Features
Why we need more revenue through e-levy
Even without the COVID-19 pandemic, it was not easy for countries to enhance the generation of their income to finance their developmental needs as well as improve upon the welfare of their people.
Many countries found it difficult to generate enough revenue to satisfy their needs and to portray themselves as self sufficient and independent of other countries. While many developed countries have been able to generate more revenue to finance their own projects, many developing countries on the other hand have not been able to do same for which reason such developing countries tend to depend on the rich developed countries for assistance.
DEVELOPING COUNTRIES AND INCOME GENERATION
If developing countries are, therefore, to make it in the world by way of adequate income generation and satisfy their own needs without depending on others, then they need to find new ways of finding their own revenue to meet their own needs. It is in the light of this that developing countries must work hard in the direction of income generation to be able to finance their ever increasing demands.
President Akufo-Addo has told Ghanaians about Ghana-without-aid. This is a concept that seeks to challenge all Ghanaians to think of depending on their own selves rather than depending on other countries for assistance. The programme will take time to achieve but we need to start from somewhere, that is, be able to increasingly generate more revenue for our developmental needs so that with time we will become less and less independent on foreign donors.
If this is done, Ghana will be able to depend on its own efforts in the long run. This is the goal of Ghana-without-aid and we all need to support it in its pursuance to bring it to the required logical conclusion and tell the world that Ghana has become of age as far as economic independence is concerned.
SUPPORT FROM ALL GHANAIANS
The Akufo-Addo administration intending to achieve this objective wants support from all Ghanaians, not just a section, to bring this into fruition. This will be possible when we all pledge in sincerity and become highly committed to implement such a programme.
The main objective of the introduction of the E-levy in Ghana, therefore, is to generate more revenue and be able to undertake as much development as possible and also generate enough employment in the country.
STRIKES
Many lecturers in our tertiary institutions, including professors and senior lecturers are often seen embarking upon strikes to demand for research allowances and better conditions of service. Other workers in the public sector are also often seen embarking on the same demands.
Again, we need to care for our health needs to satisfy all Ghanaians in various parts of the country. Apart from health needs, the educational sector also needs rapid development so that our future leaders will not be let down in the process.
From time to time we also hear of disasters in various parts of the country. They include fire outbreaks, explosions, motor accidents, etc. All these require immediate attention from the government through National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO). For NADMO to be effective, the government must be able to support it with enough financial resources to address all disasters including damage by storms to buildings.
ROAD CONSTRUCTION
One other thing we cannot forget about is the construction of roads which is needed in both rural and urban areas. As of now, people are demanding good roads in all parts of the country but these cannot be built without money. European countries are beautiful because of the taxes they are able to impose on their people for development.
In the same way, the E-levy ought to be accepted by the people in this country to enable us finance all our needs without relying on foreign donors for support. If we are unable to do this, then we will have no choice but consider ourselves second-rate citizens who will always have to depend on others for support.
Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) was given the exclusive rights for both radio and television broadcasts regarding the 2021 AFCON. This became possible because the government contributed substantially to the sponsorship to top up the little amount that GBC was able to raise. The sponsorship was good, even though Ghana did not perform well, because it helped to project the national broadcaster as a capable broadcasting network that could live up to expectation.
NEED TO EMBRACE THE E-LEVY
Thus, it is clear that without the generation of adequate revenue to undertake relevant projects, the country will not be able to go far and if this is the case, then Ghanaians need to embrace the E-levy and help government to depend on our own financial resources to address the ever-challenging needs of the country.
This is where we need to put aside partisan politics and think about the country first before anything else. If we all move along this path of progress, all developmental challenges, indeed, most of them would be overcome and Ghanaians as a whole will be the winners.
As a country, we need to think about ourselves as to whether we want to stay where we are today or move ahead to a higher level where the economy can cater for the needs of everyone without discrimination. If God created all men equal, then what others have been able to do by way of socioeconomic development in Europe, Japan, Canada, United States, etc, can also be done by Ghanaians.
The trick is simple, that is, coming together to mobilise resources from within our country and using them to transform the socioeconomic needs of our people.
