VARIOUS institutions and organisations may need large tracts of land for their particular activities, but very few will disagree that schools need more land than all the institutions.
Basic schools may need land, for instance, for the construction of additional classrooms to meet increased enrolment, while a secondary school may put up new departments and bungalows for teachers and other staff members.
Universities are whole communities by themselves and the amount of land they need is unimaginable. This is because they have something to do with almost everything under the sun — training professionals for industry, having centres for research purposes, etc.
Not too long ago, society showed respect towards school lands and other property, such that in the villages, for instance, only hedges marked the boundaries of school property and yet nobody even cut down the hedges, let alone encroach on the school land.
However, today certain individuals and even organisations have shown disrespect for the purposes for which lands are demarcated for schools.
We have not forgotten the encroachment on Achimota School, Odorgonno and Christian Methodist Senior High schools lands in Accra and others elsewhere across the country. We are also aware of the legal battles these acts of encroachment bring about, sometimes disrupting the productive activities of the schools involved.
Some people have suggested various ways of stemming the tide of encroachment on school lands, including the government paying compensation to the families from whom those lands were taken and the fencing of schools.
This is why the DAILY GRAPHIC would like to commend CST Limited, a wire manufacturing company, for erecting a three-kilometre wire fence round the Ada Senior High/Technical School at Sege to secure the school and prevent encroachment on the school land.
The action of CST Limited reminds us of a very important aspect of school life, the security of both lives and property.
The DAILY GRAPHIC thinks the government, landowners, schools and other stakeholders should be proactive enough to resolve all issues concerning encroachment.
We all know the issue of land guards in land matters in the country today. This phenomenon has gained currency in recent times because of the desire of landowners to protect their property and also the failure of the security agencies to police people’s property.
The DAILY GRAPHIC would not take kindly to a situation where an encroachment case will turn violent and fatal, in which case the victims may include innocent schoolchildren.
While we hope the government and other stakeholders will consider our suggestion, we again want to say bravo to CST Limited and appeal to others to partner the government and other stakeholders to find a lasting solution to encroachment on school lands.
Let us not consider the protection of school lands as being peripheral to efforts at providing quality teaching and learning facilities for our students, since a conducive school environment engenders quality education.
Monday, May 31, 2010
Sunday, May 30, 2010
CEPA HAS A POINT (MAY 29, 2010)
ECONOMIC growth is a critical factor in assessing the level of development of a country and this is usually reflected in the standard of living in the country.
The success of a country’s development efforts is founded on sound economic policies that work to promote the growth of businesses to create jobs for the people and also provide important social amenities.
Over the years, countries that have improved their development ratings have placed an important premium on pursuing economic policies that suit their peculiar needs.
In Ghana, there is a history of various economic interventions that have sought to improve the lot of Ghanaians, with those interventions usually receiving mixed responses from Ghanaians.
There have been arguments over the suitability of some of the interventions, especially as their impact has not been felt, leading to calls that the government should adopt recommended policies from its development partners only if those policies are found to be suitable to the peculiar challenges the country may face.
When the NDC government assumed office in January 2009, the issue of budget deficit was played up, after it emerged that the previous government had left behind what was described as a “high budget deficit”.
Indeed, while there is the logical recognition that a government needs to spend in key sectors of the economy in order to promote growth, there is also the related caution that spending should not be reckless.
The call by the Centre for Policy Analysis (CEPA) on the government to regulate its descent to single digit inflation raises some important issues. According to CEPA, it was important to regulate that descent because attaining a single digit inflation in a very short time frame might do more harm than good.
Indeed, CEPA argued that the inflation targets set by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in the stabilisation programme and the pace of disinflation were too fast.
It further commented on the government’s declared commitment to pursue austerity measures and stressed the importance of placing a balance between austerity and finance. It again noted that there was the use of fiscal policy to reduce demand and, therefore, the tempo of economic activity.
CEPA is not alone in its observations.
The Bank of Ghana’s Monetary Policy Committee released a press statement on April 16, 2010 which pointed out that the economy was, indeed, slowing down.
These observations clearly bring to the fore the need for an effective analysis of the country’s economic path to address whatever challenges are prevailing.
As noted by the local representative of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Mr Wayne Mitchell, at the launch of the report by CEPA, there was the need to also improve revenue mobilisation in order to improve government expenditure.
The importance of growth in every economy must not be ignored, and inasmuch as the DAILY GRAPHIC cautions against any reckless spending, it is also important not to act in an overly cautious manner so that in the bid to cut down on expenditure, the country does not end up creating payment arrears and unduly slow down economic growth.
We believe that the country has the men to deliver economic success in a reasonable time frame. We also hope the report launched by CEPA will be put under the microscope by the key stakeholders to ensure that whatever good recommendations they contain are adopted for the benefit of Ghanaians.
The success of a country’s development efforts is founded on sound economic policies that work to promote the growth of businesses to create jobs for the people and also provide important social amenities.
Over the years, countries that have improved their development ratings have placed an important premium on pursuing economic policies that suit their peculiar needs.
In Ghana, there is a history of various economic interventions that have sought to improve the lot of Ghanaians, with those interventions usually receiving mixed responses from Ghanaians.
There have been arguments over the suitability of some of the interventions, especially as their impact has not been felt, leading to calls that the government should adopt recommended policies from its development partners only if those policies are found to be suitable to the peculiar challenges the country may face.
When the NDC government assumed office in January 2009, the issue of budget deficit was played up, after it emerged that the previous government had left behind what was described as a “high budget deficit”.
Indeed, while there is the logical recognition that a government needs to spend in key sectors of the economy in order to promote growth, there is also the related caution that spending should not be reckless.
The call by the Centre for Policy Analysis (CEPA) on the government to regulate its descent to single digit inflation raises some important issues. According to CEPA, it was important to regulate that descent because attaining a single digit inflation in a very short time frame might do more harm than good.
Indeed, CEPA argued that the inflation targets set by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in the stabilisation programme and the pace of disinflation were too fast.
It further commented on the government’s declared commitment to pursue austerity measures and stressed the importance of placing a balance between austerity and finance. It again noted that there was the use of fiscal policy to reduce demand and, therefore, the tempo of economic activity.
CEPA is not alone in its observations.
The Bank of Ghana’s Monetary Policy Committee released a press statement on April 16, 2010 which pointed out that the economy was, indeed, slowing down.
These observations clearly bring to the fore the need for an effective analysis of the country’s economic path to address whatever challenges are prevailing.
As noted by the local representative of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Mr Wayne Mitchell, at the launch of the report by CEPA, there was the need to also improve revenue mobilisation in order to improve government expenditure.
The importance of growth in every economy must not be ignored, and inasmuch as the DAILY GRAPHIC cautions against any reckless spending, it is also important not to act in an overly cautious manner so that in the bid to cut down on expenditure, the country does not end up creating payment arrears and unduly slow down economic growth.
We believe that the country has the men to deliver economic success in a reasonable time frame. We also hope the report launched by CEPA will be put under the microscope by the key stakeholders to ensure that whatever good recommendations they contain are adopted for the benefit of Ghanaians.
Friday, May 28, 2010
SAVING OUR FORESTS (MAY 28, 2010)
ALL over the world, more premium is being placed on the conservation of forests and the planting of tress in order to preserve both fauna and flora.
It is not for nothing that it is usually stated that “when the last tree dies, the last man dies”. Scientists are quick to explain that one of the important functions of natural vegetation is that plants, and for that matter trees, take in carbon dioxide and release oxygen during the day, a very useful mechanism for the sustenance of human life on earth.
Additionally, forests play a key role in protecting the soil from erosion and reducing the incidence of flooding during heavy downpours.
Yet, the earth has suffered significant exploitation of its forests. For instance, while some time ago forests covered about 50 per cent of the total land area of the earth, today they cover just about 30 per cent of the total land area.
After the rapid deforestation of the past, a global effort at afforestation is being encouraged, leading to some countries initiating efforts to preserve forest belts.
However, the efforts in developing countries such as Ghana have not been so impressive and that can be attributed to a number of factors, including ignorance, unregulated urbanisation and poverty, which sometimes spurs the unbridled cutting of trees for commercial purposes.
It is, therefore, not so surprising that the Achimota Forest in Accra is considered the largest remaining urban green-belt in the country, in spite of the fact that its initial size of more than 500 hectares has reduced to 360 hectares as a result of encroachment. The fact that the forest is being threatened by encroachers on a daily basis makes the situation even more alarming.
The seriousness of the threat is what has prompted the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Alhaji Collins Dauda, to caution that in the face of massive encroachment, the efforts at protecting the Achimota Forest are not yielding the desired results. Indeed, the sustenance of the forest is now on a precipice and there is the need for radical and urgent measures to reverse the trend.
For many years, some concerned individuals and organisations have expressed concern over the fate of the Achimota Forest and called for urgent and effective measures to save it.
The DAILY GRAPHIC is impressed by the efforts being made by the government to preserve the forest, and in that regard the proposal to develop it into an urban ecological theme forest is, no doubt, a timely response to the demands of the time.
Yet, we also need to emphasise that this project may be just a drop in the ocean with regard to addressing the challenges of deforestation in the country.
There is no doubt that the need for an aggressive afforestation drive and expansive forest conservation projects is very pressing now more than ever.
Indeed, in the past, there had been some piecemeal approaches to afforestation and forest conservation and, as was to be expected, the impact had not been impressive.
It is our hope that the relevant non-governmental organisations and, indeed, all Ghanaians will provide more support to the government in its bid to conserve the country’s forest cover and plant more trees to protect our environment.
It is not for nothing that it is usually stated that “when the last tree dies, the last man dies”. Scientists are quick to explain that one of the important functions of natural vegetation is that plants, and for that matter trees, take in carbon dioxide and release oxygen during the day, a very useful mechanism for the sustenance of human life on earth.
Additionally, forests play a key role in protecting the soil from erosion and reducing the incidence of flooding during heavy downpours.
Yet, the earth has suffered significant exploitation of its forests. For instance, while some time ago forests covered about 50 per cent of the total land area of the earth, today they cover just about 30 per cent of the total land area.
After the rapid deforestation of the past, a global effort at afforestation is being encouraged, leading to some countries initiating efforts to preserve forest belts.
However, the efforts in developing countries such as Ghana have not been so impressive and that can be attributed to a number of factors, including ignorance, unregulated urbanisation and poverty, which sometimes spurs the unbridled cutting of trees for commercial purposes.
It is, therefore, not so surprising that the Achimota Forest in Accra is considered the largest remaining urban green-belt in the country, in spite of the fact that its initial size of more than 500 hectares has reduced to 360 hectares as a result of encroachment. The fact that the forest is being threatened by encroachers on a daily basis makes the situation even more alarming.
The seriousness of the threat is what has prompted the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Alhaji Collins Dauda, to caution that in the face of massive encroachment, the efforts at protecting the Achimota Forest are not yielding the desired results. Indeed, the sustenance of the forest is now on a precipice and there is the need for radical and urgent measures to reverse the trend.
For many years, some concerned individuals and organisations have expressed concern over the fate of the Achimota Forest and called for urgent and effective measures to save it.
The DAILY GRAPHIC is impressed by the efforts being made by the government to preserve the forest, and in that regard the proposal to develop it into an urban ecological theme forest is, no doubt, a timely response to the demands of the time.
Yet, we also need to emphasise that this project may be just a drop in the ocean with regard to addressing the challenges of deforestation in the country.
There is no doubt that the need for an aggressive afforestation drive and expansive forest conservation projects is very pressing now more than ever.
Indeed, in the past, there had been some piecemeal approaches to afforestation and forest conservation and, as was to be expected, the impact had not been impressive.
It is our hope that the relevant non-governmental organisations and, indeed, all Ghanaians will provide more support to the government in its bid to conserve the country’s forest cover and plant more trees to protect our environment.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
TRANSPARENCY, PLEASE (MAY 27, 2010)
MINING has been one of the mainstays of the Ghanaian economy for many years and the sector provides employment for many Ghanaians.
While there is the potential for the country to reap bountifully from its mineral wealth, Ghanaians have had to rue what many believe is exploitation of the country’s mineral resources, to the detriment of the masses.
Indeed, many civil society organisations have been at the throat of mining companies demanding sound ethical practices, transparency and the protection of the environment as they pursue their mining activities.
In addition to the incidence of environmental degradation, many Ghanaians have also found reason to lament the level of poverty in mining communities.
It is quite ironical that despite the mineral wealth in many mining communities in the country, there is what has been described as the ‘resource curse’. The product of this ‘resource curse’ is a depressing state of deprivation that is sometimes compounded by very poor environmental conditions.
This has always served to fuel conflicts between mining companies and local people who are suspicious of the operations of the mining companies and, therefore, deeply resent them.
Many indigenes have accused mining companies of under-declaring revenue in order to pay low taxes on their operations and, although mining companies are quick to deny this, such accusations cannot just be dismissed.
In the light of this, the advice by the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Alhaji Collins Dauda, to mining companies to be transparent in the declaration of mineral wealth must not be taken lightly.
Addressing participants in the seventh West African Mining and Power Conference in Accra, the minister also noted that unless there was judicious and sustainable use of mining revenue, local communities could not truly benefit from their mineral wealth.
The DAILY GRAPHIC shares those sentiments expressed by the minister and believes that it is time to critically examine the mining industry to find effective solutions to the difficulties mining communities face.
Presently, it is estimated that the mining industry contributes only seven per cent of the country’s corporate tax earnings, 12 per cent of government revenue and 5.5 per cent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Additionally, 24,000 people are employed by the large-scale mining sector, comprising eight companies producing gold and one each producing bauxite and manganese.
One key question that has always been posed is: Is the country getting what is really due it from its mineral wealth?
Indeed, there are some who have argued that if the country cannot be guaranteed good value for its mineral wealth, then it is better to leave the minerals in the ground. This argument may sound logical when placed against the backdrop of endemic poverty and environmental degradation in mining communities, but the point really is that we need the mining firms, just as they also need us.
There is clearly the need for a dispassionate assessment of the impact of the mining sector on the growth of the Ghanaian economy and how best the country can optimise the gains from the sector.
The government must continue to press mining companies to be transparent in the declaration of mineral revenue to ensure that the country gets the best out of its mineral wealth.
The government has declared its intention to improve local content in the extractive industry and in this regard it is our hope that the mining sector will receive urgent attention to give indigenes a true sense of ownership of their mineral resources.
While there is the potential for the country to reap bountifully from its mineral wealth, Ghanaians have had to rue what many believe is exploitation of the country’s mineral resources, to the detriment of the masses.
Indeed, many civil society organisations have been at the throat of mining companies demanding sound ethical practices, transparency and the protection of the environment as they pursue their mining activities.
In addition to the incidence of environmental degradation, many Ghanaians have also found reason to lament the level of poverty in mining communities.
It is quite ironical that despite the mineral wealth in many mining communities in the country, there is what has been described as the ‘resource curse’. The product of this ‘resource curse’ is a depressing state of deprivation that is sometimes compounded by very poor environmental conditions.
This has always served to fuel conflicts between mining companies and local people who are suspicious of the operations of the mining companies and, therefore, deeply resent them.
Many indigenes have accused mining companies of under-declaring revenue in order to pay low taxes on their operations and, although mining companies are quick to deny this, such accusations cannot just be dismissed.
In the light of this, the advice by the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Alhaji Collins Dauda, to mining companies to be transparent in the declaration of mineral wealth must not be taken lightly.
Addressing participants in the seventh West African Mining and Power Conference in Accra, the minister also noted that unless there was judicious and sustainable use of mining revenue, local communities could not truly benefit from their mineral wealth.
The DAILY GRAPHIC shares those sentiments expressed by the minister and believes that it is time to critically examine the mining industry to find effective solutions to the difficulties mining communities face.
Presently, it is estimated that the mining industry contributes only seven per cent of the country’s corporate tax earnings, 12 per cent of government revenue and 5.5 per cent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Additionally, 24,000 people are employed by the large-scale mining sector, comprising eight companies producing gold and one each producing bauxite and manganese.
