A CLOUD of darkness appears to be hanging over the Upper West Region following the disclosure that the outbreak of cerebrospinal meningitis (CSM) there has killed 17 people, while 78 cases have been recorded.
In the Jirapa District in particular, the outbreak of CSM has killed eight people, out of the 52 reported cases.
The state of fear is understandable because the bacterium causing the outbreak of the meningitis is a new strain, the WI35, which is being seen in Ghana for the first time.
The development is more worrying because the country does not have the vaccine to contain the situation.
It is refreshing, however, that the Ministry of Health and the Ghana Health Service (GHS) have decided to liaise with the World Health Organisation (WHO) to see how best to get the vaccines into the country.
The Daily Graphic urges the two institutions to accord this development in the Upper West Region utmost attention and speed up arrangements with the WHO.
The bacterium causing CSM thrives in very warm weather conditions and the possible risk factors are very common among the hot conditions in northern Ghana. CSM is, thus, a major cause of mobility and mortality in sub-Saharan Africa where the epidemic occurs every eight years.
Research indicates that economic factors, housing and household overcrowding, smoking and over exposure to smoke and close contact with a case have been identified as the main causes of the outbreak of CSM.
Residents of areas prone to CSM are advised, during the hot dry months, to avoid exposure to smoke from cooking fires or minimise smoke by encouraging alternatives to cooking over wood fires or cooking outside.
It also says that if people in CSM-prone areas cannot avoid wood burning stoves, then their kitchens should be expanded with improved ventilation.
We encourage families of victims of CSM cases to nurse their relatives in well ventilated rooms and the number of people sharing a room with a case should be kept at a minimum.
In recent times, the health authorities have done a lot to contain epidemics by vaccinating residents of CSM-prone areas during the hot dry months. It is basically because of the special health needs of the people in the three northern regions that we continue to appeal to health professionals to accept posting to areas where their services are in high demand.
This explains why the Daily Graphic has always frowned on the refusal of some health professionals to accept posting to the three northern regions. It is instructive that the last time the country experienced an outbreak with fatalities was 2000 and it is for this reason that we need to do everything within our power to control CSM.
The widespread outbreak of CSM in the Upper West Region, if not controlled, can cause panic among the populace and affect social and economic activities there.
We know that our health professionals are capable people who can rise to any challenge in the health sector. The outbreak of CSM is a test case for health professionals because the public expects them to act swiftly to bring the situation under control. But the people can be re-assured of good health if health professionals rally all the resources, including vaccines from the WHO, to contain the CSM.
The Daily Graphic urges residents of the Upper East Region not to panic but report all cases to the nearest health facility for prompt attention and treatment.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
IMPROVING DOCTOR/PATIENT RATIO (FEB 22, 2010)
THE perennial problem of health professionals, especially doctors, refusing posting to the northern part of the country to provide effective healthcare services for the people there is becoming a major obstacle to efforts at improving the doctor/patient ratio.
To begin with, health facilities in northern Ghana are woefully inadequate. What is more, in areas where these facilities are available, health personnel are not there to man them.
Our health professionals, especially the medical officers, take the Hippocratic oath to uphold the sanctity of life and yet some of them refuse posting to deprived areas to attend to the health needs of the people.
We acknowledge the poor conditions in our countryside, but that does not mean that our health professionals should turn their back on those who are highly in need of health care.
The Daily Graphic is disturbed by the refusal of 10 out of 13 pharmacists to report for work in the Northern Region, while none of the 15 doctors who were posted to the region has confirmed his or her acceptance of the posting.
This situation should not be allowed to persist because it can spell the doom of our health system, especially now that everything is being done to improve the efficiency of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).
It is for this reason that the Daily Graphic doffs its hat for Cuban doctors who have sacrificed their comfort to accept posting to deprived communities in the country.
The doctor/patient ratio for the Northern Region of 1:26,000 is alarming and requires that efforts be put in place to bridge the gap.
The Daily Graphic thinks that all health professionals associations should be concerned about the development in northern Ghana and sensitise their members to break away from the status quo where northern Ghana is considered a ‘Siberia’ by many professionals.
It is also about time health authorities reviewed the housemanship programme for doctors, such that all newly trained doctors will be posted to the rural areas as part of their national service.
The Northern Regional Health Directorate faces very critical challenges for which immediate and pragmatic solutions are required if the health system there is not to collapse.
It is common knowledge that many other professionals refuse posting to northern Ghana on the pretext of insecurity in the area. But this perception is not backed by any objective fact because, generally speaking, majority of the people in the area are peace-loving and prepared to support public servants posted to the three regions.
The Daily Graphic thinks that the Ghana Health Service and the Ministry of Health should develop more teeth and deal drastically with health professionals who refuse posting to deprived communities.
We also urge the relevant authorities to look at the challenges confronting health professionals who accept posting to rural areas and deal with them promptly to motivate others to serve in the countryside.
Let us take steps to address the accommodation and other needs of health professionals and workers in the public service in order to encourage them to stay and work in the rural areas.
To begin with, health facilities in northern Ghana are woefully inadequate. What is more, in areas where these facilities are available, health personnel are not there to man them.
Our health professionals, especially the medical officers, take the Hippocratic oath to uphold the sanctity of life and yet some of them refuse posting to deprived areas to attend to the health needs of the people.
We acknowledge the poor conditions in our countryside, but that does not mean that our health professionals should turn their back on those who are highly in need of health care.
The Daily Graphic is disturbed by the refusal of 10 out of 13 pharmacists to report for work in the Northern Region, while none of the 15 doctors who were posted to the region has confirmed his or her acceptance of the posting.
This situation should not be allowed to persist because it can spell the doom of our health system, especially now that everything is being done to improve the efficiency of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).
It is for this reason that the Daily Graphic doffs its hat for Cuban doctors who have sacrificed their comfort to accept posting to deprived communities in the country.
The doctor/patient ratio for the Northern Region of 1:26,000 is alarming and requires that efforts be put in place to bridge the gap.
The Daily Graphic thinks that all health professionals associations should be concerned about the development in northern Ghana and sensitise their members to break away from the status quo where northern Ghana is considered a ‘Siberia’ by many professionals.
It is also about time health authorities reviewed the housemanship programme for doctors, such that all newly trained doctors will be posted to the rural areas as part of their national service.
The Northern Regional Health Directorate faces very critical challenges for which immediate and pragmatic solutions are required if the health system there is not to collapse.
It is common knowledge that many other professionals refuse posting to northern Ghana on the pretext of insecurity in the area. But this perception is not backed by any objective fact because, generally speaking, majority of the people in the area are peace-loving and prepared to support public servants posted to the three regions.
The Daily Graphic thinks that the Ghana Health Service and the Ministry of Health should develop more teeth and deal drastically with health professionals who refuse posting to deprived communities.
We also urge the relevant authorities to look at the challenges confronting health professionals who accept posting to rural areas and deal with them promptly to motivate others to serve in the countryside.
Let us take steps to address the accommodation and other needs of health professionals and workers in the public service in order to encourage them to stay and work in the rural areas.
WELL SAID, ECOWAS (FEB 20, 2010)
A LOT has already been said about the decision of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to suspend and fine Togo for pulling out of the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) 2010 staged in Angola last month.
The decision — a ban from two CAN tournaments and a fine of $50,000 imposed on the Togo national team — has already received widespread condemnation from varied groups and individuals as an insensitive action on the part of CAF.
However, the show of support and solidarity by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) at its 37th Summit in Abuja, Nigeria, earlier in the week should reassure the people of Togo that they have not been left on their own to seek redress.
Last week, Togo lodged an appeal against CAF at the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS) and yesterday the Switzerland-based arbitration group dismissed an initial case that Togo be included in the draw for the CAN 2012 qualifiers to be held in Lubumbashi, Congo, today.
The CAS, however, said the substantive case would be heard in August and, should Togo win that case, it will be given the opportunity to be part of the qualifiers.
Unless steps are taken immediately to resolve this issue, it will be a dangerous rift. This is why the Daily Graphic lauds ECOWAS for its decision to mediate to resolve the impasse.
Indeed, this is not the time to go into the merits and demerits of the pull-out by Togo and the reaction from CAF, but suffice it to say that the unfortunate rebel attack on the Togolese team in the Cabinda District just a day to the start of the tournament left three people — an Angolan driver and two Togolese officials — dead.
At the moment, a fourth person, the second goalkeeper who survived bullet wounds, is still in a South African hospital recuperating.
Under the circumstances, and given the harrowing ordeal, anybody would have done what the Togolese did — withdraw from the tournament.
Instead of showing concern and commiserating with the Togolese about their tragic loss, the CAF Executive Committee decided to enforce a law that seeks to punish a team that pulls out of a CAF-organised competition.
Does the rule not give reprieve for those who, through no fault of theirs, cannot honour a match? In this case, was Togo’s case not a force majeur?
CAF frowns on political interference and, indeed, it cited the decision by the Togolese government to withdraw the team from the competition as the main reason such a harsh punitive measure was taken. But the Daily Graphic dares to ask: Has CAF itself not been political about this decision?
The decision remains mind-boggling, as it is not clear whether CAF rates the CAN way above the human lives that were lost.
That is why we cannot but side with ECOWAS when its outgoing President, Dr Mohammed Ibn Chambas, stated in his address that “in the face of the tragic loss of life and injuries sustained in the terrorist attack against the team, we are at a loss to understand the suspension of Togo from CAF for the next four years”.
While commending ECOWAS for its efforts to amicably resolve the matter, the Daily Graphic also urges CAF to soften its stance.
It must not be seen as being insensitive and we join ECOWAS in asking the continental football governing body to “show compassion and review and rescind its decision to suspend Togo” for the sake of the game.
The decision — a ban from two CAN tournaments and a fine of $50,000 imposed on the Togo national team — has already received widespread condemnation from varied groups and individuals as an insensitive action on the part of CAF.
However, the show of support and solidarity by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) at its 37th Summit in Abuja, Nigeria, earlier in the week should reassure the people of Togo that they have not been left on their own to seek redress.
Last week, Togo lodged an appeal against CAF at the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS) and yesterday the Switzerland-based arbitration group dismissed an initial case that Togo be included in the draw for the CAN 2012 qualifiers to be held in Lubumbashi, Congo, today.
The CAS, however, said the substantive case would be heard in August and, should Togo win that case, it will be given the opportunity to be part of the qualifiers.
Unless steps are taken immediately to resolve this issue, it will be a dangerous rift. This is why the Daily Graphic lauds ECOWAS for its decision to mediate to resolve the impasse.
Indeed, this is not the time to go into the merits and demerits of the pull-out by Togo and the reaction from CAF, but suffice it to say that the unfortunate rebel attack on the Togolese team in the Cabinda District just a day to the start of the tournament left three people — an Angolan driver and two Togolese officials — dead.
At the moment, a fourth person, the second goalkeeper who survived bullet wounds, is still in a South African hospital recuperating.
Under the circumstances, and given the harrowing ordeal, anybody would have done what the Togolese did — withdraw from the tournament.
Instead of showing concern and commiserating with the Togolese about their tragic loss, the CAF Executive Committee decided to enforce a law that seeks to punish a team that pulls out of a CAF-organised competition.
Does the rule not give reprieve for those who, through no fault of theirs, cannot honour a match? In this case, was Togo’s case not a force majeur?
CAF frowns on political interference and, indeed, it cited the decision by the Togolese government to withdraw the team from the competition as the main reason such a harsh punitive measure was taken. But the Daily Graphic dares to ask: Has CAF itself not been political about this decision?
The decision remains mind-boggling, as it is not clear whether CAF rates the CAN way above the human lives that were lost.
That is why we cannot but side with ECOWAS when its outgoing President, Dr Mohammed Ibn Chambas, stated in his address that “in the face of the tragic loss of life and injuries sustained in the terrorist attack against the team, we are at a loss to understand the suspension of Togo from CAF for the next four years”.
While commending ECOWAS for its efforts to amicably resolve the matter, the Daily Graphic also urges CAF to soften its stance.
It must not be seen as being insensitive and we join ECOWAS in asking the continental football governing body to “show compassion and review and rescind its decision to suspend Togo” for the sake of the game.
MAKING AGRICULTURE ATTRACTIVE (FEB 19, 2010)
Ghana's economy is largely reliant on agricultural or commodity output for its survival, as about 60 per cent of the population are rural based and their main pre-occupation is farming.
Since independence, the structure of our economy has not changed much, although there has been talk about diversifying it.
The focus of the diversification is on non-traditional exports and tourism products, instead of our reliance on gold, cocoa and timber.
Over the past years, non-traditional exports have raked in more than US$1 billion in revenue per annum. All this has been on the back of the growing need to support the agricultural sector.
It is with this knowledge in mind that the Daily Graphic has taken note of the dwindling number of students offering to study Agriculture in the country’s tertiary institutions, a development which, if not checked, will derail our economic progress.
This was made known by four university lecturers, apparently alarmed at the trend, who claimed that if the trend was not checked, it could have serious repercussions on food security, as reported in the Thursday, February 18, 2010 edition of the Daily Graphic.
In times past, farmers were considered among the top on the social ladder and accorded some dignity. Unfortunately, through a combination of factors, such as the lack of policy direction and support for the sector, as well as the negative perception of farmers as poor people, the sector has become unattractive to especially the youth.
The Daily Graphic is, therefore, not surprised that the current perception about agricultural studies leading the graduate to become a farmer does not motivate parents to encourage their children to pursue further education in Agriculture.
The poor state of agriculture can be attributed to the lack of finance and technology to improve yields and the myriad of problems that hamper farmers from breaking the poverty barrier.
Furthermore, the lack of a ready market for agricultural produce does not encourage increased productivity and motivate the youth to take to the land.
But can a nation do without its farmers? Ghana has been at the receiving end of imports flooding our markets, from chicken thighs, wings and tails to turkey tails. Lately, tomatoes are imported from Burkina Faso, where the rainfall pattern does not encourage increased agricultural productivity.
The Daily Graphic, therefore, joins all well-meaning people in the call for pragmatic steps to stem this trend, as it has the potential to undermine our economic development and perpetuate the country's dependency syndrome.
Beyond the National Farmers Day celebration, which seeks, to some extent, to project the image of farming in the country, we need to set out clear policies to address the numerous challenges confronting the agricultural sector.
The Daily Graphic acknowledges the efforts by the Minister of Food and Agriculture to make the sector more attractive, but the actions must be stepped up to achieve the desired results.
It is only when these young people see an image of farming as a vocation that offers security for the future that both parents and students would want to be associated with the sector.
Indeed, agriculture now is more scientific than it was some few decades ago but, unfortunately, we still have images of the machete and the hoe representing our farmers and that is not attractive enough.
We commend Finatrade Foundation for its continued support for the training of Agriculture students in the country in the hope that this intervention will provide the necessary stimulus for increased Agricultural productivity.
Since independence, the structure of our economy has not changed much, although there has been talk about diversifying it.
The focus of the diversification is on non-traditional exports and tourism products, instead of our reliance on gold, cocoa and timber.
Over the past years, non-traditional exports have raked in more than US$1 billion in revenue per annum. All this has been on the back of the growing need to support the agricultural sector.
It is with this knowledge in mind that the Daily Graphic has taken note of the dwindling number of students offering to study Agriculture in the country’s tertiary institutions, a development which, if not checked, will derail our economic progress.
This was made known by four university lecturers, apparently alarmed at the trend, who claimed that if the trend was not checked, it could have serious repercussions on food security, as reported in the Thursday, February 18, 2010 edition of the Daily Graphic.
In times past, farmers were considered among the top on the social ladder and accorded some dignity. Unfortunately, through a combination of factors, such as the lack of policy direction and support for the sector, as well as the negative perception of farmers as poor people, the sector has become unattractive to especially the youth.
The Daily Graphic is, therefore, not surprised that the current perception about agricultural studies leading the graduate to become a farmer does not motivate parents to encourage their children to pursue further education in Agriculture.
The poor state of agriculture can be attributed to the lack of finance and technology to improve yields and the myriad of problems that hamper farmers from breaking the poverty barrier.
Furthermore, the lack of a ready market for agricultural produce does not encourage increased productivity and motivate the youth to take to the land.
But can a nation do without its farmers? Ghana has been at the receiving end of imports flooding our markets, from chicken thighs, wings and tails to turkey tails. Lately, tomatoes are imported from Burkina Faso, where the rainfall pattern does not encourage increased agricultural productivity.
The Daily Graphic, therefore, joins all well-meaning people in the call for pragmatic steps to stem this trend, as it has the potential to undermine our economic development and perpetuate the country's dependency syndrome.
Beyond the National Farmers Day celebration, which seeks, to some extent, to project the image of farming in the country, we need to set out clear policies to address the numerous challenges confronting the agricultural sector.
The Daily Graphic acknowledges the efforts by the Minister of Food and Agriculture to make the sector more attractive, but the actions must be stepped up to achieve the desired results.
It is only when these young people see an image of farming as a vocation that offers security for the future that both parents and students would want to be associated with the sector.
Indeed, agriculture now is more scientific than it was some few decades ago but, unfortunately, we still have images of the machete and the hoe representing our farmers and that is not attractive enough.
We commend Finatrade Foundation for its continued support for the training of Agriculture students in the country in the hope that this intervention will provide the necessary stimulus for increased Agricultural productivity.
ENSURING TRANSPARENCY IN PUBLIC FINANCE
INTERESTING revelations are emerging from the ongoing public sittings of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Parliament about the way state institutions are run in this country.
While some of these disclosures have only come to confirm already held perceptions about state and public institutions, others have challenged earlier notions and established new ones.
The general effect, however, is that over the years, the public sittings of the PAC have become popular and effective vehicles through which the public gets an insight into the management (or mismanagement) of our public institutions.
