ONE of the key drivers of national development is the availability of an efficient power supply. It is for this reason that many countries spend huge sums of money to develop the power supply base or import power from neighbouring countries to run their business and domestic activities.
Ghana recognised the need for a reliable power supply system early in its nationhood by securing the support of external partners to establish the Akosombo hydro electric dam.
That was followed later by the construction of the Kpong Dam, the Aboadze Thermal Plant and the installation of generating sets at some vantage points in the country.
However, power generation and supply face many challenges because of resource constraints and the attitude of consumers. In recent times, the Volta River Authority (VRA), the Ghana Grid Company (GriDco) and the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) have come under severe criticism for poor service delivery or intermittent outages.
Quite a substantial percentage of the power generated is unaccounted for because of the use of obsolete distribution systems and illegal connections. Some of these challenges account for the frequent hikes in utility tariffs, compelling consumers, both commercial and domestic, to protest against poor services.
Consumers have always petitioned the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) against upward adjustments in tariffs because of poor services, but the utility companies have always countered any such petition with the explanation that they need realistic tariffs in order to meet operational costs and fix the system.
Officials of these companies are always at their wits’ end, especially in the cities and urban areas, trying hard to deal with the intransigence of some of their consumers.
Residents of these urban areas, notably the emerging communities, always besiege the offices of the utility companies for power and when the services are not forthcoming, they resort to third parties who use illegal means to supply the services.
The time has come for better collaboration between private developers and estate developers, on the one side, and the utility companies, on the other, so that the provision of power is factored into the construction of new communities.
The Daily Graphic believes that this collaboration will reduce the incidence of abuse of the system by which those looking for power bypass the existing structures.
It appears that the ECG is overwhelmed by the high demand for power supply, to such an extent that many consumers are compelled to use unofficial means to get power.
The Daily Graphic, therefore, welcomes the acquisition of 10,000 prepaid meters with features to enable the ECG to monitor any attempt by consumers to tamper with the running of the meters.
We urge the ECG to step up its efforts at providing more prepaid meters for all its consumers to reduce the rate of default in the payment of bills.
It has taken the ECG far too long, since 1994 when the first prepaid meters were introduced, to provide every facility with prepaid meters to help improve the revenue base of the company.
The Daily Graphic calls on the ECG to put its act together to provide efficient services for consumers following the upward adjustment in tariffs last year.
We believe there are no grounds for excuse on the part of the utility companies. Rather, consumers demand improved services.
Friday, January 21, 2011
Thursday, January 20, 2011
FACING THE HARSH HARMATTAN (JAN 20, 2011)
THIS time of the year is always associated with harsh weather conditions which we call harmattan. The dryness of the weather comes with cracked lips, unusual heavy dust in the atmosphere, poor visibility and diseases such as cerebro-spinal meningitis (CSM), especially in the northern part of Ghana.
This year, however, it looks like the harmattan will be exceptionally harsh and already weather experts have confirmed our fears. It is in the wake of this and the warning given by the experts that the Daily Graphic is adding its voice to calls for everyone to be exceptionally careful, since we are likely to be affected one way or another.
In the first place, it is important to dress appropriately to face the dry but cold weather. In the mornings, we must wear warm clothing to ward off infections, especially those likely to affect the respiratory organs.
Drivers are also advised to be extra cautious, especially those who ply various routes early in the morning and at night, to avoid unnecessary accidents due to poor visibility.
The harsh weather sometimes results in good rains during the farming season, but before then, the severe harmattan is likely to bring in its wake widespread bush fires and the drying up of most water bodies.
It is, therefore, equally important that our farmers, palm wine tappers and hunters are very circumspect in the use of fire in their operations.
The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) just carried out an extensive education on fire prevention and everybody is required to abide by the directives.
It is essential for farmers to construct fire belts around their farms before setting fire to the dry weeds to prevent the fire from spreading to other farms.
