LAST July, the Bank of Ghana began an exercise to re-denominate the cedi by re-setting the ¢10,000 to one new Ghana cedi (GH¢). The new one Ghana cedi is also equivalent to 100 Ghana pesewas (Gp).
Giving reasons for the decision, the Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr Paul Acquah, said the old note regime placed significant burden on the economy in terms of transaction costs, general inconvenience and the high risk of carrying loads of the currency.
The announcement of the re-denominaton exercise by the Governor of the central bank was, however, met with mixed feelings.
The apprehensions stemmed from the link between the re-denomination to the demonetisation exercise in 1979 by the Supreme Military Council (SMC) regime, which caused pain and hardships to those who lost huge sums of money because of the haphazard manner in which the programme was implemented.
Those who predicted doom of economic downturn as a result of the unprecedented decision by the central bank must have eaten humble pie by now, looking at the able manner in which the central bank has implemented the re-denomination strategy.
Perhaps, conscious of the skepticisms, the central bank went the extra mile to launch a public awareness and education programme on the re-denomination, whose parallel in our history could be the changeover from left-hand drive to right-hand drive in 1974.
The country’s economy has made strides as macroeconomic stability has taken root, but the benefits are limited, largely as a result of the dead-weight burden imposed by the old cedi notes. Now the economy is characterised by declining inflation, stable exchange rate, fiscal prudence and policy credibility.
It has also been argued in certain business circles that re-denomination per se does not impact positively on the economy, and that its main benefit is the reduction in the burden of carrying large sums of paper money around.
However, if re-denomination reduces high transaction costs, general inconveniences and the huge risk involved in carrying loads of currency for transaction purposes, increasing difficulties in maintaining book-keeping and statistical records, ensuring compatibility with data processing software and the strain on the payment system, particularly ATMS, then those who claim that there are no economic benefits to be derived from re-denomination at all must be economical with the hard facts.
Although re-denomination will not have direct impact on the economy, businesses and banks that handle huge sums of money will make gains on the time they spend counting money, and such gains could be applied to other productive activities.
Some countries also re-demonimate in order to improve their monetary sovereignty and Ghana’s re-denomination strategy could be said to be intended to correct the neglect of the cedi for the dollar and by extension restore some regard for the national currency once revered in the West African sub-region.
The Daily Graphic thinks that so far, the re-denomination strategy has been implemented well, despite a few challenges, and we hope that the central bank would handle the strategy in such a way that it will complement other macroeconomic efforts to redefine the country’s growth and development.
With less than 24 hours for the old cedi to cease to be legal tender, there is the likelihood of panic among the people. Few weeks ago, petty traders and trotro drivers refused to accept the old currency, although it was still legal tender. This is why the central bank must act quickly to stem this negative trend.
The Daily Graphic reminds the central bank that for the re-denomination exercise to be successful, it should be complemented with strict and disciplined fiscal policy measures and other broader objectives of economic development such as export promotion, job creation and favourable balance of payments.
If the strategy is complementary in scope, it could lead to other reform efforts aimed at improving the general standard of living of Ghanaians.
Monday, December 31, 2007
RELIGIOUS STRIFE MUST STOP (Pubished Dec 28, 2007)
LAST Monday, December 24, 2007, there were renewed clashes between the two factions in the Apostles Revelations Society (ARS) which brought the 68th Missionary Anniversary celebrations of the church to an abrupt end.
It is recalled that the ARS has been engaged in a leadership struggle since its founder, C. K. Mawufeame Wovenu, passed away in 1999.
The struggle, the DAILY GRAPHIC has learnt, is over who should be the next spiritual leader of the church and this has brought about many court actions, heated debates and, sometimes, physical clashes (as in the instant case).
Two factions have developed in the church — the one led by Apostle James Kwaku Amegah and the College of Apostles, made up of 12 ordained ministers of the church.
In our Editorial of yesterday, we had cause to caution our politicians to be circumspect as they went about the electioneering for next year’s general election. Our advice was based on the fact that the Christmas message centred on peace on earth and goodwill towards all men.
We might have left out our churches from the admonition because of obvious reasons — that the House of the Lord can lead the way to peace and fellow feeling.
Need we say that the news coming out of the camp of the ARS has disappointed us?
If the selection of a spiritual leader in the church has dragged on for about nine years, leading to animosity, tension and clashes in the church, then how do we expect the members of that church to relate to members of other churches and even faiths?
And the fact that the clashes are taking place at a time when Christians all over the world are celebrating the birth of the Prince of Peace makes the whole issue very sickening and the DAILY GRAPHIC feels something must be done about it sooner than later.
Our appeal to the factions is that no matter the bone of contention between them, they must use dialogue, the spirit of compromise and forgiveness to arrive at a settlement that will satisfy them. We think that if they do that, matters can be settled out of court and the church will be at peace with itself and its immediate publics.
The present situation is unbecoming of the ARS, and the fact that such an important anniversary should be truncated because of clashes should serve as a wake-up call for every church member to call for a truce.
After all, the Good Book admonishes followers of Christ to leave everything in God’s hands, since He is capable of resolving every problem that comes the way of His children.
While we are at it, we must commend the Ketu District Security Council and the police for their timely intervention to avert any bloodshed.
Considering the fact that many adherents had congregated at Tadzewu from far and near to take part in the celebrations, the clashes could have degenerated into a bloodbath. We also wish the policeman who got injured in the process of averting the clashes a speedy recovery.
The members of the ARS deserve better and their leaders should make it possible for them to go about their religious activities without let or hindrance. That way, the blessings that come with spiritual growth will rub on all to uplift the nation itself.
What the leaders should remember is that a house divided against itself cannot stand!
It is recalled that the ARS has been engaged in a leadership struggle since its founder, C. K. Mawufeame Wovenu, passed away in 1999.
The struggle, the DAILY GRAPHIC has learnt, is over who should be the next spiritual leader of the church and this has brought about many court actions, heated debates and, sometimes, physical clashes (as in the instant case).
Two factions have developed in the church — the one led by Apostle James Kwaku Amegah and the College of Apostles, made up of 12 ordained ministers of the church.
In our Editorial of yesterday, we had cause to caution our politicians to be circumspect as they went about the electioneering for next year’s general election. Our advice was based on the fact that the Christmas message centred on peace on earth and goodwill towards all men.
We might have left out our churches from the admonition because of obvious reasons — that the House of the Lord can lead the way to peace and fellow feeling.
Need we say that the news coming out of the camp of the ARS has disappointed us?
If the selection of a spiritual leader in the church has dragged on for about nine years, leading to animosity, tension and clashes in the church, then how do we expect the members of that church to relate to members of other churches and even faiths?
And the fact that the clashes are taking place at a time when Christians all over the world are celebrating the birth of the Prince of Peace makes the whole issue very sickening and the DAILY GRAPHIC feels something must be done about it sooner than later.
Our appeal to the factions is that no matter the bone of contention between them, they must use dialogue, the spirit of compromise and forgiveness to arrive at a settlement that will satisfy them. We think that if they do that, matters can be settled out of court and the church will be at peace with itself and its immediate publics.
The present situation is unbecoming of the ARS, and the fact that such an important anniversary should be truncated because of clashes should serve as a wake-up call for every church member to call for a truce.
After all, the Good Book admonishes followers of Christ to leave everything in God’s hands, since He is capable of resolving every problem that comes the way of His children.
While we are at it, we must commend the Ketu District Security Council and the police for their timely intervention to avert any bloodshed.
Considering the fact that many adherents had congregated at Tadzewu from far and near to take part in the celebrations, the clashes could have degenerated into a bloodbath. We also wish the policeman who got injured in the process of averting the clashes a speedy recovery.
The members of the ARS deserve better and their leaders should make it possible for them to go about their religious activities without let or hindrance. That way, the blessings that come with spiritual growth will rub on all to uplift the nation itself.
What the leaders should remember is that a house divided against itself cannot stand!
WELL DONE APOSTLE SAFO, BUT... (Published Dec 29,, 2007)
OVER the years, Apostle Dr Kwadwo Safo, the Founder and Leader of the Kristo Asafo Mission, has been holding annual exhibitions during which foodstuffs from the mission’s farms and machines and appliances manufactured by the gifted Apostle are put on display for all to see the good works the mission and its founder have been carrying out.
At these exhibitions, dubbed “Charity and Technology Exhibitions”, all the food items on display, as well as huge sums of money, are donated to children’s homes and charity organisations.
This yearly exhibition will take place at Awoshie in Accra tomorrow, Sunday, December 30, 2007 and the innovation this year is the unveiling of a limousine, a five hp split air conditioner and an excavator.
The Daily Graphic would like to commend Apostle Dr Safo and his mission for not only leading the way in their philanthropic activities but also coming up with innovations and technology. We recall recent additions to his growing list of ‘inventions’ such as a four-wheel drive vehicle, a television set that can be switched on and off by human breath, a block-making machine which can make many blocks at the same time, etc.
As far as we know, Apostle Dr Safo has been carrying out the research which brought forth these innovations all by himself at his Gomoa Mpota Technological Research Institute in the Central Region and we think the time is nigh for business people in the private sector to team up with him to commercialise his ‘inventions’ so that the products could be manufactured in bulk to flood the local market.
While commending the Apostle, we would like to appeal to him to come down to the level where his products could be useful to a great majority of our people. In other words, while not demeaning his achievements, we feel that he has raised the stakes so high that the equipment and machinery he has come up with are far above the reach of ordinary people.
It is our firm belief that if Apostle Dr Safo concentrates his efforts on meeting the basic needs of the people, such as food, clothing and shelter, he will come up with simple items which will satisfy the practical and immediate needs of everybody.
For example, the research institute could research into fabricating simple agricultural implements to bail out our peasant farmers from the drudgery of using the traditional means to farm. That way, a lot of food will be produced to feed the people.
Again, research into how to make use of the abundant clay in the country in constructing houses will cut down the over-dependence on imported building materials. That will, in turn, lower the cost of houses and make them accessible to the many homeless and working class people we have in the country.
The limousines, aircraft and cross-country vehicles are likely to place Ghana among the technologically advanced countries, but looking at the country’s limited resources, even the involvement of the state in the endeavour of commercialising their production will not achieve much.
The DAILY GRAPHIC would, therefore, plead with Apostle Safo to consider the exigencies of the Ghanaian situation and manufacture cost-effective vehicles whose mass production can be guaranteed. When he does that, even the transport unions such as the GPRTU of TUC and PROTOA could team up with him to produce them in large quantities.
Once again, we would like to commend Apostle Safo for his pioneering role in charity and innovations and urge companies and businesses which find his ‘inventions’ economically viable to team up with him to develop them for the benefit of Mother Ghana.
At these exhibitions, dubbed “Charity and Technology Exhibitions”, all the food items on display, as well as huge sums of money, are donated to children’s homes and charity organisations.
This yearly exhibition will take place at Awoshie in Accra tomorrow, Sunday, December 30, 2007 and the innovation this year is the unveiling of a limousine, a five hp split air conditioner and an excavator.
The Daily Graphic would like to commend Apostle Dr Safo and his mission for not only leading the way in their philanthropic activities but also coming up with innovations and technology. We recall recent additions to his growing list of ‘inventions’ such as a four-wheel drive vehicle, a television set that can be switched on and off by human breath, a block-making machine which can make many blocks at the same time, etc.
As far as we know, Apostle Dr Safo has been carrying out the research which brought forth these innovations all by himself at his Gomoa Mpota Technological Research Institute in the Central Region and we think the time is nigh for business people in the private sector to team up with him to commercialise his ‘inventions’ so that the products could be manufactured in bulk to flood the local market.
While commending the Apostle, we would like to appeal to him to come down to the level where his products could be useful to a great majority of our people. In other words, while not demeaning his achievements, we feel that he has raised the stakes so high that the equipment and machinery he has come up with are far above the reach of ordinary people.
It is our firm belief that if Apostle Dr Safo concentrates his efforts on meeting the basic needs of the people, such as food, clothing and shelter, he will come up with simple items which will satisfy the practical and immediate needs of everybody.
For example, the research institute could research into fabricating simple agricultural implements to bail out our peasant farmers from the drudgery of using the traditional means to farm. That way, a lot of food will be produced to feed the people.
Again, research into how to make use of the abundant clay in the country in constructing houses will cut down the over-dependence on imported building materials. That will, in turn, lower the cost of houses and make them accessible to the many homeless and working class people we have in the country.