What is good for the goose is good for the gander so let us come together as one people to strive hard to transform the needs of society and make it better for all.
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ALL these forms of responsibility are sustained by one central pillar: spiritual and moral discipline. Without it, knowledge becomes pride, power becomes oppression, and freedom becomes chaos.
The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said: “The strong man is not the one who overcomes others by his strength, but the one who controls himself while in anger.” (Bukhari, Hadith 6114)
This control taqwā is the root of responsibility. Imam Al-Ghazali (1105) in Ihya Ulum al-Din wrote that the purification of the soul (tazkiyah al-nafs) is the foundation of all reform. A responsible man disciplines his desires, guards his words, and acts with sincerity, even when no one is watching.
We live in an era of temptation — social media, materialism, and moral relativism challenge our values. But men of faith must rise above these influences and remember that Allah is Al-Raqīb — the Ever-Watchful. Spiritual accountability anchors moral behaviour.
8. Emotional and psychological responsibility
Responsibility also includes taking care of one’s mental and emotional well-being. Many men suffer silently under the burden of expectation — believing that showing emotion is weakness.
Yet, the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم shed tears, expressed compassion, and sought counsel.
Psychologist Aaron Beck (1976) in Cognitive Therapy and the Emotional Disorders emphasised that emotional maturity begins with self-awareness, recognising one’s feelings, and managing them constructively.
Group counselling sessions like this are essential; they help men share, heal, and grow together. No man should walk alone; strength is not isolation, but the courage to seek support. Let us normalise counselling, mentorship, and brotherhood among men. For in unity, we find healing; in shared wisdom, we find growth.
9. The five questions of accountability
The Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم said: “The feet of the son of Adam shall not move on the Day of Resurrection before he is asked about five things:
- His life — how he lived it;
- His youth — how he used it;
- His wealth — how he earned it and how he spent it;
- His knowledge — how he acted upon it.” (Narrated by al-Tirmidhi, Hadith 2416; also reported in al-Darimi)
This hadith captures the essence of personal accountability — the cornerstone of responsibility in Islam. It reminds every believer that every blessing carries a duty, and every stage of life demands conscious action.
Let’s break it down:
- “His life — how he lived it”
Life is a divine trust (amānah). A responsible man lives with purpose, not pleasure as his goal. He invests his time in doing good, serving others, and seeking Allah’s pleasure. - “His youth — how he used it”
Youth is the most energetic and creative phase — and thus the most accountable. As Ibn al-Qayyim noted in Madarij al-Salikin, “The strength of youth is a blessing, and blessings invite responsibility.” Men must use their youth to build character, gain knowledge, and resist destructive habits. - “His wealth — how he earned it and how he spent it”
Financial integrity is a key part of manhood. Islam demands transparency, fairness, and generosity. The Qur’an warns against wastefulness: “Indeed, the wasteful are brothers of the devils.” (Qur’an 17:27) A responsible man earns lawfully, gives in charity, and spends wisely. - “His knowledge — how he acted upon it”
Knowledge is meaningless if not practiced. Imam Al-Ghazali wrote that knowledge without action is a burden, not a blessing. A responsible man translates his learning into character, leadership, and service.
This Hadith teaches that responsibility in Islam is total and it covers time, energy, wealth, and knowledge. It’s not only about what we achieve, but how we live, how we give, and how we grow.
10. Summary
Responsibility, therefore, is not a single act but a lifestyle — one that touches every sphere of life:
- Educational responsibility empowers us to think and serve.
- Marital and family responsibility keeps our homes strong.
- Environmental responsibility safeguards our future.
- Civic responsibility builds our nation.
- Moral and spiritual responsibility sustains our integrity.
- Emotional responsibility maintains our well-being.
A responsible man is thus an educated mind, a loving heart, a disciplined spirit, and a servant leader. He is not perfect, but he is purposeful.
11. Conclusion
My brothers, as we look toward the future, let us remember the divine reminder:
“The believers, men and women, are protectors of one another. They enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong.” (Qur’an 9:71)
Our communities are counting on us — our sisters, mothers, and children look to us for leadership and example. Let us not disappoint them. When we build responsible men today, we build a Ghana that is peaceful, prosperous, and principled.