One key question that has always been posed is: Is the country getting what is really due it from its mineral wealth?
Indeed, there are some who have argued that if the country cannot be guaranteed good value for its mineral wealth, then it is better to leave the minerals in the ground. This argument may sound logical when placed against the backdrop of endemic poverty and environmental degradation in mining communities, but the point really is that we need the mining firms, just as they also need us.
There is clearly the need for a dispassionate assessment of the impact of the mining sector on the growth of the Ghanaian economy and how best the country can optimise the gains from the sector.
The government must continue to press mining companies to be transparent in the declaration of mineral revenue to ensure that the country gets the best out of its mineral wealth.
The government has declared its intention to improve local content in the extractive industry and in this regard it is our hope that the mining sector will receive urgent attention to give indigenes a true sense of ownership of their mineral resources.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
KUDOS, AMA (MAY 26, 2010)
ONE of the most difficult challenges city authorities in the capital have faced over the years is the use of unauthorised areas for trading activities.
Attempts made in the past to address that trend had been unsuccessful because of what many considered as the lack of sustained efforts and the political will to pursue decongesting exercises to their logical conclusion.
The activities of traders operating in unauthorised areas do not only create environmental problems but also contribute to the suffocating traffic situation in some parts of the central business district of the capital.
Thus, when the NDC government took office last year, it was a challenge it was expected to deal with decisively. And so far, under the able supervision of the Mayor of Accra, Alfred Okoe Vanderpuije, the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) has succeeded in restoring some sanity to some parts of the capital.
Indeed, the AMA has gone about the exercise with so much tact that in cases where there had initially been some resistance, tension had been appropriately dealt with and traders had co-operated to ensure that there was law and order.
The DAILY GRAPHIC, therefore, commends the AMA for the efforts it is making to ensure that the city is well organised and less congested.
We duly recognise that this has not been an easy task, especially considering the fact that sometimes the livelihoods of traders may be at stake and resettling them may take some time.
Yet, the AMA has been guided by the national interest and that, truly, is the spirit that should drive the operations of government agencies and institutions tasked with ensuring that there is law and order in the country.
As we laud the AMA for its efforts, we wish to caution that unless those efforts are sustained, all the gains made will be lost in no time.
Past efforts to decongest some parts of the country took off brightly, only to fade away after some protests from traders and also after the authorities had relaxed their efforts, largely as a result of pressure from politicians.
But we hope this time around the city authorities will be given every support to carry out the exercise to its logical conclusion. There is still so much work to be done to rid Accra of filth and haphazard development and the AMA cannot afford to rest on its laurels.
It is also important to recognise efforts that have been made to ensure that buildings on water courses and other unauthorised areas, such as those marked for roads, are demolished.
Most often, although some people are cautioned about the price they could pay for such unauthorised constructions, they go ahead because for a long time there has been a culture of impunity that has been allowed to grow and eat deep into the fabric of Ghanaian society.
That apart, many landlords whose houses have been demolished have had cause to blame some unscrupulous officials who might have collected bribes to grant the permits for those buildings. It is, therefore, important to deal with those officials, even as the houses are demolished, to ensure that the canker is dealt with in a comprehensive manner.
It is no secret that many European and American cities have always inspired us with awe and wonder and it stands to reason that if we subject ourselves to law and order in our development agenda, we will also reach those lofty heights.
All over the country, there are so many unauthorised structures in city and town centres, actively being used for commercial and residential purposes, and it is our hope that other assemblies will boldly replicate the efforts of the AMA to help make the country more organised and serene.
A refreshing dawn has broken; let no one attempt to stop it.
Attempts made in the past to address that trend had been unsuccessful because of what many considered as the lack of sustained efforts and the political will to pursue decongesting exercises to their logical conclusion.
The activities of traders operating in unauthorised areas do not only create environmental problems but also contribute to the suffocating traffic situation in some parts of the central business district of the capital.
Thus, when the NDC government took office last year, it was a challenge it was expected to deal with decisively. And so far, under the able supervision of the Mayor of Accra, Alfred Okoe Vanderpuije, the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) has succeeded in restoring some sanity to some parts of the capital.
Indeed, the AMA has gone about the exercise with so much tact that in cases where there had initially been some resistance, tension had been appropriately dealt with and traders had co-operated to ensure that there was law and order.
The DAILY GRAPHIC, therefore, commends the AMA for the efforts it is making to ensure that the city is well organised and less congested.
We duly recognise that this has not been an easy task, especially considering the fact that sometimes the livelihoods of traders may be at stake and resettling them may take some time.
Yet, the AMA has been guided by the national interest and that, truly, is the spirit that should drive the operations of government agencies and institutions tasked with ensuring that there is law and order in the country.
As we laud the AMA for its efforts, we wish to caution that unless those efforts are sustained, all the gains made will be lost in no time.
Past efforts to decongest some parts of the country took off brightly, only to fade away after some protests from traders and also after the authorities had relaxed their efforts, largely as a result of pressure from politicians.
But we hope this time around the city authorities will be given every support to carry out the exercise to its logical conclusion. There is still so much work to be done to rid Accra of filth and haphazard development and the AMA cannot afford to rest on its laurels.
It is also important to recognise efforts that have been made to ensure that buildings on water courses and other unauthorised areas, such as those marked for roads, are demolished.
Most often, although some people are cautioned about the price they could pay for such unauthorised constructions, they go ahead because for a long time there has been a culture of impunity that has been allowed to grow and eat deep into the fabric of Ghanaian society.
That apart, many landlords whose houses have been demolished have had cause to blame some unscrupulous officials who might have collected bribes to grant the permits for those buildings. It is, therefore, important to deal with those officials, even as the houses are demolished, to ensure that the canker is dealt with in a comprehensive manner.
It is no secret that many European and American cities have always inspired us with awe and wonder and it stands to reason that if we subject ourselves to law and order in our development agenda, we will also reach those lofty heights.
All over the country, there are so many unauthorised structures in city and town centres, actively being used for commercial and residential purposes, and it is our hope that other assemblies will boldly replicate the efforts of the AMA to help make the country more organised and serene.
A refreshing dawn has broken; let no one attempt to stop it.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
KEEP ALIVE UNITED AFRICA DREAM (MAY 25, 2010)
Africans on the continent and those in the Diaspora will today observe African Union (AU) Day, an occasion to mark the emancipation and liberation of the people and their land from the shackles of colonialism.
For we in Ghana, this year’s celebration is particularly significant and historic because of the decision of the AU to include the celebration of the life of Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana’s first President, in the AU’s scheme of things and give it a continental push.
Students of African history and, indeed, the history of the entire Pan-African movement will not surprised by this gesture of African leaders to make the celebration of Dr Nkrumah an African event and dedicate the Union Day to his memory.
The reason for this is not farfetched.
For the greater portion of the struggle to liberate Africa, Dr Nkrumah represented the face and voice of the fight. Indeed, he was the symbol of the struggle to liberate the African continent from colonial rule.
Nkrumah’s place and footprints in that aspect of African history cannot be contested for a man who is recognised across the continent and beyond as the foremost personality who championed the liberation of every country on the continent and earned recognition as the African of the Millennium, following a survey by the BBC.
The Daily Graphic concedes that Dr Nkrumah’s vision to unite Africa for economic development has not been fully attained. Fifty-three years after the formation of the Organisation of African Unity, now the AU, that vision still appears an illusion.
Even at the level of self determination, Africa still has the uncertainty over the Saharawi Arab Republic to grapple with.
To a large extent, however, it can be said that Africa has attained self-rule, except that some of the countries are governed by people not chosen freely by their own people. Furthermore, the continent has made tremendous strides in democratic governance since the AU developed the capacity and the will to condemn coups d’état and isolate coup plotters from the respected club of the AU Summit.
All these strides are being made in the grim reality that the people of the continent are faced with serious challenges on the social and economic fronts. The continent is still faced with developmental challenges such as poor road networks, inadequate educational and health facilities, high levels of poverty, disease and illiteracy which governments across the continent must deal with in a more decisive manner.
In this day and age, African leaders can no longer have an excuse for failure. We need not reinvent the wheel, as the parameters for our children’s progress and improvement in the lifestyles of the people have already been set by the so- called developed world.
For us on the continent of Africa who live in similar circumstances like our brothers and sisters in Asia, we can learn useful lessons from countries such as South Korea, Malaysia, China, India and Thailand whose governments provided the necessary leadership to turn their economies into emerging giants capable of competing with the G-8 developed nations.
The Daily Graphic calls on the leaders of the continent to use the resources in their respective counties judiciously to improve upon the standard of living of their people.
Dr Nkrumah’s dream of the African continent is not the type that we are experiencing today. A truly liberated continent should be free from disease, poverty and squalor and, indeed, we have the means to achieve just that.
The Daily Graphic, therefore, commends President J.E.A. Mills for dedicating the year to the celebration of the centenary anniversary of Dr Nkrumah whose vision has served as a beacon of hope for Africans on the continent and in the Diaspora.
On this occasion, therefore, we call on the leadership and the youth of the continent to rededicate themselves to Nkrumah’s vision of a united Africa, from which will flow the real economic emancipation of Africa.
For we in Ghana, this year’s celebration is particularly significant and historic because of the decision of the AU to include the celebration of the life of Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana’s first President, in the AU’s scheme of things and give it a continental push.
Students of African history and, indeed, the history of the entire Pan-African movement will not surprised by this gesture of African leaders to make the celebration of Dr Nkrumah an African event and dedicate the Union Day to his memory.
The reason for this is not farfetched.
For the greater portion of the struggle to liberate Africa, Dr Nkrumah represented the face and voice of the fight. Indeed, he was the symbol of the struggle to liberate the African continent from colonial rule.
Nkrumah’s place and footprints in that aspect of African history cannot be contested for a man who is recognised across the continent and beyond as the foremost personality who championed the liberation of every country on the continent and earned recognition as the African of the Millennium, following a survey by the BBC.
The Daily Graphic concedes that Dr Nkrumah’s vision to unite Africa for economic development has not been fully attained. Fifty-three years after the formation of the Organisation of African Unity, now the AU, that vision still appears an illusion.
Even at the level of self determination, Africa still has the uncertainty over the Saharawi Arab Republic to grapple with.
To a large extent, however, it can be said that Africa has attained self-rule, except that some of the countries are governed by people not chosen freely by their own people. Furthermore, the continent has made tremendous strides in democratic governance since the AU developed the capacity and the will to condemn coups d’état and isolate coup plotters from the respected club of the AU Summit.
All these strides are being made in the grim reality that the people of the continent are faced with serious challenges on the social and economic fronts. The continent is still faced with developmental challenges such as poor road networks, inadequate educational and health facilities, high levels of poverty, disease and illiteracy which governments across the continent must deal with in a more decisive manner.
In this day and age, African leaders can no longer have an excuse for failure. We need not reinvent the wheel, as the parameters for our children’s progress and improvement in the lifestyles of the people have already been set by the so- called developed world.
For us on the continent of Africa who live in similar circumstances like our brothers and sisters in Asia, we can learn useful lessons from countries such as South Korea, Malaysia, China, India and Thailand whose governments provided the necessary leadership to turn their economies into emerging giants capable of competing with the G-8 developed nations.
The Daily Graphic calls on the leaders of the continent to use the resources in their respective counties judiciously to improve upon the standard of living of their people.
Dr Nkrumah’s dream of the African continent is not the type that we are experiencing today. A truly liberated continent should be free from disease, poverty and squalor and, indeed, we have the means to achieve just that.
The Daily Graphic, therefore, commends President J.E.A. Mills for dedicating the year to the celebration of the centenary anniversary of Dr Nkrumah whose vision has served as a beacon of hope for Africans on the continent and in the Diaspora.
On this occasion, therefore, we call on the leadership and the youth of the continent to rededicate themselves to Nkrumah’s vision of a united Africa, from which will flow the real economic emancipation of Africa.
Monday, May 24, 2010
ENFORCE THIS BAN (MAY 24, 2010)
MANY Ghanaians are committed patrons of second-hand materials, including clothing, bed sheets, curtains and mattresses.
According to a report by Oxfam, a British NGO, the global trade in second-hand clothing is worth about $1 billion a year.
In Ghana, more than 90 per cent of the people patronise second-hand clothing.
The popularity of second-hand items stems from their relatively cheaper prices, compared to those of unused ones. In a country where the economic situation is sometimes dire, people tend to find such items more affordable.
Yet, the patronage of second-hand items such as ladies and gents underwear, bed sheets and mattresses has always raised health concerns.
While many Ghanaians may find justifiable reasons to patronise second-hand clothing such as jeans trousers and shirts, it is difficult to endorse the patronage of other items such as underwear, bed sheets and handkerchiefs.
Now, with the reported prevalence of the deadly Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, simply referred to as “MRSA”, in parts of the UK and the USA, the Ministry of Trade and Industry has found it prudent to ban the importation of second-hand mattresses, in addition to underwear, handkerchiefs and sanitary pads.
The bacterium that causes the MRSA usually colonises the nostrils. Other areas prone to infection are open wounds, the respiratory and the urinary tracts.
Initially, the disease starts as a small pimple or boil, accompanied by fever and sometimes rashes. As the disease progresses, the swelling becomes bigger and more painful and it is filled with pus.
Although the MRSA can be effectively treated, it is very virulent and spreads very fast. The fact that strains of the MRSA are usually drug resistant implies that their presence in used mattresses, handkerchiefs and underwear can pose a serious risk to people who patronise such used goods.
According to the Ministry of Trade and Industry, any of those items imported into the country would be confiscated. While this directive sounds laudable, we need to caution that its enforcement may not be as simple as declared, considering the operational challenges that have been encountered at the country’s borders in respect of the importation of banned items.
The present importation of used mattresses presents a vivid picture of how challenging the enforcement of this directive could be. As indicated by the acting Director of the Imports and Exports Division at the Ministry of Trade and Industry, Mr Appiah Donyina, the importation of second-hand mattresses into the country for commercial purposes or in commercial quantities was prohibited under the Legislative Instrument (LI) 1586 of 1994.
Yet, in recent times, there have been large-scale importation of second-hand mattresses into the country and this, no doubt, has serious health implications.
The DAILY GRAPHIC believes that with the appropriate monitoring and supervision, CEPS officials at the country’s borders can play an effective role to check the importation of those banned items.
Indeed, it is not enough just to sit down with hands folded, especially considering the fact that even those who do not patronise or use those second-hand items could be at risk of very infectious diseases such as the MRSA, which is referred to as the ‘super bug’.
The DAILY GRAPHIC urges the Ministry of Trade and Industry to set up a task force to ensure that those items do not find their way onto the Ghanaian market.
This is a shared responsibility and there is the need for all of us to act in a concerted manner to address this threat. We cannot afford to take this matter lightly.
According to a report by Oxfam, a British NGO, the global trade in second-hand clothing is worth about $1 billion a year.
In Ghana, more than 90 per cent of the people patronise second-hand clothing.
The popularity of second-hand items stems from their relatively cheaper prices, compared to those of unused ones. In a country where the economic situation is sometimes dire, people tend to find such items more affordable.
Yet, the patronage of second-hand items such as ladies and gents underwear, bed sheets and mattresses has always raised health concerns.
While many Ghanaians may find justifiable reasons to patronise second-hand clothing such as jeans trousers and shirts, it is difficult to endorse the patronage of other items such as underwear, bed sheets and handkerchiefs.
Now, with the reported prevalence of the deadly Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, simply referred to as “MRSA”, in parts of the UK and the USA, the Ministry of Trade and Industry has found it prudent to ban the importation of second-hand mattresses, in addition to underwear, handkerchiefs and sanitary pads.
The bacterium that causes the MRSA usually colonises the nostrils. Other areas prone to infection are open wounds, the respiratory and the urinary tracts.
Initially, the disease starts as a small pimple or boil, accompanied by fever and sometimes rashes. As the disease progresses, the swelling becomes bigger and more painful and it is filled with pus.