The limousines, aircraft and cross-country vehicles are likely to place Ghana among the technologically advanced countries, but looking at the country’s limited resources, even the involvement of the state in the endeavour of commercialising their production will not achieve much.
The DAILY GRAPHIC would, therefore, plead with Apostle Safo to consider the exigencies of the Ghanaian situation and manufacture cost-effective vehicles whose mass production can be guaranteed. When he does that, even the transport unions such as the GPRTU of TUC and PROTOA could team up with him to produce them in large quantities.
Once again, we would like to commend Apostle Safo for his pioneering role in charity and innovations and urge companies and businesses which find his ‘inventions’ economically viable to team up with him to develop them for the benefit of Mother Ghana.
NO INTEMPERATE LANGUAGE, PLEASE (Published Dec 27, 2007)
CHRISTIANS all over the world last Tuesday commemorated the birth of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ with church services and crusades. Ghanaians were no exception, as they filled church auditoriums and crusade grounds in their numbers to thank God for His mercies and abundant grace.
Through it all, one common message that came from all our leaders — either temporal or religious — was that we, as a people, should deeply reflect on the opportunity that the peace, goodwill and new life the birth of Jesus Christ offered mankind.
Indeed, it must dawn on all of us that Christmas offers us the unique opportunity to be at peace with one another, forgive one another of any wrongs that might have been committed and be ready to chart a completely new course in the years ahead.
We are convinced that the mark of every human being is his or her capacity to differentiate the good from the bad and the readiness to ask for forgiveness. This is clearly underscored in many of the teachings in the Word of God. The idea is that if we have goodwill towards one another, we can all have peace.
Next year is an election year and we know that every electioneering comes with euphoria, emotion, passion and the use of intemperate language — even though society, at large, has raised objections over such uncouth behaviour on the part of some of our politicians.
But, this time, we counsel that as the moment dawns, our politicians will not get carried away by the frenzied atmosphere created by the mammoth crowds that will throng their rallies. We hope they will be able to maintain their cool and level-headedness and raise the issues that are necessary to change the fortunes of this country.
We are glad that the personalities elected by the various political parties as flag bearers so far represent the cream and the finest gentlemen of our time and hope that they will bring moderate dispositions to bear on the body politic so that the protagonists can disagree on issues and the way forward, without necessarily being disagreeable.
It is in this spirit that the Daily Graphic humbly calls on Mr Asiedu-Nketia, the General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), to withdraw certain allegations he made about the 17 aspirants of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) at a rally held near the Arts Centre to climax the recent ‘Yewuo-o-o Demonstration’. We are sad that Mr Asiedu- Nketia had ignored earlier calls to do so and rather had the entire party rallying behind him.
The Daily Graphic would not like to go into the merits and demerits of that statement, which we even find very difficult to reproduce here, but suffice it to say that it is very damaging and completely out of tune with the mood of the season, which is peace and goodwill towards men.
Ghana is bigger than any individual or group of people and we cannot allow the destiny of our dear country to be toyed with for the sake of political expediency. By all means let us raise the issues, let us state the facts, so that all Ghanaians, irrespective of their race, colour or religion, will be in a position to make informed decisions.
That is the only way to move this country forward. Any attempt to cut corners or pollute the atmosphere with lies and untruths will produce unpalatable results for all of us in the long run.
We have made some strides in our democratic governance and we must do everything to protect those humble gains. Forward ever, backward never!
Through it all, one common message that came from all our leaders — either temporal or religious — was that we, as a people, should deeply reflect on the opportunity that the peace, goodwill and new life the birth of Jesus Christ offered mankind.
Indeed, it must dawn on all of us that Christmas offers us the unique opportunity to be at peace with one another, forgive one another of any wrongs that might have been committed and be ready to chart a completely new course in the years ahead.
We are convinced that the mark of every human being is his or her capacity to differentiate the good from the bad and the readiness to ask for forgiveness. This is clearly underscored in many of the teachings in the Word of God. The idea is that if we have goodwill towards one another, we can all have peace.
Next year is an election year and we know that every electioneering comes with euphoria, emotion, passion and the use of intemperate language — even though society, at large, has raised objections over such uncouth behaviour on the part of some of our politicians.
But, this time, we counsel that as the moment dawns, our politicians will not get carried away by the frenzied atmosphere created by the mammoth crowds that will throng their rallies. We hope they will be able to maintain their cool and level-headedness and raise the issues that are necessary to change the fortunes of this country.
We are glad that the personalities elected by the various political parties as flag bearers so far represent the cream and the finest gentlemen of our time and hope that they will bring moderate dispositions to bear on the body politic so that the protagonists can disagree on issues and the way forward, without necessarily being disagreeable.
It is in this spirit that the Daily Graphic humbly calls on Mr Asiedu-Nketia, the General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), to withdraw certain allegations he made about the 17 aspirants of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) at a rally held near the Arts Centre to climax the recent ‘Yewuo-o-o Demonstration’. We are sad that Mr Asiedu- Nketia had ignored earlier calls to do so and rather had the entire party rallying behind him.
The Daily Graphic would not like to go into the merits and demerits of that statement, which we even find very difficult to reproduce here, but suffice it to say that it is very damaging and completely out of tune with the mood of the season, which is peace and goodwill towards men.
Ghana is bigger than any individual or group of people and we cannot allow the destiny of our dear country to be toyed with for the sake of political expediency. By all means let us raise the issues, let us state the facts, so that all Ghanaians, irrespective of their race, colour or religion, will be in a position to make informed decisions.
That is the only way to move this country forward. Any attempt to cut corners or pollute the atmosphere with lies and untruths will produce unpalatable results for all of us in the long run.
We have made some strides in our democratic governance and we must do everything to protect those humble gains. Forward ever, backward never!
PEACE, GOODWILL TO ALL (Published Dec 24, 2007)
TOMORROW marks the birth of Jesus Christ, an occasion cherished in Christendom and the world at large because of its Christian and social significance.
Christians, as usual, will fill the churches to give thanks to God for giving them the saviour and the accompanying blessings.
The occasion generally offers an opportunity to mankind to demonstrate goodwill towards one another.
This show of fellow-feeling or affection fits into the scriptures because the angels proclaimed the birth of Jesus Christ by praising God and saying, "Glory be to God in the highest and on earth peace and goodwill towards men".
Basically, according to Christian teachings, Jesus came on a salvage mission to save mankind from their sins.
Christmas, therefore, is supposed to be a very significant or important occasion to those who have accepted God's plan of salvation for mankind in order to have a sober reflection on their lives and rededicate themselves to the teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ.
The good news is that despite its commercialisation in recent times, coupled with its appendages of overcrowding in the city centres due to more people shopping at this time, heavy traffic jams, rise in pick-pocketing and other social vices, as well as the rise in the cost of living, the significance of Christmas, particularly the benefit of the birth of Jesus Christ, has not been lost on Christians.
In fact, in spite of the marketing and advertising gimmicks that appear to have clouded the essence of Christmas, its true spirit, which comprises goodwill, peace, compassion, love, harmony, giving and reconciliation, will still be showcased during the Christmas holidays.
This evening and tomorrow, worshippers will fill the churches to capacity to receive the blessings God has in store for them.
Ghanaians are celebrating this year's Christmas amidst challenges such as rising crude oil prices, rising cost of living and lack of job opportunities, although the country has achieved some modest gains since it returned to democratic rule since 1993.
The Daily Graphic wishes to appeal to the diverse leadership of the country - political, industry, educational and family - and each and every Ghanaian to put in our best individually to form the collective efforts needed to address such problems as rising cost of electricity, water and other social services and the inadequacy of the resources to provide these services.
For us Ghanaians, this year's Christmas is on the eve of an election year, and as is the case of an election year, 2008 would in one way or other stretch our tolerance levels to their elastic limits.
The Daily Graphic wishes to appeal to all political parties to abide by the election principles and also channel grievances to the appropriate quarters for redress, to avoid violence, chaos, pain and a failed state, where individual rights and freedoms are difficult to guarantee.
Let all the parties demonstrate healthy rivalry and rapport, since they all have the ultimate goal of a better Ghana.
Let the gift of Jesus Christ touch our hearts to extend goodwill and love to all Ghanaians. The Daily Graphic wishes all Ghanaians, particularly our numerous readers, a MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Christians, as usual, will fill the churches to give thanks to God for giving them the saviour and the accompanying blessings.
The occasion generally offers an opportunity to mankind to demonstrate goodwill towards one another.
This show of fellow-feeling or affection fits into the scriptures because the angels proclaimed the birth of Jesus Christ by praising God and saying, "Glory be to God in the highest and on earth peace and goodwill towards men".
Basically, according to Christian teachings, Jesus came on a salvage mission to save mankind from their sins.
Christmas, therefore, is supposed to be a very significant or important occasion to those who have accepted God's plan of salvation for mankind in order to have a sober reflection on their lives and rededicate themselves to the teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ.
The good news is that despite its commercialisation in recent times, coupled with its appendages of overcrowding in the city centres due to more people shopping at this time, heavy traffic jams, rise in pick-pocketing and other social vices, as well as the rise in the cost of living, the significance of Christmas, particularly the benefit of the birth of Jesus Christ, has not been lost on Christians.
In fact, in spite of the marketing and advertising gimmicks that appear to have clouded the essence of Christmas, its true spirit, which comprises goodwill, peace, compassion, love, harmony, giving and reconciliation, will still be showcased during the Christmas holidays.
This evening and tomorrow, worshippers will fill the churches to capacity to receive the blessings God has in store for them.
Ghanaians are celebrating this year's Christmas amidst challenges such as rising crude oil prices, rising cost of living and lack of job opportunities, although the country has achieved some modest gains since it returned to democratic rule since 1993.
The Daily Graphic wishes to appeal to the diverse leadership of the country - political, industry, educational and family - and each and every Ghanaian to put in our best individually to form the collective efforts needed to address such problems as rising cost of electricity, water and other social services and the inadequacy of the resources to provide these services.
For us Ghanaians, this year's Christmas is on the eve of an election year, and as is the case of an election year, 2008 would in one way or other stretch our tolerance levels to their elastic limits.
The Daily Graphic wishes to appeal to all political parties to abide by the election principles and also channel grievances to the appropriate quarters for redress, to avoid violence, chaos, pain and a failed state, where individual rights and freedoms are difficult to guarantee.
Let all the parties demonstrate healthy rivalry and rapport, since they all have the ultimate goal of a better Ghana.
Let the gift of Jesus Christ touch our hearts to extend goodwill and love to all Ghanaians. The Daily Graphic wishes all Ghanaians, particularly our numerous readers, a MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Friday, December 21, 2007
LET'S GO FOR BEST IN EPAs (Published Mon Dec 17, 2007)
LAST Thursday, Ghana and the European Union (EU) signed an initial agreement as a stepping stone towards the much talked-about Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA). The agreement was dubbed, the "Stepping Stone Economic Partnership Agreement".
The arrangement is intended to give Ghana some time to allow for more discussions with the EU on concerns over the EPA. Under the agreement, Ghana will be entitled to export goods such as bananas and canned tuna on quota basis and duty-free, while protecting all sensitive Ghanaian sectors and products.
Over the last few months or so there have been fierce arguments for and against the EPA, while a school of thought, led by civil society groups, made it clear that it would not be forced by the legal deadline of December 31, this year, to abandon the pragmatic development ambitions of the country.
The group believes that in a globalised economic environment, Ghana cannot continue to close its doors to trade with the outside world because as the people feel passionate about protecting local industries such as rice and poultry, there are other local producers who need the EPA in order to sell on the European market.
Whichever way one looks at the arguments, there could be two sides to the debate in the real sense. There is no doubt that local producers such as rice and poultry farmers have borne the brunt of the unbridled liberalised regime being practised in the country, thereby reducing our markets to a dumping ground for cheap and shoddy products from all over the world.
The Daily Graphic has been alarmed about the level of the debate over the EPA, particularly when all the interest groups have taken entrenched positions. Thus the debate has become very ideological, instead of the groups adopting pragmatic positions that will enable us to recognise different regional needs and interests, as well as those with particular vulnerability among African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries, while keeping our overall objective of using our resources to promote development.
It is very difficult to appreciate the position of those opposed to the EPA in view of the fragile economies of most ACP countries. For instance, are these countries in a position to offer subsidies to their producers, so that their products could compete on the European market? Presently, one wonders whether, in the case of Ghana, the government has the capacity to support rice and poultry farmers with the required assistance to become competitive.
