. In fact, her own father came and took her away. So what again?’’
“How did she disobey or control you? Was she complaining about your continuous drinking and late nights? And did you slap her on several occasions because of that? Did you tell her that if she could not live under your conditions she should leave? You actually said that to her father? You have forgotten that before she came to live with you, our two parents met and agreed, and gave it their blessing?’
“Why don’t you leave, Priscilla? I don’t have to listen to all that”. “Okay, I will go. Your father who gave birth to you and educated you to university level sends me to you, and you ask me to leave? I wish you would defy him, and refuse to come home as he’s telling you, because he is planning to give you the discipline you badly need. Let me tell you. Stella is such a beautiful and decent girl, and I assure you that someone will grab her before you say Jack. You are only 30 years old, and you have already become a drunkard”.
As he walked towards the lift, Aperkeh decided on what to do. He would go home, and calmly listen to what his father had to say. The old man was very unpredictable, and he wouldn’t dare ignore him. So he would take all the insults and threats, but as for Stella she was history. According to Priscilla, Stella was beautiful and all that, but she had not seen the two curvaceous princesses who were all over him, ready to do anything he asked. And these were not barely literate waakye girls, but university graduates from wealthy homes, really classy girls. With stuff like that, who needs a waakye girl? He smiled as he took his seat.
A few minutes to five, Aperkeh was packing up to leave for home to meet his dad when his phone rang. It was Priscilla.
“Aperkeh, Dad says you don’t need to bother to come. Stella’s dad says she came to him early this morning to plead that she would rather stay at home than return to your house. She thinks you are already decided to be rid of her, and she does not want to risk being assaulted again. So it’s done. You can go ahead and enjoy the nice life you have started”.
Before he could tell her to go to hell, Priscilla hanged up the line. He was partially stung that his dad had virtually cut him off. The last thing anyone would want was to fall out of relationship with his own family, which had always supported him.
But the truth was he was no longer interested in Stella. What was wrong with going by one’s feelings? He could only hope that one day, his parents and sister would try to reason with him.
By Ekow de Heer
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