Palm wine tappers could cause a lot of havoc around this time if they do not handle their operations well. In the same vein, charcoal burners and game hunters also cause indiscriminate destruction to the vegetation at this time of the year. Smokers who do not dispose of their cigarette butts professionally also end up destroying the vegetation.
Weather experts have also advised food vendors to properly cover their foods because disease-bearing micro-organisms are likely to be carried along with the dust to contaminate the food.
Already, Ghanaians are alarmed at the rate of accidents on our roads and this situation is likely to deteriorate further if our drivers do not observe road traffic regulations, especially on the highways.
The Daily Graphic pleads with drivers not to speed, overtake other vehicles wrongly or abandon breakdown vehicles on the roads. While it is important that every individual takes the necessary precautionary measures, we need to collectively resolve to be one another’s keeper during these critical times. Any action to the contrary can only bring about more hardship to everyone.
The security agencies, especially the police, ought to be more vigilant to ensure strict adherence to road traffic regulations.
The GNFS should also continue with its educational campaign on the dangers of bush fires in order to protect the vegetation for our productive activities.
On many occasions, regulations do not work because the enforcement agencies turn a blind eye when law breakers take law-abiding citizens for granted.
The Daily Graphic believes that if the law enforcement agencies act decisively, the consequences of the harsh harmattan conditions will be manageable.
The weather is a natural phenomenon over which we do not have control, but its effects can be managed if the rules of engagement are respected.
This year, however, it looks like the harmattan will be exceptionally harsh and already weather experts have confirmed our fears. It is in the wake of this and the warning given by the experts that the Daily Graphic is adding its voice to calls for everyone to be exceptionally careful, since we are likely to be affected one way or another.
In the first place, it is important to dress appropriately to face the dry but cold weather. In the mornings, we must wear warm clothing to ward off infections, especially those likely to affect the respiratory organs.
Drivers are also advised to be extra cautious, especially those who ply various routes early in the morning and at night, to avoid unnecessary accidents due to poor visibility.
The harsh weather sometimes results in good rains during the farming season, but before then, the severe harmattan is likely to bring in its wake widespread bush fires and the drying up of most water bodies.
It is, therefore, equally important that our farmers, palm wine tappers and hunters are very circumspect in the use of fire in their operations.
The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) just carried out an extensive education on fire prevention and everybody is required to abide by the directives.
It is essential for farmers to construct fire belts around their farms before setting fire to the dry weeds to prevent the fire from spreading to other farms.
Palm wine tappers could cause a lot of havoc around this time if they do not handle their operations well. In the same vein, charcoal burners and game hunters also cause indiscriminate destruction to the vegetation at this time of the year. Smokers who do not dispose of their cigarette butts professionally also end up destroying the vegetation.
Weather experts have also advised food vendors to properly cover their foods because disease-bearing micro-organisms are likely to be carried along with the dust to contaminate the food.
Already, Ghanaians are alarmed at the rate of accidents on our roads and this situation is likely to deteriorate further if our drivers do not observe road traffic regulations, especially on the highways.
The Daily Graphic pleads with drivers not to speed, overtake other vehicles wrongly or abandon breakdown vehicles on the roads. While it is important that every individual takes the necessary precautionary measures, we need to collectively resolve to be one another’s keeper during these critical times. Any action to the contrary can only bring about more hardship to everyone.
The security agencies, especially the police, ought to be more vigilant to ensure strict adherence to road traffic regulations.
The GNFS should also continue with its educational campaign on the dangers of bush fires in order to protect the vegetation for our productive activities.
On many occasions, regulations do not work because the enforcement agencies turn a blind eye when law breakers take law-abiding citizens for granted.
The Daily Graphic believes that if the law enforcement agencies act decisively, the consequences of the harsh harmattan conditions will be manageable.
The weather is a natural phenomenon over which we do not have control, but its effects can be managed if the rules of engagement are respected.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
CENTRAL GONJA SHOWS THE WAY (JAN 19, 2011)
Not too long ago, Ghana’s educational infrastructure was second to none, while the quality of education was the envy of many countries, including our colonial masters.
