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Spare Ghanaians this terrible ordeal!
A friend of mine called me the last time just after the passage of the controversial Electronic Levy (E-Levy) Taxation Bill on Tuesday, March 29, 2022 by parliament and wanted a confirmation from me about what transpired in parliament on that day because he was not in town that fateful day. His words were, “Editor, I am not at home, but I heard that the E-Levy bill has been passed by parliament without the involvement of the Minority side of the House. What happened and can you brief me about how it happened? I am so saddened because if this is true, then Ghanaians are finished. It will worsen the plight of the already suffering people of this country.”
E-LEVY AND HOW IT AFFECTS PENSIONERS
Another colleague senior journalist, now on retirement, also called, shortly after I had finished talking to the first caller to discuss with me how the E-Levy might affect the electronic transactions of the meagre pension allowance of pensioners under the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) Pension Scheme. According to him, since the pension payment involves electronic transactions through the banks, it was obvious that SSNIT would pay the approved 1.5 per cent levy from the beneficiaries’ entitlements to the banks and in cashing the money from the banks, pensioners would also pay another 1.5 per cent, thus bringing the total taxation to three (3) per cent.That, he believes amount to double taxation of the poor and vulnerable pensioner. Based on our discussions and the fact that I have no knowledge about this financial transaction, I have asked an official of the Public Affairs Department of SSNIT to come out and educate Ghanaians about the whole transactions regarding the payment of pensions through the banks which is mandatory.
To the first caller, I explained to him how the bill was smuggled into the chamber under a Certificate of Urgency by the Majority side of the house because it was not part of the Order Paper for that day’s proceedings. The Minority side led by its leader Mr. Haruna Iddrisu, obviously angered, questioned the rationale behind the majority side’s motive to pull such a surprise saying “the E-Levy did not find expression in the business statement”. These were the words of the Minority Leader, “We have time and again warned and cautioned that we never want to be taken by surprise on a major economic policy bill of government and we will not accept that culture”.
MINORITY WALK-OUT IN PARLIAMENT
After returning from a 30 minutes break, the Minority, however, boycotted the chamber, cautioning that they did not want to have anything to do with the E-Levy debate and its subsequent passage. What was funny about the entire process was that whilst the Member of Parliament for Domi-Kwabenya, Madam. Adwoa Sarfo, was absent from the chamber because she had travelled outside the country, the NPP side carried an ailing member, the Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs Minister, Mr. Ebenezer Kojo Kum, in an ambulance which was parked outside the chamber in their quest to make up the numbers in time of voting for the passage of the E-Levy bill. That seemed ridiculous and amazing because we cannot sacrifice the health of an MP for that advantage. The NDC Member of Parliament for Assin North, Mr. James Gyakye Quayson, who was embroiled in a court case concerning his nationality, was also not present in the chamber, making the NDC caucus to run short of a member and perhaps that was the reason the NDC caucus walked out of the chamber.
DEALING WITH THE ECONOMIC CRISIS
It is a fact that the economy of our country is seriously descending into the abyss and if care is not taken we will have serious crisis on our hands. The World Bank Country Director, Mr. Pierre Larporte, in his recent lecture, made it clear that the economic situation in Ghana was very serious. According to him, Ghana faces a tough time to restore macro-economic sustainability. He alluded to the fact that the COVID-19 pandemic had not helped Ghana but noted that even before the pandemic, there were signs that the situation was getting a little bit challenging and advised the government to be transparent with the people. Aside the World Bank Country Director’s sentiment, a number of good and great economists in our country keep making constructive and concrete suggestions that will help us out of our present predicament, but because of politics, their pieces of advice seemed to be ignored and are not being utilised by government to bring the needed economic recovery.
THE UNBEARABLE ECONOMIC HARDSHIP
Today, every Ghanaian can attest to the fact that our nation, Ghana, is in the state of total mess and confusion. Those at the helm of affairs are, indeed, not doing what is expected of them and the country continues to sink. The current hardships are unbearable and most Ghanaians are finding it difficult to make ends meet. Prices of goods and services across the country continue to soar high each and other day, with inflation at the highest level. The Cedi continues to depreciate and has lost value completely as against the dollar. The majority of the citizens find themselves in the poverty bracket while unemployment rate keeps growing.
