Editorial
Revitalising economy in COVID-19
The budget for the year 2021 was presented on Friday, March 12, 2021, under the theme, “Economic Revitalisation through Completion, Consolidation and continuity”.
The theme focuses on the need to complete all previously initiated projects, consolidate the economy and continue with new programmes for the benefit of the people.
The health sector is important and so we cannot joke with Agenda 111 which seeks to build district hospitals for many of the districts as well as regional hospitals for regions that do not have such facilities.
We need to make sound use of every resource that we can lay our hands on for the rebuilding of the economy.
This explains why the increase in road tolls is a step in the right direction and must be embraced or made acceptable by individuals and groups of people in the country. If more revenue is not raised in this way, not much can be achieved since developments require more revenue.
Property rates for example are not paid by many people and this is not good in terms of revenue mobilisation for national development.
In view of this, Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies are expected to work hard along this line so that as much revenue as possible can be realised for national development.
The objectives of the budget are good so we need to ensure its implementation in an efficient way.
Indeed, real economy is expected to grow by five per cent (5%) this year. This is not beyond reach but as a country we need to work harder with revenue mobilisation in all sectors of the economy.
The performance of the economy, began well in 2017 but this has been slowed down by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The revenue of the Government of Ghana dropped by 13.6 billion Ghana Cedis. The result of this was very unpleasant because it devastated the economy and slowed down the level of progress that could have been attained.
To ensure that things moved on well, government provided support for small businesses and also for the people in form of free water, electricity and provision of food.
All these became a drain on the economy but they were necessary to support the people to recover from the devastation.
The challenge facing the country today includes the need to increase spending for social services for all groups of people and also presenting a consolidated picture of funding allocations on key services. If these are done, it will help rapid socio-economic development and thereby lead to the realisation of the Ghana Beyond Aid strategy in line with the vision of the President of the Republic.
Ghana as a country cannot relax at this point in time but should continue with the good works being done in all sectors of the economy and this explains why all hands must be on deck to provide support for the Akufo-Addo administration to succeed in the interest of national development.
It is also important for all economic saboteurs who have misapplied or embezzled funds to be investigated and sent to court for prosecution to serve as a deterrent to others.
This way, resources can be saved for the promotion of socio-economic development.
Dear Editor,
I’m writing to bring attention to a disturbing situation in Mempeasem, a suburb of East Legon in the Ayawaso West municipality of Accra.
A recent field study by some of my colleagues and I undertaking a “Disaster risk science” course from the University of Ghana’s Geography and Resource Development department uncovered several hazards in the community that could turn into full-blown disasters if not addressed.
The community faces risks like choked gutters causing floods, closely packed wooden houses that could fuel massive fires, open waste dumps breeding diseases, and unsafe waste burning near electrical poles.
These are ticking time bombs.
The hazards identified are not just minor issues but potential catalysts for major catastrophes.
Choked gutters and poor drainage systems can lead to flooding, contaminating water sources and exposing residents to waterborne diseases.
The prevalence of wooden structures in close proximity increases the risk of rapid fire spread, putting lives and properties at risk.
Open refuse dumps and dirty gutters near residential areas are breeding grounds for pests and diseases like cholera and malaria.
The practice of burning waste near electrical poles and transformers also poses a significant fire hazard and possible electrical explosions.
The root causes of these hazards are poor urban planning, weak law enforcement, and economic struggles forcing people into unsafe living conditions.
Mempeasem’s growth has outpaced infrastructure development, leading to haphazard settlements and inadequate waste management.
Weak enforcement of building codes and sanitation laws has allowed these unsafe conditions to persist. Many residents, struggling to afford safer alternatives, are unknowingly increasing their vulnerability to disasters.
To mitigate these risks, authorities must act urgently. Building codes and waste management laws should be enforced strictly. The Municipal Assembly should collaborate with NGOs to educate residents on proper waste disposal and disaster prevention.
Drainage and sanitation infrastructure need improvement to prevent flooding and disease outbreaks.
Food vendors and bakers should be relocated from high-risk areas to designated zones with proper facilities. Community education on disaster risks is also crucial to foster a culture of prevention.
Let’s prevent a disaster in Mempeasem. The authorities, residents, and stakeholders must work together to address these hazards. The time to act is now – let’s ensure Mempeasem doesn’t become Accra’s next disaster hotspot.
Theresa Dzifa Tsetse
University of Ghana
Members of the Times Ladies Association (TLA), a women’s wing of the New Times Corporation (NTC) gathered to celebrate International Women’s Day (IWD) last Monday, March 9, 2026, a day after the global event.
The purpose of the event, which was attended by management and a few employees of the corporation, was to honour women’s achievements and inspire them to succeed in their roles in society.
International Women’s Day is marked annually on March 8, to celebrate women’s economic, political and social achievements, educate and raise awareness about women’s equality.
This year’s celebration was on the theme, “Rights. Justice. Action. For All Women and Girls,” with a global campaign theme “Give to Gain,” a call to deeper service to ourselves and humanity.
Indeed the day is worth celebrating because women are unique, invaluable, strong, brilliant, powerful and resilient. As such they deserve respect, appreciation, kindness and love for the immense role they play in their families, workplaces, communities and the nation as a whole.
The President of the Association called on members to empower themselves academically and take advantage of opportunities to improve their lives and careers.
She acknowledged that over the years members of the Times Ladies Association have worked and continue to work so hard for the progress of New Times Corporation (NTC) despite the challenges they faced.
The Spectator urges the ladies to heed to the president’s advice to maintain healthy lifestyles, go for regular medical check-ups, exercise regularly, and have enough rest and support one another as this will help contribute meaningfully to their wellbeing and others.
In the words of the President: “As ladies we have every right to protect our dignity and empower ourselves to advance in life be it academically, politically, socially or economically.”
The call on women to empower themselves is laudable as it will go a long way to push the agenda of gender equality in every sphere of their lives.
The Spectator urges women to take a cue from the global campaign theme, “Give to Gain” to exhibit the qualities of a true woman; Be hardworking, confident, resilient, responsible, optimistic, patient, compassionate, generous, and be dedicated to your roles at home and at the workplace.”
We believe that to achieve gender equality women must be each other’s keeper and change the slogan, “women are their own enemies.” Whatever roles women play they must be united and contribute their quota to national development.
The Spectator wishes all women a Happy International Women’s Day.
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