With emphasis on financial administration, record keeping and auditing, the platform has provided those institutions whose operations fall within the ambit of the Auditor-General to be accountable to Members of Parliament and the masses they represent.
As effective as this has been in the national endeavour to improve accountability and transparency in governance, there is one observation which the DAILY GRAPHIC believes, if addressed, will further enhance the role of the PAC in its efforts to deal with some of the systemic hurdles being exposed.
It has to do with the timing of the reports which form the basis of the interrogation.
At the current sitting, the Auditor-General’s Report being discussed is for the 2004/2005 fiscal year, a clear five or six years late and when most of the key decision takers then may not be those dealing with the issues now.
We are not in a position now to tell whether the delay was caused by the Auditor-General or the legislators. But it is our view that a 2004 action being discussed in 2010 is bound to lose some of the essential personalities and elements that would otherwise have made the issues involved more relevant.
Although we are not in a position to apportion blame, the Constitution states in clear terms in Article 187 Clause 5 when the report on the public accounts of Ghana should be presented to Parliament.
It states, “The Auditor-General shall, within six months after the end of the immediately preceding year to which each of the accounts mentioned in Clause (2) of this article relates, submit his report to Parliament and shall, in that report, draw attention to any irregularities in the accounts audited and to any other matter which in his opinion ought to be brought to the notice of Parliament.”
Some time ago, the work of the PAC was stalled when the authority of the former Auditor-General was challenged.
The DAILY GRAPHIC thinks that now that the issue has been addressed with the appointment of an acting Auditor-General, the audit of public accounts will be sped up to bring the accounts of state institutions up to date.
We urge the Auditor-General to accord this exercise the needed attention to achieve transparency in the management of public accounts in the country.
While some of these disclosures have only come to confirm already held perceptions about state and public institutions, others have challenged earlier notions and established new ones.
The general effect, however, is that over the years, the public sittings of the PAC have become popular and effective vehicles through which the public gets an insight into the management (or mismanagement) of our public institutions.
With emphasis on financial administration, record keeping and auditing, the platform has provided those institutions whose operations fall within the ambit of the Auditor-General to be accountable to Members of Parliament and the masses they represent.
As effective as this has been in the national endeavour to improve accountability and transparency in governance, there is one observation which the DAILY GRAPHIC believes, if addressed, will further enhance the role of the PAC in its efforts to deal with some of the systemic hurdles being exposed.
It has to do with the timing of the reports which form the basis of the interrogation.
At the current sitting, the Auditor-General’s Report being discussed is for the 2004/2005 fiscal year, a clear five or six years late and when most of the key decision takers then may not be those dealing with the issues now.
We are not in a position now to tell whether the delay was caused by the Auditor-General or the legislators. But it is our view that a 2004 action being discussed in 2010 is bound to lose some of the essential personalities and elements that would otherwise have made the issues involved more relevant.
Although we are not in a position to apportion blame, the Constitution states in clear terms in Article 187 Clause 5 when the report on the public accounts of Ghana should be presented to Parliament.
It states, “The Auditor-General shall, within six months after the end of the immediately preceding year to which each of the accounts mentioned in Clause (2) of this article relates, submit his report to Parliament and shall, in that report, draw attention to any irregularities in the accounts audited and to any other matter which in his opinion ought to be brought to the notice of Parliament.”
Some time ago, the work of the PAC was stalled when the authority of the former Auditor-General was challenged.
The DAILY GRAPHIC thinks that now that the issue has been addressed with the appointment of an acting Auditor-General, the audit of public accounts will be sped up to bring the accounts of state institutions up to date.
We urge the Auditor-General to accord this exercise the needed attention to achieve transparency in the management of public accounts in the country.
FIGHTING THE NOISE MENACE (FEB 16, 2010)
THE Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) has served notice that it has teeth to bite those who breach its bye-laws. It says its task force will soon embark on an exercise to arrest recalcitrant noise polluters.
The assembly has been pushed to take this action because noise pollution has become a major problem facing many residents of the national capital, including places which are regarded as first-class residential areas.
It is clear that many residents are ignorant of the permissible noise levels in their areas.
A statement issued by the AMA categorically stated that the equipment used by offenders would be seized, while they would further be prosecuted in accordance with Section 28 of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Act 490 and AMA bye-laws on the abatement of noise nuisance.
Although the action of the AMA comes late in the day, it should be commended.
Noise pollution has reached unbearable levels in the capital and, according to the AMA, more than 100 complaints on noise nuisance were lodged with the Metropolitan Public Health Department in 2009.
A high percentage of those complaints were about the high levels of noise-making by churches, most of which operated without permits.
The other complaints were against drinking spots, night-clubs, restaurants, musical CD and VCD selling shops, electric power generators and other commercial activities.
A more recent and disturbing phenomenon is the activities of vendors of cassettes, VCDs and DVDs who ply their trade in moving vehicles with huge loud speakers blaring loud music to disturb members of the public.
Besides the discomfort of noise pollution on residents, health experts also say it has numerous health implications. Exposure to loud noise causes stress, hypertension, hearing impairment, among other medical conditions.
Others who get exposed to excessive noise pollution also risk hearing loss, especially for people above 60.
Noise pollution causes sleep disturbances, a situation which can result in fatigue, psychological and mental disorders, interference with task performance and generates annoyance among people.
The Daily Graphic, therefore, associates itself with the move by the AMA to curb this menace.
We hope, however, that this latest move by the AMA will not be a nine days’ wonder because similar efforts in the past yielded very little by way of result.
It must be noted that the EPA has organised a series of educational activities to sensitise the public to the negative effects of exposure to loud noise but to no avail.
It has even gone further to procure noise meters which calibrate noise and provide noise level guidelines during the day and night.
The problem with our country is our inability to enforce regulations. We are faced with challenges in most spheres of our national life because those who have been empowered to act look on in helpless amazement as a few lawless elements take law-abiding citizens to ransom.
It is common knowledge that certain activities of commercial nature are not to be tolerated in residential areas but the city authorities are not able to enforce its bye-laws. This time around, it is hoped the AMA will be able to police its own regulations.
We urge the public to heed the AMA’s call that anybody experiencing noise nuisance in any neighbourhood should contact the Metro Public Health Department of the assembly at Adjabeng for swift action.
This will ensure the success of the AMA’s exercise to reduce the escalating noise levels in the city.
The assembly has been pushed to take this action because noise pollution has become a major problem facing many residents of the national capital, including places which are regarded as first-class residential areas.
It is clear that many residents are ignorant of the permissible noise levels in their areas.
A statement issued by the AMA categorically stated that the equipment used by offenders would be seized, while they would further be prosecuted in accordance with Section 28 of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Act 490 and AMA bye-laws on the abatement of noise nuisance.
Although the action of the AMA comes late in the day, it should be commended.
Noise pollution has reached unbearable levels in the capital and, according to the AMA, more than 100 complaints on noise nuisance were lodged with the Metropolitan Public Health Department in 2009.
A high percentage of those complaints were about the high levels of noise-making by churches, most of which operated without permits.
The other complaints were against drinking spots, night-clubs, restaurants, musical CD and VCD selling shops, electric power generators and other commercial activities.
A more recent and disturbing phenomenon is the activities of vendors of cassettes, VCDs and DVDs who ply their trade in moving vehicles with huge loud speakers blaring loud music to disturb members of the public.
Besides the discomfort of noise pollution on residents, health experts also say it has numerous health implications. Exposure to loud noise causes stress, hypertension, hearing impairment, among other medical conditions.
Others who get exposed to excessive noise pollution also risk hearing loss, especially for people above 60.
Noise pollution causes sleep disturbances, a situation which can result in fatigue, psychological and mental disorders, interference with task performance and generates annoyance among people.
The Daily Graphic, therefore, associates itself with the move by the AMA to curb this menace.
We hope, however, that this latest move by the AMA will not be a nine days’ wonder because similar efforts in the past yielded very little by way of result.
It must be noted that the EPA has organised a series of educational activities to sensitise the public to the negative effects of exposure to loud noise but to no avail.
It has even gone further to procure noise meters which calibrate noise and provide noise level guidelines during the day and night.
The problem with our country is our inability to enforce regulations. We are faced with challenges in most spheres of our national life because those who have been empowered to act look on in helpless amazement as a few lawless elements take law-abiding citizens to ransom.
It is common knowledge that certain activities of commercial nature are not to be tolerated in residential areas but the city authorities are not able to enforce its bye-laws. This time around, it is hoped the AMA will be able to police its own regulations.
We urge the public to heed the AMA’s call that anybody experiencing noise nuisance in any neighbourhood should contact the Metro Public Health Department of the assembly at Adjabeng for swift action.
This will ensure the success of the AMA’s exercise to reduce the escalating noise levels in the city.
OUR SYMPATHIES TO GO JJ, FAMILY (FEB 15, 2010)
TRAGEDY struck the nation yesterday when fire gutted the residence of former President J. J. Rawlings.
Scores of sympathisers besieged the residence of the former First Family minutes after news broke that a blazing fire was destroying the property of the Rawlingses in their home at Ridge in Accra.
Many people have expressed shock at the fire outbreak, whose source was unclear but believed to have been caused by the intermittent power outages that heralded the downpour at dawn yesterday.
People from all walks of life trooped to the residence to console former President Rawlings and his family because the fire could have been fatal, judging from the havoc it caused to the entire building.
The nation must thank God that despite the devastating nature of the fire, nothing happened to the former First Lady, Nana Konadu Agyeman Rawlings, and her daughter who were in the house when the fire started.
The material possessions such as clothing, furniture and electronic gadgets that were destroyed can be replaced but the many priceless documents that were lost are irreplaceable.
Former President Rawlings, having ruled Ghana for more than 19 years, must be in possession of documents on his dealings with other world leaders during his tenure as Head of State but all those, including memorable pictures, are lost forever.
The Daily Graphic prays that discussions on this painful experience of the former first couple will not be clothed in political polemics but seen purely as a disaster with national consequences.
We think former President Rawlings’s persona was on display when he said to the press, “We came without, we will go without.”
Although there is no information about poor response from the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) to the distress call from the former first couple’s residence, it appears a lot more has to be done to deal with fire outbreaks more decisively.
Anytime personnel of the GNFS try to bring fire under control, they are able to do so only after it has caused considerable damage to property and, in some cases, lives are lost.
The Daily Graphic recalls the fire disaster that struck key national institutions such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs building in Accra and the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR). The effects of these fires on national resources are legion.
We are not too pleased with the tendency to conduct post mortem after these national calamities because what is lost cannot be replaced.
The Daily Graphic thinks that in tune with the popular saying, “Prevention is better than cure”, our institutions of state should guard against the “what-went-wrong syndrome” and work hard to be on top of their mandate.
The needs of the GNFS have been relegated to the background for far too long, although it is a key institution to promote development and progress. Until disaster strikes, we do not value the importance of certain institutions such as the GNFS because the funds allocated to them in the budget are woefully inadequate.
Our economy is expanding, along with the erection of many buildings to house banks, hotels and offices, and yet the GNFS and the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) are not being empowered enough to deal with tragedies when they occur.
The Daily Graphic believes that if we consider the work of the GNFS as key to our development agenda, we shall not sit down unconcerned while statutory authorities seal most of the service’s water hydrants, a key tool for fire fighting.
We call on the government to equip the GNFS with all the tools necessary for it to discharge its duties more effectively.
While the state looks for alternative accommodation for former President Rawlings and his family, the Daily Graphic expresses its heartfelt sympathies to the former First Family and pray that God will give them the strength to withstand the agony caused by the fire.
Scores of sympathisers besieged the residence of the former First Family minutes after news broke that a blazing fire was destroying the property of the Rawlingses in their home at Ridge in Accra.
Many people have expressed shock at the fire outbreak, whose source was unclear but believed to have been caused by the intermittent power outages that heralded the downpour at dawn yesterday.
People from all walks of life trooped to the residence to console former President Rawlings and his family because the fire could have been fatal, judging from the havoc it caused to the entire building.
The nation must thank God that despite the devastating nature of the fire, nothing happened to the former First Lady, Nana Konadu Agyeman Rawlings, and her daughter who were in the house when the fire started.
The material possessions such as clothing, furniture and electronic gadgets that were destroyed can be replaced but the many priceless documents that were lost are irreplaceable.
Former President Rawlings, having ruled Ghana for more than 19 years, must be in possession of documents on his dealings with other world leaders during his tenure as Head of State but all those, including memorable pictures, are lost forever.
The Daily Graphic prays that discussions on this painful experience of the former first couple will not be clothed in political polemics but seen purely as a disaster with national consequences.
We think former President Rawlings’s persona was on display when he said to the press, “We came without, we will go without.”
Although there is no information about poor response from the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) to the distress call from the former first couple’s residence, it appears a lot more has to be done to deal with fire outbreaks more decisively.
Anytime personnel of the GNFS try to bring fire under control, they are able to do so only after it has caused considerable damage to property and, in some cases, lives are lost.
The Daily Graphic recalls the fire disaster that struck key national institutions such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs building in Accra and the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR). The effects of these fires on national resources are legion.
We are not too pleased with the tendency to conduct post mortem after these national calamities because what is lost cannot be replaced.
The Daily Graphic thinks that in tune with the popular saying, “Prevention is better than cure”, our institutions of state should guard against the “what-went-wrong syndrome” and work hard to be on top of their mandate.
The needs of the GNFS have been relegated to the background for far too long, although it is a key institution to promote development and progress. Until disaster strikes, we do not value the importance of certain institutions such as the GNFS because the funds allocated to them in the budget are woefully inadequate.
Our economy is expanding, along with the erection of many buildings to house banks, hotels and offices, and yet the GNFS and the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) are not being empowered enough to deal with tragedies when they occur.
The Daily Graphic believes that if we consider the work of the GNFS as key to our development agenda, we shall not sit down unconcerned while statutory authorities seal most of the service’s water hydrants, a key tool for fire fighting.
We call on the government to equip the GNFS with all the tools necessary for it to discharge its duties more effectively.
While the state looks for alternative accommodation for former President Rawlings and his family, the Daily Graphic expresses its heartfelt sympathies to the former First Family and pray that God will give them the strength to withstand the agony caused by the fire.
AVOIDING DUPLICATION OF DUTIES (FEB 13, 2010)
THE Minister of Education, Mr Alex Tettey-Enyo, told Parliament last Tuesday that his ministry was in the process of establishing an Independent National Inspectorate Board (INIB) to strengthen supervision and improve education delivery in basic schools.
He added that interviews were being conducted to recruit a chief inspector, two deputies and supporting staff to run the inspectorate board in Accra.
We do not contest the fact that a nation’s human resource is its greatest asset. Therefore, every effort that seeks to strengthen the educational system, especially at the basic level, is laudable.
However, in a situation where, as the minister himself acknowledged, there is already an Inspectorate Division at the Ghana Education Service (GES) which, in the good old days, performed its duties to satisfaction, we think the setting up of the INIB is superfluous.
This is especially so when viewed against the backdrop that the two bodies — the Inspectorate Division of the GES and the INIB — are going to work independently of each other.
While it is obvious that standards in public basic schools have fallen over the years and while the lack of proper supervision at that level can partly be blamed for that sad situation, certainly the solution does not lie in duplicating functions at the Ministry of Education.
The DAILY GRAPHIC is of the firm belief that the Inspectorate Division of the GES, if adequately resourced, will live up to its responsibilities.
Mr Tettey-Enyo told Parliament that the ministry was improving the mobility of circuit supervisors with the supply of motorbikes, as well as strengthening the capacity of the district directorates by providing them with vehicles to carry out school monitoring and inspection.
The question we ask is: If all these are being done, why set up another independent body to perform the same function of inspecting and monitoring schools?
We recall with a lot of nostalgia the era when school inspectors visited schools unannounced to check on both teaching and administration. Even at that time, the inspectors had their own vehicles which made them very mobile.
That was then. Now, in spite of the good roads we have and the advancement in technology, supervisors complain of lack of vehicles and other logistics to carry out their basic duties.
The time has come for us, as a country, to keep systems which helped us in the past running, so that those systems can continue to serve the nation. It is good to have institutions, but those institutions run on systems and so any systemic failure is bound to cripple the institutions.
The greatest stakeholder in education, the teacher, also needs to be factored into the equation if our aim is to raise standards at the basic school level.
It is common knowledge that in our communities teachers are no longer given the respect they were given in times past. They are treated, instead, with contempt by both pupils and parents. While we don’t think teachers are angels, we are of the belief that if the trend is reversed, we would have surmounted a great hurdle.
The DAILY GRAPHIC thinks it is high time teachers were accorded all the respect they more than deserve, so that they can give of their best.
Then, and only then, will they deliver on their mandate to raise the standard of education at the basic level.
He added that interviews were being conducted to recruit a chief inspector, two deputies and supporting staff to run the inspectorate board in Accra.
We do not contest the fact that a nation’s human resource is its greatest asset. Therefore, every effort that seeks to strengthen the educational system, especially at the basic level, is laudable.
However, in a situation where, as the minister himself acknowledged, there is already an Inspectorate Division at the Ghana Education Service (GES) which, in the good old days, performed its duties to satisfaction, we think the setting up of the INIB is superfluous.
This is especially so when viewed against the backdrop that the two bodies — the Inspectorate Division of the GES and the INIB — are going to work independently of each other.
While it is obvious that standards in public basic schools have fallen over the years and while the lack of proper supervision at that level can partly be blamed for that sad situation, certainly the solution does not lie in duplicating functions at the Ministry of Education.
The DAILY GRAPHIC is of the firm belief that the Inspectorate Division of the GES, if adequately resourced, will live up to its responsibilities.
Mr Tettey-Enyo told Parliament that the ministry was improving the mobility of circuit supervisors with the supply of motorbikes, as well as strengthening the capacity of the district directorates by providing them with vehicles to carry out school monitoring and inspection.