Although the MRSA can be effectively treated, it is very virulent and spreads very fast. The fact that strains of the MRSA are usually drug resistant implies that their presence in used mattresses, handkerchiefs and underwear can pose a serious risk to people who patronise such used goods.
According to the Ministry of Trade and Industry, any of those items imported into the country would be confiscated. While this directive sounds laudable, we need to caution that its enforcement may not be as simple as declared, considering the operational challenges that have been encountered at the country’s borders in respect of the importation of banned items.
The present importation of used mattresses presents a vivid picture of how challenging the enforcement of this directive could be. As indicated by the acting Director of the Imports and Exports Division at the Ministry of Trade and Industry, Mr Appiah Donyina, the importation of second-hand mattresses into the country for commercial purposes or in commercial quantities was prohibited under the Legislative Instrument (LI) 1586 of 1994.
Yet, in recent times, there have been large-scale importation of second-hand mattresses into the country and this, no doubt, has serious health implications.
The DAILY GRAPHIC believes that with the appropriate monitoring and supervision, CEPS officials at the country’s borders can play an effective role to check the importation of those banned items.
Indeed, it is not enough just to sit down with hands folded, especially considering the fact that even those who do not patronise or use those second-hand items could be at risk of very infectious diseases such as the MRSA, which is referred to as the ‘super bug’.
The DAILY GRAPHIC urges the Ministry of Trade and Industry to set up a task force to ensure that those items do not find their way onto the Ghanaian market.
This is a shared responsibility and there is the need for all of us to act in a concerted manner to address this threat. We cannot afford to take this matter lightly.
Sunday, May 23, 2010
END OF CULTURE OF APATHY NOW (MAY 22, 2010)
ARMED robbery remains a major challenge to the country’s internal security, despite efforts being made by the Ghana Police Service and other security agencies to address the canker.
Although records indicate that there has been a reduction in the number of armed robbery cases, the situation is still alarming and raises some serious concerns.
The police, in a bid to improve security in the country, have intensified their patrols and mounted some checkpoints to monitor vehicular movement.
While such worthy initiatives by the police are commendable, they have not made the desired impact as a result of some operational challenges.
The recent report of the false information given by a gang of robbers to a police patrol team in order to divert the attention of the police to enable the robbers to go on a robbery spree mirrors some of the operational challenges the police face in their patrol activities.
According to a media report, the robbers diverted the police to a location about six kilometres away from the robbery scene and proceeded to attack four homes at Adenta, leaving one of their victims critically wounded.
In response to the incident, the Adenta District Police Commander, DSP Stephen K. Ahiatafu, noted that although the district was well resourced with men to deal with armed robbery, lack of information from residents was not helping matters.
Indeed, this is an issue that continues to impair efforts aimed at addressing the crime wave in the country, particularly armed robbery. While there may be people privy to the activities of criminals in their communities, the culture of apathy is so ingrained that residents are unwilling to volunteer information to the police.
On many occasions, residents who may be aware of robbery activities in their neighbourhood get so scared that they get themselves cocooned in their blankets and fail to alert the police through simple phone calls to enable the police to come to the rescue of their neighbours.
The Inspector-General of Police, Mr Paul Tawiah Quaye, recently expressed worry over the fact that security issues were usually considered an afterthought by many Ghanaians, although it was one of the most important prerequisites for socio-economic development.
He bemoaned the tendency among many Ghanaians to alert the police only after robberies had taken place and said that attitude was usually founded on the wrong notion that the provision of security was the sole preserve of the police and other security agencies.
This clearly places a onerous responsibility on the police to intensify their public engagement and educational activities, bearing in mind that the citizenry have a key role to play in the fight against crime.
The police have consistently advertised emergency and crime fighters’ numbers that residents can call in times of trouble but, sad to relate, many Ghanaians do not keep those numbers, for which reason anytime robbers strike we are all left helpless.
In this regard, the issue of neighbourhood watch committees again comes to the fore and the DAILY GRAPHIC believes it is time for the police to help revive those committees to support the police in the fight against crime, particularly armed robbery.
It is our hope that Ghanaians will endeavour to be one another’s keeper and contribute more meaningfully to the fight against criminal activities such as armed robbery by volunteering information to the police.
Although records indicate that there has been a reduction in the number of armed robbery cases, the situation is still alarming and raises some serious concerns.
The police, in a bid to improve security in the country, have intensified their patrols and mounted some checkpoints to monitor vehicular movement.
While such worthy initiatives by the police are commendable, they have not made the desired impact as a result of some operational challenges.
The recent report of the false information given by a gang of robbers to a police patrol team in order to divert the attention of the police to enable the robbers to go on a robbery spree mirrors some of the operational challenges the police face in their patrol activities.
According to a media report, the robbers diverted the police to a location about six kilometres away from the robbery scene and proceeded to attack four homes at Adenta, leaving one of their victims critically wounded.
In response to the incident, the Adenta District Police Commander, DSP Stephen K. Ahiatafu, noted that although the district was well resourced with men to deal with armed robbery, lack of information from residents was not helping matters.
Indeed, this is an issue that continues to impair efforts aimed at addressing the crime wave in the country, particularly armed robbery. While there may be people privy to the activities of criminals in their communities, the culture of apathy is so ingrained that residents are unwilling to volunteer information to the police.
On many occasions, residents who may be aware of robbery activities in their neighbourhood get so scared that they get themselves cocooned in their blankets and fail to alert the police through simple phone calls to enable the police to come to the rescue of their neighbours.
The Inspector-General of Police, Mr Paul Tawiah Quaye, recently expressed worry over the fact that security issues were usually considered an afterthought by many Ghanaians, although it was one of the most important prerequisites for socio-economic development.
He bemoaned the tendency among many Ghanaians to alert the police only after robberies had taken place and said that attitude was usually founded on the wrong notion that the provision of security was the sole preserve of the police and other security agencies.
This clearly places a onerous responsibility on the police to intensify their public engagement and educational activities, bearing in mind that the citizenry have a key role to play in the fight against crime.
The police have consistently advertised emergency and crime fighters’ numbers that residents can call in times of trouble but, sad to relate, many Ghanaians do not keep those numbers, for which reason anytime robbers strike we are all left helpless.
In this regard, the issue of neighbourhood watch committees again comes to the fore and the DAILY GRAPHIC believes it is time for the police to help revive those committees to support the police in the fight against crime, particularly armed robbery.
It is our hope that Ghanaians will endeavour to be one another’s keeper and contribute more meaningfully to the fight against criminal activities such as armed robbery by volunteering information to the police.
Friday, May 21, 2010
CAF, NEVER AGAIN (MAY 21, 2010)
Last weekend, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) saw reason and rightly lifted the four-year ban imposed on Togo for pulling out of this year’s African Nations Cup staged in Angola.
The decision, taken at its Executive Committee Meeting in Cairo, Egypt, confirmed an agreement reached after mediation by world football’s governing body, FIFA, in Zurich two weeks ago.
This means Togo can now compete in the qualifiers for the 2012 Nations Cup, as well as other international competitions. And this piece of news is no doubt a good one not just for Togo but all football fans, as the decision was taken in the interest of the beautiful game.
At the mediation meeting held in Zurich, the FIFA President, Joseph Sepp Blatter, said the agreement reached after both parties had made some concessions was an indication that “we can solve internal disputes within the football family for the benefit of all those who are involved in our game, and in particular for the players”.
The DAILY GRAPHIC commends CAF for finally seeing reason and lifting the ban, but the paper is unhappy that it had to take the intervention of FIFA for the ban to be lifted.
Before this latest development, there had been several failed attempts to get CAF to rescind its decision, but to no avail.
We recall that well-meaning organisations such as the African Union (AU) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), as well as leading personalities such as President J.E.A Mills, made passionate appeals to CAF to rescind its decision but the continental football-controlling body remained adamant and stuck to its guns, with the flimsy excuse that it was only applying the rules and regulations on its statutes.
Indeed, we are happy that FIFA finally succeeded in getting CAF to lift the ban, but the continental body’s disregard of the pleas from people of high standing on the continent is a sad reflection of the African’s inability to solve an African problem.
If we may ask: What real changes were there between the position of our African statesmen and bodies and that of FIFA? What magic wand did FIFA wave to get CAF to finally see reason?
We are all aware that laws all over the world are made by man and, much as we all wish that these laws would always be applied to the letter, it is sometimes very important to carefully weigh offences against peculiar circumstances.
For us, the Togo case was one such issue which needed to be handled with great tact, diplomacy and circumspection, given the fact that lives were lost and the players, who were due to participate in the tournament some two days later, had been completely traumatised.
It was against that background that we saw the earlier position of CAF as being very bookish and pedantic. And the more it hung on hard and fast to its rules and regulations, the more we pitied it.
Now that the dust has finally settled, the DAILY GRAPHIC hopes CAF will learn a lot of lessons from the ordeal. Perhaps one of the immediate things CAF must do is fine-tune its statutes to take care of extraordinary situations such as the one in which the Togolese found themselves.
Whatever it is, let us drive home this point here and now: Never again must CAF sink so low in refusing to give an ear to our respected leaders and organisations. It is not good for the game; it is an insult to our integrity.
Africans are capable of solving their own problems — at least we amply demonstrated this on this occasion. But for the awkward posture of CAF, this matter would not have gone as far as to FIFA.
But this should not happen again; never ever.
The decision, taken at its Executive Committee Meeting in Cairo, Egypt, confirmed an agreement reached after mediation by world football’s governing body, FIFA, in Zurich two weeks ago.
This means Togo can now compete in the qualifiers for the 2012 Nations Cup, as well as other international competitions. And this piece of news is no doubt a good one not just for Togo but all football fans, as the decision was taken in the interest of the beautiful game.
At the mediation meeting held in Zurich, the FIFA President, Joseph Sepp Blatter, said the agreement reached after both parties had made some concessions was an indication that “we can solve internal disputes within the football family for the benefit of all those who are involved in our game, and in particular for the players”.
The DAILY GRAPHIC commends CAF for finally seeing reason and lifting the ban, but the paper is unhappy that it had to take the intervention of FIFA for the ban to be lifted.
Before this latest development, there had been several failed attempts to get CAF to rescind its decision, but to no avail.
We recall that well-meaning organisations such as the African Union (AU) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), as well as leading personalities such as President J.E.A Mills, made passionate appeals to CAF to rescind its decision but the continental football-controlling body remained adamant and stuck to its guns, with the flimsy excuse that it was only applying the rules and regulations on its statutes.
Indeed, we are happy that FIFA finally succeeded in getting CAF to lift the ban, but the continental body’s disregard of the pleas from people of high standing on the continent is a sad reflection of the African’s inability to solve an African problem.
If we may ask: What real changes were there between the position of our African statesmen and bodies and that of FIFA? What magic wand did FIFA wave to get CAF to finally see reason?
We are all aware that laws all over the world are made by man and, much as we all wish that these laws would always be applied to the letter, it is sometimes very important to carefully weigh offences against peculiar circumstances.
For us, the Togo case was one such issue which needed to be handled with great tact, diplomacy and circumspection, given the fact that lives were lost and the players, who were due to participate in the tournament some two days later, had been completely traumatised.
It was against that background that we saw the earlier position of CAF as being very bookish and pedantic. And the more it hung on hard and fast to its rules and regulations, the more we pitied it.
Now that the dust has finally settled, the DAILY GRAPHIC hopes CAF will learn a lot of lessons from the ordeal. Perhaps one of the immediate things CAF must do is fine-tune its statutes to take care of extraordinary situations such as the one in which the Togolese found themselves.
Whatever it is, let us drive home this point here and now: Never again must CAF sink so low in refusing to give an ear to our respected leaders and organisations. It is not good for the game; it is an insult to our integrity.
Africans are capable of solving their own problems — at least we amply demonstrated this on this occasion. But for the awkward posture of CAF, this matter would not have gone as far as to FIFA.
But this should not happen again; never ever.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
CRUCIAL MOVE (MAY 20, 2010)
OVER the years, the Ghana Police Service has faced tremendous challenges and these have impacted negatively on the ability of the service to play its role effectively.
Aside from the fact that the number of policemen is simply inadequate, poor service conditions, coupled with the lack of requisite logistics, tend to lower morale among the personnel and lead to corruption in the service.
Given the crucial role the police play in ensuring internal security and enforcing laws, the constraints they face have constantly raised concern among security experts and the citizenry as a whole.
It is against this background that the $1.9 billion five-year Strategic National Policing Plan for the transformation and modernisation of the Ghana Police Service must be hailed as a crucial move to ensure that internal security and law enforcement in the country are at appreciably high standards.
Under the strategic plan, 16,000 additional personnel are to be recruited by 2014 to bring the total police strength to 40,000, from its current 23,000.
Additionally, four new police training schools are to be established in the Upper West, Brong Ahafo, Western and Northern regions, while housing will be provided for 31,000 personnel of the service by 2014.
These and other projects and initiatives are aimed at positioning the Police Service as a very modern unit with personnel motivated and well trained enough to address the challenges of the time.
The DAILY GRAPHIC welcomes this initiative and commends the government for taking what can be described as a very bold step to revive the flagging spirit of the Police Service and restore public confidence in it.
Indeed, in the past, efforts to ensure that the Police Service rose to the challenge in the fight against crime had not been sustained, a situation which provided enough motivation for criminals to continue in their objectionable activities.
Policing in modern times has taken new dimensions, particularly because criminals are becoming more sophisticated and are adopting very cunning ways to outwit the security operatives.
In many developed countries, the citizenry play a crucial role in providing assistance and information for the police to enable them to deliver efficiently and nab criminals.
While efforts have been made by the Police Service to sensitise the general populace to what they can do to support the police to ensure maximum peace and security in the country, the response has usually not been so encouraging.
A few years ago, the concept of neighbourhood watch committees was in vogue and many ordinary citizens played vital roles to secure their communities, with the support of the police. Today, these committees are hardly in existence.
It is our hope that even as the government seeks to invigorate the Police Service and transform it into a modern unit, the issue of citizen support to the service will be revisited to put in place effective mechanisms of collaboration between the citizenry and the police.
Policemen also need to constantly bear in mind that they have a responsibility to remain faithful to their commitment to fight crime and thus defy any overtures from whatever quarter to bribe them.
In this regard, we appeal to the hierarchy of the Police Service, as well as the Ministry of the Interior, to ensure that policemen are well monitored and supervised to ensure that they discharge their duties with utmost professionalism.
We also hope that the government will not be deterred by any challenge it encounters in the pursuit of its commitment to modernise and transform the Police Service but diligently work towards ensuring that the service lives up to its role with a high level of efficiency.
It is time we transformed and modernised our Police Service and nothing, absolutely nothing, must stand in our way.
Aside from the fact that the number of policemen is simply inadequate, poor service conditions, coupled with the lack of requisite logistics, tend to lower morale among the personnel and lead to corruption in the service.
Given the crucial role the police play in ensuring internal security and enforcing laws, the constraints they face have constantly raised concern among security experts and the citizenry as a whole.
It is against this background that the $1.9 billion five-year Strategic National Policing Plan for the transformation and modernisation of the Ghana Police Service must be hailed as a crucial move to ensure that internal security and law enforcement in the country are at appreciably high standards.
Under the strategic plan, 16,000 additional personnel are to be recruited by 2014 to bring the total police strength to 40,000, from its current 23,000.
Additionally, four new police training schools are to be established in the Upper West, Brong Ahafo, Western and Northern regions, while housing will be provided for 31,000 personnel of the service by 2014.
These and other projects and initiatives are aimed at positioning the Police Service as a very modern unit with personnel motivated and well trained enough to address the challenges of the time.
The DAILY GRAPHIC welcomes this initiative and commends the government for taking what can be described as a very bold step to revive the flagging spirit of the Police Service and restore public confidence in it.
Indeed, in the past, efforts to ensure that the Police Service rose to the challenge in the fight against crime had not been sustained, a situation which provided enough motivation for criminals to continue in their objectionable activities.