In the past, which our senior citizens refer to as the “good old days”, middle school pupils from many rural communities gained admission to the best second-cycle schools in the country.
At that time, the government was able to provide adequate budgetary support for the running of the schools, while the teachers showed more commitment to the teaching and learning processes.
The teachers did not worry too much about their reward on earth, as they were content with the fact that their “reward is in heaven” and committed themselves to the welfare of their pupils and students.
It was an honour for the teachers to continue to impart knowledge to their pupils after school hours for free in order to prepare the pupils adequately for their external examinations.
Some communities honoured teachers through whose efforts pupils and students excelled in the Common Entrance Examination, the Middle School Leaving Certificate Examination, as well as the School Certificate Examination.
The communities even played a part in the promotion and demotion of teachers and that helped develop community ownership of our educational system.
Now, the situation has deteriorated to such an extent that pupils in rural schools do not make good grades to gain admission to senior high schools.
There are communities in all the districts where schools have scored zero per cent in the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE).
Various stakeholders, such as the government, the district assemblies, religious bodies, communities, non-governmental organisations and parents, have individually or collectively initiated moves to address the falling standards of education in the country.
At the beginning of the academic year, the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) abolished the shift system in the metropolis in what has been described as a progressive step towards resolving educational challenges.
The AMA has faced some challenges in the implementation of the policy, but just as it is said that a journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step, this must be the AMA’s first step towards improving the quality of education in the metropolis.
The Daily Graphic thinks that the nagging issue of schools under trees must also be resolved as part of the larger agenda to make teaching and learning conducive throughout the country.
At the last count, it was said that there are about 4,000 schools under trees in the country and the government has set out to provide permanent structures for all of them.
The Daily Graphic commends the Central Gonja District Assembly in the Northern Region for replacing 41 schools under trees with permanent structures, as reported in the Ghanaian Times of yesterday.
We urge all district assemblies to intensify efforts to replace schools under trees with permanent structures in order to improve teaching and learning and upgrade the standard of education in the country.
The Daily Graphic calls on the Ministry of Education to improve its monitoring and supervisory roles in schools to compel teachers to give of their best. For, without the commitment and dedication of teachers, no amount of resources pumped into education will yield the desired results.
In the past, which our senior citizens refer to as the “good old days”, middle school pupils from many rural communities gained admission to the best second-cycle schools in the country.
At that time, the government was able to provide adequate budgetary support for the running of the schools, while the teachers showed more commitment to the teaching and learning processes.
The teachers did not worry too much about their reward on earth, as they were content with the fact that their “reward is in heaven” and committed themselves to the welfare of their pupils and students.
It was an honour for the teachers to continue to impart knowledge to their pupils after school hours for free in order to prepare the pupils adequately for their external examinations.
Some communities honoured teachers through whose efforts pupils and students excelled in the Common Entrance Examination, the Middle School Leaving Certificate Examination, as well as the School Certificate Examination.
The communities even played a part in the promotion and demotion of teachers and that helped develop community ownership of our educational system.
Now, the situation has deteriorated to such an extent that pupils in rural schools do not make good grades to gain admission to senior high schools.
There are communities in all the districts where schools have scored zero per cent in the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE).
Various stakeholders, such as the government, the district assemblies, religious bodies, communities, non-governmental organisations and parents, have individually or collectively initiated moves to address the falling standards of education in the country.
At the beginning of the academic year, the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) abolished the shift system in the metropolis in what has been described as a progressive step towards resolving educational challenges.
The AMA has faced some challenges in the implementation of the policy, but just as it is said that a journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step, this must be the AMA’s first step towards improving the quality of education in the metropolis.
The Daily Graphic thinks that the nagging issue of schools under trees must also be resolved as part of the larger agenda to make teaching and learning conducive throughout the country.
At the last count, it was said that there are about 4,000 schools under trees in the country and the government has set out to provide permanent structures for all of them.