The question we ask is: If all these are being done, why set up another independent body to perform the same function of inspecting and monitoring schools?
We recall with a lot of nostalgia the era when school inspectors visited schools unannounced to check on both teaching and administration. Even at that time, the inspectors had their own vehicles which made them very mobile.
That was then. Now, in spite of the good roads we have and the advancement in technology, supervisors complain of lack of vehicles and other logistics to carry out their basic duties.
The time has come for us, as a country, to keep systems which helped us in the past running, so that those systems can continue to serve the nation. It is good to have institutions, but those institutions run on systems and so any systemic failure is bound to cripple the institutions.
The greatest stakeholder in education, the teacher, also needs to be factored into the equation if our aim is to raise standards at the basic school level.
It is common knowledge that in our communities teachers are no longer given the respect they were given in times past. They are treated, instead, with contempt by both pupils and parents. While we don’t think teachers are angels, we are of the belief that if the trend is reversed, we would have surmounted a great hurdle.
The DAILY GRAPHIC thinks it is high time teachers were accorded all the respect they more than deserve, so that they can give of their best.
Then, and only then, will they deliver on their mandate to raise the standard of education at the basic level.
LET'S MAINTAIN STANDARDS (FEB 12, 2010)
OVER the past two days, the vetting of persons designated by the President for ministerial appointment has brought to the fore the role of Parliament as one of the key arms of government, besides the Executive and the Judiciary.
The key drivers of a functioning democratic system include an independent Legislature, a fearless Judiciary that will serve as a bulwark against Executive action and an overbearing Legislature, a free and responsible media and active civil society organisations.
Democratic practice can only endure and engender civil liberties and development when the people, through their elected representatives, can hold the Executive accountable to the electorate.
Checks and balances will not work if governance institutions decide to 'play ball' and rubber-stamp decisions emanating from each of the arms of government, even if they are detrimental to the welfare of the people.
It is for this reason that events in Parliament House attract the patronage of members of the public.
The vetting by Parliament of persons nominated for ministerial positions at any point in time is full of anxiety, excitement and tension. It is in this vein that many Ghanaians besiege Parliament House to find out how newly nominated ministers of state will fare during the vetting process.
The much-anticipated heat that characterises such exercises was completely missing last Wednesday when four ministers designate appeared before the Appointments Committee, as some of them were made to walk away without the scrutiny associated with the vetting of ministers.
The vetting of the Majority Leader in Parliament and nominee for the position of Minister of Water Resources, Works and Housing, Mr Alban Bagbin; the Minister of Employment and Social Welfare designate, Mr E.T. Mensah, and the Minister of Information designate, Mr John Akologo Tia, had been expected to be heated but it was not to be, as the three gentlemen almost had a ‘walkover'.
Many members of the public watched in disbelief the casual manner in which our parliamentarians approached the very important national exercise of vetting our ministers of state designate.
The effectiveness of the machinery of state will depend on how our parliamentarians conduct their activities in an independent manner. This way, they will be in a better position to scrutinise the activities of the other arms of government.
It must be reiterated that our Parliament serves as a check on the Executive arm of government. Parliament holds the purse strings of the government. It also makes the necessary laws to regulate our activities, both domestic and international, and ratifies agreements, as well as international contracts.
Parliament must support the process of nation building by helping the Executive to put together the right team to lead the crusade to fight poverty, squalor, disease, hunger, deprivation and the numerous challenges facing the country.
The Daily Graphic thinks the invasion of the public gallery by so-called supporters and sympathisers of would-be ministers does not create the conducive atmosphere for the business of the House.
We also want to suggest to Parliament to look at its regulations again so that MPs who are nominated to serve as ministers of state do no also sit on the Appointments Committee.
The Daily Graphic has no doubt about the competence and capabilities of our honourable men and women in Parliament but we feel that in the discharge of their duties they should not leave any doubt in the minds of the people about their concern for the plight of the electorate.
The key drivers of a functioning democratic system include an independent Legislature, a fearless Judiciary that will serve as a bulwark against Executive action and an overbearing Legislature, a free and responsible media and active civil society organisations.
Democratic practice can only endure and engender civil liberties and development when the people, through their elected representatives, can hold the Executive accountable to the electorate.
Checks and balances will not work if governance institutions decide to 'play ball' and rubber-stamp decisions emanating from each of the arms of government, even if they are detrimental to the welfare of the people.
It is for this reason that events in Parliament House attract the patronage of members of the public.
The vetting by Parliament of persons nominated for ministerial positions at any point in time is full of anxiety, excitement and tension. It is in this vein that many Ghanaians besiege Parliament House to find out how newly nominated ministers of state will fare during the vetting process.
The much-anticipated heat that characterises such exercises was completely missing last Wednesday when four ministers designate appeared before the Appointments Committee, as some of them were made to walk away without the scrutiny associated with the vetting of ministers.
The vetting of the Majority Leader in Parliament and nominee for the position of Minister of Water Resources, Works and Housing, Mr Alban Bagbin; the Minister of Employment and Social Welfare designate, Mr E.T. Mensah, and the Minister of Information designate, Mr John Akologo Tia, had been expected to be heated but it was not to be, as the three gentlemen almost had a ‘walkover'.
Many members of the public watched in disbelief the casual manner in which our parliamentarians approached the very important national exercise of vetting our ministers of state designate.
The effectiveness of the machinery of state will depend on how our parliamentarians conduct their activities in an independent manner. This way, they will be in a better position to scrutinise the activities of the other arms of government.
It must be reiterated that our Parliament serves as a check on the Executive arm of government. Parliament holds the purse strings of the government. It also makes the necessary laws to regulate our activities, both domestic and international, and ratifies agreements, as well as international contracts.
Parliament must support the process of nation building by helping the Executive to put together the right team to lead the crusade to fight poverty, squalor, disease, hunger, deprivation and the numerous challenges facing the country.
The Daily Graphic thinks the invasion of the public gallery by so-called supporters and sympathisers of would-be ministers does not create the conducive atmosphere for the business of the House.
We also want to suggest to Parliament to look at its regulations again so that MPs who are nominated to serve as ministers of state do no also sit on the Appointments Committee.
The Daily Graphic has no doubt about the competence and capabilities of our honourable men and women in Parliament but we feel that in the discharge of their duties they should not leave any doubt in the minds of the people about their concern for the plight of the electorate.
RESOLVING THE DEV DILLEMMA (FEB 11, 2010)
Many countries are engaged in a paradigm shift in the development of their societies, with focus on the well-being of the people. Many years ago, a country was said to be developed if it had physical structures such as skyscrapers, beautiful roads, airports, seaports and other material things.
Simply put, development is about people; that is, every development plan must target the people and ensure that they are lifted from the quagmire of poverty into a state of well-being.
In the middle of the last century, many African countries fought for self rule. These countries succeeded in their efforts to gain political freedom but the economic direction of those countries were still dictated by their colonial masters.
The DAILY GRAPHIC believes that in spite of the development dilemma facing the various governments on the continent, they are trying hard to initiate the processes that will end the suffering of the people.
We, however, urge our governments to re-focus on their development agenda so that the menace of disease, disaster, despair and death that have become the lot of many people on the continent will be things of the past.
Indeed, there are many positive attributes on the African continent that we can build on to leverage our development aspirations to achieve standards comparable to living conditions in the so-called advanced societies.
The DAILY GRAPHIC agrees with the statement President J.E.A. Mills made at the opening of the 7th African Economic Forum in Accra on Tuesday that “the era of political emancipation in Africa is over and now is the time to lift the people out of the quagmire of poverty”.
Unfortunately, as a continent, we have for far too long relied on economic action plans that are alien to our environment and so instead of accelerating the development process, these policies have retarded our progress.
The DAILY GRAPHIC thinks the time has come for African governments to look within and fashion out solutions to the development challenges facing the continent. The culture, biases and needs of Africans are different from those who live outside the continent and it is only prudent that we end our dependence on foreign donors for our survival.
We concede that Africa cannot be an island onto itself, but we should be seeking partnership with the rest of the world, instead of our dependence on them to provide for our needs.
There is abundance of arable land and other resources on the African continent and there is absolutely no reason African governments should go cup in hand begging for food handouts in the midst of plenty.
The DAILY GRAPHIC believes that all that we need now is a partnership of all African governments in the exploitation of the resources of the continent for the betterment of the people.
Africa has been liberated but the freedom will be meaningful only if the opportunities can help us to overcome the challenges of disease, poverty and squalor that bedevil the continent.
Simply put, development is about people; that is, every development plan must target the people and ensure that they are lifted from the quagmire of poverty into a state of well-being.
In the middle of the last century, many African countries fought for self rule. These countries succeeded in their efforts to gain political freedom but the economic direction of those countries were still dictated by their colonial masters.
The DAILY GRAPHIC believes that in spite of the development dilemma facing the various governments on the continent, they are trying hard to initiate the processes that will end the suffering of the people.
We, however, urge our governments to re-focus on their development agenda so that the menace of disease, disaster, despair and death that have become the lot of many people on the continent will be things of the past.
Indeed, there are many positive attributes on the African continent that we can build on to leverage our development aspirations to achieve standards comparable to living conditions in the so-called advanced societies.
The DAILY GRAPHIC agrees with the statement President J.E.A. Mills made at the opening of the 7th African Economic Forum in Accra on Tuesday that “the era of political emancipation in Africa is over and now is the time to lift the people out of the quagmire of poverty”.
Unfortunately, as a continent, we have for far too long relied on economic action plans that are alien to our environment and so instead of accelerating the development process, these policies have retarded our progress.
The DAILY GRAPHIC thinks the time has come for African governments to look within and fashion out solutions to the development challenges facing the continent. The culture, biases and needs of Africans are different from those who live outside the continent and it is only prudent that we end our dependence on foreign donors for our survival.
We concede that Africa cannot be an island onto itself, but we should be seeking partnership with the rest of the world, instead of our dependence on them to provide for our needs.
There is abundance of arable land and other resources on the African continent and there is absolutely no reason African governments should go cup in hand begging for food handouts in the midst of plenty.
The DAILY GRAPHIC believes that all that we need now is a partnership of all African governments in the exploitation of the resources of the continent for the betterment of the people.
Africa has been liberated but the freedom will be meaningful only if the opportunities can help us to overcome the challenges of disease, poverty and squalor that bedevil the continent.
RESPECT RIGHTS OF INMATES (FEB 10, 2010)
Governance and human rights advocates are alarmed at the appalling conditions in the country’s police cells and prisons.
The dehumanising conditions in the structures for keeping suspected criminals should stir decision makers into action to reverse the anomaly.
Several commissions have been tasked to review the penal system so that our prisons and police cells do not become centres of retribution but for reformation.
The Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) and the Ghana Prisons Service have drawn public attention to the plight of prisoners to whip up support for actions to address the myriad of problems in the justice delivery system.
Some ex-convicts who had a brush with the law and found themselves in one of the country’s prisons have advocated the need for urgent action to support reforms in the penal system.
No wonder the country’s conscience was once again pricked on Monday following the death of two remand inmates through suffocation at the Ashiaman Police cells.
But, interestingly, the Ghana Police Service, in a knee-jerk reaction, has commenced a cell audit to decongest cells in the country, as if to say that the congestion started a few days ago or that there has not been any such audit before.
The Daily Graphic can vouch that characteristic of our behaviour, the recommendations of this audit will lie on the shelves, only for another calamity to befall us before we wake up from our slumber.
It is inhuman for any person to lock up 45 inmates in a cell that is meant for only 10 people. The Constitution guarantees the rights of even prison inmates and the same Constitution provides that suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty. Indeed, even convicts have the right to life unless the death sentence has been imposed on them.
We should hold those in charge of the penal system accountable for the avoidable deaths in police cells.
The conditions in the prisons and police cells should spur us on to act because many of the inmates have been on remand for well over 10 years without any charges being preferred against them.
All over the world, the penal system is meant to help suspected criminals and convicts to reform and come back to integrate themselves into society to contribute their quota to nation building.
The Daily Graphic calls on the government to take the bull by the horns and reform the system to help the inmates live in a more humane environment.
We also call on all the stakeholders to respect the constitutional obligation that enjoins prosecutors to put suspected criminals on trial within the stipulated 48 hours after their arrest.
The Daily Graphic urges the police to attach more importance to the cell audit to address, once and for all, the challenges caused by congestion in the cells.
Yes, resources are scarce, but nothing ever gets accomplished if we are not committed to the cause of reforming the penal system.
We urge the stakeholders to support the police in their efforts to make the cells more accommodating of the rights of suspected criminals.
The dehumanising conditions in the structures for keeping suspected criminals should stir decision makers into action to reverse the anomaly.
Several commissions have been tasked to review the penal system so that our prisons and police cells do not become centres of retribution but for reformation.
The Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) and the Ghana Prisons Service have drawn public attention to the plight of prisoners to whip up support for actions to address the myriad of problems in the justice delivery system.
Some ex-convicts who had a brush with the law and found themselves in one of the country’s prisons have advocated the need for urgent action to support reforms in the penal system.
No wonder the country’s conscience was once again pricked on Monday following the death of two remand inmates through suffocation at the Ashiaman Police cells.
But, interestingly, the Ghana Police Service, in a knee-jerk reaction, has commenced a cell audit to decongest cells in the country, as if to say that the congestion started a few days ago or that there has not been any such audit before.
The Daily Graphic can vouch that characteristic of our behaviour, the recommendations of this audit will lie on the shelves, only for another calamity to befall us before we wake up from our slumber.
It is inhuman for any person to lock up 45 inmates in a cell that is meant for only 10 people. The Constitution guarantees the rights of even prison inmates and the same Constitution provides that suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty. Indeed, even convicts have the right to life unless the death sentence has been imposed on them.
We should hold those in charge of the penal system accountable for the avoidable deaths in police cells.
The conditions in the prisons and police cells should spur us on to act because many of the inmates have been on remand for well over 10 years without any charges being preferred against them.
All over the world, the penal system is meant to help suspected criminals and convicts to reform and come back to integrate themselves into society to contribute their quota to nation building.
The Daily Graphic calls on the government to take the bull by the horns and reform the system to help the inmates live in a more humane environment.
We also call on all the stakeholders to respect the constitutional obligation that enjoins prosecutors to put suspected criminals on trial within the stipulated 48 hours after their arrest.
The Daily Graphic urges the police to attach more importance to the cell audit to address, once and for all, the challenges caused by congestion in the cells.
Yes, resources are scarce, but nothing ever gets accomplished if we are not committed to the cause of reforming the penal system.
We urge the stakeholders to support the police in their efforts to make the cells more accommodating of the rights of suspected criminals.
LET'S FOSTER INDUSTRIAL PEACE (FEB 8, 2010)
Industrial harmony is a necessary ingredient for increased productivity, wealth creation and more opportunities for all, especially the youth.
It is the expectation of all employers that their workers will not disturb the labour front by laying down their tools in protest against their demand for better conditions of service.
If anything at all, the management of most organisations expect their employees to exhaust the grievance procedure during negotiations to avoid job stoppages through lockouts and strikes.
The labour scene appears to be boiling now, largely because of the rising cost of living, the policy of out-sourcing and moves by some organisations to downsize in order to be more competitive.
Organised labour has always argued that the present level of remuneration can best be described as a 'slave wage' and that the so-called take-home pay can hardly take workers to the gates of their organisations.
These demands, especially in the public sector, led to the introduction of the Ghana Universal Salary Structure (GUSS) to take care of the distortions and relativities in salaries across the board.
The implementation of the GUSS was bedevilled by many challenges, including the refusal of sections of public sector workers to be part of it.
In an attempt to resolve this dilemma, the government introduced public sector reforms as a means of improving efficiency in the public sector through the enhancement of the remuneration package for workers.
Then came the Single Spine Salary Structure (SSSS) on the Single Spine Pay Policy (SSPP) meant, again, to address some of the challenges that the GUSS failed to eliminate.
The DAILY GRAPHIC is aware that widespread consultations were carried out to educate the social partners on the merits and demerits of the new salary regime. This exercise has been going on for a couple of years now, spearheaded by the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC), to provide better remuneration packages for workers in the public sector to spur them on to greater productivity.
Some workers have not been too happy about the implementation date of the SSSS policy but it is heart-warming that sections of labour have kept faith with the FWSC by remaining at the negotiation table to iron out the differences.
However, the Civil and Local Government Staff Association, Ghana (CLOGSAG) boycotted a meeting called by the FWSC last week Friday because some of its concerns had not been addressed.
The DAILY GRAPHIC urges CLOGSAG to return to the negotiation table, no matter its concerns, so that it can table these concerns during deliberations for amicable resolutions to pave the way for the implementation of the SSSS.
We think that taking entrenched positions on some of the issues concerning the implementation of the SSSS at this time may not be helpful because it will only stall the discussions and delay efforts at ensuring equity, fairness and the removal of pay distortions in the salaries of public sector workers.
The DAILY GRAPHIC appeals to all the social partners to discuss the challenges that they envisage in the implementation of the SSSS with clear minds and suggest better ways forward so that the implementation of the SSSS will mark the end of agitation for fairness in public sector pay administration in the country.
We need industrial harmony to create the enabling environment for increased productivity to ensure better living standards for the people.
It is the expectation of all employers that their workers will not disturb the labour front by laying down their tools in protest against their demand for better conditions of service.
If anything at all, the management of most organisations expect their employees to exhaust the grievance procedure during negotiations to avoid job stoppages through lockouts and strikes.
The labour scene appears to be boiling now, largely because of the rising cost of living, the policy of out-sourcing and moves by some organisations to downsize in order to be more competitive.
Organised labour has always argued that the present level of remuneration can best be described as a 'slave wage' and that the so-called take-home pay can hardly take workers to the gates of their organisations.
These demands, especially in the public sector, led to the introduction of the Ghana Universal Salary Structure (GUSS) to take care of the distortions and relativities in salaries across the board.
