Features
Who speaks for the millions of vulnerable Ghanaians?
The founding fathers of this beautiful country called Ghana, who fought for our independence from the British colonial administration in 1957, will by now be turning in their graves and asking about what is happening to a nation which they fought with their sweat and toils to free the people from their oppressors.
Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah of blessed memory, first President of Ghana and others who spearheaded this country and positioned it on the international arena, would be disappointed about the economic mess that this country has been plunged into by our current leaders.
Operations of Parliament
Law making is considered to be the most important function of Parliament. Under Article 93 (2) of the 1992 Constitution, the legislative power of Ghana has been vested in Parliament and exercised in accordance with the 1992 Constitution.
Nobody other than Parliament has the power to pass any measure with the force of law except by or under the authority conferred by an Act of Parliament. The legislative function of Parliament consists of passing bills and scrutinizing statutory instruments and deciding whether to annul them or allow them to take effect by the effluxion of time. Besides, Chapter 13 of the 1992 Constitution variously vests the control of public funds (power of public purse) in Parliament.
Mouthpiece of the Electorate
In effect, Parliament is therefore an important institution in the democratic practice of our country and, therefore held in high esteem by the people. Whatever emanates from Parliament is considered as an important weapon to the administration of this country.
It is therefore, a sacred institution which must be protected and safeguarded by the players of this noble institution who are the parliamentarians. They are the people representatives and, therefore represent the interests and welfare of the people in the august house.
Strictly speaking, the parliamentarians, noted as MPs, represent the views and mouthpiece of the people in their constituencies to approve and oversee the revenues and expenditures proposed by government aside any other functions.
Walkouts in Parliament
The over 30 million Ghanaian population cannot be in Parliament at the same time and that is the reason why the 1992 Constitution has prescribed a limited number of 275 parliamentarians to the house to represent their constituencies and to participate in all matters and issues relating to the welfare of their constituencies as well as matters that affect their constituents.
It therefore, presupposes that since the MPs were elected by the people to represent their interests, it will be absolutely wrong and suicidal for them to behave in such a selfish manner when it comes to parliamentary proceedings such as debates and approval of bills among other functions in the house.
Staging walkouts in the midst of parliamentary sittings, are sometimes normal practices in parliament all over the world. It indicates a way of registering a protest and that is accepted in most parliaments across the globe. However, when this is overdone in such a way to affect the lives of the people who put them there, it becomes a huge problem to contain.
Ghanaians Patience Growing Pale
This country is evolving and therefore, the majority of the people are now discerning. The poor management of the economy by people appointed by the government to see to the growth of the economy which has brought about severe hardships among the people, has indeed, served as an eye-opener to the millions of Ghanaians since they cannot make ends meet.
They have therefore, resolved that they would never sit unconcerned and allow the economy to be downgraded in the midst of the vast economic resources at our disposal. They are therefore, drumming home to their representatives in Parliament to do the needful by holding government, especially its appointees, accountable to the economic mismanagement of the country. They are demanding that the non-performing ministers whose inefficiencies have led to the downturn of the economy must be shown the exit without further delay.
General Frustration Among The People
The general frustration among the citizenry has emboldened, toughened the people and energized them to voice out their sentiments freely without fear or favour on social media platforms. They do not care about emerging consequences whatsoever.
Even the little JHS students are abreast of the current economic downturn and are complaining. The hopes of Ghanaians are shattered and the question they keep asking is, who speaks for the millions of the vulnerable in the society?” Some of our parliamentarians are turning the august house into a charade, making it to appear different from what it is supposed to be and that is most unfortunate.
Recent Drama in Parliament
The recent walkout staged by the Majority MPs when it came to the vote of censure against the Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, spoke volumes of how some of our parliamentarians are not showing any seriousness in the business of the house.
Many Ghanaians including MPs from the Majority side had hitherto, condemned the abysmal performance of the Finance Minister and had called on the President to relieve him of his post. The Majority Caucus led by its leader, Osei-Kyei Mensah Bonsu, had met the President on this particular issue who pleaded with them to allow the Finance Minister to conclude the on-going negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) after which a firm decision would be taken on the matter.
The Speaker of Parliament constituted a committee to go into the allegations levelled against the Minister, after which a report was presented to the full house which was debated upon by both the Majority and Minority caucuses.
The Finance Minister was allowed to defend himself through his lawyers at both the committee meeting and also the floor of the house. It therefore, sounded strange when the minority walked out during a secret voting on the case.
Ghanaians Feeling Short-Changed
This is where most Ghanaians are feeling that, they are being short-changed by our parliamentarians by not calling a spade a spade. On the surface, you see the MPs disagreeing when it comes to debates on issues, but when there is the need to take decision on behalf of their constituents, you find them wanting.
The Finance Minister should by now know that he has lost confidence in the majority of the people including those from his own party. The problems of this country have indeed overwhelmed him and his economic management team and, therefore he should pack his bag and baggage and leave honourably.
Exactly as the Editor of ABC News Gordon Asare-Bediako pointed out recently on social media, “this matter should not have come to this level because for 98 Members of Parliament to write and publicly declare that they don’t want you any longer as Finance Minister, he should advise himself”. According to this writer, Mr. Ofori-Atta had allowed himself to be subjected to public ridicule.
President Must Do The Needful
Once there is a clarion call by the majority of Ghanaians to the President to reshuffle his ministers, it behoves on him to listen to the voices of the people and take action as early as possible. His adamant posturing, is not in the best interest of his party, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the way forward to the next election.
Once Parliament has concluded its assignment on the budget, the President should take an advantage to prune down the size of government, reshuffle some of his ministers and retire his Finance Minister honourably.
The President should take an advantage of the resignation of his Trade and Industry Minister, Allan Kojo Kyerematen and the Agriculture Minister, Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto, who have all resigned from his government to contest for the flagbearership position of the NPP in the next general election in 2024 to reshuffle his ministers in order to introduce vibrancy in his administration.
It was Ghanaians who gave the President the mandate to govern this country and, therefore they have every right to make suggestions as to how this country should be governed. It should not be a one-man show.
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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
