Features
What a hardworking President ! (final part)
From all indications, it has been established beyond reasonable doubt, from the practical demonstration of the President’s agenda, that he is a visionary and hardworking President needed at this time in our political and economic history for the rapid transformation of the Ghanaian society.
Indeed, there is no doubt that Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo is a hardworking and visionary President who is committed to transforming the economy of Ghana and raising the standard of living of Ghanaians. Many were those who doubted him when he mentioned that Free Senior High School, Technical and Vocational Training could all be made real in this country. The doubting Thomases counter-argued that he was only using it as a ploy to get votes for himself and his party.
VISION OF INTEGRATED DEVELOPMENT AGENDA
Today, it has been established beyond reasonable doubt that he has a vision of integrated development agenda aimed at linking up the human resource base of this country with its natural resources also available to the country and blending them in a manner that will result in rapid socio-economic development for the country. This effort has also been collaborated with foreign alliances in form of economic co-operation in various sectors of the economy, including health, education, transportation, roads as well as trade and industry.
The President’s achievement today is unique, seeing that every step he is taking is meant to bring about progress and development. He is one President who does not sit at one place in Accra and take personal glory to himself. He comes to the office very early in the morning and continues working till late in the night. All these are done in addition to undertaking his daily programmes of carrying out sod cutting programmes and commissioning projects that have been completed in various parts of the country.
ROAD PROJECTS
The numerous construction of road projects going on in various parts of the country show that if President Akufo-Addo had not come in at this time, things would have been worse as far as road construction is concerned. Many communities are crying for construction of their roads so that they can be like others they have encountered, but all these will be done with time to the glory of God and the noble people of Ghana.
In addition to what takes place in this country, he is seen very often moving out to other countries and telling them about the “good news” of the attractive investment climate currently prevailing in the country. In other words, the President is always moving round the country to be in touch with the people, find out their needs and to explore the various forms of work and investments going on round the country, contrary to being an arm-chair liberator and being confined to the capital city of Accra as some leaders did.
This is the President the country needs currently to ensure that socio-economic development takes us to a higher level of achievement. Not long ago, the late former President, Flt. Lt. Jerry John Rawlings, while he was alive, made it clear that “we are fortunate to have President Akufo-Addo in Ghana at this time”. When he made this point, many people especially those in his party, the National Democratic Congress (NDC), did not like it because as is usually their nature, they would never want the current President to be praised for his good work even though they know what the truth is.
As has been pointed out already, when the late President made this point, his own party members did not like it because they felt that he was praising President Akufo-Addo too much but they had wanted him to cast insults at him in line with their usual “unpalatable” characteristics. The late President insisted that was the case and that it was not because he wanted to shower too much praise on President Akufo-Addo, but to praise him and let the world know what the true position is in the country.
TREMENDOUS STRENGTH
The point has been made that President Akufo-Addo keeps moving to all parts of the country exhibiting tremendous strength inspecting programmes and investments going on in the country, the latest being his visit to the Western and Western North regions, Oti and Volta regions and other parts of the country. He is doing this not because he is in a mood of travel-happy but finding out for himself what the true situation is. This dynamism of performance is part of his character. It cannot be taken away from him, so we need to admire him for what he truly is.
The massive strength of the President can influence and make you think that probably he is only 40 years even though he is far older, being 77 years. For this reason, many people agree that he must be appreciated by all and sundry irrespective of one’s political affiliation and/or association.
President Akufo-Addo is a visionary leader because his programmes are meant to transform the economy and give massive employment to more people in the country. The numerous factories set up in the districts are meant to create opportunities of employment for the youth in the country. In addition,the factories and other business opportunities will make Ghana less independent on other countries for their needs. For example, instead of depending on other countries for food, Ghana today has become a net exporter of these items, a testimony to the fact that it is giving real meaning to its independence of other countries.
TRANSFORMATIONAL PROGRAMMES
Programmes like One District One Factory (1D1F), Free Senior High School, Technical and Vocational Education, transformation of the banking sector, massive investments in the health sector in form of the construction of 111 regional and district hospitals as well as the supply of one ambulance to each constituency, the use of drones for the distribution of medicines etc. are a testimony to the great effort being made by President Akufo-Addo and his administration.
In addition, the setting up of automobile industry in the country together with many other achievements like the courageous fight against COVID-19 shows that President Akufo-Addo means good business for the people of Ghana. We also saw not long ago, the President’s visit to Germany aimed at wooing investors to come and partner Ghana in the investment drive. Wherever he goes, he sells Ghana, rather than destroy it as some people in the country shamelessly and embarrassingly prefer to do.
GREAT HARVEST
In the light of all these, the situation in Ghana is comparable to what the Lord Jesus told his disciples in Luke 10:2 that “the harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few …” In one sense, it means that so great was the harvest of souls that the labourers were few and, therefore, more people were needed to help in the work.
In the Ghanaian context of national reconstruction and development, more people are needed to join the President to help the country to grow to a higher pedestal of development where we all want it to be.For this reason, God should bless the country, stimulate it, and encourage everyone to pay his/her dues in form of contribution to national progress, smooth and uninterrupted forward-movement as well as unparalleled development.
Contact email/whatsApp of author:
pradmat2013@gmail.com (0553318911)
BY DR. KOFI AMPONSAH-BEDIAKO
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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