Policing in modern times has taken new dimensions, particularly because criminals are becoming more sophisticated and are adopting very cunning ways to outwit the security operatives.
In many developed countries, the citizenry play a crucial role in providing assistance and information for the police to enable them to deliver efficiently and nab criminals.
While efforts have been made by the Police Service to sensitise the general populace to what they can do to support the police to ensure maximum peace and security in the country, the response has usually not been so encouraging.
A few years ago, the concept of neighbourhood watch committees was in vogue and many ordinary citizens played vital roles to secure their communities, with the support of the police. Today, these committees are hardly in existence.
It is our hope that even as the government seeks to invigorate the Police Service and transform it into a modern unit, the issue of citizen support to the service will be revisited to put in place effective mechanisms of collaboration between the citizenry and the police.
Policemen also need to constantly bear in mind that they have a responsibility to remain faithful to their commitment to fight crime and thus defy any overtures from whatever quarter to bribe them.
In this regard, we appeal to the hierarchy of the Police Service, as well as the Ministry of the Interior, to ensure that policemen are well monitored and supervised to ensure that they discharge their duties with utmost professionalism.
We also hope that the government will not be deterred by any challenge it encounters in the pursuit of its commitment to modernise and transform the Police Service but diligently work towards ensuring that the service lives up to its role with a high level of efficiency.
It is time we transformed and modernised our Police Service and nothing, absolutely nothing, must stand in our way.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
RAINS EXPOSE US AGAIN (MAY 19, 2010)
LAST Monday’s rains again exposed the very ineffective drainage system in Accra that always leaves the capital city at the mercy of heavy downpours and contributes immensely to the destruction of lives.
Thankfully, this time round no lives were lost. Yet the sight of huge billboards uprooted and lying on the streets told a story alarming enough to raise some concerns.
The Ghana Meteorological Agency (GMA) has already cautioned that although the country may not record very high volumes of rainfall this year, we are likely to experience very windy conditions that can cause some disaster.
The DAILY GRAPHIC believes that the caution from the GMA speaks for itself and there is the need for Ghanaians to be cautious during such storms and avoid falling objects to prevent any disaster.
Last Monday’s rains left many places in the capital flooded and one shudders to think what will become of the city and other flood-prone areas should the country record more of such rains.
Indeed, in the recent past, city authorities, in anticipation of the potential havoc the rains could wreak, embarked on activities to de-silt choked drains.
There have also been exercises to demolish structures on water courses and although these exercises have been quite painful, they mirror the government’s determination to ensure that the perennial flooding of the city, with its related loss of lives and property, is prevented.
The DAILY GRAPHIC is worried that those interventions have not had the desired impact, if Monday’s floods are anything to go by, hence the need to intensity efforts aimed at freeing water courses to ensure a less flood-prone city.
A few years ago, a national programme was instituted to preserve some particular days for nation-wide cleaning exercises but that initiative appears to have fizzled out.
There is no doubt that at the heart of our flooding woes is the poor culture of cleanliness leading to often choked gutters and drains. That is why campaigns that mobilise the mass of the people on a regular basis for clean-up exercises need to be encouraged and sustained.
Closely linked to the issue of choked gutters is the traditional Ghanaian system of open gutters which, for many years, has defied new trends and continues to be the standard practice in the planning and design of our towns and cities.
It is also worrying to note that many developing residential areas and communities lack drains or gutters and, indeed, in some very disturbing instances, water from bathrooms and kitchens is directed onto roads, usually creating quite unsightly scenes and poor environmental conditions.
There is usually this expectation of the people that the government must provide all amenities, including drains, in their homes, but it may also be in the interest of residents to work in a united manner to ensure that as they await major interventions from the government, some more acceptable stop-gap measures or drains are built to help keep their communities safe and less susceptible to flooding during heavy downpours.
Whether we like it or not, we are all at the mercy of the weather and it behoves all of us to change our poor patterns of social behaviour so that we are not caught unawares anytime it rains.
Thankfully, this time round no lives were lost. Yet the sight of huge billboards uprooted and lying on the streets told a story alarming enough to raise some concerns.
The Ghana Meteorological Agency (GMA) has already cautioned that although the country may not record very high volumes of rainfall this year, we are likely to experience very windy conditions that can cause some disaster.
The DAILY GRAPHIC believes that the caution from the GMA speaks for itself and there is the need for Ghanaians to be cautious during such storms and avoid falling objects to prevent any disaster.
Last Monday’s rains left many places in the capital flooded and one shudders to think what will become of the city and other flood-prone areas should the country record more of such rains.
Indeed, in the recent past, city authorities, in anticipation of the potential havoc the rains could wreak, embarked on activities to de-silt choked drains.
There have also been exercises to demolish structures on water courses and although these exercises have been quite painful, they mirror the government’s determination to ensure that the perennial flooding of the city, with its related loss of lives and property, is prevented.
The DAILY GRAPHIC is worried that those interventions have not had the desired impact, if Monday’s floods are anything to go by, hence the need to intensity efforts aimed at freeing water courses to ensure a less flood-prone city.
A few years ago, a national programme was instituted to preserve some particular days for nation-wide cleaning exercises but that initiative appears to have fizzled out.
There is no doubt that at the heart of our flooding woes is the poor culture of cleanliness leading to often choked gutters and drains. That is why campaigns that mobilise the mass of the people on a regular basis for clean-up exercises need to be encouraged and sustained.
Closely linked to the issue of choked gutters is the traditional Ghanaian system of open gutters which, for many years, has defied new trends and continues to be the standard practice in the planning and design of our towns and cities.
It is also worrying to note that many developing residential areas and communities lack drains or gutters and, indeed, in some very disturbing instances, water from bathrooms and kitchens is directed onto roads, usually creating quite unsightly scenes and poor environmental conditions.
There is usually this expectation of the people that the government must provide all amenities, including drains, in their homes, but it may also be in the interest of residents to work in a united manner to ensure that as they await major interventions from the government, some more acceptable stop-gap measures or drains are built to help keep their communities safe and less susceptible to flooding during heavy downpours.
Whether we like it or not, we are all at the mercy of the weather and it behoves all of us to change our poor patterns of social behaviour so that we are not caught unawares anytime it rains.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
DEAL WITH THE MISFITS (MAY 18, 2010)
Many well-meaning personalities in our society continue to express dismay at the spate of indiscipline among security personnel in the country.
The latest to do so is a retired Commandant of the Ghana Military Academy, Major-General Henry Kwami Anyidoho, who has bemoaned the involvement of some security personnel in criminal activities and advocated a review of the recruitment and training methods of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF).
Major-General Anyidoho cited reports of uniformed men misconducting themselves in instances involving robbery and other vices and noted that “it is lamentable when young officers who are expected to be imbued with the qualities of a professional soldier go to the extent of misconducting themselves”.
Yesterday, the Daily Graphic carried a story in which the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr Paul Tawiah Quaye, had ordered the interdiction of three members of the Police Highway Patrol Unit in Accra for allegedly stealing some money belonging to a victim of a motor accident on the Accra-Tema Motorway while they were on official duty.
We have had to return to this subject of indiscipline among security personnel because of the gravity of the situation and the danger it portends for society if not checked immediately.
Members of the public are gradually losing confidence in our security personnel, despite the fact that the security agencies can boast some of the best trained personnel on the African continent and beyond.
Personnel of the GAF, the Police Service and other agencies have excelled in operations in the Middle East, Rwanda, Liberia and Cambodia.
However, the activities of certain bad lots within the security agencies are denting the image and integrity of these institutions whose personnel, we all expect, must discharge their duties effectively to protect lives and property in the country.
The concern being expressed over indiscipline in the security agencies does not mean that the entire security apparatus in the country has broken down. Indeed, Ghana can still boast many disciplined men and women in uniform who are discharging their duties without blemish and are doing their best to uphold the integrity of their institutions.
The Daily Graphic salutes all hardworking officers and men of the security agencies and encourages them to continue to discharge their duties more diligently to serve as role models to their colleagues and the entire society.
It is for this reason that we endorse the suggestion by Major-General Anyidoho for a review of the courses offered by the security training institutions to be truly reflective of and in harmony with the aspirations of the officers and make them better fit for their roles as leaders of society.
It will also be worthwhile for the security agencies to take a second look at the selection of recruits into security training institutions to ensure that a new cadre of security personnel imbued with a high sense of integrity, discipline, nationalism and patriotism is recruited for law enforcement in the country.
The Daily Graphic also urges the leadership of the security agencies to pay attention to continuing education for their personnel, where the focus will be on leadership skills, integrity awareness, nationalism and patriotism.
We commend the efforts of the administration of the security agencies for taking swift action against deviant security officers. But it appears the actions so far have not been deterrent enough to stop unpatriotic security officers from dragging the name of their institutions into the mud.
Perhaps the time has come for the security agencies to review the disciplinary mechanisms and monitoring systems to keep an eagle eye on the activities of the personnel to bring them in line with security discipline, unless the action is swift to break the back of the incorrigible few in the security apparatus to ensure law and order.
The latest to do so is a retired Commandant of the Ghana Military Academy, Major-General Henry Kwami Anyidoho, who has bemoaned the involvement of some security personnel in criminal activities and advocated a review of the recruitment and training methods of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF).
Major-General Anyidoho cited reports of uniformed men misconducting themselves in instances involving robbery and other vices and noted that “it is lamentable when young officers who are expected to be imbued with the qualities of a professional soldier go to the extent of misconducting themselves”.
Yesterday, the Daily Graphic carried a story in which the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr Paul Tawiah Quaye, had ordered the interdiction of three members of the Police Highway Patrol Unit in Accra for allegedly stealing some money belonging to a victim of a motor accident on the Accra-Tema Motorway while they were on official duty.
We have had to return to this subject of indiscipline among security personnel because of the gravity of the situation and the danger it portends for society if not checked immediately.
Members of the public are gradually losing confidence in our security personnel, despite the fact that the security agencies can boast some of the best trained personnel on the African continent and beyond.
Personnel of the GAF, the Police Service and other agencies have excelled in operations in the Middle East, Rwanda, Liberia and Cambodia.
However, the activities of certain bad lots within the security agencies are denting the image and integrity of these institutions whose personnel, we all expect, must discharge their duties effectively to protect lives and property in the country.
The concern being expressed over indiscipline in the security agencies does not mean that the entire security apparatus in the country has broken down. Indeed, Ghana can still boast many disciplined men and women in uniform who are discharging their duties without blemish and are doing their best to uphold the integrity of their institutions.
The Daily Graphic salutes all hardworking officers and men of the security agencies and encourages them to continue to discharge their duties more diligently to serve as role models to their colleagues and the entire society.
It is for this reason that we endorse the suggestion by Major-General Anyidoho for a review of the courses offered by the security training institutions to be truly reflective of and in harmony with the aspirations of the officers and make them better fit for their roles as leaders of society.
It will also be worthwhile for the security agencies to take a second look at the selection of recruits into security training institutions to ensure that a new cadre of security personnel imbued with a high sense of integrity, discipline, nationalism and patriotism is recruited for law enforcement in the country.
The Daily Graphic also urges the leadership of the security agencies to pay attention to continuing education for their personnel, where the focus will be on leadership skills, integrity awareness, nationalism and patriotism.
We commend the efforts of the administration of the security agencies for taking swift action against deviant security officers. But it appears the actions so far have not been deterrent enough to stop unpatriotic security officers from dragging the name of their institutions into the mud.
Perhaps the time has come for the security agencies to review the disciplinary mechanisms and monitoring systems to keep an eagle eye on the activities of the personnel to bring them in line with security discipline, unless the action is swift to break the back of the incorrigible few in the security apparatus to ensure law and order.
OIL AND ENVIRONMENTAL SANITY (MAY 17, 2010)
A NATURAL resource is very often seen or regarded as a God-given material which, when exploited, should ordinarily contribute to increasing the stock of wealth of society and thereby help uplift the quality of life of many members of society.
While this may hold true in a good number of cases, the reverse may happen when the same resource is mishandled.
In our own environment, we have reaped the benefits accruing from the exploitation and sale of gold by way of its contribution to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) — exports, foreign exchange earnings, etc.
On the contrary, we have also, on numerous occasions, had to contend with cyanide leaks, which have polluted and destroyed hitherto safe water bodies and aquatic life and devastated the environment which had supported vigorous agricultural activities.
We believe that the issue of how much benefit a resource can be to a society is a function of the degree of control exercised by that society in the exploitation and use of that resource and the effectiveness of regulatory bodies in the exercise of oversight responsibilities over the companies exploiting these natural resources, among others.
In the last quarter of this year, God willing, Ghana will commence the commercial exploitation and export of oil.
While preparations have been made to ensure safe, sound and efficient exploitation of the resource (and all is expected to be well in this regard), we nevertheless need to be very alert to the flip side of oil exploitation, especially as we are engaged in at our Jubilee field.
In making this point, we are very conscious of current events in the industry as they relate to the Gulf coast of the United States, where an oil well exploited by the oil giant, British Petroleum (BP), has leaked and continues to leak hundreds of thousands of barrels of oil.
This has imposed an environmental disaster of a huge magnitude on the Gulf states of the US with incalculable costs. The spillage is described by environmental experts as probably the worst in history.
Mr Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, a Deputy Minister of Information, has indicated that the government is drawing useful lessons from the Gulf oil leak and that this will help inform the crafting of a strategy and a response by the government to any such disaster if it ever occurs (see front page).
We are happy that the government and its regulatory agencies are not oblivious of the possibility of such occurrences and are, therefore, not resigned to living on sheer luck in the exploitation of our oil resources.
We are also happy about the assurance of the deputy minister that the hand of our regulatory bodies would be strengthened to, among other things, ensure that they hold the oil companies to strictly comply with the nation’s laws and that the supreme national interest is upheld and safeguarded at all times.
We believe it is our patriotic duty to support the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC), as the regulatory body, to have a greater stake in the exploitation of the oil and the protection of the environment.
In so doing, we will derive optimum benefits from our oil and also ensure that in the unlikely event of a mishap, those who stand to derive the bigger benefits will also be alive to their responsibilities to ensure the return of environmental sanity.
We must stand firm and not yield to intimidation from any quarters.
Let the current Gulf coast disaster serve as a worthy watch for us in our dealings with the powerful multinational oil companies.
While this may hold true in a good number of cases, the reverse may happen when the same resource is mishandled.
In our own environment, we have reaped the benefits accruing from the exploitation and sale of gold by way of its contribution to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) — exports, foreign exchange earnings, etc.
On the contrary, we have also, on numerous occasions, had to contend with cyanide leaks, which have polluted and destroyed hitherto safe water bodies and aquatic life and devastated the environment which had supported vigorous agricultural activities.
We believe that the issue of how much benefit a resource can be to a society is a function of the degree of control exercised by that society in the exploitation and use of that resource and the effectiveness of regulatory bodies in the exercise of oversight responsibilities over the companies exploiting these natural resources, among others.
In the last quarter of this year, God willing, Ghana will commence the commercial exploitation and export of oil.
While preparations have been made to ensure safe, sound and efficient exploitation of the resource (and all is expected to be well in this regard), we nevertheless need to be very alert to the flip side of oil exploitation, especially as we are engaged in at our Jubilee field.
In making this point, we are very conscious of current events in the industry as they relate to the Gulf coast of the United States, where an oil well exploited by the oil giant, British Petroleum (BP), has leaked and continues to leak hundreds of thousands of barrels of oil.
This has imposed an environmental disaster of a huge magnitude on the Gulf states of the US with incalculable costs. The spillage is described by environmental experts as probably the worst in history.
Mr Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, a Deputy Minister of Information, has indicated that the government is drawing useful lessons from the Gulf oil leak and that this will help inform the crafting of a strategy and a response by the government to any such disaster if it ever occurs (see front page).
We are happy that the government and its regulatory agencies are not oblivious of the possibility of such occurrences and are, therefore, not resigned to living on sheer luck in the exploitation of our oil resources.