In the 1990s when the debate for a form of protection to be introduced to safeguard the interest of local producers came up, an eminent economist asked those advocacy groups whether they had considered how the state was going to fund the extra cost of protection.
The initial cost of protection will be higher prices of goods and services, but if the people are ready for these sacrifices and will not raise their voices against the government for the initial hardships, then the idea of protection appears very plausible.
The Daily Graphic reiterates that the EPA processes and outcomes should facilitate sustainable human development, regional integration and economic growth in the West African sub-region. Everything must be done by governments in the sub-region to avoid any fundamental alteration in the way of trading between the parties, to the detriment of small-scale producers.
It is not out of place to say that the EPA negotiations, both at the national and regional levels, have not adequately and effectively been as inclusive as expected. That is why we recommend to all the interested groups to demand that the proposals already on the table be open to public debate and scrutiny before the signing of the final agreement.
In all, the Daily Graphic calls on the government to take steps not to endanger the livelihoods of small-scale producers, undermine food security and sovereignty, reduce revenue through the reduction and/or removal of tariffs on imports from the EU, as well as take away the government’s sovereignty to use policy decisions to leverage the negative impacts of trade liberalisation.
The expectation of all is that the EPA or its alternative will not be oppressive but will be a just trade regime to serve the people better.
The arrangement is intended to give Ghana some time to allow for more discussions with the EU on concerns over the EPA. Under the agreement, Ghana will be entitled to export goods such as bananas and canned tuna on quota basis and duty-free, while protecting all sensitive Ghanaian sectors and products.
Over the last few months or so there have been fierce arguments for and against the EPA, while a school of thought, led by civil society groups, made it clear that it would not be forced by the legal deadline of December 31, this year, to abandon the pragmatic development ambitions of the country.
The group believes that in a globalised economic environment, Ghana cannot continue to close its doors to trade with the outside world because as the people feel passionate about protecting local industries such as rice and poultry, there are other local producers who need the EPA in order to sell on the European market.
Whichever way one looks at the arguments, there could be two sides to the debate in the real sense. There is no doubt that local producers such as rice and poultry farmers have borne the brunt of the unbridled liberalised regime being practised in the country, thereby reducing our markets to a dumping ground for cheap and shoddy products from all over the world.
The Daily Graphic has been alarmed about the level of the debate over the EPA, particularly when all the interest groups have taken entrenched positions. Thus the debate has become very ideological, instead of the groups adopting pragmatic positions that will enable us to recognise different regional needs and interests, as well as those with particular vulnerability among African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries, while keeping our overall objective of using our resources to promote development.
It is very difficult to appreciate the position of those opposed to the EPA in view of the fragile economies of most ACP countries. For instance, are these countries in a position to offer subsidies to their producers, so that their products could compete on the European market? Presently, one wonders whether, in the case of Ghana, the government has the capacity to support rice and poultry farmers with the required assistance to become competitive.
In the 1990s when the debate for a form of protection to be introduced to safeguard the interest of local producers came up, an eminent economist asked those advocacy groups whether they had considered how the state was going to fund the extra cost of protection.
The initial cost of protection will be higher prices of goods and services, but if the people are ready for these sacrifices and will not raise their voices against the government for the initial hardships, then the idea of protection appears very plausible.
The Daily Graphic reiterates that the EPA processes and outcomes should facilitate sustainable human development, regional integration and economic growth in the West African sub-region. Everything must be done by governments in the sub-region to avoid any fundamental alteration in the way of trading between the parties, to the detriment of small-scale producers.
It is not out of place to say that the EPA negotiations, both at the national and regional levels, have not adequately and effectively been as inclusive as expected. That is why we recommend to all the interested groups to demand that the proposals already on the table be open to public debate and scrutiny before the signing of the final agreement.
In all, the Daily Graphic calls on the government to take steps not to endanger the livelihoods of small-scale producers, undermine food security and sovereignty, reduce revenue through the reduction and/or removal of tariffs on imports from the EU, as well as take away the government’s sovereignty to use policy decisions to leverage the negative impacts of trade liberalisation.
The expectation of all is that the EPA or its alternative will not be oppressive but will be a just trade regime to serve the people better.
THE PILGRIMS' ORDEAL (Published Sat., Dec 15, 2007)
There is a popular saying that “If you fail to plan, you definitely plan to fail.” To a large extent this sums up the mess that has engulfed the 2007 Hajj.
The Daily Graphic has consistently monitored the affairs of the Hajj 2007 from the beginning of its crisis till date, when but for the airlifting of about 300 of the would-be pilgrims, things would have ended in a fiasco. This is a clear lesson to everybody that planning is a very important ingredient in life.
Indeed, it is very embarrassing to hear that the fate of the 2,700 prospective pilgrims to Mecca has been so cruelly decided by some select few who were entrusted with the responsibility of organising this year’s pilgrimage to Mecca. And 499 out of the 2,700 would-be pilgrims are those who could not be airlifted to Mecca last year.
Even though they did not have the opportunity to be airlifted, they still did not get their money back, hoping that this year they will be the first batch to embark on the trip. But this is never to be.
These people have long hoped that the situation would be much better this year, especially when the Hajj Council reassured them of a hassle-free pilgrimage this year.
The Daily Graphic learnt that the hopes of some of the prospective pilgrims began to crumble when the other Islamic organisations — COMOG, FOMWAG and ASWAJ — pulled out from the Hajj Council some time in the middle of this year. Undoubtedly, many Muslims had a chip on their shoulders about this breakaway.
Many Muslim groups, on the other hand, thought that there would be a reconciliation to avoid a stressful pilgrimage this year.
Just a few days after those organisations broke away, an Interim Hajj Management Committee was inaugurated, with the hope that it was going to organise the long-cherished hassle-free Hajj.
Lo and behold, this committee has only caused the nation a big embarrassment because the pilgrimage to Mecca is almost abortive.
Following the mess that the committee made of itself and the Muslim community, President J.A. Kufuor did all he could to get some flights to airlift the stranded pilgrims. Although some of the planes are already in Ghana, they have no landing rights at the Jeddah Airport and so it is extremely difficult to airlift the would-be pilgrims.
The Daily Graphic is of the view that those entrusted with the responsibility of organising Hajj 2007 must be arrested, and if they are found culpable, they must face the full rigours of the law. This is to re-echo what the Minister for the Interior, Mr Kwamena Bartels, said earlier in the week.
Members of the Hajj Committee must also be made to refund the conservative estimate of $7 million they allegedly took from the would-be pilgrims. This committee has demonstrated gross incompetence and a lack of organisational acumen.
The committee has unduly subjected prospective pilgrims to inhumane and cruel experiences. Members of the committee must pay the price for their ineptitude in handling the situation. Never again should this national embarrassment be visited on the country.
Although the pilgrimage was supposed to have been organised as a private initiative, the time has come for the state to commence disciplinary action against those responsible for the Hajj fiasco.
The Daily Graphic is of the opinion that heads must roll to serve as a good lesson to others.
The Daily Graphic has consistently monitored the affairs of the Hajj 2007 from the beginning of its crisis till date, when but for the airlifting of about 300 of the would-be pilgrims, things would have ended in a fiasco. This is a clear lesson to everybody that planning is a very important ingredient in life.
Indeed, it is very embarrassing to hear that the fate of the 2,700 prospective pilgrims to Mecca has been so cruelly decided by some select few who were entrusted with the responsibility of organising this year’s pilgrimage to Mecca. And 499 out of the 2,700 would-be pilgrims are those who could not be airlifted to Mecca last year.
Even though they did not have the opportunity to be airlifted, they still did not get their money back, hoping that this year they will be the first batch to embark on the trip. But this is never to be.
These people have long hoped that the situation would be much better this year, especially when the Hajj Council reassured them of a hassle-free pilgrimage this year.
The Daily Graphic learnt that the hopes of some of the prospective pilgrims began to crumble when the other Islamic organisations — COMOG, FOMWAG and ASWAJ — pulled out from the Hajj Council some time in the middle of this year. Undoubtedly, many Muslims had a chip on their shoulders about this breakaway.
Many Muslim groups, on the other hand, thought that there would be a reconciliation to avoid a stressful pilgrimage this year.
Just a few days after those organisations broke away, an Interim Hajj Management Committee was inaugurated, with the hope that it was going to organise the long-cherished hassle-free Hajj.
Lo and behold, this committee has only caused the nation a big embarrassment because the pilgrimage to Mecca is almost abortive.
Following the mess that the committee made of itself and the Muslim community, President J.A. Kufuor did all he could to get some flights to airlift the stranded pilgrims. Although some of the planes are already in Ghana, they have no landing rights at the Jeddah Airport and so it is extremely difficult to airlift the would-be pilgrims.
The Daily Graphic is of the view that those entrusted with the responsibility of organising Hajj 2007 must be arrested, and if they are found culpable, they must face the full rigours of the law. This is to re-echo what the Minister for the Interior, Mr Kwamena Bartels, said earlier in the week.
Members of the Hajj Committee must also be made to refund the conservative estimate of $7 million they allegedly took from the would-be pilgrims. This committee has demonstrated gross incompetence and a lack of organisational acumen.
The committee has unduly subjected prospective pilgrims to inhumane and cruel experiences. Members of the committee must pay the price for their ineptitude in handling the situation. Never again should this national embarrassment be visited on the country.
Although the pilgrimage was supposed to have been organised as a private initiative, the time has come for the state to commence disciplinary action against those responsible for the Hajj fiasco.
The Daily Graphic is of the opinion that heads must roll to serve as a good lesson to others.
Friday, December 14, 2007
OUR STRENGTH LIES IN DIALOGUE
THAT the Presidential Committee on the Review of the Educational Reforms is to reconvene to discuss the issues emerging over the teaching of Religious and Moral Education (RME) as a subject by itself at the basic level of education is refreshing and welcome.
This is because it shows that the government is ready to dialogue with interest groups on issues over which those groups have divergent views.
Moreover, it sends out the right signal that stakeholders in the various sectors of the economy do not have to use unorthodox means to draw the government’s attention to areas where they think there are shortcomings. All they need to do is use the appropriate channels of communication, such as petitions, the way the Ghana Catholic Bishops Conference went about its dissatisfaction with the removal of RME from the school curriculum.
When the Bishops, in their communiqué issued in Kumasi last month, noted that “sidelining religion and morality from education is tantamount to condemning the human person to a lack of a means to develop himself or herself fully to be a human being in the society”, they attracted other groups which were also in favour of the re-introduction of the RME.
Both Christian and Muslim groups raised their voices in agreement with the call made by the Bishops and that might have convinced the President to direct the Ministry of Education, Science and Sports to take a second look at the issue.
According to the Ghana Education Service (GES), it became necessary to take out RME as a subject and integrate it in Social Studies because there was the need to reduce the number of subjects studied at the basic school level. Before then, it claimed, there had been the clamour for the number of subjects to be reduced to lessen the burden on pupils and students at that level of education.
The DAILY GRAPHIC feels that that argument is tenable, but if we juxtapose that against the fact that in this permissive and immoral society we stand the chance of getting ALL our young ones corrupted if we do not inculcate in them the right morals, then we need to revisit the RME issue.
We also believe that the family, as the basic unit of society, should be alive to its responsibilities in bringing up the children within it. This way, children could pick up moral lessons both at home and in school, a situation which will keep them morally upright all the time.
While welcoming the reconvening of the committee to look at the RME issue, we would want to caution that should the subject be brought back to the classrooms, it should not be an avenue for the religious denominations to force their doctrines down the throats of children who may profess other faiths.
The DAILY GRAPHIC would also want to go further and ask that if it is possible, the committee should look at making RME a core examinable subject at both the basic and secondary school levels. Experience has shown that if a subject is not examinable, many students do not take it seriously and if that is what the RME will be, then the hullabaloo raised over it would not be worthwhile.
We commend the Education Ministry for its show of maturity and understanding in this instance and hope that the committee will come up with something which all stakeholders will be happy with. We also commend all the stakeholders in education who, instead of rocking the boat, rather chose the civilised path of petitioning the authorities. Their calls have been heard and it is our wish that their inputs will be incorporated into the outcome of the committee’s deliberations.
That is the spirit in which we expect religious, social, economic and all other groups to deal with state authorities which fashion out policies.
This is because it shows that the government is ready to dialogue with interest groups on issues over which those groups have divergent views.
