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Taking a cue from a country where modesty and simplicity are its hallmark in governance
Modesty, is a God-given principle that helps a person or an institution to keep safely on the convenient path as the person or the body makes strides in the presence of the Almighty God. Modesty in actual sense, thought and behaviour, will help prepare mankind to make a sacred temple covenant. Similarly, simplicity in its true meaning, connotes uncomplicated, simple and elaborate method that can be understood, apply or done easily for the purposes of progress and development.
Being modest and simple begin with how one sees himself or herself and the place in the world. By being aware of your own strengths and weaknesses, you can avoid pitfalls of arrogance and start life more modestly. Just try to see yourself the way others see you by asking your closest friends how to perceive you. In effect, modesty and virtue, are qualities that are universally recognised as essential for the proper development and success of individuals and nations. It is important to impact in the youth these values so that they grow up into responsible and productive members of their communities and the nation in general.
POSITIVE ATTRIBUTES OF MODESTY AND SIMPLICITY
Some of the attributes of modesty include simplicity in the way of doing things, living within ones means not spending more than what comes in, be content with what you have and thinking about the long- term rather the short-term. It is said that a person is modest when he or she is considerate and does not boast or brag, so it is to developing nations across the world. The watchword is “Cutting your coat according to your cloth”.
I have decided to take my readers to the realms of theory just to prepare their minds to appreciate the importance of modesty and simplicity in our everyday lives and how they reflect on governance in countries that are well developed so that those of us in the developing world can learn and apply them for our own good and progress.
VIDEO ON SWEDEN AND THEIR WAY OF LIFE
Just recently, a cousin of mine domiciled in the United States of America who has been feeding me with educative materials including video clips across the world to educate, inform and entertain me of happenings across the globe, sent me one of his interesting videos about Sweden which since time immemorial, has adopted modesty and simplicity as their way of life which are working perfectly for them as a nation.
The video is about how this Scandinavian nation with thousands of coastal inland and inland lakes, with vast boreal forest and glaciated mountains, are running their august parliament as well as effective governance in a more matured, modest and simple way that have inured to their progress and advancement. Even though this country with a total population of a little over 10.35 million as of 2020 is fairly rich and industrious, it has been able to put in place certain mechanisms to cut down cost of public spending in order to rake in more funds to meet its developmental goals and that is working perfectly and effectively for them.
SHORT HISTORY ABOUT SWEDEN
To get a true picture of Sweden since I have never been to that country in my lifetime, I have done a little research about that country just to educate and carry my readers some of whom are just like me along to have a feel of that country. As I stated earlier, Sweden is a Scandinavian nation with its eastern capital located in Stockholm which is built on 14 islands. It has more than 50 bridges as well as medieval old town, Gamla Stan, royal palaces and museums. Although the country is relatively wealthy, 16.2 per cent of its people are at risk of falling into the poverty bracket. Even though English is one of the most commonly spoken languages in the world, it will be of interest to know that while about 80 per cent of the people understand English perfectly, they hardly speak the language, except their mother tongue, Swedes.
The vast majority of enterprises are privately owned. We are told that the country’s economic success is due to stable economic and political institutions which allow the people to focus on producing wealth. Swedish society is based on equality and individualism and the people are proud of their nation and its accomplishments which they termed Lagom, which means “Not too much, not too little…just right” a word often used and heard in Sweden. The country has a profound respect for integrity.
MODESTY AND SIMPLICITY IN SWEDISH PARLIAMENT
Having given the geographical location of Sweden, I will now go back to the video clip to show how modest and simple their parliament is being run to cut cost. The five minutes’ video titled, “The country where Members of Parliament don’t get free coffee, talks about drastic reduction of the way of life of the MPs as far as their living conditions are concerned. It talks about the whole parliament having three cars which are used for official work. Besides, MPs are expected to use public transportation during sitting hours. We are being told in that video that until 1957, the MPs were not being paid for their jobs and could not raise their own salaries. Apartments are provided to MPs from outside Stockholm which is one room apartment. Visitors are not allowed to stay overnight and if any of the MPs wants to bring a visitor to his or her apartment to stay overnight, the MP must pay for it. Any trip abroad by MPs must cost a maximum of 85 per cent of his or her salary. If an MP rents a car, he or she must choose the shortest possible route. Swedish MPs have no secretaries or assistants and they have to plan their own schedules.
THE JUDICIARY AND POLITICIANS IN SWEDEN
Parliamentarians who have missed more than 60 per cent of their voting occasions must repay from their salaries. There are no lifetime pensions for former MPs. In the case of judiciary, the criminal justice system is well organised and judges have no right to official cars. There is no immunity from criminal prosecution of politicians. Regional politicians do not receive salaries because their work is considered public good as such is unpaid. Public Service in Sweden is neither prestigious nor lucrative. The video ended by explaining that all these rules and many others, are designed to make Sweden a functioning democracy.
AFRICANS MUST LEARN FROM SWEDISH EXPERIENCE
Seriously, what we need to ask ourselves as Africans is that, is it not relevant to adopt some of these rules in our institutions of governance to cut down wastage, cost and conserve foreign exchange and other meagre resources to advance economic progress on our continent? If a nation like Sweden which is fairly rich in resources and capital, is operating modestly and simple, why can’t we in Africa learn from their experience? Africa is suffering because our leaders are selfish in character and do not think about the interests of their peoples. The limited resources at their disposal are being plundered to satisfy their personal interests and that of their closest associates while their citizens continue to live in abject poverty and misery.
OUR OFFICE HOLDERS MUST SHOW LEADERSHIP BY EXAMPLE
Over here in Ghana, as we continue to battle with the current economic crises which have brought untold hardships to the people, there are quite a number of institutions of governance which are feeding fat on the people. Our institutions of governance are not being considerate with the citizens and continue to impose all kinds of taxes and levies to worsen the plight of Ghanaians while those in positions of authority continue to enjoy.
The Swedish example must inspire us including other African countries to adopt measures to cut down cost and protect the public purse.
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By Charles Neequaye
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