We are also happy about the assurance of the deputy minister that the hand of our regulatory bodies would be strengthened to, among other things, ensure that they hold the oil companies to strictly comply with the nation’s laws and that the supreme national interest is upheld and safeguarded at all times.
We believe it is our patriotic duty to support the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC), as the regulatory body, to have a greater stake in the exploitation of the oil and the protection of the environment.
In so doing, we will derive optimum benefits from our oil and also ensure that in the unlikely event of a mishap, those who stand to derive the bigger benefits will also be alive to their responsibilities to ensure the return of environmental sanity.
We must stand firm and not yield to intimidation from any quarters.
Let the current Gulf coast disaster serve as a worthy watch for us in our dealings with the powerful multinational oil companies.
RESPECT OUR LAWS (MAY 15, 2010)
FULANI herdsmen continue to pose serious security threats in many communities in the country, despite numerous efforts to check their activities.
These nomadic farmers and traders are found in many parts of the country, usually with herds of cattle and other animals in search of food for their livestock.
On many occasions, local Ghanaian farmers have complained about the invasion of their farms by the herdsmen with their cattle and other livestock, leading to the destruction of crops.
The Fulanis are traditionally of West African origin, although some accounts also say they may have migrated from North Africa.
Historical accounts indicate that they are a group that had exercised some dominance in West Africa and, from as early as the 17th century through to the 19th century, they had been involved in the take-over of various states in West Africa.
Today, the group is a scattered lot and although they wield very little dominance in the sub-region, they continue to make the news, primarily because of the mayhem some of them cause in the communities they migrate to.
Quite recently, there were some concerns that some local Ghanaian chiefs preferred selling their lands to these herdsmen because of the money they offered to the chiefs.
Indeed, those concerns were expressed against the backdrop that the Fulanis integrated into their host communities and allegedly indulged in illicit activities such as robbery and the sexual assault of women.
The most recent of such incidents was the alleged murder of two butchers, who had gone to purchase cows at a village near Salaga in the Northern Region, by some Fulani herdsmen.
Indeed, as noted earlier, the Fulanis have been the subject of many security interventions but the fruits of those interventions have usually been short-lived.
The DAILY GRAPHIC believes that the threat posed by the Fulani herdsmen cannot be allowed to thrive, especially as it has serious implications for human and food security in some of the host communities.
There is, therefore, the need for the security agencies to continue to explore ways of addressing this menace which has been allowed to fester for a long time.
While it is important to recognise ECOWAS protocols that permit the free movement of goods and persons within the sub-region, it stands to reason that the exercise of such freedoms does not bring pain and hardship to the host country or community.
And while the security agencies play their part, it is also important to remind chiefs and landowners who give out lands to the herdsmen to do so responsibly so that they do not surrender their very livelihoods and security to the herdsmen.
Quite recently, the issue was raised on the floor of Parliament and all the members who contributed to the statement expressed worry over the threat posed by the herdsmen and called for urgent action to check their activities.
Indeed, the Speaker of the House said there was the need for the relevant ministries, including the Foreign Affairs Ministry and the Ministry of Defence, to co-ordinate to find ways of addressing the issue to ensure that no protocols were breached.
The DAILY GRAPHIC adds its voice to this call and emphasises the need for a concerted effort on the part of the relevant ministries to address the canker.
No one can discount the economic benefits of livestock production, but the quest to address the country’s livestock demands does not mean that the security and livelihoods of its people must be sacrificed in such a manner.
These nomadic farmers and traders are found in many parts of the country, usually with herds of cattle and other animals in search of food for their livestock.
On many occasions, local Ghanaian farmers have complained about the invasion of their farms by the herdsmen with their cattle and other livestock, leading to the destruction of crops.
The Fulanis are traditionally of West African origin, although some accounts also say they may have migrated from North Africa.
Historical accounts indicate that they are a group that had exercised some dominance in West Africa and, from as early as the 17th century through to the 19th century, they had been involved in the take-over of various states in West Africa.
Today, the group is a scattered lot and although they wield very little dominance in the sub-region, they continue to make the news, primarily because of the mayhem some of them cause in the communities they migrate to.
Quite recently, there were some concerns that some local Ghanaian chiefs preferred selling their lands to these herdsmen because of the money they offered to the chiefs.
Indeed, those concerns were expressed against the backdrop that the Fulanis integrated into their host communities and allegedly indulged in illicit activities such as robbery and the sexual assault of women.
The most recent of such incidents was the alleged murder of two butchers, who had gone to purchase cows at a village near Salaga in the Northern Region, by some Fulani herdsmen.
Indeed, as noted earlier, the Fulanis have been the subject of many security interventions but the fruits of those interventions have usually been short-lived.
The DAILY GRAPHIC believes that the threat posed by the Fulani herdsmen cannot be allowed to thrive, especially as it has serious implications for human and food security in some of the host communities.
There is, therefore, the need for the security agencies to continue to explore ways of addressing this menace which has been allowed to fester for a long time.
While it is important to recognise ECOWAS protocols that permit the free movement of goods and persons within the sub-region, it stands to reason that the exercise of such freedoms does not bring pain and hardship to the host country or community.
And while the security agencies play their part, it is also important to remind chiefs and landowners who give out lands to the herdsmen to do so responsibly so that they do not surrender their very livelihoods and security to the herdsmen.
Quite recently, the issue was raised on the floor of Parliament and all the members who contributed to the statement expressed worry over the threat posed by the herdsmen and called for urgent action to check their activities.
Indeed, the Speaker of the House said there was the need for the relevant ministries, including the Foreign Affairs Ministry and the Ministry of Defence, to co-ordinate to find ways of addressing the issue to ensure that no protocols were breached.
The DAILY GRAPHIC adds its voice to this call and emphasises the need for a concerted effort on the part of the relevant ministries to address the canker.
No one can discount the economic benefits of livestock production, but the quest to address the country’s livestock demands does not mean that the security and livelihoods of its people must be sacrificed in such a manner.
TOWARDS A CLEAN VOTERS REGISTER (FRIDAY, MAY 14, 2010)
ONCE again a voters’ registration exercise is set to commence next month, in accordance with Article 45(a) of the 1992 Constitution.
The limited exercise, to be undertaken by the Electoral Commission (EC) from Friday, June 11, to Sunday, June 20, 2010, will afford Ghanaians the opportunity to have their names on the electoral roll.
This is not the fresh registration of all voters but an exercise to register Ghanaians who have turned 18 and above but have not had their details captured by the EC. It is also open to qualified Ghanaians who are older but who could not register in previous exercises since 2004.
To vote in any election, one must have his or her name on the electoral roll, also known as the voters register. However, it is an offence for anybody whose name is already on the voters list to register again. Equally, it is an offence for a person to register or attempt to register if he or she is not yet 18.
The registration of voters is important because it will provide reliable data with which both the EC and the stakeholders can plan towards good elections and it is incumbent on all interested parties to ensure that an excellent job is done.
Not surprisingly, the EC has warned political parties not to repeat acts such as the transportation of people to the registration centres for them to be registered. It further stressed that political parties were only expected to send agents to the various registration centres as observers and not to meddle in the exercise.
Indeed, the DAILY GRAPHIC recalls that the last exercise organised in 2008 was bedevilled by nasty clashes, unwarranted bickering and accusations, multiple registration, as well as the registration of minors.
At the end of the day, the voters register became a subject of ridicule. Everybody, including officials of the EC, agreed that it was bloated. That apart, there were claims of manipulation, while allegations of the existence of shadow voters were levelled by one party against another.
This time round, we expect the political parties to respect laid-down rules to avoid compromising the process. We also expect them to desist from sending minors to be registered. Parents must also be on the look out for politicians who would want to exploit their children by registering them, even though they are under-aged.
The inadequacy of voter education in the past has also contributed greatly to the disenfranchisement of voters in elections. The EC must, therefore, focus on critical areas to enhance voter education in order to produce a clean national voters register.
Which ever way one looks at it, the upcoming exercise will be the greatest opportunity for the EC to restore confidence in the country's voting process and nothing must be taken for granted.
The task ahead is enormous, given the fact that the next general election is only two years away. The EC must, therefore, fine-tune its strategies to ensure that we have credible, free and fair elections, come 2012.
Our democracy is still growing and it is our collective responsibility, as a nation and a people, to ensure that we continue to move forward and not retrogress.
The limited exercise, to be undertaken by the Electoral Commission (EC) from Friday, June 11, to Sunday, June 20, 2010, will afford Ghanaians the opportunity to have their names on the electoral roll.
This is not the fresh registration of all voters but an exercise to register Ghanaians who have turned 18 and above but have not had their details captured by the EC. It is also open to qualified Ghanaians who are older but who could not register in previous exercises since 2004.
To vote in any election, one must have his or her name on the electoral roll, also known as the voters register. However, it is an offence for anybody whose name is already on the voters list to register again. Equally, it is an offence for a person to register or attempt to register if he or she is not yet 18.
The registration of voters is important because it will provide reliable data with which both the EC and the stakeholders can plan towards good elections and it is incumbent on all interested parties to ensure that an excellent job is done.
Not surprisingly, the EC has warned political parties not to repeat acts such as the transportation of people to the registration centres for them to be registered. It further stressed that political parties were only expected to send agents to the various registration centres as observers and not to meddle in the exercise.
Indeed, the DAILY GRAPHIC recalls that the last exercise organised in 2008 was bedevilled by nasty clashes, unwarranted bickering and accusations, multiple registration, as well as the registration of minors.
At the end of the day, the voters register became a subject of ridicule. Everybody, including officials of the EC, agreed that it was bloated. That apart, there were claims of manipulation, while allegations of the existence of shadow voters were levelled by one party against another.
This time round, we expect the political parties to respect laid-down rules to avoid compromising the process. We also expect them to desist from sending minors to be registered. Parents must also be on the look out for politicians who would want to exploit their children by registering them, even though they are under-aged.
The inadequacy of voter education in the past has also contributed greatly to the disenfranchisement of voters in elections. The EC must, therefore, focus on critical areas to enhance voter education in order to produce a clean national voters register.
Which ever way one looks at it, the upcoming exercise will be the greatest opportunity for the EC to restore confidence in the country's voting process and nothing must be taken for granted.
The task ahead is enormous, given the fact that the next general election is only two years away. The EC must, therefore, fine-tune its strategies to ensure that we have credible, free and fair elections, come 2012.
Our democracy is still growing and it is our collective responsibility, as a nation and a people, to ensure that we continue to move forward and not retrogress.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
SINGLE DIGIT INFLATION ON COURSE, BUT... (MAY 13, 2010)
Ghana has set itself the agenda of achieving a single-digit inflation, that is, below 10 per cent, by the close of the year.
While the objective is not new, its attainment has eluded the country for years, although that objective attained in one of the months in 1999 was short-lived.
The attainment of a sustained low inflation rate will automatically impact on prices, such as the cost of borrowing, the exchange rate and, in a remote sense, on employment. This will produce a stable environment that can help all economic actors, including businesses, to plan.
As indicated by the Finance Minister, Dr Kwabena Duffuor, there was always a positive correlation between stable macro-economic stability, on one hand, and growth and development, on the other.
For this reason, the government has kept a tight lid on its spending, directing it only into productive areas to bring about growth and development, without necessarily saturating the system with so much money to freely chase fewer goods and services, the situation that often leads to rapid changes in the prices of goods and services.
It is obvious now that investments in agriculture are paying many dividends. Since the beginning of the year, the government has injected more than GH¢27 million into various agricultural activities, including the provision of inputs for farmers, irrigation development and establishing a buffer stock.
This has undoubtedly resulted in lowering inflation, the 10th consecutive time up to April. Overall, the 12-month inflation rate slowed down during the second half of 2009, from 20.74 per cent in June 2009 to 15.97 per cent in December 2009.
The Daily Graphic commends the government for the commitment and discipline with which it has managed the economy and brought about this record stability. The stability has been achieved within difficult times when the world economy is reeling under low demands, liquidity and debt.
Inflation cannot be attacked in isolation, especially so when it appears the over-dependence on imported merchandise is having a toll on the pricing system in the country.
It is clear that the group of food items in the index is exerting a downward pressure on inflation, while the non-food component has been responsible for the upward pressure.
But items within the food group which are influencing prices upwards happen to be those that are import related.
This means that imported inflation is an issue which should be tackled with long-term approach.
The government must come up with strategies, such as import substitution industrialisation, to promote the local production of goods and services. Also, its policy should encourage the consumption of products made locally.
The DAILY GRAPHIC appeals to the government to also give attention to areas that will help address the immediate and basic needs of the people. For instance, replicating the magic wand used in reducing inflation to reduce interest rates will help a great deal.
Despite the fall in inflation, a reduction in government borrowing, leading to low treasury bill rate and stable exchange rates, financial institutions have still not responded positively by significantly slashing their lending rates.
The government should make some specific and deliberate interventions that can combine short- and long-term strategies to ensure that interest rates come down to ensure more credit for the private sector, a necessary condition for growth and job creation.
The indicators are good, but we urge the Finance Minister and his team to speed up the recovery plan.
While the objective is not new, its attainment has eluded the country for years, although that objective attained in one of the months in 1999 was short-lived.
The attainment of a sustained low inflation rate will automatically impact on prices, such as the cost of borrowing, the exchange rate and, in a remote sense, on employment. This will produce a stable environment that can help all economic actors, including businesses, to plan.
As indicated by the Finance Minister, Dr Kwabena Duffuor, there was always a positive correlation between stable macro-economic stability, on one hand, and growth and development, on the other.
For this reason, the government has kept a tight lid on its spending, directing it only into productive areas to bring about growth and development, without necessarily saturating the system with so much money to freely chase fewer goods and services, the situation that often leads to rapid changes in the prices of goods and services.
It is obvious now that investments in agriculture are paying many dividends. Since the beginning of the year, the government has injected more than GH¢27 million into various agricultural activities, including the provision of inputs for farmers, irrigation development and establishing a buffer stock.
This has undoubtedly resulted in lowering inflation, the 10th consecutive time up to April. Overall, the 12-month inflation rate slowed down during the second half of 2009, from 20.74 per cent in June 2009 to 15.97 per cent in December 2009.
The Daily Graphic commends the government for the commitment and discipline with which it has managed the economy and brought about this record stability. The stability has been achieved within difficult times when the world economy is reeling under low demands, liquidity and debt.
Inflation cannot be attacked in isolation, especially so when it appears the over-dependence on imported merchandise is having a toll on the pricing system in the country.
It is clear that the group of food items in the index is exerting a downward pressure on inflation, while the non-food component has been responsible for the upward pressure.
But items within the food group which are influencing prices upwards happen to be those that are import related.
This means that imported inflation is an issue which should be tackled with long-term approach.
The government must come up with strategies, such as import substitution industrialisation, to promote the local production of goods and services. Also, its policy should encourage the consumption of products made locally.
The DAILY GRAPHIC appeals to the government to also give attention to areas that will help address the immediate and basic needs of the people. For instance, replicating the magic wand used in reducing inflation to reduce interest rates will help a great deal.
Despite the fall in inflation, a reduction in government borrowing, leading to low treasury bill rate and stable exchange rates, financial institutions have still not responded positively by significantly slashing their lending rates.
The government should make some specific and deliberate interventions that can combine short- and long-term strategies to ensure that interest rates come down to ensure more credit for the private sector, a necessary condition for growth and job creation.
The indicators are good, but we urge the Finance Minister and his team to speed up the recovery plan.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
ASSURANCE REFRESHING (MAY 12, 2010)
AS efforts continue to be made to improve education in the country, the provision of infrastructure for schools remains a cardinal issue that must be effectively addressed.
In many deprived communities, the needed infrastructure to provide a conducive environment for academic work is lacking and students in some instances have no option but sit under trees for their studies.
Following the increase in the duration of senior high school (SHS) education by the previous government, there has been the need to provide adequate infrastructure to ensure that there is no setback in the enrolment of new students, given the already precarious situation some schools face.