Indeed, we cannot run away from the fact that the on-going Russian-Ukraine war has further heightened the economic hardship of this country and all other nations that depend on these war-torn countries for their major requirements. Like the President rightly alluded, even though Ghana is not directly involved in the war, issues unfolding, are having a severe impact on our economic activities. Our agriculture and construction sectors are feeling the greatest impact from the terrible conditions in Russia and Ukraine.
SELF-INFLICTED HARDSHIPS
However, it is important to state that the hardship being experienced by the people cannot be placed wholly on the on-going war in Russia and Ukraine. Most of these problems are self- inflicted and can be handled by ourselves. The extravagant lifestyles of some of our ministers and those in high positions of authority must be seriously checked. While those in authority expect the people to tighten their belt in the face of the economic challenges, some of them live affluently, riding in the most expensive cars such as V-8, Landcruisers, Mercedes Benz among others. Besides, the corruption in most of the public institutions in our country which is causing the nation to lose huge sums of money, should be dealt with so that the nation can rake in the needed and necessary revenue to prosecute its developmental goals.
For over five months now, the passage of the controversial E-Levy bill by parliament has been a mirage because Ghanaians were apprehensive and also of the opinion that its passage would affect their living conditions and deepen the woes of the already suffering people and push the unemployment rate high. However, the government feels that without the E-Levy, it cannot address the challenges of the country. Indeed, whether we like it or not, the bill has now been passed and Ghanaians would expect the government to use funds generated to address the economic challenges and bring the nation on a sound footing as it has promised.
GIVING GHANAIANS A HEARING
It is important to remind our various governments that without the people, they cannot rule or govern this nation. That is why it is necessary and prudent to always give the people a listening ear whenever they make their input in the governance of this our dear nation. It will be suicidal if governments try to force their ideas in whatever forms down the throats of Ghanaians to suffocate them.Ours, is a democratic rule not a dictatorship governance where people are forced to swallow the pill no matter how bitter it would be. Yes, the economic challenges are enormous but we must resolve as a team to deal with them squarely to bring our dear nation back on track.
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By Charles Neequaye
When Abigail Fremah steps up to the Armwrestling table, the noise fades, the tension settles, and order takes over.
Despite a calm, but firm and meticulous disposition, she has become one of the quiet forces shaping Ghana’s growing reputation in the sport, not as an athlete, but a referee trusted on the continental stage.
Abigail’s journey into Armwrestling did not begin at the table. Like many Ghanaian sports enthusiasts, she grew up playing several disciplines. Football was her first love, but she also featured in volleyball and basketball during her school years. Sports, she says, was simply a way of life not just for her.
“It runs through the family. All my siblings are into sports,” she stated.
“I was involved in almost every sport in school, football, volleyball, netball, hockey; I did everything,” she recalls.
Her academic background in Health, Physical Education and Recreation laid a solid foundation for her sporting career. While on scholarship at the university (University of Cape Coast), she often used her modest budget to support young athletes, sometimes sharing skills and even T-shirts at programmes she attended. Giving back, she explains, has always been part of her motivation.
However, as she matured as an athlete, Abigail made a critical self-assessment.
“Armwrestling involves a lot of strength,” she admits. “Looking at my body type, I realised I couldn’t fit properly as a competitive athlete.”
That moment of honesty pushed her to a different trajectory but equally important path in sports; which is officiating.
During her National Service, she was encouraged by Mr Charles Osei Asibey, the President of the Ghana Armwrestling Federation (GAF), to consider officiating. He introduced her to a technical official, Mr Hussein Akuerteh Addy, who formally took her through the basics of Armwrestling officiating in 2021.
“I started as a case official,” she says. “We moved from region to region every week, officiating competitions. That’s where it all began.”