Moreover, it sends out the right signal that stakeholders in the various sectors of the economy do not have to use unorthodox means to draw the government’s attention to areas where they think there are shortcomings. All they need to do is use the appropriate channels of communication, such as petitions, the way the Ghana Catholic Bishops Conference went about its dissatisfaction with the removal of RME from the school curriculum.
When the Bishops, in their communiqué issued in Kumasi last month, noted that “sidelining religion and morality from education is tantamount to condemning the human person to a lack of a means to develop himself or herself fully to be a human being in the society”, they attracted other groups which were also in favour of the re-introduction of the RME.
Both Christian and Muslim groups raised their voices in agreement with the call made by the Bishops and that might have convinced the President to direct the Ministry of Education, Science and Sports to take a second look at the issue.
According to the Ghana Education Service (GES), it became necessary to take out RME as a subject and integrate it in Social Studies because there was the need to reduce the number of subjects studied at the basic school level. Before then, it claimed, there had been the clamour for the number of subjects to be reduced to lessen the burden on pupils and students at that level of education.
The DAILY GRAPHIC feels that that argument is tenable, but if we juxtapose that against the fact that in this permissive and immoral society we stand the chance of getting ALL our young ones corrupted if we do not inculcate in them the right morals, then we need to revisit the RME issue.
We also believe that the family, as the basic unit of society, should be alive to its responsibilities in bringing up the children within it. This way, children could pick up moral lessons both at home and in school, a situation which will keep them morally upright all the time.
While welcoming the reconvening of the committee to look at the RME issue, we would want to caution that should the subject be brought back to the classrooms, it should not be an avenue for the religious denominations to force their doctrines down the throats of children who may profess other faiths.
The DAILY GRAPHIC would also want to go further and ask that if it is possible, the committee should look at making RME a core examinable subject at both the basic and secondary school levels. Experience has shown that if a subject is not examinable, many students do not take it seriously and if that is what the RME will be, then the hullabaloo raised over it would not be worthwhile.
We commend the Education Ministry for its show of maturity and understanding in this instance and hope that the committee will come up with something which all stakeholders will be happy with. We also commend all the stakeholders in education who, instead of rocking the boat, rather chose the civilised path of petitioning the authorities. Their calls have been heard and it is our wish that their inputs will be incorporated into the outcome of the committee’s deliberations.
That is the spirit in which we expect religious, social, economic and all other groups to deal with state authorities which fashion out policies.
Thursday, December 13, 2007
LET'S FACE FACTS
ON Tuesday, the Committee for Joint Action (CJA) were on the streets of Accra to demonstrate their frustrations at the economic and social policies of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government.
The pressure group, which can be described as a rainbow coalition, because its membership is drawn from opposition political parties, did not mince words in their condemnation of the performance of the Kufuor administration.
Article 21 (d) of the 1992 Constitution guarantees the right of all persons to “freedom of assembly, including freedom to take part in processions and demonstrations”.
Demonstrations or processions are means by which people express their appreciation for or dissatisfaction at certain developments in society.
The framers of the Constitution realised that the only way the people could be sovereign, while at the same time being subject to the law, was to organise government around a system of deliberative discussion. As James Madison, the fourth President of the United States of America, explained, “Freedom of expression is the cornerstone of the whole system of government, since it ensures discussion and debate among people of genuinely different perspectives and positions.”
A very distinctive feature of our democratic dispensation is our acceptance of disagreement and heterogeneity. The Daily Graphic is gratified that the much-talked about demonstration was staged in a very peaceful manner, despite the initial disagreements between the organisers and the police.
The merits or demerits of the demonstration are not for us to judge. We leave that to the larger Ghanaian society in whose name all political forces claim to be speaking. Our worry, however, is over the use of intemperate language by some of the leading members of the demonstration.
We are of the belief that the challenges confronting the country cannot be resolved by attacking personalities but by bringing out the issues that stand in the way of growth and development.
It is difficult to appreciate the claim by some of the leaders of the CJA that this government has eroded the economic gains achieved since 2001. The macro-economic indices, including a fall in interest rates, a reduction in inflation and a relatively stable currency cannot support that claim.
As the people protest loudly about apparent government’s inaction or failures, they should also be humble enough to admit the gains that have been made so far. Every Ghanaian expects the good things of life but that can only be attained through hard work and determination. The success chalked up by every country is by design and not by accident. Thus the time has come for us to desist from the refrain of “no money in our pockets” and take advantage of the opportunities in the economy to maintain our keep.
The leaders of the protesters will also help by stating in very clear terms how they hope to address the numerous inscriptions on the placards carried by the demonstrators. How do we put three square meals on the table of the poor, teachers in our classrooms and nurses in the hospitals and jobs for the teeming unemployed youth? This will be difficult for any political group in the country to claim to have the magic wand to fix, unless by our collective resolve.
As the political season draws near, all manner of claims and promises will be made by politicians, including “building bridges in areas where there are no rivers”.
The Daily Graphic reminds all Ghanaians to demand from those who seek their mandate to govern to state in clear terms how they plan to raise the revenue to provide for the means of the people. Politicians do not govern or manage the country with their own resources. They do so with revenue mobilised from taxpayers and donors.
If people demand clear explanation now about how the politicians plan to provide free education, health services, three square meals and living wages, then when the day of reckoning comes and they decide to thumb in and out political parties, their decisions will be based on informed choices and not mere rhetoric.
The pressure group, which can be described as a rainbow coalition, because its membership is drawn from opposition political parties, did not mince words in their condemnation of the performance of the Kufuor administration.
Article 21 (d) of the 1992 Constitution guarantees the right of all persons to “freedom of assembly, including freedom to take part in processions and demonstrations”.
Demonstrations or processions are means by which people express their appreciation for or dissatisfaction at certain developments in society.
The framers of the Constitution realised that the only way the people could be sovereign, while at the same time being subject to the law, was to organise government around a system of deliberative discussion. As James Madison, the fourth President of the United States of America, explained, “Freedom of expression is the cornerstone of the whole system of government, since it ensures discussion and debate among people of genuinely different perspectives and positions.”
A very distinctive feature of our democratic dispensation is our acceptance of disagreement and heterogeneity. The Daily Graphic is gratified that the much-talked about demonstration was staged in a very peaceful manner, despite the initial disagreements between the organisers and the police.
The merits or demerits of the demonstration are not for us to judge. We leave that to the larger Ghanaian society in whose name all political forces claim to be speaking. Our worry, however, is over the use of intemperate language by some of the leading members of the demonstration.
We are of the belief that the challenges confronting the country cannot be resolved by attacking personalities but by bringing out the issues that stand in the way of growth and development.
It is difficult to appreciate the claim by some of the leaders of the CJA that this government has eroded the economic gains achieved since 2001. The macro-economic indices, including a fall in interest rates, a reduction in inflation and a relatively stable currency cannot support that claim.
As the people protest loudly about apparent government’s inaction or failures, they should also be humble enough to admit the gains that have been made so far. Every Ghanaian expects the good things of life but that can only be attained through hard work and determination. The success chalked up by every country is by design and not by accident. Thus the time has come for us to desist from the refrain of “no money in our pockets” and take advantage of the opportunities in the economy to maintain our keep.
The leaders of the protesters will also help by stating in very clear terms how they hope to address the numerous inscriptions on the placards carried by the demonstrators. How do we put three square meals on the table of the poor, teachers in our classrooms and nurses in the hospitals and jobs for the teeming unemployed youth? This will be difficult for any political group in the country to claim to have the magic wand to fix, unless by our collective resolve.
As the political season draws near, all manner of claims and promises will be made by politicians, including “building bridges in areas where there are no rivers”.
The Daily Graphic reminds all Ghanaians to demand from those who seek their mandate to govern to state in clear terms how they plan to raise the revenue to provide for the means of the people. Politicians do not govern or manage the country with their own resources. They do so with revenue mobilised from taxpayers and donors.
If people demand clear explanation now about how the politicians plan to provide free education, health services, three square meals and living wages, then when the day of reckoning comes and they decide to thumb in and out political parties, their decisions will be based on informed choices and not mere rhetoric.
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
GHANA 2008: WE DARE NOT FAIL
WITH 38 days to the opening of the 26th edition of the MTN Africa Cup of Nations tournament, dubbed Ghana 2008, serious concerns have been raised about the quality of training pitches to be used for the tournament. An inspection team from the Confederation of African Football (CAF), led by its Communications Director, Mr Slim Aloulou, expressed misgivings after a final inspection tour of the four venue cities on Monday.
Although the CAF team praised Ghana for delivering stadia to host the games on time and also expressed satisfaction with accommodation facilities provided at the four venues, it had no kind words for us concerning the delay in providing training pitches for the tournament.
The Daily Graphic is equally appalled at the turn of events because we know that CAF attaches great importance to training pitches, for very obvious reasons. The fact is that in tournaments of this nature, teams spend more time on the training pitches — working out twice a day for a minimum of four hours — compared to the mere 90 minutes they spend on the playing fields.
It stands to reason, therefore, that players stand a greater risk of getting injured on the training pitches, especially when their quality cannot be guaranteed, than in real match situations. In that sense, the present scenario is very worrying.
Indeed, we are also at a loss as to why the construction of the training pitches was not started concurrently with the construction of the four stadia. Why were the contracts for the training pitches awarded very late in the day?
Our information is that some of the contractors who were offered the jobs failed to live up to expectation and had to be changed midstream. But, again, the question is: Why did we have to wait that long before abrogating the contracts of the non-performing contractors?
As things stand now, the Local Organising Committee (LOC) finds itself in a very tight corner and all hands must be on deck to turn the gloomy situation into a glorious one.
Fortunately, the Minister of Education, Science and Sports (MoESS), Professor Dominic Fobih, and the Chairman of the LOC, Dr Kofi Amoah, are not unaware of the unfortunate situation the country finds itself. At the meeting with the CAF inspection team, they gave firm assurances that the country would complete the remaining 10 per cent work on the training pitches before the start of the tournament.
Prof Fobih, for his part, said: “We will start the levelling of the training pitches soon to meet the requirements of the team. My outfit will advise the LOC on the recruitment of additional staff to speed up work at the four venues and put in finishing touches on time.”
Dr Amoah also said: “The LOC is working around the clock towards meeting the deadline.”
Looked at from any angle, this is a very tall order, especially given the fact that grass, which is one of the basic raw materials in the construction of the pitches, cannot be grown overnight. But we trust that we can hold the minister and the LOC chairman to their word.
Ghana has come a long way in the quest for a successful hosting of Africa’s greatest soccer fiesta and nothing must be done to spoil that lofty dream of using the tournament to showcase the country as a major tourism and business destination on the continent.
Although the CAF team praised Ghana for delivering stadia to host the games on time and also expressed satisfaction with accommodation facilities provided at the four venues, it had no kind words for us concerning the delay in providing training pitches for the tournament.
The Daily Graphic is equally appalled at the turn of events because we know that CAF attaches great importance to training pitches, for very obvious reasons. The fact is that in tournaments of this nature, teams spend more time on the training pitches — working out twice a day for a minimum of four hours — compared to the mere 90 minutes they spend on the playing fields.
It stands to reason, therefore, that players stand a greater risk of getting injured on the training pitches, especially when their quality cannot be guaranteed, than in real match situations. In that sense, the present scenario is very worrying.
Indeed, we are also at a loss as to why the construction of the training pitches was not started concurrently with the construction of the four stadia. Why were the contracts for the training pitches awarded very late in the day?
Our information is that some of the contractors who were offered the jobs failed to live up to expectation and had to be changed midstream. But, again, the question is: Why did we have to wait that long before abrogating the contracts of the non-performing contractors?
As things stand now, the Local Organising Committee (LOC) finds itself in a very tight corner and all hands must be on deck to turn the gloomy situation into a glorious one.
Fortunately, the Minister of Education, Science and Sports (MoESS), Professor Dominic Fobih, and the Chairman of the LOC, Dr Kofi Amoah, are not unaware of the unfortunate situation the country finds itself. At the meeting with the CAF inspection team, they gave firm assurances that the country would complete the remaining 10 per cent work on the training pitches before the start of the tournament.
Prof Fobih, for his part, said: “We will start the levelling of the training pitches soon to meet the requirements of the team. My outfit will advise the LOC on the recruitment of additional staff to speed up work at the four venues and put in finishing touches on time.”
Dr Amoah also said: “The LOC is working around the clock towards meeting the deadline.”