The implementation of the GUSS was bedevilled by many challenges, including the refusal of sections of public sector workers to be part of it.
In an attempt to resolve this dilemma, the government introduced public sector reforms as a means of improving efficiency in the public sector through the enhancement of the remuneration package for workers.
Then came the Single Spine Salary Structure (SSSS) on the Single Spine Pay Policy (SSPP) meant, again, to address some of the challenges that the GUSS failed to eliminate.
The DAILY GRAPHIC is aware that widespread consultations were carried out to educate the social partners on the merits and demerits of the new salary regime. This exercise has been going on for a couple of years now, spearheaded by the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC), to provide better remuneration packages for workers in the public sector to spur them on to greater productivity.
Some workers have not been too happy about the implementation date of the SSSS policy but it is heart-warming that sections of labour have kept faith with the FWSC by remaining at the negotiation table to iron out the differences.
However, the Civil and Local Government Staff Association, Ghana (CLOGSAG) boycotted a meeting called by the FWSC last week Friday because some of its concerns had not been addressed.
The DAILY GRAPHIC urges CLOGSAG to return to the negotiation table, no matter its concerns, so that it can table these concerns during deliberations for amicable resolutions to pave the way for the implementation of the SSSS.
We think that taking entrenched positions on some of the issues concerning the implementation of the SSSS at this time may not be helpful because it will only stall the discussions and delay efforts at ensuring equity, fairness and the removal of pay distortions in the salaries of public sector workers.
The DAILY GRAPHIC appeals to all the social partners to discuss the challenges that they envisage in the implementation of the SSSS with clear minds and suggest better ways forward so that the implementation of the SSSS will mark the end of agitation for fairness in public sector pay administration in the country.
We need industrial harmony to create the enabling environment for increased productivity to ensure better living standards for the people.
Friday, February 26, 2010
LACK OF PLANNING GHANA'S BANE (FEB 6, 2010)
THE need for the planning of our villages, towns, cities and, indeed, the entire country has never become as imperative as the situation in which the nation finds itself today.
It is estimated that most of the buildings in our towns and cities are without the appropriate building and development permits from statutory authorities, including the metropolitan, municipal and district assemblies.
Indeed, our major cities are battling with poor infrastructure and planning. Unsightly heaps of waste, poor sanitation, slums and pollution are common.
The Daily Graphic, therefore, commends the Ghana Institute of Architects (GIA) for opening its doors to the public to help the nation overcome this challenge in its pursuit of better building, planning and living standards for the people.
At a GIA/BUSAC validation workshop in Accra on Thursday, the GIA pledged its commitment to offer its services to the public to develop the country in an integrated manner for the present and posterity.
This gesture, though long overdue, is a welcome one which, if utilised effectively, can go a long way to help the country overcome the challenges of haphazardly planned settlements.
There are several factors contributing to these problems.
Many house owners and developers are ignorant of the building regulations. Some chiefs have also been named as part of the cause of the chaotic situation in land development in the country, as they are involved in double and triple sale of lands and are simply not upright when it comes to the sale of lands and development.
The Building Inspectorate Unit of the assemblies have no teeth to bite and the enforcement of the law is very weak and inefficient.
Estate developers, by regulation, are required to obtain development permits from statutory authorities. But due to the cumbersome nature of the procedure, many of them avoid applying for the permits.
Education of communities on re-planning and the laws governing building regulations must be intensified. For instance, how many of our citizenry know that the Local Government Act 462, Section 51 and 52, states that unauthorised developments on any public land could be stopped (demolished) without notice and the developers surcharged with the cost of demolition?
The Daily Graphic does not believe that our cities are too big to manage. The major problem lies with key stakeholders saddled with the responsibility of managing the cities and towns.
We know there is pressure on housing in the country because of rising population but that does not mean the regulations should not be enforced.
Ghana must not be one of the countries in the world where urban planning has no meaning. One can never be proud of a city where a 15-minute flood will cause several hours’ delay in traffic.
We can cope if the authorities put their heads together and come up with a resolution.
The situation may be chaotic but not insurmountable. The solution must start today. No excuses will suffice for our children. Changes don’t happen overnight and by themselves. Roads don’t build themselves; gutters don’t cover themselves; standing waters don’t move by themselves and mosquitoes don’t emerge out of nowhere.
What is required is planning and action to deal with the challenges so that more Sodom and Gomorrahs and Abujas do not take over the city of Accra.
It is estimated that most of the buildings in our towns and cities are without the appropriate building and development permits from statutory authorities, including the metropolitan, municipal and district assemblies.
Indeed, our major cities are battling with poor infrastructure and planning. Unsightly heaps of waste, poor sanitation, slums and pollution are common.
The Daily Graphic, therefore, commends the Ghana Institute of Architects (GIA) for opening its doors to the public to help the nation overcome this challenge in its pursuit of better building, planning and living standards for the people.
At a GIA/BUSAC validation workshop in Accra on Thursday, the GIA pledged its commitment to offer its services to the public to develop the country in an integrated manner for the present and posterity.
This gesture, though long overdue, is a welcome one which, if utilised effectively, can go a long way to help the country overcome the challenges of haphazardly planned settlements.
There are several factors contributing to these problems.
Many house owners and developers are ignorant of the building regulations. Some chiefs have also been named as part of the cause of the chaotic situation in land development in the country, as they are involved in double and triple sale of lands and are simply not upright when it comes to the sale of lands and development.
The Building Inspectorate Unit of the assemblies have no teeth to bite and the enforcement of the law is very weak and inefficient.
Estate developers, by regulation, are required to obtain development permits from statutory authorities. But due to the cumbersome nature of the procedure, many of them avoid applying for the permits.
Education of communities on re-planning and the laws governing building regulations must be intensified. For instance, how many of our citizenry know that the Local Government Act 462, Section 51 and 52, states that unauthorised developments on any public land could be stopped (demolished) without notice and the developers surcharged with the cost of demolition?
The Daily Graphic does not believe that our cities are too big to manage. The major problem lies with key stakeholders saddled with the responsibility of managing the cities and towns.
We know there is pressure on housing in the country because of rising population but that does not mean the regulations should not be enforced.
Ghana must not be one of the countries in the world where urban planning has no meaning. One can never be proud of a city where a 15-minute flood will cause several hours’ delay in traffic.
We can cope if the authorities put their heads together and come up with a resolution.
The situation may be chaotic but not insurmountable. The solution must start today. No excuses will suffice for our children. Changes don’t happen overnight and by themselves. Roads don’t build themselves; gutters don’t cover themselves; standing waters don’t move by themselves and mosquitoes don’t emerge out of nowhere.
What is required is planning and action to deal with the challenges so that more Sodom and Gomorrahs and Abujas do not take over the city of Accra.
TACKLING THE ENERGY CRISIS (FEB 5, 2010)
Energy, as we are all aware, is critical to our existence. We need energy not only to cook and light our homes and workplaces but also power machinery in industries and factories, as well as vehicles and tractors on the farm.
Indeed, lack of access to adequate, affordable, reliable, safe and environmentally friendly energy is a severe constraint to development. It is, therefore, very disturbing if there is a clear signal of a major energy challenge in the country, since it can have far-reaching political, social and economic implications for our development.
Once again, the energy needs of the country have come into sharp focus as the country’s capacity to generate energy for industrial, commercial and domestic use is under severe constraint.
According to the Volta River Authority (VRA), the situation had largely come about as a result of the failure of mining companies, industries, ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) to pay the huge sums of money they owed the authority.
Ghana is, therefore, confronted with serious deficiencies in energy supply and this is a very disturbing piece of news which requires immediate solution if the country is to overcome its energy challenges.
The VRA stated, among other issues, that it had been compelled to sell power cheaper than its production cost, for which reason what it obtained from loyal customers who paid their bills regularly was not enough to sustain its operations. It said the situation had plunged the authority into a critical financial situation.
In short, the VRA is not allowed to charge the right tariffs. Furthermore, subsidies are also not paid on time. There are also the problems of illegal connections, obsolete equipment and the failure of state institutions to pay their bills.
All these challenges require a concerted approach in order to resolve them.
Any inefficient management of utilities, short-sightedness and corruption which are depriving Ghana of the energy supplies needed to fuel the growth process must be nipped in the bud by all stakeholders.
While we await the resources that will come from the oil find, the government must be bold enough to raise the needed funds for the VRA to replace obsolete equipment and bring in enough crude oil.
The Daily Graphic also urges the government to step up efforts towards more private participation in the generation of energy. In many cases, the needed investment to rejuvenate the energy sector is beyond the financial capacity of the domestic economy.
Ghana has, over the years, relied on hydro power, without any effort being made to explore other forms of energy for both domestic and industrial use. The VRA, the National Grid Company (GRIDCO) and the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) must do something about the situation to avert another energy crisis.
We also think the government must explore alternative sources of energy from wind and solar.
Access to regular and reliable energy is a key factor for promoting social progress and economic growth, both of which are closely linked to sustainable poverty reduction.
It is time to take steps to avert another energy crisis, but it will be important for all stakeholders — the government, consumers, utility companies and investors — to be prepared to pay more for power to keep the system in operation.
Also, the utility companies have an obligation to end the wastage caused by illegal connections and inadequate supervision by officials.
Indeed, lack of access to adequate, affordable, reliable, safe and environmentally friendly energy is a severe constraint to development. It is, therefore, very disturbing if there is a clear signal of a major energy challenge in the country, since it can have far-reaching political, social and economic implications for our development.
Once again, the energy needs of the country have come into sharp focus as the country’s capacity to generate energy for industrial, commercial and domestic use is under severe constraint.
According to the Volta River Authority (VRA), the situation had largely come about as a result of the failure of mining companies, industries, ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) to pay the huge sums of money they owed the authority.
Ghana is, therefore, confronted with serious deficiencies in energy supply and this is a very disturbing piece of news which requires immediate solution if the country is to overcome its energy challenges.
The VRA stated, among other issues, that it had been compelled to sell power cheaper than its production cost, for which reason what it obtained from loyal customers who paid their bills regularly was not enough to sustain its operations. It said the situation had plunged the authority into a critical financial situation.
In short, the VRA is not allowed to charge the right tariffs. Furthermore, subsidies are also not paid on time. There are also the problems of illegal connections, obsolete equipment and the failure of state institutions to pay their bills.
All these challenges require a concerted approach in order to resolve them.
Any inefficient management of utilities, short-sightedness and corruption which are depriving Ghana of the energy supplies needed to fuel the growth process must be nipped in the bud by all stakeholders.
While we await the resources that will come from the oil find, the government must be bold enough to raise the needed funds for the VRA to replace obsolete equipment and bring in enough crude oil.
The Daily Graphic also urges the government to step up efforts towards more private participation in the generation of energy. In many cases, the needed investment to rejuvenate the energy sector is beyond the financial capacity of the domestic economy.
Ghana has, over the years, relied on hydro power, without any effort being made to explore other forms of energy for both domestic and industrial use. The VRA, the National Grid Company (GRIDCO) and the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) must do something about the situation to avert another energy crisis.
We also think the government must explore alternative sources of energy from wind and solar.
Access to regular and reliable energy is a key factor for promoting social progress and economic growth, both of which are closely linked to sustainable poverty reduction.
It is time to take steps to avert another energy crisis, but it will be important for all stakeholders — the government, consumers, utility companies and investors — to be prepared to pay more for power to keep the system in operation.
Also, the utility companies have an obligation to end the wastage caused by illegal connections and inadequate supervision by officials.
SAVE NHIS NOW (FEB 4, 2010)
THE implementation of health financing schemes in most parts of the globe has always been constrained by challenges, although the essence of a health financing scheme is to provide access to health care for all at a cheaper cost.
Since the introduction of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) in the country, it has been bedevilled by widespread misuse of funds by certain scheme managers.
It is everybody’s expectation that if the challenges facing the NHIS are addressed and everybody is encouraged to pay the premium, out-of-pocket expenses on health care will reduce considerably.
Reforming the healthcare financing plan is not limited to cost-cutting but also efforts at promoting preventive care, instead of curative care.
In spite of the challenges, the Daily Graphic believes that efforts should be intensified by the government to weed out the bad lots who are bent on destroying the scheme.
There have been reports in the media in recent days of unpaid bills to health facilities such as hospitals because of the mismanagement of the funds.
The inefficiencies in the system have led to a situation where some premium holders are losing confidence in the scheme.
The government ought to take advantage of the financial audit of the NHIS to clear the system of all those who exploited the system for personal gain.
No matter the bottlenecks in the system, premium holders who have accessed health care under the scheme testify to its advantages over the cash-and-carry system.
It is in this context that the Daily Graphic endorses the appeal by the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) to the public for support in its operations to provide equitable health care for all.
Health care is a major necessity of life, for which reason public interest in any endeavour to provide the people with affordable health financing schemes should be supported.
Consequently, media attention and scrutiny will equally be intense, but if that happens, officials at the NHIA should do their best to make information available to the public.
Journalists also owe it a responsibility not to be reckless in their reportage about the scheme but cross-check their facts in order not to erode public confidence in the scheme with inaccurate and bias reportage.
The Daily Graphic urges the Chief Executive of the NHIA, Mr Sylvester Mensah, to strengthen the monitoring mechanisms of the authority so that the loopholes that certain unscrupulous persons exploit will be blocked.
The attainment of the objective of the scheme will not be easy, as the holders are many, but with determination and the will to make the scheme viable, trust will be reposed in the officials managing it.
The Daily Graphic thinks that one major challenge that should be surmounted now is the delay in the reimbursement of service providers.
The delay in paying service providers threatens the future viability of the scheme and unless the NHIA is broke, the authorities should pay service providers to empower them to offer health care to the people.
The Daily Graphic is worried at the level of embezzlement of funds at most district mutual health insurance schemes.
We wonder whether the right type of orientation was given to the people recruited to man the schemes, whether they were recruited on merit or just for their patronage.
The Daily Graphic calls on the authorities at the NHIA not to limit the overhaul of the scheme to financial audit but also look at total restructuring of the scheme to ensure that only competent personnel are maintained to deliver quality health care to the people.
Since the introduction of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) in the country, it has been bedevilled by widespread misuse of funds by certain scheme managers.
It is everybody’s expectation that if the challenges facing the NHIS are addressed and everybody is encouraged to pay the premium, out-of-pocket expenses on health care will reduce considerably.
Reforming the healthcare financing plan is not limited to cost-cutting but also efforts at promoting preventive care, instead of curative care.
In spite of the challenges, the Daily Graphic believes that efforts should be intensified by the government to weed out the bad lots who are bent on destroying the scheme.
There have been reports in the media in recent days of unpaid bills to health facilities such as hospitals because of the mismanagement of the funds.
The inefficiencies in the system have led to a situation where some premium holders are losing confidence in the scheme.
The government ought to take advantage of the financial audit of the NHIS to clear the system of all those who exploited the system for personal gain.
No matter the bottlenecks in the system, premium holders who have accessed health care under the scheme testify to its advantages over the cash-and-carry system.
It is in this context that the Daily Graphic endorses the appeal by the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) to the public for support in its operations to provide equitable health care for all.
Health care is a major necessity of life, for which reason public interest in any endeavour to provide the people with affordable health financing schemes should be supported.
Consequently, media attention and scrutiny will equally be intense, but if that happens, officials at the NHIA should do their best to make information available to the public.
Journalists also owe it a responsibility not to be reckless in their reportage about the scheme but cross-check their facts in order not to erode public confidence in the scheme with inaccurate and bias reportage.
The Daily Graphic urges the Chief Executive of the NHIA, Mr Sylvester Mensah, to strengthen the monitoring mechanisms of the authority so that the loopholes that certain unscrupulous persons exploit will be blocked.
The attainment of the objective of the scheme will not be easy, as the holders are many, but with determination and the will to make the scheme viable, trust will be reposed in the officials managing it.
The Daily Graphic thinks that one major challenge that should be surmounted now is the delay in the reimbursement of service providers.
The delay in paying service providers threatens the future viability of the scheme and unless the NHIA is broke, the authorities should pay service providers to empower them to offer health care to the people.
The Daily Graphic is worried at the level of embezzlement of funds at most district mutual health insurance schemes.
We wonder whether the right type of orientation was given to the people recruited to man the schemes, whether they were recruited on merit or just for their patronage.
The Daily Graphic calls on the authorities at the NHIA not to limit the overhaul of the scheme to financial audit but also look at total restructuring of the scheme to ensure that only competent personnel are maintained to deliver quality health care to the people.
JOBS IN DANGER (FEB 3, 2010)
GHANA’S ambition of becoming an industrial giant, at least in the West African sub-region, is increasingly coming under threat because of intense competition from imported goods.
Ghana began on a bright note after independence when the first President, Dr Kwame Nkrumah, embarked on an industrialisation programme to transform the economy.
The North Industrial Area in Accra derived its name from the sheer concentration of industries in that suburb of the capital.
But many of those industries have been turned into shopping centres and warehouses for cheap imports from other parts of the world.
Successive governments after the First Republic tried to sustain the industrialisation drive, improve upon it or arrest the decline. However, their efforts have yielded very little by way of result because the liberalisation policy has turned the country into a dumping ground.
Presently, our markets are flooded with all kinds of goods, including second-hand items. The shopping centres, streets and markets are all inundated with used cooking utensils, lorry tyres, clothes and electrical gadgets. Even toothpick and candies are imported.
The potential exists for sustaining growth in the industrial sector, provided consumers are prepared to patronise local products.
But the closure of Akosombo Textiles Limited (ATL) by its management, citing shortage of raw materials, should be a wake-up call to stakeholders to take steps to salvage sinking industries.
Until the closure of ATL, there were only three textile manufacturing companies operating at any appreciable capacity in the country, the other two being Printex Ltd and Ghana Textile Printing (GTP) Limited.