By 2022, Abigail was actively involved in national assignments, though she missed the African Championship that year. Her breakthrough came in 2023, when Ghana hosted the African Armwrestling Championship.
It was her first experience officiating at a major international competition and it changed everything.
“That was my first national and international exposure at the same time,” she says. “It really opened my eyes.”
Today, Abigail is a World Junior Armwrestling Referee, a status earned through performance, consistency and discipline. She explains that progression in officiating was not automatic.
“It’s all about performance, your appearance at African Championships, your conduct, how you handle pressure; that’s what takes you to the world level,” she stressed.
As a referee, Abigail’s priority is safety and fairness. Armwrestling, she notes, comes with risks, particularly injuries to the wrists, elbows, shoulders and arms.
“If athletes don’t follow the rules or refuse to listen to officials, injuries can happen,” she explains, adding that focus was everything.
Before every match, she ensures that all equipment which includes elbow pads, hand pegs and table alignment were properly set. Athletes are not allowed to cover their elbows, must grip correctly, and must follow the referee’s commands precisely.
“We make sure everything is fixed before the grip,” she says. “Once we say ‘Ready… Go’, there should be no confusion.”
She is also firm on discipline. Warnings are issued for infractions, and repeated misconduct attracts penalties.
“The referee must be respected, if you don’t listen, the rules will deal with you,” she says.
Abigail credits her confidence partly to her sporting family background. Her mother was a volleyball player, while other family members also participated in sports. Though they were initially concerned about her safety, her rise to the top reassured them.
“They were afraid at first,” she admits. “But they were also very proud, especially because some of them never got the opportunity to reach this level.”
Looking ahead, Abigail is optimistic about the future of Armwrestling in Ghana. In less than a decade, the country has produced African and world-level medalists, a sign, she believes, of great things to come for Ghana.
“Whenever we go out, we come back with medals such as gold and silver,” she says, and to her that was a sign of growth.
In the next five to ten years, Abigail sees herself rising to become a World Master Referee, the highest officiating level in the sport. Until then, her routine remains intense, training four times a week, working closely with athletes, standing on her feet for hours, and constantly refining her understanding of the rules.
“I love this sport,” she says simply. “That love is what keeps me going.”
Abigail encouraged women to be bold and intentional about their place in sports saying “don’t limit yourself because of fear or stereotypes.”
She also urged women to invest in learning, discipline and consistency, stressing that respect was earned through performance.
For Abigail, as Ghana’s armwrestlers continue to make their mark, she will remain where she is most effective at the table, ensuring the game is played right.
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
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As he had promised Aperkeh, the elderly man and his wife and three daughters stopped by Aperkeh’s parents’ house. Mr Amando and his family were preparing to settle in for the night.
“Brother Ben and family”, Mr Joshua Amando said warmly, “although I know you are here on a matter that can hardly be described as joyous, it is still good to see you. You are welcome. Please sit down while I bring you water”.
“Yes, we will take water, even though we are hardly thirsty, because this is our home”.
“Okay, Ben”, he started after they had drank, “Let me go straight to the point. My daughter Priscilla has told me about the goings on between her brother Aperkeh and our daughter Stella.
Before informing me, Priscilla had expressed concern to Aperkeh about some habits he is adopting, especially the late nights and the drinking. She tells me that one Saturday morning, she was there when Stella complained about his drinking and some girls who had come to the house to look for him, and he assaulted her.
I called him and complained, but all he could say was that I don’t know what caused him to react that way, so I could not judge him. Now he does not answer my calls.
I have sent Priscilla to his house to call him, but he has refused to come. Unfortunately, Ben, my son is a much different person than the young boy who completed university and started work at the bank. I am really embarrassed about his treatment of Stella”.
“Joshua, let me assure you that even though what is happening is very unfortunate, it will not affect our relationship.
We have been friends since childhood, and I thought that with their parents’ blessing, the relationship between Aperkeh and Stella would grow to become a blessing to all of us. But there appears to be a real challenge now.
