Features
President’s address on economy: Critique
• President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo
As the father of the nation, President Akufo-Addo could not have looked on unconcerned while the economic situation in Ghana became uncontrollable, making life uncomfortable for people in this country.
For this reason, he made an address to the nation on Sunday, October 30, 2022, to calm the nerves of everyone. The broadcast was necessary to let the people know about the steps the government was taking to address the economic issues the country faced.
What is good about the address is that the government acknowledged that, indeed, economic life had become very difficult in the country. He pointed out that life had become very difficult and that people were finding it difficult to find the means to live as they expected.
MEASURES
He cited a number of measures being taken by the government to address the problems the country was facing. He pointed out that the people in Ghana would have to cut down on their demand for or taste for foreign goods so that some foreign exchange could be saved. At the same time, he stated that there was a need to export more goods and services to other countries so that enough foreign income could be earned for the nation.
This is a valid and important point that cannot be taken for granted. If the country is able to export more to other countries and at the same time cut down on imports, it will result in a favourable trade balance. This is what the country needs, so we all need to work towards it.
BLACK MARKET
The President again said the Bank of Ghana would take steps to sanitise the black market. Those opposed to the government think that this is a fact that is already known by everybody, so it is nothing new that is being presented to the country. A careful look at the situation shows that the black market influences the fall of the cedi, so if nothing is done about it, the situation would continue to be worse. It is on this basis that we need to take serious steps to sanitise the black market in the country so that the pressure on the cedi can be reduced.
This is also a commendable action on the part of the government. However, the Bank of Ghana should not rest on its oars but work harder than before to bring the situation under control.
FOOD SECURITY
Another measure that ought to be taken is to ensure that there is food security. The results of the “Planting for Food and Jobs” initiative are that now the country can boast of an adequate food supply. In spite of this, the high fuel prices have adversely affected the transportation of these foodstuffs, thereby making their prices high in the market.
Some of the traders have taken advantage of the prevailing situation to increase the prices of goods and services. This is making life unbearable for many Ghanaians. It was, therefore, good for the President to have pointed this out and advised all traders to make life comfortable and bearable for all consumers. This piece of advice is in the right direction and ought to be taken seriously.
DOLLARS AVAILABILITY
Another measure announced by the President is the step by the Bank of Ghana to make some dollars available in the economy to ease pressure on the Ghanaian currency. This measure must be implemented and monitored well so that no leakages get into the wrong hands. If such a matter were to be effectively implemented, it would help to bring about better results as far as the economic situation is concerned.
It is important for us to note that the economic situation cannot be addressed immediately, but we need to implement short-and-medium-term measures to address the situation. In addition, we need to look into the future and implement long term measures to make the country export oriented.
EXPORT-ORIENTED
Until the economy of Ghana is export-oriented, it will be difficult to bring the situation under control and make economic life better for everyone in the country. This is what all Ghanaians ought to understand so that drastic measures implemented by the government can be supported by all stakeholders.
The situation whereby one section of the population keeps saying that they are not part of the government and thereby leave all implementation of matters to the government alone is not the best.
PARTISANSHIP
The government, supported by the people of Ghana, needs to push away partisanship so that togetherness, from all parties, will be the order of the day to encourage and cushion us to attain the ultimate purpose of economic development. The situation whereby one can predictably know the pronouncements of the representatives of the Majority and also those of the Minority over national issues ought to be examined carefully so that thorough discussions can always be carried out in the interest of the nation.
The foundation of every society is the economy. This means that if the economy is weak, socioeconomic development will be shaken. The unfavourable economic trends prevailing in the country show that we need to take serious measures to address economic matters and redirect the implementation of certain programmes to levels that can bring higher and better results for the enjoyment of everyone.
STANDARD OF LIVING
The standard of living must be enhanced. If this is done, the economic welfare of people would be enhanced, and they would be the ultimate beneficiaries. Theoretical concepts from people who parade as experts ought to be thoroughly examined so that only practical and workable solutions can be brought on board to push the agenda of development forward.
The agenda of economic development must be pushed vigorously forward so that the ultimate purpose of a good life can be attained for all people in the country. This situation can only be resolved through practical and workable solutions, not through mere theoretical concepts.
PRACTICAL SOLUTIONS
Theories are good, but for many people who make suggestions from the perspective of theory, they should be the first to honestly admit that theoretical solutions are different from practical ones. For example, if a suggestion is made that we should increase exports to strengthen the cedi, that is good, but you cannot increase exports within a day or two to get the results we all cherish. It is for this reason that ideas must be brought together for practical oriented solutions to be taken in the short term, medium term, and long term so as to be able to attain the results we all want for the country.
The economic situation is a challenge to all Ghanaians to think about innovative ways of addressing all the challenges. After the Second World War, the German economy was in shambles, and inflation was far worse than we see in Ghana today. This may sound unbelievable, but it is true because it did happen.
GOOD POLICIES
Today, the Germans have overcome their challenges, and Germany is seen as having a strong economy that is now very attractive to all Africans as well as people in other parts of the world. It is so much a matter of hard work, unity of purpose, and the timely implementation of good policies.
The “One District, One Factory”, the “Planting for Food and Jobs” and “Export” as well as many other programmes being implemented by the government are all good and must be improved upon when necessary so that the best results can be achieved for the people of Ghana.
The problems the country faces today are overcomable, so let us work towards them and bring in the needed results so that economic lives can be made bearable and comfortable for all Ghanaians.
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