Looked at from any angle, this is a very tall order, especially given the fact that grass, which is one of the basic raw materials in the construction of the pitches, cannot be grown overnight. But we trust that we can hold the minister and the LOC chairman to their word.
Ghana has come a long way in the quest for a successful hosting of Africa’s greatest soccer fiesta and nothing must be done to spoil that lofty dream of using the tournament to showcase the country as a major tourism and business destination on the continent.
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
GIVE PEACE A CHANCE
REPORTS from Dagbon indicate that disagreement is raging in the area between the Andani and the Abudu gates over a document purported to be circulating in Yendi.
The said document, titled: “Final Peace Agreement”, is said to have been issued by the Committee of Eminent Chiefs and it is alleged to have agitated both gates, albeit in different ways.
The DAILY GRAPHIC is of the view that at this time when preparations are underway for the performance of the funeral of the late Naa Mahamadu Abdulai IV, this current state of agitation does not augur well for the peace that we all crave for Dagbon and its people.
Reports of the disagreement over the document in question say that the main bones of contention between the two gates are the venue for the performance of Naa Abdulai’s funeral and the position of the Regent of the Dagbon State.
If our memory serves us right, then we recall that one of the key issues arrived at during a meeting of the eminent chiefs in Kumasi on March 30, 2006, which was signed by representatives of both gates, was that “since Naa Mahamadu died before Naa Yakubu Andani, his funeral should be performed first”.
That being the case, we find it difficult to appreciate why the current document, which is a follow-up to the first road map to peace, should generate such tension and agitation.
On the question of who should be the Regent of Dagbon, the first road map to peace document made it clear that “The installation of the Regent of Ya-Naa Yakubu Andani takes precedence over the installation of Naa Abdulai’s Regent, since Naa Yakubu died in office and Dagbon custom did not contemplate a situation where there would be two sitting Ya-Naas or regents at the same time.”
Even in the “Final Peace Agreement”, which has generated so much ire of one faction, what was agreed upon in the first road map has been affirmed. Indeed, the regent of Naa Abdulai has been restrained from performing certain functions, including receiving official visitors on behalf of the Dagbon State, participating in festivities, including drumming, conferring any title on anyone whatsoever, etc.
It is even indicated that the stay of Naa Abdulai’s regent in the old palace “shall commence on December 22, 2007 and terminate on January 17, 2008”.
We have gone to this extent to quote portions of this new document because we think as far as intent and purpose are concerned, what it provides for are not different from the first road map to peace. We, therefore, do not understand the present agitation and the tension it has generated.
In the opinion of the DAILY GRAPHIC, the Dagbon chieftaincy issue has dragged on for far too long and we think it is high time the factions realised the need to move away from the entrenched positions they have taken to pave the way for lasting peace.
While acknowledging the efforts being made by the government to bring about the resolution of the crisis, we think it must do more to get all the factions to accept dialogue as the right path to peace.
To the feuding parties, we wish to remind them that they are the descendants of one person and, therefore, they should not dig in too deep in their antagonistic positions. After all, they both seek the welfare of Dagbon and its people and that welfare can come only if there is peace.
Let’s think, dream, speak and work for peace in Dagbon, since development comes on the wings of peace, not vice-versa.
The said document, titled: “Final Peace Agreement”, is said to have been issued by the Committee of Eminent Chiefs and it is alleged to have agitated both gates, albeit in different ways.
The DAILY GRAPHIC is of the view that at this time when preparations are underway for the performance of the funeral of the late Naa Mahamadu Abdulai IV, this current state of agitation does not augur well for the peace that we all crave for Dagbon and its people.
Reports of the disagreement over the document in question say that the main bones of contention between the two gates are the venue for the performance of Naa Abdulai’s funeral and the position of the Regent of the Dagbon State.
If our memory serves us right, then we recall that one of the key issues arrived at during a meeting of the eminent chiefs in Kumasi on March 30, 2006, which was signed by representatives of both gates, was that “since Naa Mahamadu died before Naa Yakubu Andani, his funeral should be performed first”.
That being the case, we find it difficult to appreciate why the current document, which is a follow-up to the first road map to peace, should generate such tension and agitation.
On the question of who should be the Regent of Dagbon, the first road map to peace document made it clear that “The installation of the Regent of Ya-Naa Yakubu Andani takes precedence over the installation of Naa Abdulai’s Regent, since Naa Yakubu died in office and Dagbon custom did not contemplate a situation where there would be two sitting Ya-Naas or regents at the same time.”
Even in the “Final Peace Agreement”, which has generated so much ire of one faction, what was agreed upon in the first road map has been affirmed. Indeed, the regent of Naa Abdulai has been restrained from performing certain functions, including receiving official visitors on behalf of the Dagbon State, participating in festivities, including drumming, conferring any title on anyone whatsoever, etc.
It is even indicated that the stay of Naa Abdulai’s regent in the old palace “shall commence on December 22, 2007 and terminate on January 17, 2008”.
We have gone to this extent to quote portions of this new document because we think as far as intent and purpose are concerned, what it provides for are not different from the first road map to peace. We, therefore, do not understand the present agitation and the tension it has generated.
In the opinion of the DAILY GRAPHIC, the Dagbon chieftaincy issue has dragged on for far too long and we think it is high time the factions realised the need to move away from the entrenched positions they have taken to pave the way for lasting peace.
While acknowledging the efforts being made by the government to bring about the resolution of the crisis, we think it must do more to get all the factions to accept dialogue as the right path to peace.
To the feuding parties, we wish to remind them that they are the descendants of one person and, therefore, they should not dig in too deep in their antagonistic positions. After all, they both seek the welfare of Dagbon and its people and that welfare can come only if there is peace.
Let’s think, dream, speak and work for peace in Dagbon, since development comes on the wings of peace, not vice-versa.
Monday, December 10, 2007
AVOID ANOTHER HAJJ DEBACLE
IT is really disheartening to once again hear that 2007 would-be Hajj pilgrims are still undergoing unpleasant experiences at the Aviation Social Centre near the Kotoka International Airport in Accra, with diminshing hopes of making the pilgrimage to Mecca this year.
For some years now a number of would-be pilgrims have unduly been subjected to inhumane conditions, including the bitter vagaries of the weather. These people travel from very far places, with the hope that they are travelling to Saudi Arabia to fulfil one of the pillars of Islam, only to be slapped with the shocks of their lives by the lack of proper planning and organisation by those entrusted with the responsibility to organise the Hajj.
The Daily Graphic is of the view that this Hajj problem should have been resolved once and for all following the bitter experience of the disappointment and humiliation suffered by 499 would-be pilgrims last year.
In the aftermath of such inhumane experience, many Islamic organisations came together to ensure that the problem would never be part of the Hajj again. It was sad that some of the organisations decided not to be part of the preparations towards the Hajj as a result of “power politics”. It is recalled that when the IHMC was set up, we counselled that for once it should organise an incident-free Hajj, but, unfortunately, our advice had not been heeded, hence the present debacle
It is also very clear from the way things are going that there is an absolute communication gap between the IHMC and the would-be pilgrims. It is also believed that the truth is always hidden from the would-be pilgrims, otherwise why would the IHMC say that it initially thought the Saudi Embassy was going to issue 3,000 visas, instead of 2,700. Who might have misled the committee and why did it not ask for the official quota from the appropriate authorities?
It is yet another disappointment that even the 499 would-be pilgrims who were promised that they would leave for Saudi Arabia last Saturday are still in the country, completely aghast at the whole organisation of the journey.
The Daily Graphic wants to believe that there is no proper management procedure when it comes to the issue of the Ghanaian Muslim community undertaking the pilgrimage. Today it is this airline, tomorrow it is a different one. At other times, some Muslim groups decide not to be part of the exercise, as was the case this year when notable organisations such as the Ahlussunna Wal-Jama’a (ASWAJ), the Federation of Muslim Women’s Association of Ghana (FOMWAG) and the Coalition of Muslim Organisations, Ghana (COMOG) decided to stay away from the organisation of the Hajj.
The Muslim community must close its ranks, particularly on matters affecting the welfare of Muslims, in order to achieve their religious objectives.
The Daily Graphic feels that the IHMC must wake up and pull its socks up to forestall the disappointment and inconvenience that seem to characterise the Hajj every year.
The National Chief Imam must be very resolute in making sure that those who do not do their jobs well ‘leave the scene’ for competent ones to take over, so that at the end of it all Muslims will enjoy the blessings of the sacred pilgrimage.
The government’s concern for an incident-free Hajj may be understandable because the State has a responsibility to safeguard the interest of all its citizens.
But since we have been at our wits’ end to resolve this problem, the Daily Graphic thinks that the time has come for a truly independent body to organise the Hajj, devoid of interference from any quarter.
The Hajj, as one of the pillars of Islam, must be carried out with obvious relish. Muslims must, therefore, be encouraged to undertake the Hajj without first subjecting them to such inhumane treatment. Those who broke away must be encouraged to come back to help, because the Daily Graphic believes the Hajj debacle can be avoided if the Muslim community relies on its intellectuals and experts. The lesson must provide us with the basis to put in place new strategies in the organisation of the pilgrimage to ensure the success of future pilgrimages without such magnitude of hellish conditions.
For some years now a number of would-be pilgrims have unduly been subjected to inhumane conditions, including the bitter vagaries of the weather. These people travel from very far places, with the hope that they are travelling to Saudi Arabia to fulfil one of the pillars of Islam, only to be slapped with the shocks of their lives by the lack of proper planning and organisation by those entrusted with the responsibility to organise the Hajj.
The Daily Graphic is of the view that this Hajj problem should have been resolved once and for all following the bitter experience of the disappointment and humiliation suffered by 499 would-be pilgrims last year.
In the aftermath of such inhumane experience, many Islamic organisations came together to ensure that the problem would never be part of the Hajj again. It was sad that some of the organisations decided not to be part of the preparations towards the Hajj as a result of “power politics”. It is recalled that when the IHMC was set up, we counselled that for once it should organise an incident-free Hajj, but, unfortunately, our advice had not been heeded, hence the present debacle
It is also very clear from the way things are going that there is an absolute communication gap between the IHMC and the would-be pilgrims. It is also believed that the truth is always hidden from the would-be pilgrims, otherwise why would the IHMC say that it initially thought the Saudi Embassy was going to issue 3,000 visas, instead of 2,700. Who might have misled the committee and why did it not ask for the official quota from the appropriate authorities?
It is yet another disappointment that even the 499 would-be pilgrims who were promised that they would leave for Saudi Arabia last Saturday are still in the country, completely aghast at the whole organisation of the journey.
The Daily Graphic wants to believe that there is no proper management procedure when it comes to the issue of the Ghanaian Muslim community undertaking the pilgrimage. Today it is this airline, tomorrow it is a different one. At other times, some Muslim groups decide not to be part of the exercise, as was the case this year when notable organisations such as the Ahlussunna Wal-Jama’a (ASWAJ), the Federation of Muslim Women’s Association of Ghana (FOMWAG) and the Coalition of Muslim Organisations, Ghana (COMOG) decided to stay away from the organisation of the Hajj.
The Muslim community must close its ranks, particularly on matters affecting the welfare of Muslims, in order to achieve their religious objectives.
The Daily Graphic feels that the IHMC must wake up and pull its socks up to forestall the disappointment and inconvenience that seem to characterise the Hajj every year.
The National Chief Imam must be very resolute in making sure that those who do not do their jobs well ‘leave the scene’ for competent ones to take over, so that at the end of it all Muslims will enjoy the blessings of the sacred pilgrimage.
The government’s concern for an incident-free Hajj may be understandable because the State has a responsibility to safeguard the interest of all its citizens.
But since we have been at our wits’ end to resolve this problem, the Daily Graphic thinks that the time has come for a truly independent body to organise the Hajj, devoid of interference from any quarter.
The Hajj, as one of the pillars of Islam, must be carried out with obvious relish. Muslims must, therefore, be encouraged to undertake the Hajj without first subjecting them to such inhumane treatment. Those who broke away must be encouraged to come back to help, because the Daily Graphic believes the Hajj debacle can be avoided if the Muslim community relies on its intellectuals and experts. The lesson must provide us with the basis to put in place new strategies in the organisation of the pilgrimage to ensure the success of future pilgrimages without such magnitude of hellish conditions.
Sunday, December 9, 2007
'AYEKOO' TO OUR FARMERS
YESTERDAY, the annual National Farmers Day was held in Wa in the Upper West Region, as well as other selected places at the various regional and district levels to recognise the contribution of the agricultural sector to the country’s economy.