Stella thinks that Aperkeh wants her out of his house, and indeed Aperkeh himself told me that, about an hour ago.
So I’m taking my daughter home. I suggest that you do what you can to straighten him out, but if it does not work out, let’s accept the situation and continue to be one family.
I am sure that being the well behaved girl that she is, Stella will meet a young man who will cherish her. Fortunately, this problem is happening early in the day, so they can sort things out if possible, or move on with their lives if they are unable to stay together”.
“I’m really grateful for that, Ben. I will do my best in the next few days to reason with him, because apart from the relationship with Stella, Aperkeh is risking his job and career with this lifestyle.
A good job and salary offers an opportunity to gather momentum in life, not to destroy yourself”.
“Okay Brother Joshua. We will say goodnight. I hope to hear positive news from you”.
As he descended in the lift from the fourth to the ground floor, Aperkeh wondered who would be waiting at the reception to see him at nine on Monday morning. He had spent good time with both of his new girls during the weekend, so it had to be someone else. He got out of the lift and pulled a face when he saw Priscilla.
“Priscilla”, he said as he sat down by her, “what do you want here? You know Monday morning is a busy time at the bank. I am a very busy person, so say what you want, I have work to do”.
“You are very funny, Aperkeh. You are telling me, your sister, that you have work to do, so I should hurry up? Okay, Dad says I should advise you to come home tonight, because he wants to discuss the issue of Stella with you. He sent me to you twice, and you did not come.
He has tried to call you quite a number of times, but you have refused to answer his calls. He says that if you do not come tonight, you will be very surprised at what he will do. He says you will not like it at all, so better come.
“What is all this? Why won’t you people leave me alone? Stella is very disrespectful. I told her that if she wanted to continue to live in my house, she must obey me. It is that simple.
She chose to continue ordering me about, controlling me in my own house, so I told her that if she could not live under my conditions she should leave. And she left. In fact, her own father came and took her away. So what again?’’
“How did she disobey or control you? Was she complaining about your continuous drinking and late nights? And did you slap her on several occasions because of that? Did you tell her that if she could not live under your conditions she should leave? You actually said that to her father? You have forgotten that before she came to live with you, our two parents met and agreed, and gave it their blessing?’
“Why don’t you leave, Priscilla? I don’t have to listen to all that”. “Okay, I will go. Your father who gave birth to you and educated you to university level sends me to you, and you ask me to leave? I wish you would defy him, and refuse to come home as he’s telling you, because he is planning to give you the discipline you badly need. Let me tell you. Stella is such a beautiful and decent girl, and I assure you that someone will grab her before you say Jack. You are only 30 years old, and you have already become a drunkard”.
As he walked towards the lift, Aperkeh decided on what to do. He would go home, and calmly listen to what his father had to say. The old man was very unpredictable, and he wouldn’t dare ignore him. So he would take all the insults and threats, but as for Stella she was history. According to Priscilla, Stella was beautiful and all that, but she had not seen the two curvaceous princesses who were all over him, ready to do anything he asked. And these were not barely literate waakye girls, but university graduates from wealthy homes, really classy girls. With stuff like that, who needs a waakye girl? He smiled as he took his seat.
A few minutes to five, Aperkeh was packing up to leave for home to meet his dad when his phone rang. It was Priscilla.
“Aperkeh, Dad says you don’t need to bother to come. Stella’s dad says she came to him early this morning to plead that she would rather stay at home than return to your house. She thinks you are already decided to be rid of her, and she does not want to risk being assaulted again. So it’s done. You can go ahead and enjoy the nice life you have started”.
Before he could tell her to go to hell, Priscilla hanged up the line. He was partially stung that his dad had virtually cut him off. The last thing anyone would want was to fall out of relationship with his own family, which had always supported him.
But the truth was he was no longer interested in Stella. What was wrong with going by one’s feelings? He could only hope that one day, his parents and sister would try to reason with him.
By Ekow de Heer
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