Some time ago, the country could boast many textile manufacturing companies employing thousands of workers who contributed to economic activities in the country.
The closure of ATL alone will lead to unemployment challenges in the catchment area of the manufacturing plant.
The Daily Graphic is worried about the challenges facing textile manufacturing companies in particular because the country has the potential to produce cotton to feed the industry.
We do not know what has happened to the government’s plan to revive the textile industry but we believe that the agenda is on course.
The Daily Graphic calls on it to expedite action on its planned support for cotton farmers to increase yield to feed textile industries.
Players in the textile industry have time and again complained about the importation of cheap fabrics from the Far East and the smuggling of wax prints from some neighbouring countries.
The General Secretary of the Ghana Federation of Labour (GFL), Mr Abraham Koomson, has suggested that all seized textile materials should either be burnt or destroyed through other processes to prevent them from finding their way onto the local market to deter people from continuing to engage in smuggling, since the practice has led to the collapse of textile companies and made the state to lose billions of cedis.
We think the time has come for the country to take a bold decision to protect local industries from undue competition from cheap imported goods.
The Daily Graphic is not advocating protectionism because it may not have the immediate answers to all our problems. All the same, deliberate policies can be initiated to support industries that are key to our reconstruction efforts.
The initial cost of safeguarding local industries may be high, but when we all acknowledge the importance of our local industries to our development efforts, we will find the means to protect national assets.
Ghana began on a bright note after independence when the first President, Dr Kwame Nkrumah, embarked on an industrialisation programme to transform the economy.
The North Industrial Area in Accra derived its name from the sheer concentration of industries in that suburb of the capital.
But many of those industries have been turned into shopping centres and warehouses for cheap imports from other parts of the world.
Successive governments after the First Republic tried to sustain the industrialisation drive, improve upon it or arrest the decline. However, their efforts have yielded very little by way of result because the liberalisation policy has turned the country into a dumping ground.
Presently, our markets are flooded with all kinds of goods, including second-hand items. The shopping centres, streets and markets are all inundated with used cooking utensils, lorry tyres, clothes and electrical gadgets. Even toothpick and candies are imported.
The potential exists for sustaining growth in the industrial sector, provided consumers are prepared to patronise local products.
But the closure of Akosombo Textiles Limited (ATL) by its management, citing shortage of raw materials, should be a wake-up call to stakeholders to take steps to salvage sinking industries.
Until the closure of ATL, there were only three textile manufacturing companies operating at any appreciable capacity in the country, the other two being Printex Ltd and Ghana Textile Printing (GTP) Limited.
Some time ago, the country could boast many textile manufacturing companies employing thousands of workers who contributed to economic activities in the country.
The closure of ATL alone will lead to unemployment challenges in the catchment area of the manufacturing plant.
The Daily Graphic is worried about the challenges facing textile manufacturing companies in particular because the country has the potential to produce cotton to feed the industry.
We do not know what has happened to the government’s plan to revive the textile industry but we believe that the agenda is on course.
The Daily Graphic calls on it to expedite action on its planned support for cotton farmers to increase yield to feed textile industries.
Players in the textile industry have time and again complained about the importation of cheap fabrics from the Far East and the smuggling of wax prints from some neighbouring countries.
The General Secretary of the Ghana Federation of Labour (GFL), Mr Abraham Koomson, has suggested that all seized textile materials should either be burnt or destroyed through other processes to prevent them from finding their way onto the local market to deter people from continuing to engage in smuggling, since the practice has led to the collapse of textile companies and made the state to lose billions of cedis.
We think the time has come for the country to take a bold decision to protect local industries from undue competition from cheap imported goods.
The Daily Graphic is not advocating protectionism because it may not have the immediate answers to all our problems. All the same, deliberate policies can be initiated to support industries that are key to our reconstruction efforts.
The initial cost of safeguarding local industries may be high, but when we all acknowledge the importance of our local industries to our development efforts, we will find the means to protect national assets.
PROTECT OUR SCHOOL LANDS (FEB 2, 2010)
THE Ministry of Education has been grappling with the challenges posed by encroachment on school lands throughout the country.
The problem is most pronounced in the cities and regional capitals where developers want access to land in prime areas, including school lands.
In some cases, school authorities have not secured these lands by paying compensation to landowners and erecting walls to prevent encroachment.
The government, time and again, has warned the encroachers to stay clear of school lands but to no avail. some unscrupulous developers have also been emboldened by the government’s inaction to step up their activities.
It appears mere warning will not prick the conscience of the encroachers to desist from their unpatriotic deeds and so there is the need for more drastic action to decisively deal with this attitude.
Recently, the Ministry of Education announced plans to undertake an exercise to reclaim and protect school lands that have been encroached upon.
The programme, which is to be executed in collaboration with the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, will also involve traditional rulers and district assemblies.
Indeed, the support of all the stakeholders is required if the exercise to reclaim school lands is to be successful because very influential members of society are involved in the unauthorised development of structures on school lands.
Many concerned citizens are wondering why the government develops cold feet whenever it has to impose sanctions on influential people. The marginalised are hardly notified before their structures are pulled down, except those who get wind of the demolition and seek court intervention.
The Daily Graphic is worried about the news that the encroachment on Achimota School land poses danger to the health of the students.
Achimota School is facing serious encroachment on its land, which has resulted in the continued spillage of waste from the school’s sewerage system, thus posing a health hazard to the students.
Even before the authorities could undertake the reclaiming exercise, the situation of encroachment at Achimota School had compelled the Accra Metropolitan Authority (AMA) to order the immediate closure of the school.
The Daily Graphic is aware that some of the claims to the school lands are before the law courts but we appeal to the litigants to help the courts to expedite action on the adjudication of the cases.
We think that while teachers, classrooms, books and other materials are needed for effective teaching and learning, the health of the schoolchildren and staff cannot be compromised because it is acknowledged that “a healthy mind is in a healthy body”.
The Daily Graphic urges developers to desist from encroaching on school lands for personal gain because all public schools belong to the people and nothing should be done to further undermine the educational system.
However, we think the responsibility for protecting school lands lies with the authorities who should ensure that state property, including school lands, is protected for the good of society
The Daily Graphic, therefore, calls on the authorities to act fast before the unexpected happens to students of Achimota School and other schools under siege by developers.
The problem is most pronounced in the cities and regional capitals where developers want access to land in prime areas, including school lands.
In some cases, school authorities have not secured these lands by paying compensation to landowners and erecting walls to prevent encroachment.
The government, time and again, has warned the encroachers to stay clear of school lands but to no avail. some unscrupulous developers have also been emboldened by the government’s inaction to step up their activities.
It appears mere warning will not prick the conscience of the encroachers to desist from their unpatriotic deeds and so there is the need for more drastic action to decisively deal with this attitude.
Recently, the Ministry of Education announced plans to undertake an exercise to reclaim and protect school lands that have been encroached upon.
The programme, which is to be executed in collaboration with the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, will also involve traditional rulers and district assemblies.
Indeed, the support of all the stakeholders is required if the exercise to reclaim school lands is to be successful because very influential members of society are involved in the unauthorised development of structures on school lands.
Many concerned citizens are wondering why the government develops cold feet whenever it has to impose sanctions on influential people. The marginalised are hardly notified before their structures are pulled down, except those who get wind of the demolition and seek court intervention.
The Daily Graphic is worried about the news that the encroachment on Achimota School land poses danger to the health of the students.
Achimota School is facing serious encroachment on its land, which has resulted in the continued spillage of waste from the school’s sewerage system, thus posing a health hazard to the students.
Even before the authorities could undertake the reclaiming exercise, the situation of encroachment at Achimota School had compelled the Accra Metropolitan Authority (AMA) to order the immediate closure of the school.
The Daily Graphic is aware that some of the claims to the school lands are before the law courts but we appeal to the litigants to help the courts to expedite action on the adjudication of the cases.
We think that while teachers, classrooms, books and other materials are needed for effective teaching and learning, the health of the schoolchildren and staff cannot be compromised because it is acknowledged that “a healthy mind is in a healthy body”.
The Daily Graphic urges developers to desist from encroaching on school lands for personal gain because all public schools belong to the people and nothing should be done to further undermine the educational system.
However, we think the responsibility for protecting school lands lies with the authorities who should ensure that state property, including school lands, is protected for the good of society
The Daily Graphic, therefore, calls on the authorities to act fast before the unexpected happens to students of Achimota School and other schools under siege by developers.
HAIL THE STARS (FEB 1, 2010)
Yes, it is all over, the dust has settled on Angola 2010 and the young Black Stars whom pundits and so-called experts gave no chance of reaching anywhere, reached deep into the grand final.
And after a gallant display of Ghanaian skill and pride, lost by the narrowest of margins (1-0) to seven-time winners Egypt after 93 minutes of pulsating football, the Black Stars were not disgraced as they largely dominated the game.
Angola 2010 has not been short of drama. A few underdogs have made a mark by “spoiling the party“ for the known football giants on the continent while some favourites who even qualified for the South Africa 2010 World Cup tournament — Cameroon, Cote d’Ivoire, Tunisia — were shown early exit.
In all the twists and turns of the three-week tournament, one of the teams the experts had confined to the “pot” of hopelessness was Ghana, a team severely depleted of “big-name” players including Stephen Appiah, Michael Essien, Laryea Kingston, John Mensah, John Paintsil and Sule Muntari, leaving the Black Stars with no hope of even making it beyond the group stage.
Indeed the country’s perceived “doom” was actually sealed when Michael Essien, the country’s current biggest name in the tournament, was lost to injury just after the team’s first match against Cote d’Ivoire.
Ghana’s task was made all the more difficult with the news that Michael Essien had been ruled out of the rest of the tournament. And yet, the youthful team soldiered on, qualifying to face hosts Angola in the quater-finals.
Against an Angolan team that had more than 50,000 fans at their intimidating best backing them, the Black Stars outwitted the Palancas Negras and booked what some thought was a “suicidal” date with Nigeria in the semi-finals.
But against the predictions of the connoisseurs, the youthful Black Stars exhibited a high sense of commitment, determination and unity to dismiss mighty Nigeria and set the stage for an uncompromising final against another powerhouse, Egypt.
The tempo of the game and the exhibition of brain, skill and guts in the final showdown earned dignity for African football.
At the end of it all, Egypt has every reason to celebrate its hard-won victory and we in Ghana also have everything to celebrate, for upsetting the bookmakers not once, not twice but all the way to the final, and to give the gallant warriors who held the flag of Ghana aloft a real heroes’ welcome.
Black Stars, ayekoo!
And after a gallant display of Ghanaian skill and pride, lost by the narrowest of margins (1-0) to seven-time winners Egypt after 93 minutes of pulsating football, the Black Stars were not disgraced as they largely dominated the game.
Angola 2010 has not been short of drama. A few underdogs have made a mark by “spoiling the party“ for the known football giants on the continent while some favourites who even qualified for the South Africa 2010 World Cup tournament — Cameroon, Cote d’Ivoire, Tunisia — were shown early exit.
In all the twists and turns of the three-week tournament, one of the teams the experts had confined to the “pot” of hopelessness was Ghana, a team severely depleted of “big-name” players including Stephen Appiah, Michael Essien, Laryea Kingston, John Mensah, John Paintsil and Sule Muntari, leaving the Black Stars with no hope of even making it beyond the group stage.
Indeed the country’s perceived “doom” was actually sealed when Michael Essien, the country’s current biggest name in the tournament, was lost to injury just after the team’s first match against Cote d’Ivoire.
Ghana’s task was made all the more difficult with the news that Michael Essien had been ruled out of the rest of the tournament. And yet, the youthful team soldiered on, qualifying to face hosts Angola in the quater-finals.
Against an Angolan team that had more than 50,000 fans at their intimidating best backing them, the Black Stars outwitted the Palancas Negras and booked what some thought was a “suicidal” date with Nigeria in the semi-finals.
But against the predictions of the connoisseurs, the youthful Black Stars exhibited a high sense of commitment, determination and unity to dismiss mighty Nigeria and set the stage for an uncompromising final against another powerhouse, Egypt.
The tempo of the game and the exhibition of brain, skill and guts in the final showdown earned dignity for African football.
At the end of it all, Egypt has every reason to celebrate its hard-won victory and we in Ghana also have everything to celebrate, for upsetting the bookmakers not once, not twice but all the way to the final, and to give the gallant warriors who held the flag of Ghana aloft a real heroes’ welcome.
Black Stars, ayekoo!
HISTORY BECKONS STARS (JAN 30, 2010)
THE curtains will be brought down on the 27th edition of the African Cup of Nations (CAN 2010) at the November 11 National Stadium in Angola tomorrow with what many people have described as an intriguing match-up.
After three weeks of exciting competition involving 15 teams and characterised by stunning results and excellent performances, defending champions Egypt, already six times winners of the tournament, face off with Ghana’s Black Stars, four times champions.
Both sides stand on the threshold of history, the Pharaohs eyeing their third successive title and the Stars chasing their fifth after 28 years in the wilderness.
The two teams reached the finals with contrasting performances and results — the Pharaohs of Egypt maintained a 100 per cent record and have scored as many as 14 goals while the Stars reached the final with more of a tactical game plan which saw them progressing with a goal each at every stage.
Indeed, the Egyptians were among the favourites to impress at this competition, and the Stars, on the other hand, confronted with a tall injury list, were not given a dog’s chance but the Ghanaian team, built around a bunch of youngsters, have proved all the sceptics wrong, at least to this point.
Again, the Egyptians won the title as recent as two years ago when Ghana hosted the event, while the Stars last featured in the final during the 1992 competition staged in Senegal and which they lost to Cote d’Ivoire on penalties.
Looking at the performance at this competition, the Stars are again considered the outsiders in tomorrow’s final and conquering the Pharaohs may seem a tall order.
The Daily Graphic, however, believes that the Stars reached the final by great team spirit, unity of purpose and determination coupled with a high level of tactical discipline and those same ingredients will not be missing when they line up against Egypt.
Against a resilient Egyptian side though, the game plan should change and for this reason the Daily Graphic urges Coach Milovan Rajevac and his men to lift their game.
We also appeal to the Stars to draw inspiration from the Black Satellites who, against all odds, won the Under-20 World Cup last year against Brazil to make themselves and Ghana proud.
By reaching this far, the Stars have achieved a proud feat and winning the title tomorrow will be the icing on the cake.
As they themselves have shown at this tournament, football does not follow logic and anything and everything is possible.
They can reach for the skies where they truly belong. The Daily Graphic and all Ghanaians wish them the best of luck.
With prayers from all Ghanaians and determination on the players’ side, there can be a David-Goliath encounter in Luanda tomorrow.
After three weeks of exciting competition involving 15 teams and characterised by stunning results and excellent performances, defending champions Egypt, already six times winners of the tournament, face off with Ghana’s Black Stars, four times champions.
Both sides stand on the threshold of history, the Pharaohs eyeing their third successive title and the Stars chasing their fifth after 28 years in the wilderness.
The two teams reached the finals with contrasting performances and results — the Pharaohs of Egypt maintained a 100 per cent record and have scored as many as 14 goals while the Stars reached the final with more of a tactical game plan which saw them progressing with a goal each at every stage.
Indeed, the Egyptians were among the favourites to impress at this competition, and the Stars, on the other hand, confronted with a tall injury list, were not given a dog’s chance but the Ghanaian team, built around a bunch of youngsters, have proved all the sceptics wrong, at least to this point.
Again, the Egyptians won the title as recent as two years ago when Ghana hosted the event, while the Stars last featured in the final during the 1992 competition staged in Senegal and which they lost to Cote d’Ivoire on penalties.
Looking at the performance at this competition, the Stars are again considered the outsiders in tomorrow’s final and conquering the Pharaohs may seem a tall order.
The Daily Graphic, however, believes that the Stars reached the final by great team spirit, unity of purpose and determination coupled with a high level of tactical discipline and those same ingredients will not be missing when they line up against Egypt.
Against a resilient Egyptian side though, the game plan should change and for this reason the Daily Graphic urges Coach Milovan Rajevac and his men to lift their game.
We also appeal to the Stars to draw inspiration from the Black Satellites who, against all odds, won the Under-20 World Cup last year against Brazil to make themselves and Ghana proud.
By reaching this far, the Stars have achieved a proud feat and winning the title tomorrow will be the icing on the cake.
As they themselves have shown at this tournament, football does not follow logic and anything and everything is possible.
They can reach for the skies where they truly belong. The Daily Graphic and all Ghanaians wish them the best of luck.
With prayers from all Ghanaians and determination on the players’ side, there can be a David-Goliath encounter in Luanda tomorrow.
GHANA'S DREAM ALIVE (JAN 29, 2010)
GHANA’S Black Stars are on course to win their fifth African Cup of Nations (CAN) trophy after 32 years of winning their fourth title.
At the November 11 National Stadium in Luanda, Angola yesterday, the Stars beat their arch-rivals, Nigeria, 1-0 in a nail-biting semi-final encounter that gave the Stars a ticket to play in Sunday’s final. The last time the Stars played in the final was 18 years ago in Senegal, when they lost the title to Cote d’Ivoire on penalties. Incidentally, the Stars rode on the back of Nigeria with a 2-1 win at the semi-final.
Yesterday’s victory was significant in many respects considering the fact that the odds were against the Stars as they paraded for the tournament.
Confronted with injuries to their top stars ahead of the tournament, Coach Milovan Rajevac was forced to make some difficult decisions, relying on the young team from the 2009 World Cup winning Black Satellites to fill in the gap.
Not many had hoped that the team was going to get to as far as the final.
A shaky start with a 1-3 loss to neighbours Cote d’Ivoire in their Group B opening game painted a more bleak picture for the Stars, but they picked up the pieces with a 1-0 win against Burkina Faso to remain in the competition.