Let us be men of knowledge and humility, strength and compassion, faith and fairness. And may Allah grant us the wisdom to lead ourselves before we lead others. Āmīn.
Imam Alhaji Saeed Abdulai, Kpone Katmanso Municipal Chief Imam, governance expert and certified counselor.
By Imam Alhaji Saeed Abdulai
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Today, I focus on Ghanaian/African migrants in Finland and their mental health. Mental health is an important subject and a huge problem in the world.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), brain health is the state of brain functioning across cognitive, sensory, social-emotional, behavioural and motor domains, allowing a person to realise their full potential over the life course, irrespective of the presence or absence of disorders.
Studies have shown that maternal and paternal distress are associated with reduced linear growth of their children. I recently participated in a seminar on mental health among (African) migrants in Finland. We all wondered about the prevalence or incidence of mental illness among migrants in Finland. It will be interesting to know the statistics about mental illness among migrants in Finland.
Mental health in Finland
In Finland, studies have examined how behavioural risk factors mediate the effects of childhood disadvantage on adult psychological distress. A correlation is shown between parent and infant psychotherapy on maternal mental health and psychological functioning and children’s welfare.
There are also research and other reports of social child welfare interventions where at times children are even taken away (child removals) from the parent or parents for safe keeping.
Experts say it is important how parents plan their leaves in order to renew or rebuild their mental strength to be able to take good care of their kids.
Anyway, studies are limited about parent-child psychological distress and situations where children are taken away from their parents among minorities, such as African migrants. It will be interesting to know the figures and other aspects of mental health issues among the migrant group(s) in Finland.
Health and migrant vulnerability
Health experts point out that migrant communities can be highly vulnerable to diseases, especially certain infectious diseases. Experts say those who came to Finland as refugees or asylum seekers and their family members are often in a more vulnerable position in terms of their health (see www.thl.fi).
Research and media reports have shown in many countries that there are structural or societal/cultural factors that result in quite high rates of infection or ill-health among migrants, when compared to the majority population.
It is suggested that for example language barrier, lack of information, the nature of the work of migrants in professions where working from home is not possible (for example during the Covid-19 pandemic), not accessing healthcare, etc. can present some of the factors for migrants’ vulnerability to diseases and infections.
Childhood disadvantage
Information about the issue. Such a situation was much evidenced to reduce stress and anxiety during the coronavirus situation.
Thus, these associations and institutions become networks that create an important social capital as well as outlets for sharing and gaining information or knowledge.
Finland is committed to the integration of migrants into the Finnish society, as I keep pointing out. A number of research studies from surveys and other in-depth enquiries have shown a trend of increasing efforts to integrate African and other migrants into the Finnish society.
As the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) has pointed out, health and wellbeing are an important part of integration of immigrants in Finland (see www.thl.fi).
There have been studies on whether behavioural risk factors mediate the effects of childhood disadvantage on adult psychological distress and child welfare intervention by social services. Unhealthy behaviours and their associations with subsequent sickness among Finnish young and early midlife employees have been studied.
When it comes to this subject and/or the effect of adult psychological distress on children’s wellbeing among African migrants in Finland, there is limited knowledge.
We should hope for more information to augment understandings about adult psychological distress and effect on children’s wellbeing among African migrants in order to inform policy directions.
Such studies will help to create awareness among migrants in Finland about their mental health, its effect on them and their children’s wellbeing, as well as where to seek therapy.
Migrant associations, social networks, and information
Migrants associations are already doing much to help in education on mental health and have become important points for securing. Public agencies, migrant associations and other non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in Finland have been publishing information to help educate people about their health and wellbeing.
Generally, migrant associations formally create awareness among their members and other migrants usually in collaboration with some Finnish institutions, and are thus an important tool for several migrants to be positively active and to get their interests and claims heard.
As I wrote previously, the role of migrant associations acting as bridge-builders for the integration and inclusion of migrants through participation in the decision making process and by acting as a representative voice is highly appreciated in Finland. Thank you!
By Perpetual Crentsil
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