The Daily Graphic commends the Central Gonja District Assembly in the Northern Region for replacing 41 schools under trees with permanent structures, as reported in the Ghanaian Times of yesterday.
We urge all district assemblies to intensify efforts to replace schools under trees with permanent structures in order to improve teaching and learning and upgrade the standard of education in the country.
The Daily Graphic calls on the Ministry of Education to improve its monitoring and supervisory roles in schools to compel teachers to give of their best. For, without the commitment and dedication of teachers, no amount of resources pumped into education will yield the desired results.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
CLEAR BEGGARS OFF THE STREETS (JAN 18, 2011)
THE physically challenged fraternity has always reminded able-bodied persons to focus on ability rather than disability when weighting everybody’s contribution in society.
It is true that a section of the physically challenged does not want to work but resorts to begging along the streets in the major cities and urban centres of the country.
The irony of the situation is that many of the people begging along the streets and at vantage points have received training in different kinds of vocations in order to make them more productive. Some of those training programmes were organised at a cost to the taxpayer.
The business of begging appears to be thriving because of the attitude of the Ghanaian towards the so-called vulnerable in society. For religious reasons, both Christians and Muslims are enjoined to give alms, while majority of members of society believe that we should be one another’s keeper.
However, the same religious teachings remind the faithful about the importance of work in our everyday lives. Indeed, the Bible puts it very succinctly, “He who does not work must not eat.”
The time has, therefore, come for all Ghanaians to re-orient their minds towards the role of the physically challenged in nation-building and stop spoon-feeding them, especially if they have the capacity to be productive.
We are not trying to suggest that nothing is being done to move the physically challenged from the streets into more productive activities.
A few years ago, the Ghana Society for the Physically Disabled (GSPD) established a chalk factory in Accra as a means of creating employment opportunities for its members.
The factory faced many problems, the major one being the lack of market for the chalk, although the Ghana Education Service (GES) had initially pledged to assist.
It is good to hear that the management of the factory has now secured a contract from the GES to produce chalk for schools.
The DAILY GRAPHIC calls on all well-meaning citizens of the land to assist the GSPD to expand its productive activities to create more jobs for the physically challenged.
We commend the society for going the extra mile to expand its scope to bring additional avenues for employment and income to its members, without waiting for central government and corporate support.
The DAILY GRAPHIC wishes the GSPD well in its latest endeavour to venture into dressmaking, especially in an era when the government is sewing free uniforms for schoolchildren.
What the society proposes to do requires the support of all, especially the state institution in charge of the sewing of the school uniforms, because any contract in that regard will help enhance the capacity of the GSPD’s sewing business.
We think the government alone cannot deal with the menace of begging, spearheaded largely by the physically challenged. The establishment of the National Disability Council by the government is part of the overall intervention to put in place an apex body to promote the necessary advocacy for the mitigation of the challenges facing the physically challenged.
Begging could be a good business for those who engage in it, but, for goodness sake, that venture undermines the dignity of the players. There is dignity in labour and everybody must resolve to contribute to the country’s productive endeavours. Let us rid the streets of all beggars now.
It is true that a section of the physically challenged does not want to work but resorts to begging along the streets in the major cities and urban centres of the country.
The irony of the situation is that many of the people begging along the streets and at vantage points have received training in different kinds of vocations in order to make them more productive. Some of those training programmes were organised at a cost to the taxpayer.
The business of begging appears to be thriving because of the attitude of the Ghanaian towards the so-called vulnerable in society. For religious reasons, both Christians and Muslims are enjoined to give alms, while majority of members of society believe that we should be one another’s keeper.
However, the same religious teachings remind the faithful about the importance of work in our everyday lives. Indeed, the Bible puts it very succinctly, “He who does not work must not eat.”
The time has, therefore, come for all Ghanaians to re-orient their minds towards the role of the physically challenged in nation-building and stop spoon-feeding them, especially if they have the capacity to be productive.