Since then the gallant men have shown nothing but determination and character to fight their way into the final to be played on Sunday, first beating hosts Angola in the quarter-final stage before yesterday’s win over Nigeria.
The Stars may not have shone as brightly as their fans expect, but they have done the most important thing — that is qualifying for the final — something that eluded them when Ghana hosted the tournament two years ago.
Indeed, the 27th edition of the Nations Cup in Angola has shown that big names are not enough to win games, and against all odds, the Stars have prevailed, showing such strong will and determination to make Ghana proud.
Getting to the final with four goals in as many games may not be an impressive record but it has kept the Stars on course and we laud Milo for his tactical game plan that pushed the Stars into the final.
They have shown that where there’s a will, there’s a way.
While we join all Ghanaians in congratulating Milo, his technical men and the Stars on getting this far, the Daily Graphic would also want to appeal to the team to lift their game in Sunday’s final.
Watching the Stars throughout the competition has been nerve-racking, with most people literally having their hearts in their mouths, especially in yesterday’s game.
We hope the Stars will spare their fans such an ordeal in the final and give a performance that will crown all their efforts.
Congratulations to the Black Stars, Ghana is proud of your output.
At the November 11 National Stadium in Luanda, Angola yesterday, the Stars beat their arch-rivals, Nigeria, 1-0 in a nail-biting semi-final encounter that gave the Stars a ticket to play in Sunday’s final. The last time the Stars played in the final was 18 years ago in Senegal, when they lost the title to Cote d’Ivoire on penalties. Incidentally, the Stars rode on the back of Nigeria with a 2-1 win at the semi-final.
Yesterday’s victory was significant in many respects considering the fact that the odds were against the Stars as they paraded for the tournament.
Confronted with injuries to their top stars ahead of the tournament, Coach Milovan Rajevac was forced to make some difficult decisions, relying on the young team from the 2009 World Cup winning Black Satellites to fill in the gap.
Not many had hoped that the team was going to get to as far as the final.
A shaky start with a 1-3 loss to neighbours Cote d’Ivoire in their Group B opening game painted a more bleak picture for the Stars, but they picked up the pieces with a 1-0 win against Burkina Faso to remain in the competition.
Since then the gallant men have shown nothing but determination and character to fight their way into the final to be played on Sunday, first beating hosts Angola in the quarter-final stage before yesterday’s win over Nigeria.
The Stars may not have shone as brightly as their fans expect, but they have done the most important thing — that is qualifying for the final — something that eluded them when Ghana hosted the tournament two years ago.
Indeed, the 27th edition of the Nations Cup in Angola has shown that big names are not enough to win games, and against all odds, the Stars have prevailed, showing such strong will and determination to make Ghana proud.
Getting to the final with four goals in as many games may not be an impressive record but it has kept the Stars on course and we laud Milo for his tactical game plan that pushed the Stars into the final.
They have shown that where there’s a will, there’s a way.
While we join all Ghanaians in congratulating Milo, his technical men and the Stars on getting this far, the Daily Graphic would also want to appeal to the team to lift their game in Sunday’s final.
Watching the Stars throughout the competition has been nerve-racking, with most people literally having their hearts in their mouths, especially in yesterday’s game.
We hope the Stars will spare their fans such an ordeal in the final and give a performance that will crown all their efforts.
Congratulations to the Black Stars, Ghana is proud of your output.
SOLVING 4-YEAR SHS BLUES (JAN 28, 2010)
Quality education is the bedrock of the development of any country. A conducive learning environment, the availability of teaching materials and quality tuition ensure the attainment of quality education.
Our educational system is bedevilled with a number of challenges, such as the lack of infrastructure, teaching aid and teachers.
The need for quality education has, therefore, always informed the debate over whether to continue with the four-year senior high school (SHS) or reduce it to a three-years system.
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) pledged in its manifesto to reduce the duration of SHS to three years because it argued that with improved infrastructure and tuition, students could acquire the requisite knowledge and skills that would enable them to perform well in their examinations.
When it assumed the reins of power, it did not hesitate to reduce the duration to three years to take effect from the next academic year.
It is, however, worrying that headmasters and headmistresses are still racing against time to meet the accommodation and classroom needs of the first batch of the four-year SHS students.
Some of the projects initiated to accommodate the students are at the foundation level, while others in many of the schools that face infrastructural and logistic challenges have been abandoned.
Another challenge is that projects supported by the GETFund have been abandoned.
As an attempt to address the infrastructural challenge, some of the schools have converted their laboratories and dormitories into classrooms to accommodate the expected increases in student population. However, some of the schools cannot expand further due to lack of space.
The Daily Graphic is disturbed about that development because as things stand, it is the students who will suffer the brunt of this infrastructural challenge, as they will be crammed into classrooms meant for fewer students. This will not provide the conducive atmosphere for teaching and learning, which will consequently affect the academic performance of the students.
Since the new educational reform seeks to improve teaching and learning, it is crucial for the government to impress upon the GETFund to work out the mechanisms to pay contractors to resume work on the projects.
The Daily Graphic appeals to interested corporate bodies and individuals to support the schools in cash and in kind to meet their infrastructural and logistic challenges.
We believe all is not lost yet, as the challenges offer opportunities for the school heads to initiate the processes to address the constraints. Thus, the heads of the schools should start consultations and preparations towards the success of the new educational reform.
It is about time the school heads liaised with the Ghana Education Service (GES) to get all the textbooks and other logistics in order to avoid any hitches in the implementation of the programme.
The Daily Graphic urges the government to continue to give priority attention to education at all times, especially when it has to do with pre-tertiary education. The reason is that students need the foundation at the second-cycle level to prepare for professional and academic training at the tertiary level. It helps to prepare the youth for the world of work on the competitive job market.
The Daily Graphic calls on every Ghanaian to lend his or her support to any effort by the government to help the first batch of four-year SHS students to complete their education so that no obstacles are placed in the way of the three-year SHS programme.
Our educational system is bedevilled with a number of challenges, such as the lack of infrastructure, teaching aid and teachers.
The need for quality education has, therefore, always informed the debate over whether to continue with the four-year senior high school (SHS) or reduce it to a three-years system.
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) pledged in its manifesto to reduce the duration of SHS to three years because it argued that with improved infrastructure and tuition, students could acquire the requisite knowledge and skills that would enable them to perform well in their examinations.
When it assumed the reins of power, it did not hesitate to reduce the duration to three years to take effect from the next academic year.
It is, however, worrying that headmasters and headmistresses are still racing against time to meet the accommodation and classroom needs of the first batch of the four-year SHS students.
Some of the projects initiated to accommodate the students are at the foundation level, while others in many of the schools that face infrastructural and logistic challenges have been abandoned.
Another challenge is that projects supported by the GETFund have been abandoned.
As an attempt to address the infrastructural challenge, some of the schools have converted their laboratories and dormitories into classrooms to accommodate the expected increases in student population. However, some of the schools cannot expand further due to lack of space.
The Daily Graphic is disturbed about that development because as things stand, it is the students who will suffer the brunt of this infrastructural challenge, as they will be crammed into classrooms meant for fewer students. This will not provide the conducive atmosphere for teaching and learning, which will consequently affect the academic performance of the students.
Since the new educational reform seeks to improve teaching and learning, it is crucial for the government to impress upon the GETFund to work out the mechanisms to pay contractors to resume work on the projects.
The Daily Graphic appeals to interested corporate bodies and individuals to support the schools in cash and in kind to meet their infrastructural and logistic challenges.
We believe all is not lost yet, as the challenges offer opportunities for the school heads to initiate the processes to address the constraints. Thus, the heads of the schools should start consultations and preparations towards the success of the new educational reform.
It is about time the school heads liaised with the Ghana Education Service (GES) to get all the textbooks and other logistics in order to avoid any hitches in the implementation of the programme.
The Daily Graphic urges the government to continue to give priority attention to education at all times, especially when it has to do with pre-tertiary education. The reason is that students need the foundation at the second-cycle level to prepare for professional and academic training at the tertiary level. It helps to prepare the youth for the world of work on the competitive job market.
The Daily Graphic calls on every Ghanaian to lend his or her support to any effort by the government to help the first batch of four-year SHS students to complete their education so that no obstacles are placed in the way of the three-year SHS programme.
WORKING TOWARDS RECOVERY (JAN 27, 2010)
Many Ghanaians are not certain of their fate this year, although assurances have been given by the authorities that we are on the path to recovery.
Despite the modest gains chalked up by the managers of the economy, some of the challenges of 2009 are still with us.
Interest rates are still high, although inflation has fallen, and while the cedi has made strong gains against all the major currencies, business operations are still uncompetitive.
But if the Akan saying that “Se okyekye fi nsuo ase beka se odenkyem awu a, yennye no akyinnye”, to wit “If the alligator comes from beneath the river to announce that the crocodile is dead, no one doubts it”, is anything to go by, then the business community should heave a sigh of relief with the announcement by the Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Mr Kwesi Amissah-Arthur, that the central bank is working hard to further reduce interest rates.
Considering business reactions to especially the determination of the Bank of Ghana’s prime rate (which is the rate at which the central bank lends overnight funds to commercial banks in the country), we can trust and hope that the policy to cut interest rates will be forthcoming sooner than later.
With an average interest rate above 25 per cent and a spread of about six per cent, no meaningful business can operate and make profit with such soaring cost of doing business in the country.
The Daily Graphic has taken notice of the steady decline in government securities and the further lowering of inflation. It is, indeed, a good signal to all businesses and Ghanaians.
Ghanaians witnessed, not too long ago, competition for customers among the banks when the central bank abolished the secondary reserves requirement and the prime rate fell drastically to about 12 per cent.
Indeed, some policy think tanks, such as the Centre for Policy Analysis (CEPA), have questioned the inflation targeting policy of the central bank and rather called for a long-term policy in addressing the inflationary challenge in the country.
The current situation, whereby the government, in a bid to cut back on excess liquidity, uses the monetary policy, as reflected in interest rate hikes, therefore, needs to be looked at again.
Ghanaian businesses can only be competitive in an environment of lower interest rates that will enable them to source funds at competitive rates to expand their operations and create more jobs.
It is a fact that the interest rate regime in the country is the highest in the sub-region. Therefore, if we aim at making the country the financial hub of the sub-region and subsequently the gateway to West Africa, we need to adopt policies that will help businesses to grow and be competitive on the global market.
The Daily Graphic believes that the efforts of the government will come to naught if, at the end of the day, businesses operate in an environment where policies are not congenial for growth.
We, therefore, expect that the report of the MPC to be released in the coming months will signal the kind of policy initiatives that will further push inflation and interest rates down.
While the Daily Graphic trusts the good intentions of the Governor of the BoG and the government to deliver on their mandate, we must stress again that businesses and the government have a shared vision of creating opportunities for the people to achieve their aspirations through job opportunities and decent living.
The outlook for recovery looks quite bright and policy makers are encouraged to continue to provide the right policy interventions to improve the living standards of the people.
Despite the modest gains chalked up by the managers of the economy, some of the challenges of 2009 are still with us.
Interest rates are still high, although inflation has fallen, and while the cedi has made strong gains against all the major currencies, business operations are still uncompetitive.
But if the Akan saying that “Se okyekye fi nsuo ase beka se odenkyem awu a, yennye no akyinnye”, to wit “If the alligator comes from beneath the river to announce that the crocodile is dead, no one doubts it”, is anything to go by, then the business community should heave a sigh of relief with the announcement by the Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Mr Kwesi Amissah-Arthur, that the central bank is working hard to further reduce interest rates.
Considering business reactions to especially the determination of the Bank of Ghana’s prime rate (which is the rate at which the central bank lends overnight funds to commercial banks in the country), we can trust and hope that the policy to cut interest rates will be forthcoming sooner than later.
With an average interest rate above 25 per cent and a spread of about six per cent, no meaningful business can operate and make profit with such soaring cost of doing business in the country.
The Daily Graphic has taken notice of the steady decline in government securities and the further lowering of inflation. It is, indeed, a good signal to all businesses and Ghanaians.
Ghanaians witnessed, not too long ago, competition for customers among the banks when the central bank abolished the secondary reserves requirement and the prime rate fell drastically to about 12 per cent.
Indeed, some policy think tanks, such as the Centre for Policy Analysis (CEPA), have questioned the inflation targeting policy of the central bank and rather called for a long-term policy in addressing the inflationary challenge in the country.
The current situation, whereby the government, in a bid to cut back on excess liquidity, uses the monetary policy, as reflected in interest rate hikes, therefore, needs to be looked at again.
Ghanaian businesses can only be competitive in an environment of lower interest rates that will enable them to source funds at competitive rates to expand their operations and create more jobs.
It is a fact that the interest rate regime in the country is the highest in the sub-region. Therefore, if we aim at making the country the financial hub of the sub-region and subsequently the gateway to West Africa, we need to adopt policies that will help businesses to grow and be competitive on the global market.
The Daily Graphic believes that the efforts of the government will come to naught if, at the end of the day, businesses operate in an environment where policies are not congenial for growth.
We, therefore, expect that the report of the MPC to be released in the coming months will signal the kind of policy initiatives that will further push inflation and interest rates down.
While the Daily Graphic trusts the good intentions of the Governor of the BoG and the government to deliver on their mandate, we must stress again that businesses and the government have a shared vision of creating opportunities for the people to achieve their aspirations through job opportunities and decent living.
The outlook for recovery looks quite bright and policy makers are encouraged to continue to provide the right policy interventions to improve the living standards of the people.
SUPPORTING PRODUCERS WITH CREDIT (JAN 26, 2010)
THE establishment of strong state institutions capable of creating a conducive, friendly and attractive environment for doing business is an imperative if the private sector is to play the lead role in the development of the economy.
The Better Ghana agenda can be attained if new businesses are created and existing ones supported to expand to create employment and wealth to facilitate improvement in the living standards of the people.
The efforts to develop businesses to stimulate economic growth will yield the desired results if the country’s lending policies are reviewed.
Many businesses, including the large-scale ones, find it difficult to access credit from the banks because of the strict and cumbersome requirements.
Big-time businesses can, at least, provide collateral because of their asset base, but small and medium-scale entrepreneurs either find it difficult to meet the demand for collateral by the banks or they cannot meet the demands at all.
Since the banks also are in business to make profit, we must not expect them to lend at lower rates when the money market does not give room for lower interest rates.
President J.E.A. Mills, at the weekend, echoed the concerns of business operators in the country when he asked banks to review their lending policies to enable them to channel increased resources into the agricultural sector, which is the mainstay of the economy.
While interacting with a delegation from Zenith Bank Ghana Limited at the Castle last Friday, the President said banks needed to particularly lower their demand for large collateral, which farmers, many of whom are peasant and subsistence farmers, could not meet.
The campaign for a reduction in lending rates and other requirements by the banks has been going on for decades but it is as if the banks are not prepared to accept the change and the question is whether it is possible for the banks to respond to the dictates of businesses within the context in which the market operates.
When it comes to credit to agriculture, the cost of money is very high because of our over-dependence on rain, instead of irrigation, to facilitate all-year-round farming.
We think that the “buy-and-sell” business is thriving with support from the banks because the risk factor there is less than it is in the agricultural sector.
The Daily Graphic believes that the status quo will not help to stimulate the kind of economic growth we anticipate unless policies and regulations are put in place to facilitate improvement in the way of doing business in the country.
The collapse of banks and mortgage arrangements in the USA and the UK re-inforces the critical role of the state in the development of the country.
It is not the “business of the state to be in business”, but the state can use its sovereign might to leverage credit internally and from donors for on-lending at attractive rates to producers at all levels.
We dare say that appeals to the banks will not work the magic because at the end of the day, their managements must account to their boards of directors and shareholders for their stewardship.
The Daily Graphic believes we ought to think outside the box to find solutions to the challenges that confront producers in trying to access credit at reasonable and affordable rates.
The Daily Graphic, therefore, calls on the government to set aside money from the Consolidated Fund and seek help from our development partners that can be channelled through the banks as credit to industry and agriculture to stimulate productivity and wealth creation.
The Better Ghana agenda can be attained if new businesses are created and existing ones supported to expand to create employment and wealth to facilitate improvement in the living standards of the people.
The efforts to develop businesses to stimulate economic growth will yield the desired results if the country’s lending policies are reviewed.
Many businesses, including the large-scale ones, find it difficult to access credit from the banks because of the strict and cumbersome requirements.
Big-time businesses can, at least, provide collateral because of their asset base, but small and medium-scale entrepreneurs either find it difficult to meet the demand for collateral by the banks or they cannot meet the demands at all.
Since the banks also are in business to make profit, we must not expect them to lend at lower rates when the money market does not give room for lower interest rates.
President J.E.A. Mills, at the weekend, echoed the concerns of business operators in the country when he asked banks to review their lending policies to enable them to channel increased resources into the agricultural sector, which is the mainstay of the economy.
While interacting with a delegation from Zenith Bank Ghana Limited at the Castle last Friday, the President said banks needed to particularly lower their demand for large collateral, which farmers, many of whom are peasant and subsistence farmers, could not meet.
The campaign for a reduction in lending rates and other requirements by the banks has been going on for decades but it is as if the banks are not prepared to accept the change and the question is whether it is possible for the banks to respond to the dictates of businesses within the context in which the market operates.
When it comes to credit to agriculture, the cost of money is very high because of our over-dependence on rain, instead of irrigation, to facilitate all-year-round farming.
We think that the “buy-and-sell” business is thriving with support from the banks because the risk factor there is less than it is in the agricultural sector.
The Daily Graphic believes that the status quo will not help to stimulate the kind of economic growth we anticipate unless policies and regulations are put in place to facilitate improvement in the way of doing business in the country.
The collapse of banks and mortgage arrangements in the USA and the UK re-inforces the critical role of the state in the development of the country.