Some parents and heads of SHSs in the country have expressed the concern that given the fact that SHS Three students have to spend another year in school, the enrolment of new SHS One students in September 2010 will suffer.
The government, in March this year, gave the assurance that it was committed to building a minimum of six-unit classroom structures for schools so that enrolment of new students would not be delayed as a result of the four-year SHS.
In addition, the government indicated that more than 100 dormitories would also be built to cater for at least 200 students in all SHSs.
The news that the government is working assiduously to make good its commitment is, indeed, refreshing. In fact, in some schools, such as Accra Girls’ SHS, work is reported to have almost been completed.
Education is key to the development of a sound human resource base and by this commitment the government has exhibited a deep-seated resolve to ensure that JHS graduates do not have to loiter as they wait for enrolment into SHS.
The DAILY GRAPHIC believes that this will contribute towards building a good academic environment to promote the complete development of students. With Ghana facing developmental challenges, the people cannot afford any delays in the grooming of new leaders to take up the mantle of leadership.
While we commend the government for its efforts at providing the needed infrastructure for schools, it is our hope that the contractors charged to build the classrooms and dormitories will deliver quality work in good time to ensure that both present and future students continue to derive maximum benefits from those facilities.
It is worthy of note that despite the challenges that the JHS/SHS system has faced since its inception, it has continued to produce very good graduates, many of whom are already excelling in their fields of endeavour.
The system continues to undergo some reforms to fine-tune it and ensure that students who go through it get the best of tuition to enable them to contribute more meaningfully to the development of their communities and the nation.
It is very important for students and parents to recognise the length to which the government is going to ensure that students do not spend some more time in the house waiting for admission to SHS so that they work to justify the investment the government is making.
In an era when education is becoming more and more competitive, it is our hope that students, in particular, will take up the challenge and take their studies seriously, since they have a responsibility to themselves and their nation to become worthy ambassadors of the new educational system and also agents of development.
In many deprived communities, the needed infrastructure to provide a conducive environment for academic work is lacking and students in some instances have no option but sit under trees for their studies.
Following the increase in the duration of senior high school (SHS) education by the previous government, there has been the need to provide adequate infrastructure to ensure that there is no setback in the enrolment of new students, given the already precarious situation some schools face.
Some parents and heads of SHSs in the country have expressed the concern that given the fact that SHS Three students have to spend another year in school, the enrolment of new SHS One students in September 2010 will suffer.
The government, in March this year, gave the assurance that it was committed to building a minimum of six-unit classroom structures for schools so that enrolment of new students would not be delayed as a result of the four-year SHS.
In addition, the government indicated that more than 100 dormitories would also be built to cater for at least 200 students in all SHSs.
The news that the government is working assiduously to make good its commitment is, indeed, refreshing. In fact, in some schools, such as Accra Girls’ SHS, work is reported to have almost been completed.
Education is key to the development of a sound human resource base and by this commitment the government has exhibited a deep-seated resolve to ensure that JHS graduates do not have to loiter as they wait for enrolment into SHS.
The DAILY GRAPHIC believes that this will contribute towards building a good academic environment to promote the complete development of students. With Ghana facing developmental challenges, the people cannot afford any delays in the grooming of new leaders to take up the mantle of leadership.
While we commend the government for its efforts at providing the needed infrastructure for schools, it is our hope that the contractors charged to build the classrooms and dormitories will deliver quality work in good time to ensure that both present and future students continue to derive maximum benefits from those facilities.
It is worthy of note that despite the challenges that the JHS/SHS system has faced since its inception, it has continued to produce very good graduates, many of whom are already excelling in their fields of endeavour.
The system continues to undergo some reforms to fine-tune it and ensure that students who go through it get the best of tuition to enable them to contribute more meaningfully to the development of their communities and the nation.
It is very important for students and parents to recognise the length to which the government is going to ensure that students do not spend some more time in the house waiting for admission to SHS so that they work to justify the investment the government is making.
In an era when education is becoming more and more competitive, it is our hope that students, in particular, will take up the challenge and take their studies seriously, since they have a responsibility to themselves and their nation to become worthy ambassadors of the new educational system and also agents of development.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
MAKING THE CENSUS A SUCCESS (MAY 11, 2010)
THE 2010 Census will provide another opportunity for the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) to count every Ghanaian in order to provide reliable data on the population of the country.
It will also elicit demographic information from Ghanaians to obtain valuable information to guide the government and policy makers in the quest to properly plan and develop the country.
A census is a very useful exercise that provides valuable data that, aside from providing information to help in the formulation of development blueprints, also give some indicators about the development needs of the people.
The word ‘census’ dates back to ancient Rome, from the Latin word ‘censere’, meaning ‘estimate’, which was carried out every five years. It primarily involved the registration of people and property as a way of estimating taxes to be paid.
However, in modern times a census is used for policy and planning purposes to enhance national development and not primarily for the purpose of taxation.
This position was emphasised by the Government Statistician, Dr Grace Bediako, during her visit to the DAILY GRAPHIC to interact with management members of the Graphic Communications Group Limited and some of our editorial staff.
Dr Bediako gave the assurance that there was no reason for anyone to entertain any fear, since information provided would not be used to incriminate anyone.
Indeed, the Government Statistician could not have assuaged people’s fears any better, considering the sometimes weird rumours that are peddled in relation to the purpose of a census.
Such rumours, if not effectively counteracted, have the potential to undermine the data gathering process and, by extension, the validity and reliability of the data.
Any such distortions or validity challenges, no doubt, have serious implications on policy formulation and implementation, since the data on which they are founded do not reflect the real situation.
The need for education to prepare Ghanaians for the census is, therefore, vital if the desired results or outcomes are to be obtained. In this regard, it is important to identify key stakeholders who can effectively work together to ensure that the 2010 Census is very successful and Ghanaians achieve the desired benefits from the exercise.
The GSS has demonstrated some commitment in this regard and has begun reaching out to some of the stakeholders with the aim of ensuring that the census becomes a very big success.
The DAILY GRAPHIC lauds this initiative and urges other stakeholders to contribute their quota in order to complement the efforts of the GSS. We urge the media in particular to turn their spotlight on the 2010 Census and educate the public on its purpose, as well as the role of the citizenry in ensuring a very successful census.
Definitely, this will require very close collaboration with the GSS and it is hoped that the service will sustain its public education and outreach programmes to ensure that a great proportion of Ghanaians are covered.
We also appeal to the government to remain committed to its responsibility of resourcing the GSS and continue to provide whatever support the service will need to ensure the success of the 2010 census.
It will also elicit demographic information from Ghanaians to obtain valuable information to guide the government and policy makers in the quest to properly plan and develop the country.
A census is a very useful exercise that provides valuable data that, aside from providing information to help in the formulation of development blueprints, also give some indicators about the development needs of the people.
The word ‘census’ dates back to ancient Rome, from the Latin word ‘censere’, meaning ‘estimate’, which was carried out every five years. It primarily involved the registration of people and property as a way of estimating taxes to be paid.
However, in modern times a census is used for policy and planning purposes to enhance national development and not primarily for the purpose of taxation.
This position was emphasised by the Government Statistician, Dr Grace Bediako, during her visit to the DAILY GRAPHIC to interact with management members of the Graphic Communications Group Limited and some of our editorial staff.
Dr Bediako gave the assurance that there was no reason for anyone to entertain any fear, since information provided would not be used to incriminate anyone.
Indeed, the Government Statistician could not have assuaged people’s fears any better, considering the sometimes weird rumours that are peddled in relation to the purpose of a census.
Such rumours, if not effectively counteracted, have the potential to undermine the data gathering process and, by extension, the validity and reliability of the data.
Any such distortions or validity challenges, no doubt, have serious implications on policy formulation and implementation, since the data on which they are founded do not reflect the real situation.
The need for education to prepare Ghanaians for the census is, therefore, vital if the desired results or outcomes are to be obtained. In this regard, it is important to identify key stakeholders who can effectively work together to ensure that the 2010 Census is very successful and Ghanaians achieve the desired benefits from the exercise.
The GSS has demonstrated some commitment in this regard and has begun reaching out to some of the stakeholders with the aim of ensuring that the census becomes a very big success.
The DAILY GRAPHIC lauds this initiative and urges other stakeholders to contribute their quota in order to complement the efforts of the GSS. We urge the media in particular to turn their spotlight on the 2010 Census and educate the public on its purpose, as well as the role of the citizenry in ensuring a very successful census.
Definitely, this will require very close collaboration with the GSS and it is hoped that the service will sustain its public education and outreach programmes to ensure that a great proportion of Ghanaians are covered.
We also appeal to the government to remain committed to its responsibility of resourcing the GSS and continue to provide whatever support the service will need to ensure the success of the 2010 census.
Monday, May 10, 2010
WE SALUTE OUR MOTHERS (MAY 10, 2010)
YESTERDAY was a significant day for mothers as many countries in the world marked Mothers Day to celebrate mothers for their contribution to building peaceful and prosperous societies and families.
For many mothers, the day certainly provided an opportunity to reflect on their roles in society and also make a candid assessment of the promise and challenges of the future.
Mothers Day, celebrated in the second Sunday in May in many countries across the world, has an important history, with some accounts indicating that the day emerged from a custom of mother worship in ancient Greece.
The recognition of the role of women (and for that matter, mothers) in building a peaceful and prosperous country is aptly expressed in the famous ‘Mothers Day Proclamation’ by Julia Ward Howe, an American social activist, in 1870.
In response to the American Civil War and the Franco-Prussian War, Howe believed that women had a responsibility to shape their societies at the political level and she was the first to proclaim Mothers Day with her famous declaration.
However, Anna Marie Javis is credited with the celebration of the day on the second Sunday in May and she was also instrumental in helping make the day a holiday in the US.
Mothering, like any human endeavour, has its own challenges and excitement. From the day of conception to delivery, a woman builds a strong attachment with her child and this serves as a source of joy and sheer ecstasy.
The contribution of mothers to the upbringing of children and helping to shape societal values and morals have been very significant. Today’s woman is not just a homemaker; she also plays an important economic role to help in the financial upkeep of the home.
Yet, despite the weight of having to combine these roles, mothers have done very little complaining; instead, they diligently and selflessly contribute to build their families and societies.
However, in spite of the phenomenal contribution of mothers, they continue to suffer deprivation, especially in developing countries.
Some of the serious challenges mothers continue to face are maternal health issues and illiteracy.
One famous Ghanaian missionary and teacher, Dr James Emmanuel Kwegyir Aggrey, once remarked, “If you educate a man, you educate an individual, but if you educate a woman, you educate a nation.”
The astute intellectual that he was, Dr Aggrey obviously appreciated the great impact an educated woman could make on her society and the fact that a woman, by virtue of her motherly nature, could impact more lives in society with relative ease.
Today, the relevance of that saying continues to inspire initiatives and actions that are dedicated to encouraging more girls and women to enrol in schools.
The DAILY GRAPHIC believes that Mothers Day should serve to encourage the government to rededicate itself to ideals that seek to improve the lives of women and children who, no doubt, constitute the vulnerable class in society.
We also wish to urge men to endeavour to support women and children and avoid acts, such as violence, that are inimical to the development of women and children.
The DAILY GRAPHIC congratulates all mothers and, indeed, women in general on the occasion of Mothers Day and urges them to continue to contribute their lot to help build more prosperous and peaceful societies.
For many mothers, the day certainly provided an opportunity to reflect on their roles in society and also make a candid assessment of the promise and challenges of the future.
Mothers Day, celebrated in the second Sunday in May in many countries across the world, has an important history, with some accounts indicating that the day emerged from a custom of mother worship in ancient Greece.
The recognition of the role of women (and for that matter, mothers) in building a peaceful and prosperous country is aptly expressed in the famous ‘Mothers Day Proclamation’ by Julia Ward Howe, an American social activist, in 1870.
In response to the American Civil War and the Franco-Prussian War, Howe believed that women had a responsibility to shape their societies at the political level and she was the first to proclaim Mothers Day with her famous declaration.
However, Anna Marie Javis is credited with the celebration of the day on the second Sunday in May and she was also instrumental in helping make the day a holiday in the US.
Mothering, like any human endeavour, has its own challenges and excitement. From the day of conception to delivery, a woman builds a strong attachment with her child and this serves as a source of joy and sheer ecstasy.
The contribution of mothers to the upbringing of children and helping to shape societal values and morals have been very significant. Today’s woman is not just a homemaker; she also plays an important economic role to help in the financial upkeep of the home.
Yet, despite the weight of having to combine these roles, mothers have done very little complaining; instead, they diligently and selflessly contribute to build their families and societies.
However, in spite of the phenomenal contribution of mothers, they continue to suffer deprivation, especially in developing countries.
Some of the serious challenges mothers continue to face are maternal health issues and illiteracy.
One famous Ghanaian missionary and teacher, Dr James Emmanuel Kwegyir Aggrey, once remarked, “If you educate a man, you educate an individual, but if you educate a woman, you educate a nation.”
The astute intellectual that he was, Dr Aggrey obviously appreciated the great impact an educated woman could make on her society and the fact that a woman, by virtue of her motherly nature, could impact more lives in society with relative ease.
Today, the relevance of that saying continues to inspire initiatives and actions that are dedicated to encouraging more girls and women to enrol in schools.
The DAILY GRAPHIC believes that Mothers Day should serve to encourage the government to rededicate itself to ideals that seek to improve the lives of women and children who, no doubt, constitute the vulnerable class in society.
We also wish to urge men to endeavour to support women and children and avoid acts, such as violence, that are inimical to the development of women and children.
The DAILY GRAPHIC congratulates all mothers and, indeed, women in general on the occasion of Mothers Day and urges them to continue to contribute their lot to help build more prosperous and peaceful societies.
Sunday, May 9, 2010
THAT'S THE SPIRIT (MAY 8, 2010)
IN many developing countries, development initiatives are usually funded with donor support from developed countries and development partners.
The co-operation among developing countries is sometimes non-existent or abysmal, since there is the tendency to think that the best partners are those who are well developed and can offer very big donor funding or support.
While developing countries, indeed, stand to benefit tremendously from the support provided by donor partners from advanced countries, the potential benefits to be derived from partnerships among developing countries must also not be discounted.
For instance, some development experts believe that if the West African sub-region properly integrates economically, it stands to benefit tremendously from such a strong economic integration.
Despite the promise such co-operation holds for the partakers, very little practical meaning has been brought to it.
In an exemplary showpiece of commitment to South-South co-operation, the President, Professor John Evans Atta Mills, has pledged the support of the Ghanaian government to the people of Equatorial Guinea in their quest to develop their country.
The President assured the people of Equatorial Guinea that the government would make available its expertise to strengthen and develop the capital and human resource base of their country.
Equatorial Guinea, which is the third smallest country in continental Africa in terms of population, has been rated as one of the richest countries on the continent after the discovery of significant petroleum reserves in the central African country.
Like Ghana, the country has a cherished association with cocoa and pre-independence Equatorial Guinea depended so much on cocoa production for foreign exchange. Also, it had a bright economic outlook in the 1950s and in 1959 had the highest per capita income in Africa.
Following the discovery of oil in 1996 and its subsequent exploitation, the country emerged as the third largest producer of oil in sub-Saharan Africa as of 2004.
However, the riches of the country are yet to be truly felt among the entire populace and as the country initiates efforts to improve the lot of its people, the assistance pledged by President Mills on behalf of the government and people of Ghana may come in handy.
The quite striking similarities between Ghana and Equatorial Guinea in the areas of cocoa and oil should naturally create a strong bond of friendship between the two countries.
It is impressive to note that during President Mills’s visit to Equatorial Guinea, a section of the Ghanaian delegation also engaged in meetings aimed at streamlining certain agreements reached between the two countries.
Indeed, as already indicated, both Ghana and Equatorial Guinea stand to benefit from this mutually beneficial co-operation and it is our hope that the momentum that has so far been generated will be sustained.
Equatorial Guinea has acquired considerable experience in the management of its petroleum resources and there is a lot Ghanaians can also learn from it in that area.