We are not trying to suggest that nothing is being done to move the physically challenged from the streets into more productive activities.
A few years ago, the Ghana Society for the Physically Disabled (GSPD) established a chalk factory in Accra as a means of creating employment opportunities for its members.
The factory faced many problems, the major one being the lack of market for the chalk, although the Ghana Education Service (GES) had initially pledged to assist.
It is good to hear that the management of the factory has now secured a contract from the GES to produce chalk for schools.
The DAILY GRAPHIC calls on all well-meaning citizens of the land to assist the GSPD to expand its productive activities to create more jobs for the physically challenged.
We commend the society for going the extra mile to expand its scope to bring additional avenues for employment and income to its members, without waiting for central government and corporate support.
The DAILY GRAPHIC wishes the GSPD well in its latest endeavour to venture into dressmaking, especially in an era when the government is sewing free uniforms for schoolchildren.
What the society proposes to do requires the support of all, especially the state institution in charge of the sewing of the school uniforms, because any contract in that regard will help enhance the capacity of the GSPD’s sewing business.
We think the government alone cannot deal with the menace of begging, spearheaded largely by the physically challenged. The establishment of the National Disability Council by the government is part of the overall intervention to put in place an apex body to promote the necessary advocacy for the mitigation of the challenges facing the physically challenged.
Begging could be a good business for those who engage in it, but, for goodness sake, that venture undermines the dignity of the players. There is dignity in labour and everybody must resolve to contribute to the country’s productive endeavours. Let us rid the streets of all beggars now.
Monday, January 17, 2011
MOTIVATING OUR COCOA FARMERS (JAN 17, 2011)
SINCE Ghana discovered oil in commercial quantities in 2007, many countries have offered various forms of counsel to help us escape the “Dutch Disease”.
Experiences from some countries, even in the West African sub-region, indicate that when those countries struck oil in commercial quantities, they abandoned all business endeavours, concentrating solely on the exploration of oil. The end result was that agriculture suffered, other businesses were neglected and the living standards of the people deteriorated.
Certainly, expectations are very high among Ghanaians concerning the oil find. Many even think that with the commencement of the exportation of oil, the country’s economic woes are behind us. Some expect jobs, while the people in the Western Region think that part of the oil revenue should be given to them or channelled towards specific development activities in the region. A section of the populace even think that the government should no longer increase the prices of petroleum products because we are now an oil-producing country.
One major sector of the economy that will suffer serious repercussions if we focus solely on oil is the agricultural sector, especially the cocoa industry. For many years, the sector has been the life blood of the economy and contributed immensely to the provision of many social amenities in the country.
In the area of education, for instance, cocoa revenue has helped provide scholarships for children of cocoa farmers and a cross-section of other children and construct school infrastructure, health facilities and roads.
Successive governments have spared no effort at maintaining the cocoa industry as the major income earner of the country. Good farming practices, the provision of inputs such as fertilisers and chemicals, as well as high-yielding varieties, and spraying free of charge have all been introduced to ensure a vibrant and productive cocoa industry. Governments have also taken steps to deal with the swollen shoot virus that threatens many cocoa farms in the six cocoa-growing regions of the country.
In 2009, the Mills administration announced some interventions to sustain the interest of farmers in the cocoa industry and also motivate the youth to go into agriculture. These include a periodic review of the producer price of cocoa, the payment of bonuses and plans to introduce a pension scheme for farmers.
Last Thursday, the leadership of the Cocoa, Coffee and Sheanut Farmers Association called on President J.E.A. Mills at the Castle to express their gratitude to the government for the unprecedented increase in the producer price of cocoa since he assumed office in 2009.
The President used the occasion to commend the farmers for their support for the national economy and re-affirmed his commitment to ensure that “you have the strength and encouragement to contribute more to improve the lives of the people”.
The Daily Graphic believes that the government will develop all the sectors by committing the necessary resources to them, including the oil industry, for them to play a major role in achieving the government’s Better Ghana agenda.