It is not the “business of the state to be in business”, but the state can use its sovereign might to leverage credit internally and from donors for on-lending at attractive rates to producers at all levels.
We dare say that appeals to the banks will not work the magic because at the end of the day, their managements must account to their boards of directors and shareholders for their stewardship.
The Daily Graphic believes we ought to think outside the box to find solutions to the challenges that confront producers in trying to access credit at reasonable and affordable rates.
The Daily Graphic, therefore, calls on the government to set aside money from the Consolidated Fund and seek help from our development partners that can be channelled through the banks as credit to industry and agriculture to stimulate productivity and wealth creation.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
BRAVO, BLACK STARS (JAN 25, 2010)
Ghana's Black Stars yesterday became the first team to qualify for the semi-finals of the Orange Africa Cup of Nations after a deserved 1-0 victory over the host nation, displaying admirable will power, work ethics and tactical discipline that ended the host nation's party.
The victory lifted the nation's spirit, as Ghanaians in every nook and cranny erupted into spontaneous jubilation when Referee Benouza Mohamed blew the final whistle to send Ghana into the last four.
Yesterday's victory was made sweeter because when it mattered most the Stars stepped up the game and rose to the occasion in an intimidating atmosphere made more difficult by questionable officiating that was, perhaps, aimed at frustrating the Stars and breaking their spirits.
It is never an easy affair playing against 50,000 home fans when the stakes are high, not least when the Head of State, Jose Eduardo Dos Santos, was in attendance to cheer the home team to victory. Impressively, the Stars defied all odds, played with passion and hardly appeared intimidated.
Asamoah Gyan, a player whose commitment had been questioned after refusing to play in a friendly game against Angola, provided the touch of class that silenced his critics and sent Ghana into the last four.
Ghana might have been depleted of big-name stars such as Michael Essien, John Mensah, John Paintsil, Stephen Appiah, Anthony Annan and Sulley Muntari but yesterday there was a desire to die for the nation among all the Ghanaian players on the field who were driven by unity of purpose and sheer bravado in pursuit of a national aspiration.
The decision by Coach Milovan Rajevac to axe some big stars and fall on the key players who masterminded Ghana's triumph at the FIFA Under-20 championship has proved a resounding success in giving the young players an opportunity to carry their recent form to Africa's flagship tournament, as well as send a clear message that no player's position is guaranteed.
The Stars' performance so far provides valuable lessons to Ghanaians that with unity of purpose, determination, hard work and encouragement, Ghana can make giant strides in nation building and all spheres of life.
As Ghana moves even closer to the final, the task ahead of the team will be even greater, as all eyes will be on the injury-ravaged Black Stars who limped into the tournament but shook off a bad start to progress to the last four.
It requires smart tactics and quick thinking on the part of Coach Rajevac and tactical discipline and hard work on the part of the players for Ghana to scale their next hurdle.
It is the hope of the DAILY GRAPHIC that Anthony Annan and Asamoah Gyan who pulled out of yesterday's game with injury will recuperate quickly to enable the Black Stars to go into Thursday's semi-final game at full strength to enable the team to live the dream of ending a 28-year drought to lift a fifth continental title.
The DAILY GRAPHIC congratulates the players and their technical handlers on their effort and hope they will not rest on their laurels but press on to win the African cup.
The victory lifted the nation's spirit, as Ghanaians in every nook and cranny erupted into spontaneous jubilation when Referee Benouza Mohamed blew the final whistle to send Ghana into the last four.
Yesterday's victory was made sweeter because when it mattered most the Stars stepped up the game and rose to the occasion in an intimidating atmosphere made more difficult by questionable officiating that was, perhaps, aimed at frustrating the Stars and breaking their spirits.
It is never an easy affair playing against 50,000 home fans when the stakes are high, not least when the Head of State, Jose Eduardo Dos Santos, was in attendance to cheer the home team to victory. Impressively, the Stars defied all odds, played with passion and hardly appeared intimidated.
Asamoah Gyan, a player whose commitment had been questioned after refusing to play in a friendly game against Angola, provided the touch of class that silenced his critics and sent Ghana into the last four.
Ghana might have been depleted of big-name stars such as Michael Essien, John Mensah, John Paintsil, Stephen Appiah, Anthony Annan and Sulley Muntari but yesterday there was a desire to die for the nation among all the Ghanaian players on the field who were driven by unity of purpose and sheer bravado in pursuit of a national aspiration.
The decision by Coach Milovan Rajevac to axe some big stars and fall on the key players who masterminded Ghana's triumph at the FIFA Under-20 championship has proved a resounding success in giving the young players an opportunity to carry their recent form to Africa's flagship tournament, as well as send a clear message that no player's position is guaranteed.
The Stars' performance so far provides valuable lessons to Ghanaians that with unity of purpose, determination, hard work and encouragement, Ghana can make giant strides in nation building and all spheres of life.
As Ghana moves even closer to the final, the task ahead of the team will be even greater, as all eyes will be on the injury-ravaged Black Stars who limped into the tournament but shook off a bad start to progress to the last four.
It requires smart tactics and quick thinking on the part of Coach Rajevac and tactical discipline and hard work on the part of the players for Ghana to scale their next hurdle.
It is the hope of the DAILY GRAPHIC that Anthony Annan and Asamoah Gyan who pulled out of yesterday's game with injury will recuperate quickly to enable the Black Stars to go into Thursday's semi-final game at full strength to enable the team to live the dream of ending a 28-year drought to lift a fifth continental title.
The DAILY GRAPHIC congratulates the players and their technical handlers on their effort and hope they will not rest on their laurels but press on to win the African cup.
GO, BLACK STARS, GO (JAN 23, 2010)
Ghana's Black Stars face a battle of nerves tomorrow before a partisan home crowd as they play host to Angola in the quarter-finals of the ongoing African Cup of Nations tournament in one of the most anticipated matches of the knockout stages.
Playing host teams at such tournaments has never been an easy affair and for the injury-ravaged Black Stars, the match in Luanda is perhaps their biggest test yet, as the Palancas Negras will have the benefit of a partisan home crowd of about 50,000, referred to in football parlance as the “12th man”.
Such is the enormity of the task facing Coach Milovan Rajevac and his predominantly youthful team that they will need to employ smart tactics and display an unyielding spirit to stop the Angolans.
Against all odds, the young Ghana team showed resilience and overcame a rugged Burkina Faso side 1-0 in a must-win game to reach the quarter-final stage. It was not a command performance from Ghana but young players such as Andre Ayew, Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu, Samuel Inkoom and Kwadwo Asamoah played with passion and repaid the confidence reposed in them by Coach Rajevac, particularly in the face of an unusually disappointing performance by their more established seniors.
Tomorrow's match has a lot at stake and will be no easier than Ghana's two previous matches against Cote d'Ivoire and Burkina Faso.
Despite the advantage of playing on home soil, Angola's performance has been all but vintage. And in their build-up to tomorrow's clash with Ghana, there is a feeling of nervousness and fear among Angolans, who have resorted to arm-twisting tactics in a bid to frustrate the Black Stars and their handful of supporters.
Reports of the use of surveillance cameras at Ghana's hotel and the assault by the Angolan police of an accredited Ghanaian journalist and the famous pot-carrying supporter, Samuel Aggrey, alias "Obuor", only attest to desperation on the part of the host and should raise red flags about a possible hostile reception that awaits the Black Stars tomorrow.
On the evidence of Ghana's last performance, there is growing confidence among Ghanaians that the team is improving match after match and the expected return of injured midfield strongman Anthony Annan will strengthen the side to step up their game against a talented home side under pressure to succeed.
Coach Rajevac and his charges know too well the task awaiting them tomorrow after the Stars held the Angolans to a scoreless draw in a friendly match in Luanda on November 18, a perfect dress rehearsal for tomorrow’s match.
However, there are pride and a place in the semi-finals at stake in tomorrow's fixture and Angolans are leaving nothing to chance, including an incentive package of a whopping $1 million to their players for a win over Ghana.
Ghana may not match the financial inducement offered by oil-rich Angola but the Black Stars seem determined to end the host nation’s party and reach the last four as Ghana aims to end a 28-year Nations Cup drought.
Having galvanised the entire country behind them after a shaky start, the Black Stars cannot afford to stumble over the Angolan hurdle.
Playing host teams at such tournaments has never been an easy affair and for the injury-ravaged Black Stars, the match in Luanda is perhaps their biggest test yet, as the Palancas Negras will have the benefit of a partisan home crowd of about 50,000, referred to in football parlance as the “12th man”.
Such is the enormity of the task facing Coach Milovan Rajevac and his predominantly youthful team that they will need to employ smart tactics and display an unyielding spirit to stop the Angolans.
Against all odds, the young Ghana team showed resilience and overcame a rugged Burkina Faso side 1-0 in a must-win game to reach the quarter-final stage. It was not a command performance from Ghana but young players such as Andre Ayew, Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu, Samuel Inkoom and Kwadwo Asamoah played with passion and repaid the confidence reposed in them by Coach Rajevac, particularly in the face of an unusually disappointing performance by their more established seniors.
Tomorrow's match has a lot at stake and will be no easier than Ghana's two previous matches against Cote d'Ivoire and Burkina Faso.
Despite the advantage of playing on home soil, Angola's performance has been all but vintage. And in their build-up to tomorrow's clash with Ghana, there is a feeling of nervousness and fear among Angolans, who have resorted to arm-twisting tactics in a bid to frustrate the Black Stars and their handful of supporters.
Reports of the use of surveillance cameras at Ghana's hotel and the assault by the Angolan police of an accredited Ghanaian journalist and the famous pot-carrying supporter, Samuel Aggrey, alias "Obuor", only attest to desperation on the part of the host and should raise red flags about a possible hostile reception that awaits the Black Stars tomorrow.
On the evidence of Ghana's last performance, there is growing confidence among Ghanaians that the team is improving match after match and the expected return of injured midfield strongman Anthony Annan will strengthen the side to step up their game against a talented home side under pressure to succeed.
Coach Rajevac and his charges know too well the task awaiting them tomorrow after the Stars held the Angolans to a scoreless draw in a friendly match in Luanda on November 18, a perfect dress rehearsal for tomorrow’s match.
However, there are pride and a place in the semi-finals at stake in tomorrow's fixture and Angolans are leaving nothing to chance, including an incentive package of a whopping $1 million to their players for a win over Ghana.
Ghana may not match the financial inducement offered by oil-rich Angola but the Black Stars seem determined to end the host nation’s party and reach the last four as Ghana aims to end a 28-year Nations Cup drought.
Having galvanised the entire country behind them after a shaky start, the Black Stars cannot afford to stumble over the Angolan hurdle.
OUR WIDOW'S MITE TO HAITI (JAN 22, 2010)
IN spite of our economic challenges, Ghana has shown compassion towards the people of Haiti who were hit by an earthquake, with very fatal consequences.
A Deputy Minister of Information, Mr Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has announced a $3 million donation to Haiti following the January 12, 2010 earthquake.
The donation is in fulfilment of President J.E.A. Mills’s pledge in a letter to his Haitian counterpart, Rene Preval. that the government and the people of Ghana “will, in due course, make our modest contribution to your national efforts”.
The monetary support, in addition to the relief items being mobilised by the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) for the people of Haiti, may not be as big as assistance from other sources, but the gesture alone shows our heartfelt concern for the plight of the disaster victims.
By the gesture, we have demonstrated that we are not only interested in receiving from others but also that when the opportunity comes, we shall also extend our hand of support to those in need.
The situation in Haiti after the earthquake tragedy, which the United Nations described as the worst humanitarian disaster, demands a global mobilisation of relief items to restore everyday life to normalcy. More than one week after the disaster, the people are still in need of basic support such as food, water and medical supplies.
Although governments across the globe, including the United Nations, have stepped up mobilising humanitarian relief items, the level of devastation makes it difficult for all the victims to be reached and there is the need to step up the support initiatives.
The plight of the people of Haiti has been aggravated by the collapse of infrastructure such as roads, bridges and the international airport, thereby making the delivery of essential services very challenging.
It is also refreshing that local support for the people of Haiti is not being limited to what the government can do but that individuals and corporate bodies desirous of making donations are being asked to contact World Vision International which is engaged in an international relief effort for Haiti.
The DAILY GRAPHIC is encouraged by the show of concern by the people towards the pain that the earthquake victims are going through and their preparedness to lend their support to efforts to raise money for Haiti.
The fact that we are getting an enthusiastic corps of public-spirited Ghanaians who want to help reduce the pain and suffering in Haiti in itself is very commendable, but it must be done in a co-ordinated manner so that the donations can be properly accounted for.
The DAILY GRAPHIC appeals to individuals and corporate bodies to donate their widow’s mite to the people of Haiti. In circumstances like this, the call has always been “Ketewa biara nsua” or “Yibima” and we are convinced that if every Ghanaian, no matter his or her status in life, decides to even forgo a meal and donate the money to the Haiti Fund, Ghana can raise quite a substantial amount of money for the earthquake victims.
The DAILY GRAPHIC salutes the government for showing the way, but we believe we can do more if majority of Ghanaians donate GH¢1 each to the people of Haiti.
A Deputy Minister of Information, Mr Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has announced a $3 million donation to Haiti following the January 12, 2010 earthquake.
The donation is in fulfilment of President J.E.A. Mills’s pledge in a letter to his Haitian counterpart, Rene Preval. that the government and the people of Ghana “will, in due course, make our modest contribution to your national efforts”.
The monetary support, in addition to the relief items being mobilised by the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) for the people of Haiti, may not be as big as assistance from other sources, but the gesture alone shows our heartfelt concern for the plight of the disaster victims.
By the gesture, we have demonstrated that we are not only interested in receiving from others but also that when the opportunity comes, we shall also extend our hand of support to those in need.
The situation in Haiti after the earthquake tragedy, which the United Nations described as the worst humanitarian disaster, demands a global mobilisation of relief items to restore everyday life to normalcy. More than one week after the disaster, the people are still in need of basic support such as food, water and medical supplies.
Although governments across the globe, including the United Nations, have stepped up mobilising humanitarian relief items, the level of devastation makes it difficult for all the victims to be reached and there is the need to step up the support initiatives.
The plight of the people of Haiti has been aggravated by the collapse of infrastructure such as roads, bridges and the international airport, thereby making the delivery of essential services very challenging.
It is also refreshing that local support for the people of Haiti is not being limited to what the government can do but that individuals and corporate bodies desirous of making donations are being asked to contact World Vision International which is engaged in an international relief effort for Haiti.
The DAILY GRAPHIC is encouraged by the show of concern by the people towards the pain that the earthquake victims are going through and their preparedness to lend their support to efforts to raise money for Haiti.
The fact that we are getting an enthusiastic corps of public-spirited Ghanaians who want to help reduce the pain and suffering in Haiti in itself is very commendable, but it must be done in a co-ordinated manner so that the donations can be properly accounted for.
The DAILY GRAPHIC appeals to individuals and corporate bodies to donate their widow’s mite to the people of Haiti. In circumstances like this, the call has always been “Ketewa biara nsua” or “Yibima” and we are convinced that if every Ghanaian, no matter his or her status in life, decides to even forgo a meal and donate the money to the Haiti Fund, Ghana can raise quite a substantial amount of money for the earthquake victims.
The DAILY GRAPHIC salutes the government for showing the way, but we believe we can do more if majority of Ghanaians donate GH¢1 each to the people of Haiti.
PROTECTING OUR HERITAGE (JAN 21, 2010)
A large proportion of the country’s forest cover has been depleted through the activities of illegal loggers, bush burning and unscientific farming practices.
The country’s forest cover, which was estimated at 8.2 million hectares in 1900, has now been reduced to just 1.2 million hectares.
We do not need a soothsayer to tell us that the data on the forest cover are a manifestation of the phenomenon of desertification, on which action should be taken now to avoid risking our lives.
The managers of our forest resources face a Herculean task in trying to police them and encourage the people to protect the country’s natural endowments.
Certain practices in the countryside have fuelled the depletion of the country’s forest resources. These include farming methods whereby the forests are cleared and burnt for planting and trees felled for charcoal burning.
The land tenure system does not also lend support to the efforts to protect the vegetation because many families depend on a particular piece of land for farming, making it highly impossible to engage in shifting cultivation.
Although there is a lot to be gained from agro-forestry and mixed farming, the concept is not very popular with our farmers.
It appears that our people have forgotten the popular adage, “When the last tree dies, the last man dies”, and have engaged in negative practices in their effort to exploit the resources for their upkeep.
It is worrying that the trade in illegal logging has become very sophisticated, with the use of arms to protect those involved and intimidate people whose livelihoods are threatened by operators.
The Daily Graphic commends the government for launching the “Greening the Environment for a Better Ghana Agenda” aimed at arresting the depletion of the country’s forest and creating more than 51,000 jobs for the youth in the next five years.
What is even more reassuring is the directive from President J.E.A. Mills to the National Security apparatus to strengthen their networks to ensure the swift arrest and prosecution of illegal loggers and chainsaw operators whose activities constitute environment degradation.
At the core of the problem is the boldness and ease with which the illegal loggers carry out their activities throughout the country, suggesting the connivance of certain elements within the security agencies.
Every day, truckloads of timber are transported on our roads, while the security personnel at the barriers and other checkpoints look on in helpless amazement because of the endorsement from official or high places.
Those illegal operators do not even pay revenue to the state, while their activities contribute immensely to the degradation of the forest.
The Daily Graphic is happy that the people have been offered another opportunity to save the vegetation through the afforestation programme.
Let us, however, remind ourselves of past initiatives and recollect why they failed so that we do not replicate those same bad work ethics during the implementation of the present programme.
The Daily Graphic believes that if everybody makes it a point to plant a tree and nurture it to grow, we may be on the path to restoring the country’s green cover.
Our very existence on earth is at stake and the best we can do is to expose those who endanger the vegetation through illegal logging and farming in forest reserves.
