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
In every society, there are people who do things their own way, regardless of what others think. Take the man who, by good fortune, acquired a beautiful Benz bus. Rather than becoming a bossy transport owner demanding daily accounts, he chose a different path. He hired a driver—but no driver’s mate. He became the mate himself. The bold inscription on the back of the bus reads: “MAN NO FOOL.”
He’s no fool, having long observed how drivers and mates conspire with daily accounts. He’s far above such tricks.
Domestic Pragmatism
Then there’s the married man enforcing his own version of the division of labor. One morning, he decreed he would handle all daily market shopping because he suspected his wife was “tearing chobo.” Earlier, he had claimed the kitchen ladle as his own, citing dissatisfaction with the portion sizes compared to his “chop-money” contributions.
From that day, he became the chief cook, while his wife became the steward. When the soup was ready, she would call him to allocate the meat. He called it “domestic pragmatism.”
The Dancing Kiosk
Consider a couple who ran a kiosk and, to protect their goods from theft, chose to sleep there each night. Last week, during heavy rains, they were asleep when the downpour started. Both began dreaming they were dancing at a jamboree—an uncanny simultaneous dream.
When they awoke, reality hit: their kiosk was afloat, doing a Michael Jackson-style dance in the floodwaters. They were lucky to survive. Others were not so fortunate.
That Tuesday, 24 residents of Accra lost their lives in the heaviest rains in 59 years. Property was destroyed, animals drowned, and the city experienced its worst traffic jams ever.
Floods and “Neck Insurance”
During the rains, waist-deep waters forced residents to become human transport, carrying others for a fee. I was spared, though I imagined my weight would have made “neck insurance” a must!
The aftermath left offices soaked, radios swimming on carpets, and workers struggling to salvage belongings. My office radio survived after drying, perhaps imbued with some holy-ghost luck—it seemed to walk on water.
A Call for Action
Mr. Nat Nunoo-Amarteifio, AMA boss, later appeared on the air to explain the floods, citing rising sea and lagoon levels. While informative, action is key. Years of warnings by veteran journalist Tom Dorkenoo—a man of prophetic environmental insight—have highlighted Accra’s vulnerability to floods. Two years ago, he outlined the risks, and the warnings proved accurate.
It is not enough for authorities to merely announce intentions to address drainage issues or unauthorized buildings. They must act decisively to prevent recurring disasters. Floods, property losses, and fatalities are preventable with proactive planning and strict enforcement of environmental regulations.
The Lesson
The saga of the dancing kiosk reminds us of human resilience, absurdity, and tragedy. While humor can lighten the story, the underlying message is serious: Accra’s flood challenges require urgent, sustained action.
Let us hope future rainy seasons bring fewer dancing kiosks and more effective city planning.
By Merari Alomele
Spectator
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Starvation is a complex issue influenced by multiple factors, including food availability, economic stability, and government policies. Understanding the mathematics of starvation involves analyzing calorie requirements, food distribution, and nutritional needs to ensure individuals receive sufficient sustenance for survival and health.
Calculating Nutritional Needs
To understand the scale of starvation, it is crucial to determine the daily caloric requirements of individuals based on age, sex, weight, and activity levels. For example, populations like that of the Gaza Strip require a specific number of calories per person per day to prevent malnutrition and starvation.
Food Distribution and Availability
Equally important is assessing food distribution and availability. This includes calculating the total food needed to meet nutritional requirements and ensuring it reaches those in need. In Gaza, Israel controls food inflow and determines the number of calories Palestinians require. However, the actual amount of food allowed into the territory often falls far below minimum nutritional needs.
Consequences of Inadequate Food Supply
Inadequate food supply leads to severe consequences such as malnutrition, starvation, and death. For instance, between March and June, Israel allowed only 56,000 tonnes of food into Gaza—less than a quarter of the territory’s minimum needs during that period.
Global Perspective
Starvation is not unique to Gaza. Millions worldwide face food insecurity due to conflict, climate change, and economic instability. Understanding the mathematics of starvation enables policymakers and humanitarian organizations to devise strategies that target the root causes of hunger effectively.
Key Factors Contributing to Starvation
- Poverty: Lack of resources limits access to sufficient food.
- Conflict: Wars disrupt food production and distribution networks.
- Climate Change: Extreme weather reduces agricultural yields.
- Economic Instability: Market fluctuations hinder access to food.
Addressing Starvation
Combating starvation requires addressing its underlying causes:
- Food Aid: Provide sufficient, targeted food assistance to those in need.
- Economic Support: Promote economic stability to improve access to food.
- Conflict Resolution: Resolve conflicts to restore production and distribution networks.
- Climate-Resilient Agriculture: Adopt sustainable agricultural practices to ensure long-term food security.
In conclusion, the mathematics of starvation underscores the urgent need for a comprehensive approach to food insecurity. By understanding nutritional needs, calculating food distribution, and tackling the root causes, societies can work towards a future where hunger is no longer a daily threat.
BY ROBERT EKOW GRIMMOND-THOMPON
Spectator
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