If we dare abandon other sectors because of the oil find, the “Dutch Disease” will certainly catch up with us and the consequences may not be pleasant.
For this reason, the Daily Graphic appeals to all, including our cocoa farmers, to reciprocate the government’s gesture of an attractive producer price with increased production of the produce so that we can regain our position as the largest cocoa producer in the world.
Experiences from some countries, even in the West African sub-region, indicate that when those countries struck oil in commercial quantities, they abandoned all business endeavours, concentrating solely on the exploration of oil. The end result was that agriculture suffered, other businesses were neglected and the living standards of the people deteriorated.
Certainly, expectations are very high among Ghanaians concerning the oil find. Many even think that with the commencement of the exportation of oil, the country’s economic woes are behind us. Some expect jobs, while the people in the Western Region think that part of the oil revenue should be given to them or channelled towards specific development activities in the region. A section of the populace even think that the government should no longer increase the prices of petroleum products because we are now an oil-producing country.
One major sector of the economy that will suffer serious repercussions if we focus solely on oil is the agricultural sector, especially the cocoa industry. For many years, the sector has been the life blood of the economy and contributed immensely to the provision of many social amenities in the country.
In the area of education, for instance, cocoa revenue has helped provide scholarships for children of cocoa farmers and a cross-section of other children and construct school infrastructure, health facilities and roads.
Successive governments have spared no effort at maintaining the cocoa industry as the major income earner of the country. Good farming practices, the provision of inputs such as fertilisers and chemicals, as well as high-yielding varieties, and spraying free of charge have all been introduced to ensure a vibrant and productive cocoa industry. Governments have also taken steps to deal with the swollen shoot virus that threatens many cocoa farms in the six cocoa-growing regions of the country.
In 2009, the Mills administration announced some interventions to sustain the interest of farmers in the cocoa industry and also motivate the youth to go into agriculture. These include a periodic review of the producer price of cocoa, the payment of bonuses and plans to introduce a pension scheme for farmers.
Last Thursday, the leadership of the Cocoa, Coffee and Sheanut Farmers Association called on President J.E.A. Mills at the Castle to express their gratitude to the government for the unprecedented increase in the producer price of cocoa since he assumed office in 2009.
The President used the occasion to commend the farmers for their support for the national economy and re-affirmed his commitment to ensure that “you have the strength and encouragement to contribute more to improve the lives of the people”.
The Daily Graphic believes that the government will develop all the sectors by committing the necessary resources to them, including the oil industry, for them to play a major role in achieving the government’s Better Ghana agenda.
If we dare abandon other sectors because of the oil find, the “Dutch Disease” will certainly catch up with us and the consequences may not be pleasant.
For this reason, the Daily Graphic appeals to all, including our cocoa farmers, to reciprocate the government’s gesture of an attractive producer price with increased production of the produce so that we can regain our position as the largest cocoa producer in the world.
LET THE LAW TAKE ITS COURSE (JAN 15, 2011)
GHANAIANS are reputed to be the most hospitable people on the African continent and even beyond. Any first-time visitor to the country does not fail to notice the amiable and warm character of the people.
The Ghanaian easily opens up to foreigners and offers them the necessary assistance to be able to overcome the cultural shock and adjust to the local environment.
There is no doubt, however, that in every community there is a deviant, but, generally, the majority of Ghanaians are law-abiding in their own country and abroad.
Unfortunately, however, certain developments indicate that some foreigners are taking the Ghanaian hospitality for granted.
It is also sad that a section of foreign nationals mistake Ghanaian hospitality for timidity and abuse the welcome that is extended to them by engaging in illegal acts. There are very clear rules governing the activities of legal immigrants in any country, but in Ghana some of the immigrants are engaged in retail trade and other business ventures reserved for the indigenous people.
Some of the aliens in our midst are involved in illegal activities such as pair trawling, fishing in restricted areas along the coast and illegal mining activities, otherwise known as galamsey.