The DAILY GRAPHIC hopes that this relationship will also serve as a catalyst to strengthen the country’s relationship with other developing countries and make South-South co-operation more meaningful.
The co-operation among developing countries is sometimes non-existent or abysmal, since there is the tendency to think that the best partners are those who are well developed and can offer very big donor funding or support.
While developing countries, indeed, stand to benefit tremendously from the support provided by donor partners from advanced countries, the potential benefits to be derived from partnerships among developing countries must also not be discounted.
For instance, some development experts believe that if the West African sub-region properly integrates economically, it stands to benefit tremendously from such a strong economic integration.
Despite the promise such co-operation holds for the partakers, very little practical meaning has been brought to it.
In an exemplary showpiece of commitment to South-South co-operation, the President, Professor John Evans Atta Mills, has pledged the support of the Ghanaian government to the people of Equatorial Guinea in their quest to develop their country.
The President assured the people of Equatorial Guinea that the government would make available its expertise to strengthen and develop the capital and human resource base of their country.
Equatorial Guinea, which is the third smallest country in continental Africa in terms of population, has been rated as one of the richest countries on the continent after the discovery of significant petroleum reserves in the central African country.
Like Ghana, the country has a cherished association with cocoa and pre-independence Equatorial Guinea depended so much on cocoa production for foreign exchange. Also, it had a bright economic outlook in the 1950s and in 1959 had the highest per capita income in Africa.
Following the discovery of oil in 1996 and its subsequent exploitation, the country emerged as the third largest producer of oil in sub-Saharan Africa as of 2004.
However, the riches of the country are yet to be truly felt among the entire populace and as the country initiates efforts to improve the lot of its people, the assistance pledged by President Mills on behalf of the government and people of Ghana may come in handy.
The quite striking similarities between Ghana and Equatorial Guinea in the areas of cocoa and oil should naturally create a strong bond of friendship between the two countries.
It is impressive to note that during President Mills’s visit to Equatorial Guinea, a section of the Ghanaian delegation also engaged in meetings aimed at streamlining certain agreements reached between the two countries.
Indeed, as already indicated, both Ghana and Equatorial Guinea stand to benefit from this mutually beneficial co-operation and it is our hope that the momentum that has so far been generated will be sustained.
Equatorial Guinea has acquired considerable experience in the management of its petroleum resources and there is a lot Ghanaians can also learn from it in that area.
The DAILY GRAPHIC hopes that this relationship will also serve as a catalyst to strengthen the country’s relationship with other developing countries and make South-South co-operation more meaningful.
Friday, May 7, 2010
THE C'WEALTH HALL PALAVER (MAY 7, 2010)
THE University of Ghana has presently been rocked by a conflict between the university authorities and students of the Commonwealth Hall over plans by the university to convert the Commonwealth Hall into a mixed gender hall for graduate students.
Traditionally, the Commonwealth Hall has been an all-male hall and has become legendary for what may be described as an unusual expression of youthful exuberance.
In some cases, the Vandals are adored, while in some other instances they are a vilified lot.
The hall is reputed to have produced some of the country’s finest statesmen, including the likes of the Vice-President, Mr John Mahama.
However, the latest decision by the Executive Committee of the university appears to have stirred some passion and even some old Vandals have come out boldly to kick against the decision.
The Vandals profess that their form of vandalism is a culture with a philosophy; a way of life that promotes respect for all without prejudice; the highest form of religion in which fairness, equality, freedom and, above all, justice are cardinal principles.
Yet, there are some who have expressed reservations about that brand of dynamism and activism and questioned the level of profanity and violence that sometimes characterise their activities.
The decision of the university authorities, coming on the heels of the reported heckling of the Chancellor of the university and former UN Secretary-General, Mr Kofi Annan, and other dignitaries by the students of the hall, naturally implies that the Vandals are paying for their ‘sins’ against the former UN boss.
And although the Public Affairs Director of the university, Mrs Stella Amoah, says the decision is the result of the growth in the number of graduate and female students in the university, the Vandals do not seem impressed by that.
The DAILY GRAPHIC believes that the issue is one that can be effectively handled through dialogue and the spirit demonstrated by the Vice-President in this regard is very commendable.
Modern trends require that any showpiece of student activism must be carried out in a more genial and diplomatic manner, devoid of the old ways of violent demonstrations and rancorous declarations.
While the Vandals may want to preserve what, to them, is a cherished tradition, it may also be important for them to critically examine modern-day trends and embark on their activism, taking due recognition of the social, cultural and political temperature and posture of the time.
The world has moved away from the confrontational posture in conflict resolution and increasingly dialogue is turning out to be a more reliable way of resolving conflicts.
Media reports suggest that the Vandals heeded the advice of the Vice-President and suspended their planned procession to the Castle to present their petition.
While this is good sign, reports of demonstrating Vandals storming examination halls and taking students hostage will not help matters whatsoever.
That notwithstanding, it is our hope that the university authorities will remain committed to the option of dialogue, which is reported to have commenced between the students and the authorities.
The DAILY GRAPHIC hopes that any dialogue will be pursued in the spirit of friendliness and sincerity, with the supreme interest of the university considered above any other parochial considerations.
Academic work on the university campus can only thrive in an atmosphere of peace and tranquillity and nothing must be done to rock the boat. It will only be a waste of everybody’s time.
We hope the parties at the centre of the drama are listening.
Traditionally, the Commonwealth Hall has been an all-male hall and has become legendary for what may be described as an unusual expression of youthful exuberance.
In some cases, the Vandals are adored, while in some other instances they are a vilified lot.
The hall is reputed to have produced some of the country’s finest statesmen, including the likes of the Vice-President, Mr John Mahama.
However, the latest decision by the Executive Committee of the university appears to have stirred some passion and even some old Vandals have come out boldly to kick against the decision.
The Vandals profess that their form of vandalism is a culture with a philosophy; a way of life that promotes respect for all without prejudice; the highest form of religion in which fairness, equality, freedom and, above all, justice are cardinal principles.
Yet, there are some who have expressed reservations about that brand of dynamism and activism and questioned the level of profanity and violence that sometimes characterise their activities.
The decision of the university authorities, coming on the heels of the reported heckling of the Chancellor of the university and former UN Secretary-General, Mr Kofi Annan, and other dignitaries by the students of the hall, naturally implies that the Vandals are paying for their ‘sins’ against the former UN boss.
And although the Public Affairs Director of the university, Mrs Stella Amoah, says the decision is the result of the growth in the number of graduate and female students in the university, the Vandals do not seem impressed by that.
The DAILY GRAPHIC believes that the issue is one that can be effectively handled through dialogue and the spirit demonstrated by the Vice-President in this regard is very commendable.
Modern trends require that any showpiece of student activism must be carried out in a more genial and diplomatic manner, devoid of the old ways of violent demonstrations and rancorous declarations.
While the Vandals may want to preserve what, to them, is a cherished tradition, it may also be important for them to critically examine modern-day trends and embark on their activism, taking due recognition of the social, cultural and political temperature and posture of the time.
The world has moved away from the confrontational posture in conflict resolution and increasingly dialogue is turning out to be a more reliable way of resolving conflicts.
Media reports suggest that the Vandals heeded the advice of the Vice-President and suspended their planned procession to the Castle to present their petition.
While this is good sign, reports of demonstrating Vandals storming examination halls and taking students hostage will not help matters whatsoever.
That notwithstanding, it is our hope that the university authorities will remain committed to the option of dialogue, which is reported to have commenced between the students and the authorities.
The DAILY GRAPHIC hopes that any dialogue will be pursued in the spirit of friendliness and sincerity, with the supreme interest of the university considered above any other parochial considerations.
Academic work on the university campus can only thrive in an atmosphere of peace and tranquillity and nothing must be done to rock the boat. It will only be a waste of everybody’s time.
We hope the parties at the centre of the drama are listening.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
OUR COLLECTIVE RESOLVE (MAY 5, 2010)
IN its quest to ensure good governance and improve the lot of the people, the government has declared its intention to fight corruption by strengthening anti-corruption institutions.
There is very little doubt that for most developing countries and even some developed countries, corruption remains a serious drawback to efforts at improving living conditions and the standard of living.
Corruption in all forms and at all places, both in the private and the public sectors, has debased otherwise promising economic and social models, robbing them of their gains.
The linkage between corruption and poverty has been documented in some reports and one of such reports is the African Union report presented at a meeting in Addis Ababa in September 2002.
The report estimated that corruption cost African economies in excess of $148 billion a year and the figure included both direct and indirect cost of corruption.
In another study by the World Bank, poor people reported hundreds of incidents of corruption as they attempted to, among other efforts seek health care and educate their children.
Indeed, in most developing countries, corruption cuts across all facets of economic and social life, threatening vital institutions such as the police, the judiciary and the media.
As the country continues to position itself as the choicest investment destination in the sub-region and on the continent, it is important to strengthen safeguards and institutions that are at the core of the fight against corruption.
Thus the caution by the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Mrs Betty Mould-Iddrisu, that officials of multi-national companies that are found culpable of corrupt practices will never go unpunished is timely.
This is no doubt a strong signal that the practice of foreigners flouting the country’s laws with impunity, without any reprisals, will not be entertained.
There is no doubt that Ghanaians are generally very hospitable to foreigners and are usually willing to assist them when they are in need.
Yet, that proverbial Ghanaian hospitality must not become a weakness to the extent that corrupt practices by foreign investors are ignored and allowed to fester.
Ultimately, the strength of a country’s anti-corruption credentials, aside helping to boost economic growth, also serves as an important tool to lure potential investors into the country.
But we dare say that investors must not be the only people under the microscope when it comes to corruption. The recent exposé by the investigative journalist, Anas Aremeyaw Anas, on bribery and corruption in the cocoa trade across the nation’s western corridor must be a wake-up call for all.
Not just that; it is also common knowledge that our society, by and large, is choked with corrupt practices all over the place. The DAILY GRAPHIC, therefore, believes that the war on this nefarious activity must be relentlessly waged in all the nooks and crannies of the country.
Some countries have virtually become investor unfriendly because of the perception of dangerous levels of corruption and the DAILY GRAPHIC hopes that the government will take the necessary steps to ensure that the country continues to improve its anti-corruption rating and does not descend into an abyss.
It is our belief that the government will also continue to act tough on local investors who flout the country’s laws and engage in corrupt practices.
There is very little doubt that for most developing countries and even some developed countries, corruption remains a serious drawback to efforts at improving living conditions and the standard of living.
Corruption in all forms and at all places, both in the private and the public sectors, has debased otherwise promising economic and social models, robbing them of their gains.
The linkage between corruption and poverty has been documented in some reports and one of such reports is the African Union report presented at a meeting in Addis Ababa in September 2002.
The report estimated that corruption cost African economies in excess of $148 billion a year and the figure included both direct and indirect cost of corruption.
In another study by the World Bank, poor people reported hundreds of incidents of corruption as they attempted to, among other efforts seek health care and educate their children.
Indeed, in most developing countries, corruption cuts across all facets of economic and social life, threatening vital institutions such as the police, the judiciary and the media.
As the country continues to position itself as the choicest investment destination in the sub-region and on the continent, it is important to strengthen safeguards and institutions that are at the core of the fight against corruption.
Thus the caution by the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Mrs Betty Mould-Iddrisu, that officials of multi-national companies that are found culpable of corrupt practices will never go unpunished is timely.
This is no doubt a strong signal that the practice of foreigners flouting the country’s laws with impunity, without any reprisals, will not be entertained.
There is no doubt that Ghanaians are generally very hospitable to foreigners and are usually willing to assist them when they are in need.
Yet, that proverbial Ghanaian hospitality must not become a weakness to the extent that corrupt practices by foreign investors are ignored and allowed to fester.
Ultimately, the strength of a country’s anti-corruption credentials, aside helping to boost economic growth, also serves as an important tool to lure potential investors into the country.
But we dare say that investors must not be the only people under the microscope when it comes to corruption. The recent exposé by the investigative journalist, Anas Aremeyaw Anas, on bribery and corruption in the cocoa trade across the nation’s western corridor must be a wake-up call for all.
Not just that; it is also common knowledge that our society, by and large, is choked with corrupt practices all over the place. The DAILY GRAPHIC, therefore, believes that the war on this nefarious activity must be relentlessly waged in all the nooks and crannies of the country.
Some countries have virtually become investor unfriendly because of the perception of dangerous levels of corruption and the DAILY GRAPHIC hopes that the government will take the necessary steps to ensure that the country continues to improve its anti-corruption rating and does not descend into an abyss.
It is our belief that the government will also continue to act tough on local investors who flout the country’s laws and engage in corrupt practices.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
PASSAGE OF INFO BILL CRITICAL (MAY 4, 2010)
THIS year’s World Press Freedom Day which was marked yesterday provided another opportunity for stakeholders in the media to renew their commitment to ensure the responsible use of the media to promote the country’s development.
At the core of this commitment is the recognition of the need to pass the Right to Information Bill to enhance the performance of the media, while ensuring that the people have access to requisite information to help them make informed choices and decisions.
The Minister of Information, Mr John Tia Akologo, at the flag-raising ceremony to mark the day, duly acknowledged that the Right to Information Law was critical to enhancing media professionalism and ethical journalism in the country.
The march towards a Right to Information Bill has been quite challenging, but it is heart-warming to note that the bill is presently before Parliament.
Indeed, the theme for this year’s celebration, “Freedom of Information; the Right to Know”, also emphasises the importance of freedom of information and goes to buttress the belief that a press cannot be said to be truly free if it has no access to relevant information.
There is no doubt that the journalism profession thrives on information and the cultivation of news sources in processes that are based on sound ethical principles. The resilience shown by journalists all over the world is ample evidence that with the appropriate support, the journalist can play a more meaningful role in national development.
The DAILY GRAPHIC believes that the need for a Right to Information Law is very pressing and the country cannot afford to wait any longer. In a developing country with a media that face some resource constraints, the absence of a Right to Information Law only goes to aggravate the woes of the media.
The day should also provide an opportunity for journalists to reflect on their contribution to national development over the years to enable them to come up with ways to improve their performance.
Indeed, the crave by journalists for information can only be justified if they responsibly use whatever information they are provided with. It is important for journalists to bear in mind that the right to information places a requirement on them to demonstrate higher ethical standards and professionalism.
For instance, the publishing of pornography by some players in the print media and the recourse to blackmail in the name of press freedom must be condemned.
Now that the Right to Information Bill has been placed before Parliament, it is hoped that all the stakeholders will continue to make inputs by way of public discourses, media publications, as well as personal interactions with MPs, to help in the debate on the bill.
We also hope that the day will provide an opportunity for the relevant authority and stakeholders to reflect on the need for a Broadcasting Law and work towards its promulgation. Presently, the airwaves are sometimes battered by utterly repulsive journalism that raises so many questions about journalistic standards.
In a message to mark the day, the UN Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon, welcomed the global trend towards new laws which recognised the universal right to publicly held information.
The UN Chief also noted that “requests for official information are often refused or delayed, sometimes for years. At times, poor information management is to blame. But, all too often, this happens because of a culture of secrecy and a lack of accountability”.
The DAILY GRAPHIC hopes the country will not suffer such a fate and that whatever resources are required will be marshalled to ensure that these laws make the desired impact.
At the core of this commitment is the recognition of the need to pass the Right to Information Bill to enhance the performance of the media, while ensuring that the people have access to requisite information to help them make informed choices and decisions.
The Minister of Information, Mr John Tia Akologo, at the flag-raising ceremony to mark the day, duly acknowledged that the Right to Information Law was critical to enhancing media professionalism and ethical journalism in the country.
The march towards a Right to Information Bill has been quite challenging, but it is heart-warming to note that the bill is presently before Parliament.
Indeed, the theme for this year’s celebration, “Freedom of Information; the Right to Know”, also emphasises the importance of freedom of information and goes to buttress the belief that a press cannot be said to be truly free if it has no access to relevant information.
