Features
Reflecting on some negative things in our society
The penchant for falsehood peddling in our country especially in our political circles is something that worries me a lot since it would have a negative impact on the youth who are supposed to mirror the behaviour of adults.
It brings into question the motivation for people desiring public office whether, indeed, they are motivated by a genuine desire to serve society.The pronouncement by the NDC that soldiers have been deployed by the President to only the Volta Region with the intention of voter suppression was found out to be false.
It was revealed by the Minister of Defence later in a press conference that soldiers had been deployed along all our borders for various security reasons. The Minister was compelled to provide information that was not meant for public consumption in that it may provide a loop hole for terrorists, secessionists, smugglers etc. to exploit.
If such pronouncements were not made by the NDC, the minister would not have been compelled to make statements that had the potential to affect the security of the nation.
There is also a worry about utterances that have the potential to affect national cohesion. Media reports have alleged pronouncements attributed to operatives of the NDC that claim that the NPP is saying that the people from the Volta Region were Togolese not Ghanaians.
Recently there have been a lot of destructive activities against the state by secessionists from the Volta Region. Clearly their activities may have been influenced by such allegations which by their nature might have given them the impression that their agitations to secede may have the support of the opposition party.
People and organisations must, therefore, be circumspect in their pronouncements in order to maintain the cohesion we enjoy as a nation.
There is this attitude of a lot of Ghanaians who disregard, doing the right thing. We still find people who after drinking water throw away the sachet on the street without any sense of wrong doing.
There are some people who instead of throwing their house hold rubbish into their own Rubbish Bins in their homes, rather throw them into those bins meant for public use close to their homes.
When such public bins get full before the anticipated collection time, some members of the public who do not have the right mentality keep adding on to the overloaded bins causing spill overs that eventually become a nuisance on our streets and environment.
Ultimately the trash would end up in our drains, get them choked and cause flooding when the rains set in, resulting in damage to properties and loss of life. This attitude must change to preserve the environment and help save the country from unintended expenditure to save life and property during floods.
Lack of respect for the elderly is a new threat to the Ghanaian culture. Back in the day, when an elderly person entered a bus and the seats were full, a young person would gladly relinquish his or her seat for the older person.
This attitude is gradually setting eroded and must be of concern to every right thinking member of our society. This lack of respect also finds expression in our political landscape resulting in insults being unleashed on our airwaves against very respectable persons in society.
The fallout from this is people with requisite knowledge and experience capable of turning the fortunes of our dear nation around, refusing to accept roles in public office. The loss to our dear nation cannot be quantified and is a sad situation that must be corrected.
The COVID-19 prevention or safety protocols that have been outlined by the government through the Ministry of Health is a good initiative that must be applauded. However, the compliance to this protocol leaves much to be desired. It is as if a vaccine has been found and, therefore, there is no fear of infection any longer.
There is a popular saying that prevention is better than cure and so even if a cure has been found, it is not a wise move to throw caution to the wind.
The cost of medicine procured by the government could have been put to a different use since the needs of our nation are numerous. The careless abandonment with which people go about their duties is frightening.
The disease which can spread quickly is caused by a virus which is constantly mutating and so the drug or vaccine that is produced today cannot be potent to deal with another mutant of the same virus six months from now. The enforcement of the law governing the protocol must be taken seriously.
The political parties must be impressed upon to ensure the enforcement of the COVID-19 protocols. The pictures on our TV screens, give cause to worry.
People milling about in rallies to get closer to the presidential aspirants and the interactions among supporters must be deeply worrying for any person with a little appreciation of the pandemic.
We cannot afford to let our guard down simply because we see our number of infections declining. A second wave can be generated easily if we do not observe the protocols and would be disastrous for our economy.
If the giants like the US, Germany, France, UK etc. are having economic problems due to this pandemic, can you imagine what can happen to our economy should we experience another wave of infections with the likelihood of a lockdown?
The last issue I would like to draw attention to is the secessionist agenda alleged to have been propagated by one Kosi Kedem, a former Honorable Member of Parliament of our dear nation and a member of the NDC.
People like him and other like minded, must be condemned in no uncertain terms for engaging in actions and utterances that portend danger to the cohesion of our country.
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
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