Introduced by the Ministry of Food and Agriculture in 1985, the first celebration was held at Osino in the Eastern Region to reward farmers, fishermen, agro-processors and researchers for their hard work in rebuilding the farming sector and their year-round dedication to feeding the nation.
From a one-stop event in 1985, the celebration has, over the years, been widened in scope to include the regional and district levels and the prizes have been enhanced from mere certificates and farm inputs to a three-bedroom house for the ultimate winner.
The Daily Graphic congratulates successive governments on recognising the hard work of our farmers and fishermen and keeping faith with them all these years. Farming remains the most important occupation in the world for people cannot live without food. Other materials like cotton and wool, also come from plants and animals raised on farms and so nobody can underestimate the importance of agriculture to any economy.
Employing around 60 per cent of Ghana’s workforce, the agricultural sector is a labour-intensive one — and still the backbone of the Ghanaian economy, hence the decision by the government to make it the main driving force for economic growth, with the focus on promoting rural development through modernised agriculture.
Unfortunately, Ghana's agriculture is overly dependent on the small-scale farmer whose productivity is measured in terms of how much land or acreage he puts under cultivation and a good amount of rainfall coming at the right time.
But the combination of a rapidly growing population, greater pressure on land, erratic rainfall and resort to traditional farming practices continues to pose serious threats to sustainable agriculture.
For farming to be efficient and to be able to produce abundant food supply to adequately feed everyone in Ghana, it must be characterised by machinery, developed distribution systems which are adequate and widespread, and finally, farmers’ know-how to market their produce, not only in Ghana but also across Africa and the rest of the world.
The lack of agricultural data impedes effective planning and also raises serious concerns and so we call on the relevant ministries and agencies to team up with the Ghana Statistical Service to ensure effective data collection for planning purposes.
There are other challenges facing the Ghanaian farmer — some of them within government’s control, others without. The battle for a more even world trading order is ongoing — with the European Union, in particular, reluctant to remove agricultural tariffs and subsidies designed to protect their own farming industries.
Once Ghana derives much of its foreign exchange from exporting raw agricultural products, the EU action can effectively put a ceiling on her agricultural income. Essentially, we cannot compete. We, therefore, urge the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union (AU) to intensify their lobbying for fair trading environment.
As we look forward to celebrating subsequent National Farmers Days, we must think of making use of scientific research to improve both our agricultural and industrial products in a manner that will make them penetrate international markets and bring greater wealth to this country. This way, we can be said to have enhanced agricultural production and productivity to lead us onto the path of growth and poverty reduction.
Introduced by the Ministry of Food and Agriculture in 1985, the first celebration was held at Osino in the Eastern Region to reward farmers, fishermen, agro-processors and researchers for their hard work in rebuilding the farming sector and their year-round dedication to feeding the nation.
From a one-stop event in 1985, the celebration has, over the years, been widened in scope to include the regional and district levels and the prizes have been enhanced from mere certificates and farm inputs to a three-bedroom house for the ultimate winner.
The Daily Graphic congratulates successive governments on recognising the hard work of our farmers and fishermen and keeping faith with them all these years. Farming remains the most important occupation in the world for people cannot live without food. Other materials like cotton and wool, also come from plants and animals raised on farms and so nobody can underestimate the importance of agriculture to any economy.
Employing around 60 per cent of Ghana’s workforce, the agricultural sector is a labour-intensive one — and still the backbone of the Ghanaian economy, hence the decision by the government to make it the main driving force for economic growth, with the focus on promoting rural development through modernised agriculture.
Unfortunately, Ghana's agriculture is overly dependent on the small-scale farmer whose productivity is measured in terms of how much land or acreage he puts under cultivation and a good amount of rainfall coming at the right time.
But the combination of a rapidly growing population, greater pressure on land, erratic rainfall and resort to traditional farming practices continues to pose serious threats to sustainable agriculture.
For farming to be efficient and to be able to produce abundant food supply to adequately feed everyone in Ghana, it must be characterised by machinery, developed distribution systems which are adequate and widespread, and finally, farmers’ know-how to market their produce, not only in Ghana but also across Africa and the rest of the world.
The lack of agricultural data impedes effective planning and also raises serious concerns and so we call on the relevant ministries and agencies to team up with the Ghana Statistical Service to ensure effective data collection for planning purposes.
There are other challenges facing the Ghanaian farmer — some of them within government’s control, others without. The battle for a more even world trading order is ongoing — with the European Union, in particular, reluctant to remove agricultural tariffs and subsidies designed to protect their own farming industries.
Once Ghana derives much of its foreign exchange from exporting raw agricultural products, the EU action can effectively put a ceiling on her agricultural income. Essentially, we cannot compete. We, therefore, urge the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union (AU) to intensify their lobbying for fair trading environment.
As we look forward to celebrating subsequent National Farmers Days, we must think of making use of scientific research to improve both our agricultural and industrial products in a manner that will make them penetrate international markets and bring greater wealth to this country. This way, we can be said to have enhanced agricultural production and productivity to lead us onto the path of growth and poverty reduction.
Friday, December 7, 2007
TAX COLLECTION — OUR COLLECTIVE RESOLVE
FROM Biblical times, tax collectors and administrators have been treated with scorn, thereby making them feel unwelcome, particularly among income earners.
Since then, governments have faced uphill tasks in trying to impose taxes. The Poll Tax of 1852 was met with serious resistance, spearheaded by the traditional authorities. The Kume Preko protests of 1996 were organised by the Alliance for Change against the introduction of the Value Added Tax (VAT) during the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government, while the agitation by the Committee for Joint Action against high petroleum taxes is a clear manifestation of the people’s disdain for any policy that requires them to part with portions of their incomes.
But if lessons from the immense benefits being derived from the introduction of VAT and the subsequent upward adjustments towards the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) to support educational institutions, students and the National Health Insurance Levy (NHIL) can serve as a guide to all, everybody will exercise some restraint before raising his/her voice against the introduction of any tax regime.
Politicians seek our mandate to manage the country, not with their own resources but out of the taxes paid by the governed. This explains why, in the most advanced democratic dispensations, the messages of those seeking the people’s mandate must include how they hope to raise the resources to fulfil their pledges.
Be that as it may, the DAILY GRAPHIC thinks that the entrenched positions adopted over the talk time tax announced by the Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, Mr Kwadwo Baah-Wiredu, in the 2008 budget are not helpful.
One of the main concerns of industry players is that the largest group of subscribers on all networks are those who have significant financial limitations and, therefore, make low cost calls. But the government rebuts this by saying that the only losers in the new proposal will be the smugglers of cellular phones into the country. Strangely, no one has questioned the payment of VAT and NHIL on fixed lines so far.
The DAILY GRAPHIC, however, cautions against the tendency of allowing the levy on airtime to kill the astounding growth in the mobile phone industry.
Certainly, airtime levy will impose an additional burden on users of mobile phones, but cheaper mobile phone handsets will stimulate more economic activity by replacing travelling and enabling traders to engage with wider markets. The government’s decision to abolish taxes on mobile phones is a bold one, as a large proportion of handset sales in our markets are via the black market.
As a nation, we have always been globe-trotting with bowls in our hands begging for aid to develop the country. We cannot continue to rely on external sources to develop the country. One should be happy that gradually we are getting to the point where the country can mobilise the needed resources to boost entrepreneurship and economic activity, improve the road infrastructure, build more schools and health facilities, turn round the economy and create jobs for the youth.
The DAILY GRAPHIC counsels the service providers and the government to use dialogue to find a common ground for the way forward now that Parliament has unanimously approved the financial policy of the government.
Industry players and the government should work out the modalities for collecting the tax, while Parliament ought to perform its mandatory role of holding the purse string of the government so that the Executive will apply the taxes to aid national development.
Since then, governments have faced uphill tasks in trying to impose taxes. The Poll Tax of 1852 was met with serious resistance, spearheaded by the traditional authorities. The Kume Preko protests of 1996 were organised by the Alliance for Change against the introduction of the Value Added Tax (VAT) during the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government, while the agitation by the Committee for Joint Action against high petroleum taxes is a clear manifestation of the people’s disdain for any policy that requires them to part with portions of their incomes.
But if lessons from the immense benefits being derived from the introduction of VAT and the subsequent upward adjustments towards the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) to support educational institutions, students and the National Health Insurance Levy (NHIL) can serve as a guide to all, everybody will exercise some restraint before raising his/her voice against the introduction of any tax regime.
Politicians seek our mandate to manage the country, not with their own resources but out of the taxes paid by the governed. This explains why, in the most advanced democratic dispensations, the messages of those seeking the people’s mandate must include how they hope to raise the resources to fulfil their pledges.
Be that as it may, the DAILY GRAPHIC thinks that the entrenched positions adopted over the talk time tax announced by the Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, Mr Kwadwo Baah-Wiredu, in the 2008 budget are not helpful.
One of the main concerns of industry players is that the largest group of subscribers on all networks are those who have significant financial limitations and, therefore, make low cost calls. But the government rebuts this by saying that the only losers in the new proposal will be the smugglers of cellular phones into the country. Strangely, no one has questioned the payment of VAT and NHIL on fixed lines so far.
The DAILY GRAPHIC, however, cautions against the tendency of allowing the levy on airtime to kill the astounding growth in the mobile phone industry.
Certainly, airtime levy will impose an additional burden on users of mobile phones, but cheaper mobile phone handsets will stimulate more economic activity by replacing travelling and enabling traders to engage with wider markets. The government’s decision to abolish taxes on mobile phones is a bold one, as a large proportion of handset sales in our markets are via the black market.
As a nation, we have always been globe-trotting with bowls in our hands begging for aid to develop the country. We cannot continue to rely on external sources to develop the country. One should be happy that gradually we are getting to the point where the country can mobilise the needed resources to boost entrepreneurship and economic activity, improve the road infrastructure, build more schools and health facilities, turn round the economy and create jobs for the youth.
The DAILY GRAPHIC counsels the service providers and the government to use dialogue to find a common ground for the way forward now that Parliament has unanimously approved the financial policy of the government.
Industry players and the government should work out the modalities for collecting the tax, while Parliament ought to perform its mandatory role of holding the purse string of the government so that the Executive will apply the taxes to aid national development.
Thursday, December 6, 2007
SUPPORT WASTE MANAGEMENT EFFORTS
ABOUT a decade or so ago, iced water sellers were encouraged to stop the use of cups in the sale of water to the public. Among other things, it was felt that the communal use of the cups could be the medium for the transmission of communicable diseases. The alternative is what has become known today as “pure water” (water in sachets).
The idea caught on with both sellers and consumers and in no time ‘pure’ water manufacturers sprang up in all the corners of the country. The boom in this sector is unimaginable because at the last count there were thousand’s of sachet water manufacturers providing jobs for all manner of people, including the aged and children.
The pervasive lack of sanitation infrastructure to deal with the plastic waste menace has forced personalities like the Chief Executive of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) to advocate a ban on the use of plastic bags to package treated water for sale.
It has been suggested that in order to deal with the situation, a special tax should be placed on the production and sale of plastic bags to raise money to hire labour to clear the filth. Another suggestion is for the government to create the enabling environment for business concerns to establish recycling plants to change the ills caused by plastic waste for economic gain.
By now it should have dawned on all of us that our inability to provide the sanitation infrastructure is impacting negatively on livelihoods. For a long time, malaria has gained notoriety as the major cause of death in the country, although the opportunities exist to control its devastating effects.
The ills of ‘pure’ water are common to all the markets, commercial centres and other centres of activity, such as funerals, weddings and other social events. Nonetheless, there is no well thought-out plan on what to do with the empty sachet after the content has been consumed. The problem is further compounded by the improper waste disposal culture of Ghanaians.
It is worrying that at the time the country is grappling with resolving the plastic waste problem, Blowplast Recycling Industries Limited near Tema is producing below optimum capacity. The plant, inaugurated last year at the cost of two million Euros, was meant to recycle 24 tonnes of plastic waste daily.
The Chairman of the plant, Mr Manoj Lakhiani, told journalists that his company had been compelled to purchase waste from Nigeria because of the reduction in supply locally. This sounds very strange, particularly at a time the environment is engulfed in filth.
The AMA and other local government institutions must collaborate with Blowplast to encourage unemployed youth to clear the city of the plastic. Although the initiative is private-sector driven, it will help clear the environment of carelessly disposed plastic waste, while offering jobs to the unemployed.
