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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
The driver stopped the vehicle at the gate of the large, fenced property along the Nsawam Highway, and Kakraba stepped out to meet the several workers who had gathered to wait for him.
He greeted them and went straight to the point.
“Gentlemen, I am glad to see that you have almost completed the clearing of the land. I’m happy to report that we have concluded all arrangements with Nana Serebour, and construction of the palace will start in a few days.
“I will need you to go and level the ground, and then come back to start this project. Some workers from a construction company will come and join us.
“My plan is to build twenty houses in four months. Then we will do twenty more until we reach two hundred.
“I am relying on you to help me deliver good-quality work to satisfy our clients and, as I have already indicated to you, I will reward you for your work.”
After an hour’s discussion, he closed the meeting and moved to drive away. Wofa Yaw drew closer.
“Director, can you please spare me five minutes? I would like to discuss a small issue.”
“Why, Wofa Yaw? Your wife has threatened to leave you?”
“No, Director. My wife will never leave me. This concerns a young niece of mine.”
“I hope it’s something I can help with. Please sit in the car and let me hear you.”
“Boss, my niece, Beesiwa, is a polytechnic graduate, very beautiful and with very good character.
“Unfortunately, her parents virtually forced her into a relationship with an idiot based in the US, which affected her badly. She has now recovered from that experience and, Boss, I am respectfully asking if you would find a job for her.
“I promise you that you will never regret it.”
“Well, Wofa Yaw, let me meet her and speak with her. I may be able to help, maybe not in the way you expect, but let me meet her.
“I will not be back here for another week, but I will be at the office throughout next week. You can come with her.”
On Monday morning, Wofa Yaw and Beesiwa were seated at the office by nine o’clock. Three young ladies welcomed them warmly, offered them soft drinks and assured them that Kakraba would be there shortly.
They then returned to their desks and sat behind computers with large screens displaying various building designs.
Kakraba walked in and greeted them warmly. After chatting briefly with the three ladies, he ushered Wofa Yaw and Beesiwa into his office.
“Director, this is my niece, Beesiwa. I mentioned her to you when you came to Nsawam.”
“Yes, indeed. Madam Beesiwa, you are very beautiful, just as your uncle said. Wofa Yaw is my colleague.
“We have just started a building project that will take about three to four years. He mentioned that you have a small problem, so I said I would like to meet you and see how I can help.
“So, Beesiwa, please tell me a little about yourself.”
Beesiwa described her childhood, her school experience, her brief work at the bank and the nasty episode with Sammy Abrokwa, which shattered her peaceful life. She also explained how she had been recovering from the experience.
“I am really sorry to hear this,” Kakraba said. “Now, here is what we are going to do.
“We are a small but very busy company. The three ladies out there spend most of the day on site and come back to report on their work in the morning.
“I have three main projects. The big one is an estate project in Nsawam, where your uncle is one of my main colleagues. I need a personal assistant who can take care of my activities, especially when I am not in town.
“Now, we will have to start with trust. Based on what I know about Wofa Yaw, and based on what you yourself have told me, I think we can start on a sound basis.
“So, Wofa Yaw will take you to my home. You can move into one of the four guest rooms.”
“Sir, I have taken some computer lessons, and I have even done graphics and web design,” Beesiwa said.
“Fantastic! I will give you a good phone and a laptop. I will also arrange computer lessons for you.”
“Now, Wofa Yaw, take her home. My sister, Kuukuwa, will meet you and show you around, and then you can return to Koforidua.
“When would you like to start work?”
“Sir, I would like to start today, but I would need to go and bring my things.”
“No problem. Take a taxi to my house, meet my sister, and let me know what you decide.”
Later that day, Kakraba and the three ladies met with some bank officials to conclude the sale of the three buildings at Adabraka.
They closed at five-thirty and, after rewarding the ladies for their hard work, Kakraba got home just after dark.
He was surprised to find Kuukuwa and Beesiwa sitting at the table enjoying supper.
“What’s happening here?” he asked. “Beesiwa, I thought you would return to Koforidua.”
“She changed her mind,” Kuukuwa said. “We went to the mall and bought a few things for her. Then we came back to cook. She has made some nice changes to your bedroom and cooked a couple of interesting dishes. Sit down; we will serve you.”
“Well, I certainly can’t refuse that. It’s been a busy day.
“So, what’s the plan now? Will Beesiwa go to Koforidua tomorrow, gather her things together and come down?”
“No, I will stay here for a while,” Beesiwa replied. “Kuukuwa bought me the things I need, so I may go back next week. I’m ready to start work. What would you like me to start with?”
“Well, you can come to the office tomorrow morning, meet the three girls and get a feel for what we do.