The country’s forest cover, which was estimated at 8.2 million hectares in 1900, has now been reduced to just 1.2 million hectares.
We do not need a soothsayer to tell us that the data on the forest cover are a manifestation of the phenomenon of desertification, on which action should be taken now to avoid risking our lives.
The managers of our forest resources face a Herculean task in trying to police them and encourage the people to protect the country’s natural endowments.
Certain practices in the countryside have fuelled the depletion of the country’s forest resources. These include farming methods whereby the forests are cleared and burnt for planting and trees felled for charcoal burning.
The land tenure system does not also lend support to the efforts to protect the vegetation because many families depend on a particular piece of land for farming, making it highly impossible to engage in shifting cultivation.
Although there is a lot to be gained from agro-forestry and mixed farming, the concept is not very popular with our farmers.
It appears that our people have forgotten the popular adage, “When the last tree dies, the last man dies”, and have engaged in negative practices in their effort to exploit the resources for their upkeep.
It is worrying that the trade in illegal logging has become very sophisticated, with the use of arms to protect those involved and intimidate people whose livelihoods are threatened by operators.
The Daily Graphic commends the government for launching the “Greening the Environment for a Better Ghana Agenda” aimed at arresting the depletion of the country’s forest and creating more than 51,000 jobs for the youth in the next five years.
What is even more reassuring is the directive from President J.E.A. Mills to the National Security apparatus to strengthen their networks to ensure the swift arrest and prosecution of illegal loggers and chainsaw operators whose activities constitute environment degradation.
At the core of the problem is the boldness and ease with which the illegal loggers carry out their activities throughout the country, suggesting the connivance of certain elements within the security agencies.
Every day, truckloads of timber are transported on our roads, while the security personnel at the barriers and other checkpoints look on in helpless amazement because of the endorsement from official or high places.
Those illegal operators do not even pay revenue to the state, while their activities contribute immensely to the degradation of the forest.
The Daily Graphic is happy that the people have been offered another opportunity to save the vegetation through the afforestation programme.
Let us, however, remind ourselves of past initiatives and recollect why they failed so that we do not replicate those same bad work ethics during the implementation of the present programme.
The Daily Graphic believes that if everybody makes it a point to plant a tree and nurture it to grow, we may be on the path to restoring the country’s green cover.
Our very existence on earth is at stake and the best we can do is to expose those who endanger the vegetation through illegal logging and farming in forest reserves.
PROVIDING POWER FOR DEVELOPMENT (JAN 20, 2010)
THE government has taken a major step towards solving the energy challenges of the country with the cutting of the sod for work to begin on the expansion of the Takoradi Thermal Power Plant at Aboadze in the Shama District of the Western Region.
Presently, the country has an installed generation capacity of about 2,000MW, while the peak demand for power is estimated at 1,350MW.
Cutting the sod, the Vice-President, Mr John Dramani Mahama, said the vision of the government was to provide adequate and reliable energy supplies for all sectors of the economy to support socio-economic development, poverty reduction and also for export.
Not too long ago, Ghana exported power to Togo and Benin as part of efforts to deepen South-South co-operation and regional integration.
Somehow, the country lost this opportunity of generating excess power for export and had to rely on Cote d’Ivoire for power during peak consumption periods.
A number of factors accounted for this challenge, key among them being the country’s inability to renew the plant and equipment at the Akosombo and the Kpong generation plants, as well as a drop in the water level in the Akosombo Dam.
Furthermore, the lack of consensus on the payment of what has become known as realistic tariffs affected the capacity of the energy companies to provide adequate energy and efficient power.
Long debates, and in some cases street agitation by a section of consumers, have always greeted upward adjustments in tariffs and those against the adjustments have always cited the inability of consumers to pay the tariffs as justification.
But for how long can we continue with these argument of our inability to pay and at the same time expect efficient delivery of services by the utility companies?
With the provision of prepaid meters in most residential areas and emerging communities, the utility companies are reducing the burden of having to chase consumers to pay their bills.
However, the effort at getting every consumer to pay realistic tariffs for electricity has been hampered by the purchasing power of consumers in compound houses.
And because the tariffs are based on the amount of power consumed, residents of compound houses tend to consume more. They thus pay more because they do not have individual meters.
The government tried going around this problem with the institution of lifeline tariffs but that policy has been defeated by the lack of more meters in compound houses.
Those who have argued against upward adjustments in tariffs have always cited the waste in the system to back their position, although it is generally accepted that the country cannot expect to update its generation mix with the present low level of tariffs.
The Daily Graphic believes that Ghana can be an attractive business destination only if the cost of doing business is competitive and we can achieve that in total if utility tariffs are competitive and service delivery is efficient.
The Daily Graphic has no doubt that consumers will be prepared to pay competitive tariffs provided they are assured of reliable and adequate power.
We, therefore, call on the utility companies to put their act together and remove all the bottlenecks hindering efficient supply of power so that the right energy mix will be made available for national development.
The Daily Graphic thinks that the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) ought to develop more teeth to compel the utility companies to discharge their obligations to the satisfaction of consumers.
Presently, the country has an installed generation capacity of about 2,000MW, while the peak demand for power is estimated at 1,350MW.
Cutting the sod, the Vice-President, Mr John Dramani Mahama, said the vision of the government was to provide adequate and reliable energy supplies for all sectors of the economy to support socio-economic development, poverty reduction and also for export.
Not too long ago, Ghana exported power to Togo and Benin as part of efforts to deepen South-South co-operation and regional integration.
Somehow, the country lost this opportunity of generating excess power for export and had to rely on Cote d’Ivoire for power during peak consumption periods.
A number of factors accounted for this challenge, key among them being the country’s inability to renew the plant and equipment at the Akosombo and the Kpong generation plants, as well as a drop in the water level in the Akosombo Dam.
Furthermore, the lack of consensus on the payment of what has become known as realistic tariffs affected the capacity of the energy companies to provide adequate energy and efficient power.
Long debates, and in some cases street agitation by a section of consumers, have always greeted upward adjustments in tariffs and those against the adjustments have always cited the inability of consumers to pay the tariffs as justification.
But for how long can we continue with these argument of our inability to pay and at the same time expect efficient delivery of services by the utility companies?
With the provision of prepaid meters in most residential areas and emerging communities, the utility companies are reducing the burden of having to chase consumers to pay their bills.
However, the effort at getting every consumer to pay realistic tariffs for electricity has been hampered by the purchasing power of consumers in compound houses.
And because the tariffs are based on the amount of power consumed, residents of compound houses tend to consume more. They thus pay more because they do not have individual meters.
The government tried going around this problem with the institution of lifeline tariffs but that policy has been defeated by the lack of more meters in compound houses.
Those who have argued against upward adjustments in tariffs have always cited the waste in the system to back their position, although it is generally accepted that the country cannot expect to update its generation mix with the present low level of tariffs.
The Daily Graphic believes that Ghana can be an attractive business destination only if the cost of doing business is competitive and we can achieve that in total if utility tariffs are competitive and service delivery is efficient.
The Daily Graphic has no doubt that consumers will be prepared to pay competitive tariffs provided they are assured of reliable and adequate power.
We, therefore, call on the utility companies to put their act together and remove all the bottlenecks hindering efficient supply of power so that the right energy mix will be made available for national development.
The Daily Graphic thinks that the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) ought to develop more teeth to compel the utility companies to discharge their obligations to the satisfaction of consumers.
NEVER AGAIN (JAN 19, 2010)
AN earthquake scare on Sunday that kept the entire country awake exposed the gullibility of many of the people.
The phone calls, text messages and discussions on radio at dawn yesterday showed clearly the lack of information on natural disasters such as earthquakes or earth tremors.
That all those frantic efforts to minimise the effects of disasters turned out to be phoney and caused irreparable inconvenience to the people should be a matter of concern to all and they should affirm that never again will they allow themselves to be misled.
For, this alarm could have triggered a tragedy or stampede of national proportions that the state would be unprepared to deal with to reduce the pain that would be inflicted on the people.
Nonetheless, the drill that the people went through in responding to the “distress calls” and waking up their neighbours or calming the nerves of agitated relatives demonstrates that Ghanaians are their neighbours’ keepers.
Another lesson from this experience is that those who wield the power of communication, be it the media, ‘gong gong’ and mobile phones, should use those facilities in a more responsible way.
A harmless text message, perhaps unintended but interpreted wrongly, might have caused the panic among majority of Ghanaians, forcing them to stay outside in unfriendly weather for most part of the night.
As people recover from the pain they went through on Sunday night, the emergency agencies should at least be happy that in the event of any disaster the people will know what to do.
On the other hand, it is feared that next time around many people will not respond to such calls, even if they are for real, and the effect can be catastrophic.
The Daily Graphic thinks there are many lessons to be learnt from the experiences of last Sunday night.
In the first place, the nation should be able to unravel the mystery surrounding those who send text messages for diabolical purposes.
The Daily Graphic is aware of efforts by the government to get all mobile telephony companies to register all subscribers to their services.
This exercise has not gone down well with all subscribers, necessitating further discussions on the matter with the companies and a rescheduling of the implementation date.
The Daily Graphic calls on the government to, as a matter of urgency, resource all disaster management organisations for them to deal with the concerns of society, so that when such disasters occur, those organisations will be better placed to carry out humanitarian relief operations.
The government should also consider the suggestion for the setting up of a National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) seismic station in the country to support the management of information relating to earthquakes.
If we had a seismic station in the country, the stampede could have been avoided, as seismic information would have been placed at the disposal of the people.
We think it has become very important for disaster management organisations to step up public education on earth tremors and related disasters.
In fact, the way the public responded to news of the phoney earthquake indicated that majority of our people had very little information about earthquakes.
It is difficult, even with functional equipment, to predict when an earthquake will occur.
Developers should also be educated on the suitability and safety of lands when designing their houses.
The hysteria that characterised the events of last Sunday has not only exposed majority of the people to various kinds of dangers but also shows that information, if not handled responsibly, can create false alarm and spell doom for an entire nation.
The phone calls, text messages and discussions on radio at dawn yesterday showed clearly the lack of information on natural disasters such as earthquakes or earth tremors.
That all those frantic efforts to minimise the effects of disasters turned out to be phoney and caused irreparable inconvenience to the people should be a matter of concern to all and they should affirm that never again will they allow themselves to be misled.
For, this alarm could have triggered a tragedy or stampede of national proportions that the state would be unprepared to deal with to reduce the pain that would be inflicted on the people.
Nonetheless, the drill that the people went through in responding to the “distress calls” and waking up their neighbours or calming the nerves of agitated relatives demonstrates that Ghanaians are their neighbours’ keepers.
Another lesson from this experience is that those who wield the power of communication, be it the media, ‘gong gong’ and mobile phones, should use those facilities in a more responsible way.
A harmless text message, perhaps unintended but interpreted wrongly, might have caused the panic among majority of Ghanaians, forcing them to stay outside in unfriendly weather for most part of the night.
As people recover from the pain they went through on Sunday night, the emergency agencies should at least be happy that in the event of any disaster the people will know what to do.
On the other hand, it is feared that next time around many people will not respond to such calls, even if they are for real, and the effect can be catastrophic.
The Daily Graphic thinks there are many lessons to be learnt from the experiences of last Sunday night.
In the first place, the nation should be able to unravel the mystery surrounding those who send text messages for diabolical purposes.
The Daily Graphic is aware of efforts by the government to get all mobile telephony companies to register all subscribers to their services.
This exercise has not gone down well with all subscribers, necessitating further discussions on the matter with the companies and a rescheduling of the implementation date.
The Daily Graphic calls on the government to, as a matter of urgency, resource all disaster management organisations for them to deal with the concerns of society, so that when such disasters occur, those organisations will be better placed to carry out humanitarian relief operations.
The government should also consider the suggestion for the setting up of a National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) seismic station in the country to support the management of information relating to earthquakes.
If we had a seismic station in the country, the stampede could have been avoided, as seismic information would have been placed at the disposal of the people.
We think it has become very important for disaster management organisations to step up public education on earth tremors and related disasters.
In fact, the way the public responded to news of the phoney earthquake indicated that majority of our people had very little information about earthquakes.
It is difficult, even with functional equipment, to predict when an earthquake will occur.
Developers should also be educated on the suitability and safety of lands when designing their houses.
The hysteria that characterised the events of last Sunday has not only exposed majority of the people to various kinds of dangers but also shows that information, if not handled responsibly, can create false alarm and spell doom for an entire nation.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
STEP UP SUPPORT OF HAITI (JAN 18, 2010)
IN spite of the positive response to deliver aid to the desperate people of Haiti, efforts must be stepped up to save survivors from disease and starvation.
The task that confronts Haiti and, indeed, the world is very daunting because three quarters of the capital, Port-au-Prince, will have to be rebuilt.
The devastation caused by last Tuesday’s earthquake has reduced the city, with a population of two million, to the situation where its resources can take care of only a few thousands of people.
The UN has described the humanitarian tragedy as the worst it has ever confronted, while the United States of America (USA) has launched its biggest relief effort in history.
While the world expresses grief over the Haitian quake that affected nearly three million people and has been described as “apocalyptic”, President Barrack Obama launched a nation-wide drive to raise money to aid survivors.
Flanked by his predecessors, George W. Bush and Bill Clinton, President Obama said his predecessors “will help the American people to do their part because responding to disaster is the work of all of us”.
The Clinton/Bush Haiti Fund echoes a similar bipartisan effort in 2004 after a massive earthquake caused a huge tsunami in South Asia and killed 226,000.
The gesture by Obama sends clear signals to the world, especially fledgling democracies, that disasters or national reconstruction efforts have no partisan colours. It is a reminder to our governments to engage our past leaders in the development process.
The DAILY GRAPHIC can vouch that public response to the appeal launched by President Obama will be overwhelming, simply because the move manifests the diversity of the American public.
Conditions in Haiti are not different from the circumstances in most development countries, but the situation has been compounded by the earthquake.
Despite our economic circumstances, Ghanaians can also join the global effort at helping Haiti to reconstruct its country.
We commend the efforts so far by the international community to get aid to the survivors because it is not possible to extend food, water and medical supplies to all, including those in places that are inaccessible.
The DAILY GRAPHIC simply asks for the doubling of efforts to save the situation and also address the security concerns that have emerged, especially reports of looting in Port-au-Prince.
It is heartbreaking to observe rescuers foraging through the rubble with bare hands to save people trapped by collapsed buildings. This development requires that the world delivers on its promises so that rescuers can have heavy equipment to save those under the debris.
Our people say, “Se egya to wo yonko abodwese mu a, sa nsuo si wo dee ho”; to wit, “If your neighbour’s beard catches fire, get a bucket of water by yours”.
This requires that as a nation we develop early warning signs to put our house in order.
We have experienced earth tremors in the past, the more serious one being the earthquake of 1938 when some houses were destroyed.
That experience means that we have a few earthquake zones in the country, but there is very little we can do to prevent a natural disaster such as an earthquake.
Nonetheless, the DAILY GRAPHIC believes that there are certain steps that we can take to reduce the pain of devastation during natural disasters. A stitch in time, they say, saves nine.
Meanwhile, our heartfelt condolences go to the people and the government of Haiti and we appeal to the international community to step up aid to that country.
The task that confronts Haiti and, indeed, the world is very daunting because three quarters of the capital, Port-au-Prince, will have to be rebuilt.
The devastation caused by last Tuesday’s earthquake has reduced the city, with a population of two million, to the situation where its resources can take care of only a few thousands of people.
The UN has described the humanitarian tragedy as the worst it has ever confronted, while the United States of America (USA) has launched its biggest relief effort in history.
While the world expresses grief over the Haitian quake that affected nearly three million people and has been described as “apocalyptic”, President Barrack Obama launched a nation-wide drive to raise money to aid survivors.
Flanked by his predecessors, George W. Bush and Bill Clinton, President Obama said his predecessors “will help the American people to do their part because responding to disaster is the work of all of us”.
The Clinton/Bush Haiti Fund echoes a similar bipartisan effort in 2004 after a massive earthquake caused a huge tsunami in South Asia and killed 226,000.
The gesture by Obama sends clear signals to the world, especially fledgling democracies, that disasters or national reconstruction efforts have no partisan colours. It is a reminder to our governments to engage our past leaders in the development process.
The DAILY GRAPHIC can vouch that public response to the appeal launched by President Obama will be overwhelming, simply because the move manifests the diversity of the American public.
Conditions in Haiti are not different from the circumstances in most development countries, but the situation has been compounded by the earthquake.
Despite our economic circumstances, Ghanaians can also join the global effort at helping Haiti to reconstruct its country.
We commend the efforts so far by the international community to get aid to the survivors because it is not possible to extend food, water and medical supplies to all, including those in places that are inaccessible.
The DAILY GRAPHIC simply asks for the doubling of efforts to save the situation and also address the security concerns that have emerged, especially reports of looting in Port-au-Prince.
It is heartbreaking to observe rescuers foraging through the rubble with bare hands to save people trapped by collapsed buildings. This development requires that the world delivers on its promises so that rescuers can have heavy equipment to save those under the debris.
Our people say, “Se egya to wo yonko abodwese mu a, sa nsuo si wo dee ho”; to wit, “If your neighbour’s beard catches fire, get a bucket of water by yours”.
This requires that as a nation we develop early warning signs to put our house in order.
We have experienced earth tremors in the past, the more serious one being the earthquake of 1938 when some houses were destroyed.
That experience means that we have a few earthquake zones in the country, but there is very little we can do to prevent a natural disaster such as an earthquake.
Nonetheless, the DAILY GRAPHIC believes that there are certain steps that we can take to reduce the pain of devastation during natural disasters. A stitch in time, they say, saves nine.
Meanwhile, our heartfelt condolences go to the people and the government of Haiti and we appeal to the international community to step up aid to that country.
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