The DAILY GRAPHIC, therefore, adds its voice to the support being canvassed by Blowplast Company from all interested groups to enable it to recycle the plastic waste, first as its contribution to finding solutions to the plastic waste menace and also providing jobs for the unemployed
We believe that the AMA and other local authorities can deal decisively with the ills of plastic waste if they step up waste management campaigns, in addition to enforcing their bye-laws to make it unattractive to litter the environment. Waste management is an expensive business and that is why those who generate the waste must also contribute a little to energise waste management in the country.
The idea caught on with both sellers and consumers and in no time ‘pure’ water manufacturers sprang up in all the corners of the country. The boom in this sector is unimaginable because at the last count there were thousand’s of sachet water manufacturers providing jobs for all manner of people, including the aged and children.
The pervasive lack of sanitation infrastructure to deal with the plastic waste menace has forced personalities like the Chief Executive of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) to advocate a ban on the use of plastic bags to package treated water for sale.
It has been suggested that in order to deal with the situation, a special tax should be placed on the production and sale of plastic bags to raise money to hire labour to clear the filth. Another suggestion is for the government to create the enabling environment for business concerns to establish recycling plants to change the ills caused by plastic waste for economic gain.
By now it should have dawned on all of us that our inability to provide the sanitation infrastructure is impacting negatively on livelihoods. For a long time, malaria has gained notoriety as the major cause of death in the country, although the opportunities exist to control its devastating effects.
The ills of ‘pure’ water are common to all the markets, commercial centres and other centres of activity, such as funerals, weddings and other social events. Nonetheless, there is no well thought-out plan on what to do with the empty sachet after the content has been consumed. The problem is further compounded by the improper waste disposal culture of Ghanaians.
It is worrying that at the time the country is grappling with resolving the plastic waste problem, Blowplast Recycling Industries Limited near Tema is producing below optimum capacity. The plant, inaugurated last year at the cost of two million Euros, was meant to recycle 24 tonnes of plastic waste daily.
The Chairman of the plant, Mr Manoj Lakhiani, told journalists that his company had been compelled to purchase waste from Nigeria because of the reduction in supply locally. This sounds very strange, particularly at a time the environment is engulfed in filth.
The AMA and other local government institutions must collaborate with Blowplast to encourage unemployed youth to clear the city of the plastic. Although the initiative is private-sector driven, it will help clear the environment of carelessly disposed plastic waste, while offering jobs to the unemployed.
The DAILY GRAPHIC, therefore, adds its voice to the support being canvassed by Blowplast Company from all interested groups to enable it to recycle the plastic waste, first as its contribution to finding solutions to the plastic waste menace and also providing jobs for the unemployed
We believe that the AMA and other local authorities can deal decisively with the ills of plastic waste if they step up waste management campaigns, in addition to enforcing their bye-laws to make it unattractive to litter the environment. Waste management is an expensive business and that is why those who generate the waste must also contribute a little to energise waste management in the country.
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
IMPLEMENT INCLUSIVE SERVICES
LAST Monday the world marked the United Nations Day for the Disabled, a day set aside since 1982 to promote the understanding of disability issues and mobilise support for the dignity, rights and well-being of persons with disabilities.
While observing the day in Ghana, the Ghana Federation of the Disabled (GFD) commended the government for adopting certain measures to improve the well-being of its members, such as the promulgation of the Disability Act and the allocation of two per cent of the District Assemblies Common Fund to support the initiatives of People with Disabilities, as a way of enhancing the livelihood of the disabled.
There is no doubt that some steps have been taken to enhance the well-being of the disabled, but there is still more to be done to get mainstream society to stop looking at disabled persons as a separate and often inferior class of human beings. It is in this context that we echo the concerns of the President of the GFD, Mr Yaw Ofori-Debra, that “in spite of the positive measures, poverty and misery still destroy the lives of majority of disabled persons and for this reason the streets are inundated with disabled beggars”.
On the back page of our paper today we carry the distressing news that the chalk factory established by the GFD in Accra to provide jobs and incomes for some of its members has been closed down as a result of the lack of a market for its products. This is not the first time that the factory has had to close down because of the inability of the Ministry of Education, Science and Sports to direct schools to patronise the chalk.
Unfortunately, while the inertia of public officials kills the initiative of the physically-challenged, the streets of Accra are choked with beggars, mostly disabled people who always attribute their predicament to the refusal of most employers to engage their services and the fact that they do not feel welcome onto the job market.
Consciously or unconsciously, exclusive policies and strategies are being pursued to limit the economic contributions of people with disabilities. The Department of Social Welfare and some civil society groups have organised skills training for the disabled, with the view to empowering them to be self-reliant. On the other hand, most of the disabled persons find begging more lucrative than any productive work, despite legislation outlawing begging.
The DAILY GRAPHIC calls for a national commitment to ensure that disabled persons have equal access to social and economic opportunities. Piecemeal interventions are not likely to be very productive unless the beneficiaries of the interventions are empowered to transform themselves from economic burdens to economic assets.
We believe that the long-term effects of interventions such as easy access to public buildings and facilities and job opportunities will ensure dignity, self-esteem and quality of life for disabled persons.
The government and all interested groups must take practical action to promote the full participation of the disabled in the development process on the basis of equality.
The media also have important contributions to make by disseminating information regarding progress and obstacles in the national response to promote awareness of the challenges confronting persons with disabilities. Through this effort, the media can break the back of ignorance, which is acknowledged as the major factor for the neglect of the disabled.
There are many instances when the media can showcase and celebrate contributions by persons with disabilities to the society. In assessing the contribution of the physically-challenged, our focus should be on “ability and not disability”.
While observing the day in Ghana, the Ghana Federation of the Disabled (GFD) commended the government for adopting certain measures to improve the well-being of its members, such as the promulgation of the Disability Act and the allocation of two per cent of the District Assemblies Common Fund to support the initiatives of People with Disabilities, as a way of enhancing the livelihood of the disabled.
There is no doubt that some steps have been taken to enhance the well-being of the disabled, but there is still more to be done to get mainstream society to stop looking at disabled persons as a separate and often inferior class of human beings. It is in this context that we echo the concerns of the President of the GFD, Mr Yaw Ofori-Debra, that “in spite of the positive measures, poverty and misery still destroy the lives of majority of disabled persons and for this reason the streets are inundated with disabled beggars”.
On the back page of our paper today we carry the distressing news that the chalk factory established by the GFD in Accra to provide jobs and incomes for some of its members has been closed down as a result of the lack of a market for its products. This is not the first time that the factory has had to close down because of the inability of the Ministry of Education, Science and Sports to direct schools to patronise the chalk.
Unfortunately, while the inertia of public officials kills the initiative of the physically-challenged, the streets of Accra are choked with beggars, mostly disabled people who always attribute their predicament to the refusal of most employers to engage their services and the fact that they do not feel welcome onto the job market.
Consciously or unconsciously, exclusive policies and strategies are being pursued to limit the economic contributions of people with disabilities. The Department of Social Welfare and some civil society groups have organised skills training for the disabled, with the view to empowering them to be self-reliant. On the other hand, most of the disabled persons find begging more lucrative than any productive work, despite legislation outlawing begging.
The DAILY GRAPHIC calls for a national commitment to ensure that disabled persons have equal access to social and economic opportunities. Piecemeal interventions are not likely to be very productive unless the beneficiaries of the interventions are empowered to transform themselves from economic burdens to economic assets.
We believe that the long-term effects of interventions such as easy access to public buildings and facilities and job opportunities will ensure dignity, self-esteem and quality of life for disabled persons.
The government and all interested groups must take practical action to promote the full participation of the disabled in the development process on the basis of equality.
The media also have important contributions to make by disseminating information regarding progress and obstacles in the national response to promote awareness of the challenges confronting persons with disabilities. Through this effort, the media can break the back of ignorance, which is acknowledged as the major factor for the neglect of the disabled.
There are many instances when the media can showcase and celebrate contributions by persons with disabilities to the society. In assessing the contribution of the physically-challenged, our focus should be on “ability and not disability”.
Monday, December 3, 2007
SIMPLIFYING STATISTICS FOR DEVELOPMENT
PRESIDENT J. A. Kufuor has urged African countries to empower statistical institutions to deliver data to support national development efforts. He explained that statistics were fundamental to the success of the governance and development process, but often they were unavailable when needed because many of the statistical systems required further development, re-organisation and more effective management.
Statistics enable us to know where we are coming from, where we are and where we are going to. A careful analysis of these processes will determine whether the country is making progress or retrogressing or the process of development has become stagnant.
It is unfortunate that in spite of the crucial role of statistics in the national development process, both users and producers of statistics are unable to find common grounds concerning the growth and development indices.
Interestingly, whenever statistical data favour a particular group of people, it is quick to use them to its advantage, while the group at a disadvantage attempts to discredit the data. Nonetheless, truth stands. This is where every year some Ghanaians always scream at the top of their voices that the statistics do not reflect in their pockets.
They forget that in this world, just as wants are insatiable, so are people’s expectations very high. These expectations are difficult to measure, but because of the demonstration effects, these expectations are believed to represent the needs of the generality of the people.
The Daily Graphic believes that the time has come for all of us to accord statistics the pride of place in our development process. Certainly, the statistical figures from credible organisations such as the Ghana Statistical Service and the Bank of Ghana cannot be cooked or doctored.
After all, 15 years ago, the country’s development profile was not at the level where we are presently. Today, all kinds of houses have sprung up in all the cities, towns and even villages, satellite dishes have been installed in many homes, while Internet protocols are common spectacles in most urban areas. Vehicles of all makes and sophistication ply our roads and yet Homo Sapiens are never satisfied.
Sometimes one wonders how those who complain about the hard times want to measure the level of the statistics in their pockets. Some of the people who complain display affluence at funerals, at drinking bars and in the churches, but are quick to mount rooftops and proclaim that “life is hard”.
All over our cities and towns, one is greeted by all manner of merchandise, indicating that consumption levels have peaked beyond what was the case a few years ago. This must be an indication that the country is moving forward towards the attainment of its development goals, although we still fall short of locally manufactured goods in the system.
However, the Daily Graphic calls on the government to adequately resource the Ghana Statistical Service and the Bank of Ghana to perform their statutory functions to regularly tell Ghanaians about the performance of the economy and give accurate forecast to facilitate proper planning.
We also call on all other agencies such as the Ghana Meteorological Agency to also do well to bring people abreast of the climatic situation in the country for improved food production and safety in our air-space.
It is also important for these institutions to make their data user-friendly by demystifying statistical figures so that ordinary citizens can apply them for their own good and for the betterment of society.
Statistics enable us to know where we are coming from, where we are and where we are going to. A careful analysis of these processes will determine whether the country is making progress or retrogressing or the process of development has become stagnant.
It is unfortunate that in spite of the crucial role of statistics in the national development process, both users and producers of statistics are unable to find common grounds concerning the growth and development indices.
Interestingly, whenever statistical data favour a particular group of people, it is quick to use them to its advantage, while the group at a disadvantage attempts to discredit the data. Nonetheless, truth stands. This is where every year some Ghanaians always scream at the top of their voices that the statistics do not reflect in their pockets.
They forget that in this world, just as wants are insatiable, so are people’s expectations very high. These expectations are difficult to measure, but because of the demonstration effects, these expectations are believed to represent the needs of the generality of the people.
The Daily Graphic believes that the time has come for all of us to accord statistics the pride of place in our development process. Certainly, the statistical figures from credible organisations such as the Ghana Statistical Service and the Bank of Ghana cannot be cooked or doctored.
After all, 15 years ago, the country’s development profile was not at the level where we are presently. Today, all kinds of houses have sprung up in all the cities, towns and even villages, satellite dishes have been installed in many homes, while Internet protocols are common spectacles in most urban areas. Vehicles of all makes and sophistication ply our roads and yet Homo Sapiens are never satisfied.
Sometimes one wonders how those who complain about the hard times want to measure the level of the statistics in their pockets. Some of the people who complain display affluence at funerals, at drinking bars and in the churches, but are quick to mount rooftops and proclaim that “life is hard”.
All over our cities and towns, one is greeted by all manner of merchandise, indicating that consumption levels have peaked beyond what was the case a few years ago. This must be an indication that the country is moving forward towards the attainment of its development goals, although we still fall short of locally manufactured goods in the system.
However, the Daily Graphic calls on the government to adequately resource the Ghana Statistical Service and the Bank of Ghana to perform their statutory functions to regularly tell Ghanaians about the performance of the economy and give accurate forecast to facilitate proper planning.
