Features
Parliament: Bagbin needs long ‘health break’
There is no doubt in the minds of many responsible Ghanaians that our Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Honourable Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, is now more than ‘a national human property’, belonging to the entire Republic of Ghana.
Though, indisputably, he is a top-notch breed of the Opposition National Democratic Congress, his arch critics, even concede that he is a very hard ‘political nut’ to crack by both sides of the ‘mainstream’ political divide in the country.
Some analysts also claim that most often, Rt. Honourable Bagbin’s own political party finds it ‘extremely difficult’ ‘lobbying him’ to turn towards a certain direction in the august House.
Indeed, some tag him as an enigma and liken him to NPP’s Rt. Honourable Peter Ala Adjetey (of blessed memory), the 2nd Speaker of Parliament of the 4th Republic.
The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines enigma as a person or thing that is mysterious or difficult to understand.
Viewed as more than ‘a national human property’, many concerned admirers and critics of Rt. Honourable Bagbin are now turning their attention to his recent ‘looks’, having undergone about three medical reviews in the United Arab Emirates.
As a matter of fact, the actual nature of his sickness is unknown to the Ghanaian public.
It is, however, public Knowledge that from critical physical observation, he has lost weight considerably and looks emaciated, with apparent tiredness ‘hanging’ on his face; compared with his ‘very handsome’ physical looks in January 2021, when he was elected Speaker of Parliament.
The health of our Speaker of Parliament was highlighted by the media when he first left Ghana on November 27, 2021, for Dubai to undergo a medical review.
After two weeks in Dubai for medical review, he returned to the country in December 2021. And on January 7, 2022, he went back to Dubai for a second medical review and returned to Ghana on 23rd January, 2022.
In March 2022, he reportedly went back to Dubai for a third review,thus, raising ‘national eyebrows’.
Readers, from the foregoing, some admirers of Rt. Honourable Bagbin are of the view that he needs to take ‘a long health break’ to cure himself, so as to recover properly before returning to preside over business of Parliament.
They argue that the SPEAKERSHIP POSITION of Parliament is an onerous national duty that constantly saps the intellect and the physical energy of the occupant and urge Rt. Honourable Bagbin to take a long break to heal himself.
Some of his admirers claim that even though he has a very ‘tough skin’ for criticisms, incessant media reports about his travels abroad for medical reviews, might psychologically affect his recovery ‘processes’ and call for his ‘hibernation’ until his full recovery.
Media reports indicate that his medical reviews in Dubai have been a source of worry to many Ghanaians, including the Majority in Parliament, especially during the consideration of the Electronic Levy Bill on the floor of Parliament.
Some media reports claim that the expenses involved in the Speaker’s medical trips are a drain on the public purse; involving airfares, per diems, medical and hotel bills.
Some of the reports alleged that Rt. Honourable Bagbin was on his medical trips with his wife and some of his children and collected allowance of $1,000 per diem while his wife took $800 per diem.
A statement issued by the Parliamentary Service on March 7, 2022, however, said “the constant focus of the media on the Speaker’s medical trips to Dubai, while there is silence on the travels of other members of government is unfair and puts the Speaker up for ridicule.”
According to the statement, “what is intriguing is the focus on Mr Speaker’s travels and the efforts at exaggerating the costs.”
Responding to some of the media reports, the Office of the Speaker of Parliament, through his counsel, Mr Magnus Kofi Amoatey, said in a statement dated November 29, 2021, that “the Speaker being mindful of the times in which the country finds itself, travelled with a comparatively skeletal staff, taking into consideration the economic situation in the country and bearing in mind, the need for frugal and prudent spending.
“His Office, therefore, is not happy about reports on the trip, particularly on why he is accessing health care abroad, rather than at home.”
Wikipedia defines ‘need’ as, requiring something, because it is essential or very important, rather than just desirable.
This column, therefore, aligns with the admirers of Rt. Honourable Bagbin, to the effect that he NEEDS ‘a health break’ to fully recover; to revert to his handsomeness before returning to preside over the business of Parliament.
So, over to you, the handlers of Rt. Honourable A.S.K Bagbin.
Contact email/ WhatsApp of the author:
asmahfrankg@gmail.com (0505556179)
By G. Frank Asmah
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