“Since you are living here, at least for now, we can discuss the plans for the next few weeks.
“Sometimes there are gaps when I travel up north. You can take care of things from now. I think the girls would like having someone like you around.”
By Ekow de Heer
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A frequent question following breast surgery is whether human tissue possesses the regenerative capacity to restore an excised organ.
From a strict physiological standpoint, a completely removed breast cannot regrow. Unlike certain organisms that can regenerate complex limbs or organs, adult human tissues—particularly specialised glandular structures—lack the cellular machinery required to rebuild an entire organ after its total surgical removal.
Instead, the body heals the surgical site through processes such as scar tissue formation and re-epithelialisation rather than complete cellular regeneration.
What a mastectomy actually removes
To understand why natural tissue regeneration does not occur, it is important to examine the surgical scope of a mastectomy.
Depending on the type of procedure and the medical reason for surgery, a mastectomy may involve the removal of:
Glandular architecture: The milk-producing lobules and ducts that form the functional core of the mammary gland.
Adipose tissue: The fatty tissue that contributes to breast volume, projection and contour.
Other breast tissue: The extent of tissue removal varies according to the type of mastectomy and the need to achieve appropriate surgical clearance.
Because specialised breast structures are physically removed, the body does not rebuild a complete mammary gland. Instead, healing occurs through tissue repair and scar formation.
Distinguishing residual tissue from “regrowth”
Patients or observers may notice changes in the chest area after surgery, sometimes leading to misconceptions about tissue regeneration.
Skin- and nipple-sparing procedures
Modern breast surgery may preserve the outer skin envelope or, in selected cases, the nipple-areola complex. Small amounts of breast tissue may remain depending on the surgical technique. Any changes in remaining tissue due to hormonal fluctuations represent residual tissue responding to the body, rather than the regrowth of a completely removed breast.
Adipose accumulation
Weight gain after surgery can increase the amount of subcutaneous fat across the chest wall. However, this is part of general body fat distribution and does not represent the regeneration of a mammary gland.
Modern reconstructive pathways
Because a completely removed breast does not naturally regenerate, modern medicine offers reconstructive options aimed at restoring physical symmetry, contour and body image.
The two main approaches are implant-based reconstruction and autologous, or tissue-based, reconstruction.
Implant-based reconstruction
Implant-based reconstruction uses synthetic medical devices, typically filled with silicone gel or saline, to rebuild the breast mound following a mastectomy.
The two-stage process: This approach may begin with the placement of a temporary tissue expander to gradually create space and stretch the surrounding tissues. A later procedure may then be performed to place a permanent implant.
Recovery profile: Implant-based reconstruction generally involves a shorter initial surgery and recovery period compared with procedures that require tissue to be harvested from another part of the body.
Long-term considerations: Breast implants are not lifetime devices and require ongoing medical monitoring. Some patients may need additional procedures over time because of complications or changes in the implant or surrounding tissue.
Autologous or tissue-based reconstruction
Autologous reconstruction uses the patient’s own living tissue to create a new breast mound. Tissue may be transferred from another part of the body, commonly the lower abdomen, using procedures such as a DIEP flap.
Natural look and feel: Because the reconstruction uses living tissue, it can provide a natural warmth, texture and softness. The tissue may also change with the patient’s body weight over time.
Long-term durability: Once healing is complete, autologous reconstruction can provide a long-lasting result without the need to replace an implant. However, some patients may still require further procedures.
Complex surgery: This option usually involves a longer operation and recovery period. In microsurgical procedures, surgeons may need to reconnect tiny blood vessels to establish blood flow to the transferred tissue.
Direct comparison
When choosing between these two reconstructive pathways, patients and their surgical teams must consider several physical, medical and lifestyle factors.
Surgical burden: Implant surgery is generally less invasive, while flap reconstruction involves surgery at both the chest and the donor site.
Foreign material versus native tissue: Implants involve the use of a medical device, while autologous reconstruction uses the patient’s own tissue.
Recovery: The recovery timelines and rehabilitation requirements differ significantly between the two procedures.
Recovery and physical rehabilitation
Recovering from breast reconstruction requires patience, careful pacing and, in some cases, structured physical rehabilitation.
Because implant-based and autologous tissue-flap procedures involve different surgical techniques, their healing timelines and physical therapy milestones can vary considerably.
Understanding these differences is important for patients considering reconstruction, as the choice involves more than restoring physical appearance. It also requires careful consideration of recovery, long-term monitoring, lifestyle and individual medical needs.
Part 2 will examine recovery timelines, physical therapy milestones and other factors patients should consider when choosing between reconstructive options.
By Robert Ekow Grimmond-Thompson
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