We also call on all other agencies such as the Ghana Meteorological Agency to also do well to bring people abreast of the climatic situation in the country for improved food production and safety in our air-space.
It is also important for these institutions to make their data user-friendly by demystifying statistical figures so that ordinary citizens can apply them for their own good and for the betterment of society.
FIGHTING THE AIDS MENACE
LEADERSHIP plays a critical role in any human endeavour and so in the fight against HIV/AIDS we also need very effective leadership.
It is for this reason that the United Nations has advocated renewed leadership to eradicate the stigma associated with the pandemic on the occasion of World AIDS Day, which was observed last Saturday.
According to the Secretary-General of the UN, there is also the need for leadership that fully understands the epidemic so that resources would go where they are needed most.
The DAILY GRAPHIC believes that it is time for the media to be expressly identified with such leadership roles and champion the fight against HIV/AIDS, which is threatening to scourge our generation.
The media have an important role to play as watchdogs and this role should find expression in the ability of the journalist to ensure accountability not only from those who wield political power but also people who influence key policy decisions.
A vibrant and vigilant media constitutes an asset to any country and that is the standard our media must measure up to.
That requires our journalists or media practitioners to brace themselves up for the task ahead, well armed with the relevant information, including accurate facts and statistics, to help adequately inform the people on the challenges ahead.
HIV/AIDS must not be relegated to the background. That is, while recognising that as professionals, we are bound to select news and news analysis based on their news-worthiness and relevance to our development, it may not be misplaced to remark that HIV/AIDS in itself is news and that until we snuff out the threat, we must not rest on our laurels.
About a year ago, many Ghanaians were stirred by news reports that some sitting Members of Parliament (MPs) and former MPs had failed to appropriately account for money given to them by the Ghana AIDS Commission for HIV/AIDS education.
The media need to highlight such stories and move beyond speculations to effectively investigate and establish the facts in order to keep our public officers alive to their responsibilities.
Again, we need to actively educate the people on the prevention of the pandemic, with greater emphasis on effective preventive measures.
We believe that the ABC of prevention, that is, Abstinence, Being faithful and Condom use, must be rigorously pursued, especially considering the sexual lifestyle of Ghanaians.
Studies indicate that many Ghanaians become sexually active at an early age of 15, and in our increasingly sophisticated and globalised world, abstinence alone may not easily work, although it is still key in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
Our religious organisations, including the churches, need to recognise that and find an effective and tactful way of educating their followers on how best they can prevent HIV/AIDS.
We are gladdened by the news that the government has secured $93 million for the procurement of more anti-retroviral drugs to make the management of HIV/AIDS more successful.
The DAILY GRAPHIC wishes to encourage the government to devote more resources towards ensuring easy and universal access to anti-retroviral drugs by all people living with HIV/AIDS.
The HIV/AIDS prevalence rate in the country has remained relatively stable in recent years and we wish to challenge Ghanaians not to get complacent.
Perhaps, we also need to find out why the three northern regions in the country have some of the lowest prevalence rates in the country in order to help other regions to significantly reduce their prevalence rates.
We also call on Ghanaians to recognise HIV/AIDS as a national emergency which requires the sustained attention of all sectors of society. Thus, the national priority now should be the need for a massive campaign to encourage people, including national leadership, to take HIV tests.
It is for this reason that the United Nations has advocated renewed leadership to eradicate the stigma associated with the pandemic on the occasion of World AIDS Day, which was observed last Saturday.
According to the Secretary-General of the UN, there is also the need for leadership that fully understands the epidemic so that resources would go where they are needed most.
The DAILY GRAPHIC believes that it is time for the media to be expressly identified with such leadership roles and champion the fight against HIV/AIDS, which is threatening to scourge our generation.
The media have an important role to play as watchdogs and this role should find expression in the ability of the journalist to ensure accountability not only from those who wield political power but also people who influence key policy decisions.
A vibrant and vigilant media constitutes an asset to any country and that is the standard our media must measure up to.
That requires our journalists or media practitioners to brace themselves up for the task ahead, well armed with the relevant information, including accurate facts and statistics, to help adequately inform the people on the challenges ahead.
HIV/AIDS must not be relegated to the background. That is, while recognising that as professionals, we are bound to select news and news analysis based on their news-worthiness and relevance to our development, it may not be misplaced to remark that HIV/AIDS in itself is news and that until we snuff out the threat, we must not rest on our laurels.
About a year ago, many Ghanaians were stirred by news reports that some sitting Members of Parliament (MPs) and former MPs had failed to appropriately account for money given to them by the Ghana AIDS Commission for HIV/AIDS education.
The media need to highlight such stories and move beyond speculations to effectively investigate and establish the facts in order to keep our public officers alive to their responsibilities.
Again, we need to actively educate the people on the prevention of the pandemic, with greater emphasis on effective preventive measures.
We believe that the ABC of prevention, that is, Abstinence, Being faithful and Condom use, must be rigorously pursued, especially considering the sexual lifestyle of Ghanaians.
Studies indicate that many Ghanaians become sexually active at an early age of 15, and in our increasingly sophisticated and globalised world, abstinence alone may not easily work, although it is still key in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
Our religious organisations, including the churches, need to recognise that and find an effective and tactful way of educating their followers on how best they can prevent HIV/AIDS.
We are gladdened by the news that the government has secured $93 million for the procurement of more anti-retroviral drugs to make the management of HIV/AIDS more successful.
The DAILY GRAPHIC wishes to encourage the government to devote more resources towards ensuring easy and universal access to anti-retroviral drugs by all people living with HIV/AIDS.
The HIV/AIDS prevalence rate in the country has remained relatively stable in recent years and we wish to challenge Ghanaians not to get complacent.
Perhaps, we also need to find out why the three northern regions in the country have some of the lowest prevalence rates in the country in order to help other regions to significantly reduce their prevalence rates.
We also call on Ghanaians to recognise HIV/AIDS as a national emergency which requires the sustained attention of all sectors of society. Thus, the national priority now should be the need for a massive campaign to encourage people, including national leadership, to take HIV tests.
Sunday, December 2, 2007
GHANA SHOULD NOT BURN (Sat Dec 1, 2007)
A NEWS report that the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has threatened that “the country will burn to ashes should the ruling party retain power in next year’s election” is, indeed, saddening.
Mr Daniel Ohene- Agyekum was reported to have made that unfortunate remark at an NDC rally in Obuasi in the Ashanti Region.
As should be expected, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has, in a reaction to the NDC regional chairman’s threat, called on Mr Ohene-Agyekum “to retract it and apologise to the good people of Ghana for instigating and wishing violence and mayhem to befall Ghana”.
If, indeed, Mr Ohene-Agyekum did make the statement attributed to him in Obuasi, then we at the Daily Graphic do condemn it in no uncertain terms, coming especially at this point in the history of the nation when it is touted world-wide as the torch bearer in good governance, peace and tranquillity.
Should we believe that this statement substantiates the widespread perception held among elements within the NDC that the NPP cannot win the 2008 election unless it rigs it? Does this perception also flow from the belief that the NPP rigged the 2004 election and that it was that party which declared the results of that election?
Indeed, the NDC has never spared a moment to drum home this latter belief and we feel it has got to a point when it has become a cliché.
In 2004, what the NPP did was, as is done by media houses, political parties, interest groups, etc., in all democratic states, to call the election after it had collated the results from almost all the constituencies and seen that it had an unassailable lead.
Indeed, we do recall that the Electoral Commission (EC) itself declared the results when results from three constituencies were yet to be declared. What it said then was that even if all the ballots cast in the remaining three constituencies were for the NDC, the NPP would still have 50 per cent plus one of the total ballot and so it had won the election.
If Mr Ohene-Agyekum premised his unfortunate statement on the assumption that the NPP will rig the upcoming elections, we say he has no basis for that assumption.
We were all witnesses of elections in the country from 1992 up to the last one in 2004 and we can say, without any fear of contradiction, that the 2008 election can only get better.
We say this because we have moved away from the era of non-transparent ballot boxes, the use of voters’ registers which did not have pictures of voters, open intimidation of voters and other rough tactics that were used back in time to gain advantage over other contesting political parties.
Now we believe that whatever factors go to make an election free and fair are noticeable in our circumstances and so we don’t think anybody has any business calling for fire and brimstone on the country because of a perception.
A research document, the Ibrahim Index of African Governance, notes that “free and fair elections are elections where fundamental human rights and freedoms are respected and the playing field of electoral competition is reasonably level and accessible to all parties and candidates. In particular, a free and fair electoral process guarantees freedom to organise political parties and to register as a voter or as a candidate. It guarantees freedom of speech and expression by all candidates, parties, voters, and the media, and freedom of assembly to hold political rallies and campaigns....”
We have quoted from this document to prove that the environment we have now can only engender free elections and that if Ghana did not burn in 1992, it surely cannot burn in 2009.
Given Mr Ohene-Agyekum’s stature in politics and the fact that his utterances carry a lot of weight, he must be very careful that he does not incite people into needless mayhem.
It is true that Ghana faces a number of challenges in the economic, social, educational and other sectors, but with the strides being made under this democratic dispensation, we will surely make it.
Let nobody who is bent on securing political power spell doom for this dear country of ours because the people are politically mature enough to discern what is good.
Ghana will not burn at Ohene-Agyekum’s instigation!
Mr Daniel Ohene- Agyekum was reported to have made that unfortunate remark at an NDC rally in Obuasi in the Ashanti Region.
As should be expected, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has, in a reaction to the NDC regional chairman’s threat, called on Mr Ohene-Agyekum “to retract it and apologise to the good people of Ghana for instigating and wishing violence and mayhem to befall Ghana”.
If, indeed, Mr Ohene-Agyekum did make the statement attributed to him in Obuasi, then we at the Daily Graphic do condemn it in no uncertain terms, coming especially at this point in the history of the nation when it is touted world-wide as the torch bearer in good governance, peace and tranquillity.
Should we believe that this statement substantiates the widespread perception held among elements within the NDC that the NPP cannot win the 2008 election unless it rigs it? Does this perception also flow from the belief that the NPP rigged the 2004 election and that it was that party which declared the results of that election?
Indeed, the NDC has never spared a moment to drum home this latter belief and we feel it has got to a point when it has become a cliché.
In 2004, what the NPP did was, as is done by media houses, political parties, interest groups, etc., in all democratic states, to call the election after it had collated the results from almost all the constituencies and seen that it had an unassailable lead.
Indeed, we do recall that the Electoral Commission (EC) itself declared the results when results from three constituencies were yet to be declared. What it said then was that even if all the ballots cast in the remaining three constituencies were for the NDC, the NPP would still have 50 per cent plus one of the total ballot and so it had won the election.
If Mr Ohene-Agyekum premised his unfortunate statement on the assumption that the NPP will rig the upcoming elections, we say he has no basis for that assumption.
We were all witnesses of elections in the country from 1992 up to the last one in 2004 and we can say, without any fear of contradiction, that the 2008 election can only get better.
We say this because we have moved away from the era of non-transparent ballot boxes, the use of voters’ registers which did not have pictures of voters, open intimidation of voters and other rough tactics that were used back in time to gain advantage over other contesting political parties.
Now we believe that whatever factors go to make an election free and fair are noticeable in our circumstances and so we don’t think anybody has any business calling for fire and brimstone on the country because of a perception.
A research document, the Ibrahim Index of African Governance, notes that “free and fair elections are elections where fundamental human rights and freedoms are respected and the playing field of electoral competition is reasonably level and accessible to all parties and candidates. In particular, a free and fair electoral process guarantees freedom to organise political parties and to register as a voter or as a candidate. It guarantees freedom of speech and expression by all candidates, parties, voters, and the media, and freedom of assembly to hold political rallies and campaigns....”
We have quoted from this document to prove that the environment we have now can only engender free elections and that if Ghana did not burn in 1992, it surely cannot burn in 2009.
Given Mr Ohene-Agyekum’s stature in politics and the fact that his utterances carry a lot of weight, he must be very careful that he does not incite people into needless mayhem.
It is true that Ghana faces a number of challenges in the economic, social, educational and other sectors, but with the strides being made under this democratic dispensation, we will surely make it.
Let nobody who is bent on securing political power spell doom for this dear country of ours because the people are politically mature enough to discern what is good.
Ghana will not burn at Ohene-Agyekum’s instigation!
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