There is no doubt that the journalism profession thrives on information and the cultivation of news sources in processes that are based on sound ethical principles. The resilience shown by journalists all over the world is ample evidence that with the appropriate support, the journalist can play a more meaningful role in national development.
The DAILY GRAPHIC believes that the need for a Right to Information Law is very pressing and the country cannot afford to wait any longer. In a developing country with a media that face some resource constraints, the absence of a Right to Information Law only goes to aggravate the woes of the media.
The day should also provide an opportunity for journalists to reflect on their contribution to national development over the years to enable them to come up with ways to improve their performance.
Indeed, the crave by journalists for information can only be justified if they responsibly use whatever information they are provided with. It is important for journalists to bear in mind that the right to information places a requirement on them to demonstrate higher ethical standards and professionalism.
For instance, the publishing of pornography by some players in the print media and the recourse to blackmail in the name of press freedom must be condemned.
Now that the Right to Information Bill has been placed before Parliament, it is hoped that all the stakeholders will continue to make inputs by way of public discourses, media publications, as well as personal interactions with MPs, to help in the debate on the bill.
We also hope that the day will provide an opportunity for the relevant authority and stakeholders to reflect on the need for a Broadcasting Law and work towards its promulgation. Presently, the airwaves are sometimes battered by utterly repulsive journalism that raises so many questions about journalistic standards.
In a message to mark the day, the UN Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon, welcomed the global trend towards new laws which recognised the universal right to publicly held information.
The UN Chief also noted that “requests for official information are often refused or delayed, sometimes for years. At times, poor information management is to blame. But, all too often, this happens because of a culture of secrecy and a lack of accountability”.
The DAILY GRAPHIC hopes the country will not suffer such a fate and that whatever resources are required will be marshalled to ensure that these laws make the desired impact.
Monday, May 3, 2010
AYEKOO, GHANAIAN WORKERS (MAY 3, 2010)
LAST Saturday, May 1, marked International Workers Day.
As is usually the practice world-wide, a number of events, including rallies, marches and symposia, were held to commemorate the event.
At the Independence Square in Accra, hundreds of workers from diverse occupational and professional backgrounds took part in a rally which saw in attendance, for the second time running, President John Evans Atta Mills.
The common theme for this year’s celebration was the need for intensification of international solidarity with working people the world over, especially in the face of the acceleration of the tempo of globalisation and its adverse effects on the working class.
It is worthy of note that in many countries across the globe the economic meltdown has unleashed a myriad of problems, including substantial job losses, depreciating incomes and falling standards of living.
While this has generally occurred in both the developed and developing countries, the effects have been more devastating for working people in developing countries who are usually at the receiving end of the global interaction.
Fortunately for us in Ghana, the consequences in terms of job losses and income cut backs, on a comparative basis, have not been so severe to cause social tension and dislocation.
In spite of the difficulties, most workers have retained their jobs, with some upward adjustments in income levels.
We are pleased to note that by July 1, this year, all things being equal, the incomes of workers are expected to appreciate and stabilise with the introduction of the Single Spine Salary Structure (SSSS) which, among others, will make workers earn wages commensurate with their labour and at least more decent and rewarding than before.
We would wish to use the celebration of this important event to stress the importance of the call by President Mills for the forging of a strong partnership between the labour movement and the government in the quest for accelerated economic development, social justice and equal opportunities for all.
This is necessary, given that the government’s laudable objectives cannot be achieved without an atmosphere of sustained industrial peace and harmony
This is especially the case because industrial relations of today have gone beyond the resort to confrontation to the use of dialogue, mutual trust and co-operation based on a symbiotic relationship and the pursuit of the good of all.
We wish to appeal to the President, as a leader who listens, to give a prompt ear to the grievances and concerns of workers, including those from the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) to which the government recently committed substantial resources to revamp and rescue it from its chronic indebtedness and mismanagement.
This will help strengthen the much needed partnership between labour and the government for the good and progress of our society.
We take this opportunity to urge workers to rededicate themselves to their respective jobs and the supreme national interest by, among others, enhancing productivity at their workplaces.
For it is only through enhanced productivity that we can create more wealth, share more among our people and enhance our standard of living.
Ayekoo, workers!
As is usually the practice world-wide, a number of events, including rallies, marches and symposia, were held to commemorate the event.
At the Independence Square in Accra, hundreds of workers from diverse occupational and professional backgrounds took part in a rally which saw in attendance, for the second time running, President John Evans Atta Mills.
The common theme for this year’s celebration was the need for intensification of international solidarity with working people the world over, especially in the face of the acceleration of the tempo of globalisation and its adverse effects on the working class.
It is worthy of note that in many countries across the globe the economic meltdown has unleashed a myriad of problems, including substantial job losses, depreciating incomes and falling standards of living.
While this has generally occurred in both the developed and developing countries, the effects have been more devastating for working people in developing countries who are usually at the receiving end of the global interaction.
Fortunately for us in Ghana, the consequences in terms of job losses and income cut backs, on a comparative basis, have not been so severe to cause social tension and dislocation.
In spite of the difficulties, most workers have retained their jobs, with some upward adjustments in income levels.
We are pleased to note that by July 1, this year, all things being equal, the incomes of workers are expected to appreciate and stabilise with the introduction of the Single Spine Salary Structure (SSSS) which, among others, will make workers earn wages commensurate with their labour and at least more decent and rewarding than before.
We would wish to use the celebration of this important event to stress the importance of the call by President Mills for the forging of a strong partnership between the labour movement and the government in the quest for accelerated economic development, social justice and equal opportunities for all.
This is necessary, given that the government’s laudable objectives cannot be achieved without an atmosphere of sustained industrial peace and harmony
This is especially the case because industrial relations of today have gone beyond the resort to confrontation to the use of dialogue, mutual trust and co-operation based on a symbiotic relationship and the pursuit of the good of all.
We wish to appeal to the President, as a leader who listens, to give a prompt ear to the grievances and concerns of workers, including those from the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) to which the government recently committed substantial resources to revamp and rescue it from its chronic indebtedness and mismanagement.
This will help strengthen the much needed partnership between labour and the government for the good and progress of our society.
We take this opportunity to urge workers to rededicate themselves to their respective jobs and the supreme national interest by, among others, enhancing productivity at their workplaces.
For it is only through enhanced productivity that we can create more wealth, share more among our people and enhance our standard of living.
Ayekoo, workers!
Sunday, May 2, 2010
OUR SECURITY, OUR CONCERN (MAY 1, 2010)
WE wish to express our alarm at the increasing cases of security men being accused of complicity and alleged involvement in the commission of various types of crime.
It is regrettable that some of our men who are mandated and paid to protect us from crime and ensure safety and security have been convicted of some very serious crimes, including armed robbery, while others are being tried.
That a nation’s development hinges on safety and security of its people is incontrovertible. Therefore for security men to be associated with crime could be disturbing.
In November, last year, for instance, six police officers and four civilians were convicted of conspiracy and robbery and sentenced to 200 years’ imprisonment after the Accra Circuit Court found them guilty.
And last Thursday, three soldiers and two policemen were busted by the Accra Regional Police Command on allegations of extortion. It became the latest such case of men in uniform being dealt with on suspicion of pursuing wealth through unlawful means.
Some of the cases are still before the law courts and, therefore, we are constrained to comment on them.
The unfortunate situation involving our men employed to prevent crime themselves being associated with crime should begin to stir the conscience of the nation to a soul-searching exercise with the aim of arriving at the appropriate solutions.
Some psychologists postulate that human beings are innately evil. The other view to that is that the behaviour of a person is often influenced and determined by the norms, culture, values and imperatives of the society that produced that person.
From the two diametrically opposed views of psychologists and sociologists, it can be inferred that the conduct of the security men and, indeed, all people can be influenced by both psychological and sociological factors. The conduct of the security men can be attributed to their own behaviours and factors within the environment.
Whatever the case, the behaviours of people can be minimised by the introduction of programmes, laws, controls, policies and projects meant to prevent them from going wayward.
The Daily Graphic, therefore, thinks that the government, the Ghana Police Service, the Ghana Armed Forces and other security institutions and other stakeholders can put their heads together to take another look at the systems and conditions that produce the ‘negatives’ within our security services.
In this case, issues relating to recruitment, remuneration, promotion and capacity building could engage the policy makers within the security services for a thorough re-look.
We have alluded to the fact that some of the problems have to do with the individual. Therefore, there is the need for thorough examination of the background of people who are recruited into the security service to prevent a situation where we might engage security men and women with dubious characters.
This is a matter of utmost importance because we cannot afford to toil with the security of our nation and our people.
It is regrettable that some of our men who are mandated and paid to protect us from crime and ensure safety and security have been convicted of some very serious crimes, including armed robbery, while others are being tried.
That a nation’s development hinges on safety and security of its people is incontrovertible. Therefore for security men to be associated with crime could be disturbing.
In November, last year, for instance, six police officers and four civilians were convicted of conspiracy and robbery and sentenced to 200 years’ imprisonment after the Accra Circuit Court found them guilty.
And last Thursday, three soldiers and two policemen were busted by the Accra Regional Police Command on allegations of extortion. It became the latest such case of men in uniform being dealt with on suspicion of pursuing wealth through unlawful means.
Some of the cases are still before the law courts and, therefore, we are constrained to comment on them.
The unfortunate situation involving our men employed to prevent crime themselves being associated with crime should begin to stir the conscience of the nation to a soul-searching exercise with the aim of arriving at the appropriate solutions.
Some psychologists postulate that human beings are innately evil. The other view to that is that the behaviour of a person is often influenced and determined by the norms, culture, values and imperatives of the society that produced that person.
From the two diametrically opposed views of psychologists and sociologists, it can be inferred that the conduct of the security men and, indeed, all people can be influenced by both psychological and sociological factors. The conduct of the security men can be attributed to their own behaviours and factors within the environment.
Whatever the case, the behaviours of people can be minimised by the introduction of programmes, laws, controls, policies and projects meant to prevent them from going wayward.
The Daily Graphic, therefore, thinks that the government, the Ghana Police Service, the Ghana Armed Forces and other security institutions and other stakeholders can put their heads together to take another look at the systems and conditions that produce the ‘negatives’ within our security services.
In this case, issues relating to recruitment, remuneration, promotion and capacity building could engage the policy makers within the security services for a thorough re-look.
We have alluded to the fact that some of the problems have to do with the individual. Therefore, there is the need for thorough examination of the background of people who are recruited into the security service to prevent a situation where we might engage security men and women with dubious characters.
This is a matter of utmost importance because we cannot afford to toil with the security of our nation and our people.
DEALING WITH THE TRAFFIC (APRIL 30, 2010)
ACCRA remains the heartbeat of the nation. However, over the years, commuters in the city have had to endure difficult traffic situations that usually leave them moaning over long travel hours.
The surge in the number of commercial and private cars plying roads in the capital city does not only put a strain on the roads but also sometimes raises pertinent issues related to productivity, especially when workers have to spend long hours commuting to and from work.
This trend has stirred many calls for an improved road network, and while that has always been a challenge because of resource constraints, it is good to note that efforts are being made to address this worrying trend.
One such traffic-prone road is the Spintex Road leading to what is considered one of the industrial heartbeats of the city. Many users of the Spintex Road have, time and again, lamented the torrid time they have to endure in their daily travels on the road and there have been countless appeals to the relevant agencies to provide a solution to the terrible traffic situation on the road.
In the light of this, it is refreshing to note that work has begun on the Accra Polo Club-Spintex Road aimed at reducing traffic at the Tetteh-Quarshie Interchange.
The project, together with rehabilitation works on the Spintex Road, is being funded by the government at a cost of GH¢21 million and it is expected to be completed in 12 months.
The DAILY GRAPHIC believes that this is a very worthy project that will contribute significantly to improve the traffic situation along the Spintex Road and ultimately contribute towards enhancing productivity in the country.
We are also impressed that the estimated duration of the construction work is 12 months. While we express our appreciation, we also wish to implore the contractors and the government to made good their commitment to ensure that the work is completed on schedule.
In the past, instead of some road construction works relieving the pain and frustration of commuters, they rather served to worsen them due to the shoddy work done or the abandoning of the projects altogether.
Such cases have also left roads in a very terrible situation, especially when it rains, and aside from increasing the maintenance cost of vehicles, such poor road conditions also raise safety issues.
It is hoped that this project will not suffer such a fate but will be expeditiously carried out and completed by the set time to bring some relief to commuters. In this regard, we urge the government to exercise effective supervision to ensure that the contractor does not only deliver on time but also constructs a very durable road.
While the government attends to the Spintex Road, we also hope that other trouble spots, such as the Accra-Kasoa, Accra-Achimota and Accra-Nungua roads, will receive due attention to ensure that the issue of congestion on the roads in the capital is addressed in a more comprehensive manner.
It is important to recognise that effective transportation is a key indicator of the level of development and also has implications for road safety and productivity.
The DAILY GRAPHIC also challenges the relevant agencies in the country concerned with the planning of our towns and cities to stringently ensure that layouts for our cities and towns are adhered to and areas marked for roads are not encroached upon.
Inasmuch as the right to demolish buildings in areas marked for roads cannot be taken away from the relevant agencies, it is sound to argue that efforts should also be made to ensure that such areas are not encroached upon, in the first place.
This will not only help avoid the pain victims of demolition exercises have to go through but also save the taxpayer the cost involved in embarking on such demolition exercises.
The surge in the number of commercial and private cars plying roads in the capital city does not only put a strain on the roads but also sometimes raises pertinent issues related to productivity, especially when workers have to spend long hours commuting to and from work.
This trend has stirred many calls for an improved road network, and while that has always been a challenge because of resource constraints, it is good to note that efforts are being made to address this worrying trend.
One such traffic-prone road is the Spintex Road leading to what is considered one of the industrial heartbeats of the city. Many users of the Spintex Road have, time and again, lamented the torrid time they have to endure in their daily travels on the road and there have been countless appeals to the relevant agencies to provide a solution to the terrible traffic situation on the road.
In the light of this, it is refreshing to note that work has begun on the Accra Polo Club-Spintex Road aimed at reducing traffic at the Tetteh-Quarshie Interchange.
The project, together with rehabilitation works on the Spintex Road, is being funded by the government at a cost of GH¢21 million and it is expected to be completed in 12 months.
The DAILY GRAPHIC believes that this is a very worthy project that will contribute significantly to improve the traffic situation along the Spintex Road and ultimately contribute towards enhancing productivity in the country.
We are also impressed that the estimated duration of the construction work is 12 months. While we express our appreciation, we also wish to implore the contractors and the government to made good their commitment to ensure that the work is completed on schedule.
In the past, instead of some road construction works relieving the pain and frustration of commuters, they rather served to worsen them due to the shoddy work done or the abandoning of the projects altogether.
Such cases have also left roads in a very terrible situation, especially when it rains, and aside from increasing the maintenance cost of vehicles, such poor road conditions also raise safety issues.
It is hoped that this project will not suffer such a fate but will be expeditiously carried out and completed by the set time to bring some relief to commuters. In this regard, we urge the government to exercise effective supervision to ensure that the contractor does not only deliver on time but also constructs a very durable road.
While the government attends to the Spintex Road, we also hope that other trouble spots, such as the Accra-Kasoa, Accra-Achimota and Accra-Nungua roads, will receive due attention to ensure that the issue of congestion on the roads in the capital is addressed in a more comprehensive manner.
It is important to recognise that effective transportation is a key indicator of the level of development and also has implications for road safety and productivity.
The DAILY GRAPHIC also challenges the relevant agencies in the country concerned with the planning of our towns and cities to stringently ensure that layouts for our cities and towns are adhered to and areas marked for roads are not encroached upon.
Inasmuch as the right to demolish buildings in areas marked for roads cannot be taken away from the relevant agencies, it is sound to argue that efforts should also be made to ensure that such areas are not encroached upon, in the first place.
This will not only help avoid the pain victims of demolition exercises have to go through but also save the taxpayer the cost involved in embarking on such demolition exercises.
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