Features
Parliament has a duty to salvage our downward economy from the present mess
Parliament on Tuesday, February 7, 2023, resumed sitting of the First Meeting of the Third Session of the 8th Parliament of the Fourth Republic of Ghana after it adjourned sine die from plenary sessions on the 22nd December, 2022.
The resumption of the House was a historic and momentous occasion characterized by a lot of leadership changes, especially among the Minority caucus which was headed by a popular and indefatigable Haruna Iddrisu, the then Minority Leader. You can call it a coup detat or a palace coup and you may not be far from right.
RESHUFFLING OF NDC CAUCUS
Few days towards the resumption of Parliament, the leadership of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), aided by its Council of Elders, threw in what could be described as a bombshell by causing a major reshuffle within the leadership of the NDC Parliamentary caucus.
It was an issue that nearly caused a disintegration within the rank and file of the party. The new General Secretary of the NDC, Fiifi Fiavi Kwetey, by a letter dated 23rd January, 2023, to the Speaker of the House, Rt Honourable Alban Sumana Bagbin, announced a major reshuffle within the top hierarchy of the Minority caucus.
The new leaders who took over from the previous Minority leadership in parliament are, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson who replaced Haruna Iddrissu as Minority Leader, Hon. Kofi Armah Buah, Deputy Minority Leader, Hon Kwame Agbodza, Minority Chief Whip, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim, First Deputy Chief Whip, Hon. Comfort Doyoe, who retains her position as Second Deputy Chief Whip.
RESOLUTION OF GRIEVANCES
Thank God, the controversy surrounding that major shake- up has been resolved by the top hierarchy of the party assisted by the Council of Elders, thus instilling sanity and understanding within the party and among members, especially those who were substituted. It is the hope of every Ghanaian that the new leadership will cooperate with the outgone leaders to ensure vibrant opposition and positive result in parliament. That is, indeed, a positive democratic practice in the world.
What was, indeed, profound and refreshing was the Speaker’s welcome address which touched on this important very issue within the Minority caucus especially those affected by the changes. Hear him, “The former members of the leadership, led by Hon. Haruna Iddrisu, must be applauded too.
“Their record of performance is visible for all to see and I hope the new leadership will continue to draw from their fountain of wisdom, trove of wealth and experience. I know what it entails as a veteran of this journey and experience, to lead a populous Minority caucus in Parliament.”
SPEAKER’S COMMENDATION TO HARUNA’S TEAM
“All I can say to the former leaders is, the Lord is your Shepherd, you shall not want. When one door closes, many doors open, and l tell you for sure, that many of the open doors are better and higher than the closed door. Look at the opened doors and the closed one. With these opening remarks, I welcome all of you, once more”.
A PROFOUND ADVICE TO THE NEW NDC LEADERSHIP
To the new leadership of the Minority Caucus, Speaker Bagbin forewarned them to prepare themselves for the hot duty bestowed on them by the executives of the opposition NDC.
“The new leaders have all been in this house for a while and are conversant with the culture and law of Parliament. I have confidence in their ability to meet the high expectations of our stakeholders. On behalf of the House, I warmly welcome them to the hot seat of the leadership of Parliament. Congratulations and I wish you well”, he said, urging them not to be troubled because he would support them.
Indeed, that was an encouraging and profound welcoming statement by Hon Speaker Bagbin, who appeared resolute and happened to have seen it all when it comes to parliamentary affairs and duties. He had served in various capacities within the NDC in parliament and held responsible leadership positions before assuming his latest role as the Speaker of the august Ghanaian parliament.
No wonder, he prides himself as the Third Gentleman of the land after the President and his vice. He is a force to reckon with as far as parliamentary procedures and duties are concerned and he continues to exhibit those qualities through some fatherly advice to both the Majority and Minority sides of the House.
He has not allowed his affiliation to the NDC to influence his sense of judgement when it comes to parliamentary duties in the house. Even though, on few occasions he had been accused by the Majority side of supporting the Minority, he always stood firm and resolute in his judgemental opinions.
WELCOME ADDRESS TO THE HOUSE
Welcoming the whole house, Mr. Bagbin stated that the members re-connected as well as established strong bonds and warm relations with their constituents and the public during the Christmas and New Year Season. He said their impact had given a boost to the democratic credentials of the country and congratulated them on a good job done.
During this session, members we are told, have 51 bills to consider, 49 instruments to be presented, 230 papers to be presented, 827 questions both normal and urgent and additionally, there will be 34 Private Members and three petitions before the House. This implies that it will be a busy schedule, indeed.
HECTIC PERIOD FOR PARLIAMENT
From all intent and purposes, the work in parliament this year is going to be tough, strenuous and hectic, considering the harsh economic conditions and the deplorable state in which Ghanaians find themselves in at the moment.
The total hardship and sufferings by the people have assumed an alarming proportion and Ghanaians are finding things difficult to manage. The current social problems in the country include, rural-urban migration, unemployment, forest encroachment and desertification, corruption, poverty illiteracy, inaccessibility of quality education among others. Besides, the country is faced with a debt crisis, high inflation rate and devaluation of the local currency.
The issue about the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme vis-a-vis attempts by government to include pension funds towards the restoration of macroeconomic stability of the country which has been raging on for some time now and giving the government a sleepless night as a result of the rejection by pensioners and other affected individuals, is a matter that will engage the attention of Parliament as it resumes sitting.
Parliament is so passionate about this particular issue which has attracted a lot of publicity in the media. No wonder, the Speaker has to summon the Finance Minister to appear before the House to brief members about the entire programme.
IMF BAILOUT AND OTHER URGENT ISSUES
Another pressing issue that will engage the attention of Parliament, is the call by Ghanaians to the President to downsize his government and to reshuffle some of his ministers and introduce freshness into his administration to propel the wheel of progress and also to assist the Executive to address the numerous challenges the country is facing.
The issue about whether the government has been able to satisfy the laid down conditions for a bailout from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and whether the loans being expected will be advanced in due course, are matters that will be discussed by the august House.
From all intents and purposes, we expect parliament to be very busy and to tackle the myriad of problems that have bedevilled the economy in order to restore the macroeconomic stability of our dear country.
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By Charles Neequaye
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
