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
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
