Features
What if we were all honourable or not?
It is sometimes said that the world would be a peaceful place except for the confusion caused by humankind. To a great degree this is no doubt true. While there is still violence in nature, we have learned to control much that is essential to our comfort and convenience, and for us the earth is a relatively peaceful and provident place except where man meets man in misunderstanding and in unbecoming conduct.
Our most pressing problems are concerned with the appetites, the personalities, and the perversities of men. All through life it would seem there are some who we fear, some against whom we feel we have to protect ourselves.
There are some men except for whom we could leave the locks of our doors, some except for whom there would be no need of bank vaults and burglar alarms, some except for whom we could dispense with police and prisons, some except for whom we could do away with armies and armaments. And it is interesting to contemplate how heavenly it could be on earth if all men were honourable, if all men were even reasonably honest.
Indeed, it might well be difficult for our minds to imagine any greater happiness than there could be on this earth with all its beauty, with all its providence, with all its possibilities, if all men would respect each other as they themselves would like to be respected.
Of course there are those who say that this old and golden rule won’t work. And people who advocate it are sometimes said to be impractical people. But speaking of being impractical, what is more impractical than millions of men using locks and alarms to keep millions of other men from doing what simple honesty would keep them from doing? What is more inefficient than having half the people police the other half? What is more impractical than the destruction of war? Regrettably the principles and the ideals of the Prince of Peace do not at present prevail among men.
But one day they will. And what greater happiness could the mind of man imagine than a place of such beauty as this earth, in peace and in providence, With all People respecting the privileges, the property, and the persons of all other people?
There is a familiar scene in the drama of human affairs that is played over and over through the years; a scene that has often been known to move through a sequence something like this: a group of people combine for the accomplishment of certain questionable ends. It may be for the exploitation of some unfair advantage; it may be for the defrauding of unsuspecting people; it may be for any questionable purpose or pursuit, even for the domination of a country or the subjugation of a world.
Oft times the schemers swear themselves to loyalty and secrecy; they combine with promises and oaths and then set out upon their way, sometimes to realise a measure of success. Inevitably, however, sooner or later, something goes wrong. They overplay their hands; their victims become sorrier and wiser; the house begins to fall; each one frantically endeavours to extricate himself by sacrificing someone else; and there follows a climax of distrust and betrayal. The myth of “honour among thieves” may have some classic examples which would seem to prove it to be true, but for everyone that does, there are a million to contradict the theory. Fair-weather conspirators soon become mortal enemies when the tide of fortune turns and the saving of heads is the order of the day. We have seen much of it and will see yet more of it.
There is not and cannot be any assurance of loyalty where a dishonourable purpose is involved. There are no bonds or oaths or penalties or pledges or threats strong enough continually to hold any combination of men together in any infamous cause, in prosperity or adversity. The only certainty in such sequences is the certainty of distrust and tragedy and fear and ultimate failure. And this all men, both young and old, should remember before they set out upon any questionable course with questionable companions.
By Samuel Enos Eghan
Email: samueleghan@gmail.com
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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