The DAILY GRAPHIC recalls that in the 1970s, the then government introduced a policy to help Ghanaians capture the “commanding heights of the economy” by reserving certain business activities for Ghanaians.
Retail trade, for instance, is a no-go area for foreigners. But today, the central business district of Accra and other urban areas are under siege by foreigners who are selling every item under the sun.
The people of Ghana appreciate the essence and benefits of globalisation, but the global village still has room for sovereign laws that must be respected by citizens and foreigners alike.
Indeed, Ghana has benefited immensely from its relations with a number of countries across the globe and this support has helped to improve the well-being of the people.
However, we call on the appropriate authorities to let the law take its course in the trial of the 49 fishermen, including some foreigners, who were arrested for allegedly engaging in illegal fishing in restricted areas along the coast.
The Ghana Immigration Service, for instance, has an obligation to screen all foreigners entering the country so that illegal ones can be turned away at the point of entry.
The DAILY GRAPHIC thinks our immigration laws must be tightened further to make it unattractive for illegal immigrants to live in the country, let alone engage in illegal activities.
We shall not advocate the expulsion of foreigners in our midst because even though some of them are criminals, we know others are contributing immensely to the development of the country.
Over the last two years or so, the government has secured huge sums in loans from some foreign countries to expand the infrastructure base of the country. This gesture speaks volumes about the positive dividends to be derived from the development of healthy relations with our neighbours and other countries in the comity of nations.
The DAILY GRAPHIC, however, calls on the government to shut its doors on foreigners who are bent on causing a strain in relations between Ghana and the countries from where the illegal immigrants come from.
We cherish international brotherhood but from the quarters of those who reciprocate our hospitality.
The Ghanaian easily opens up to foreigners and offers them the necessary assistance to be able to overcome the cultural shock and adjust to the local environment.
There is no doubt, however, that in every community there is a deviant, but, generally, the majority of Ghanaians are law-abiding in their own country and abroad.
Unfortunately, however, certain developments indicate that some foreigners are taking the Ghanaian hospitality for granted.
It is also sad that a section of foreign nationals mistake Ghanaian hospitality for timidity and abuse the welcome that is extended to them by engaging in illegal acts. There are very clear rules governing the activities of legal immigrants in any country, but in Ghana some of the immigrants are engaged in retail trade and other business ventures reserved for the indigenous people.
Some of the aliens in our midst are involved in illegal activities such as pair trawling, fishing in restricted areas along the coast and illegal mining activities, otherwise known as galamsey.
The DAILY GRAPHIC recalls that in the 1970s, the then government introduced a policy to help Ghanaians capture the “commanding heights of the economy” by reserving certain business activities for Ghanaians.
Retail trade, for instance, is a no-go area for foreigners. But today, the central business district of Accra and other urban areas are under siege by foreigners who are selling every item under the sun.
The people of Ghana appreciate the essence and benefits of globalisation, but the global village still has room for sovereign laws that must be respected by citizens and foreigners alike.
Indeed, Ghana has benefited immensely from its relations with a number of countries across the globe and this support has helped to improve the well-being of the people.
However, we call on the appropriate authorities to let the law take its course in the trial of the 49 fishermen, including some foreigners, who were arrested for allegedly engaging in illegal fishing in restricted areas along the coast.
The Ghana Immigration Service, for instance, has an obligation to screen all foreigners entering the country so that illegal ones can be turned away at the point of entry.
The DAILY GRAPHIC thinks our immigration laws must be tightened further to make it unattractive for illegal immigrants to live in the country, let alone engage in illegal activities.
We shall not advocate the expulsion of foreigners in our midst because even though some of them are criminals, we know others are contributing immensely to the development of the country.
Over the last two years or so, the government has secured huge sums in loans from some foreign countries to expand the infrastructure base of the country. This gesture speaks volumes about the positive dividends to be derived from the development of healthy relations with our neighbours and other countries in the comity of nations.
The DAILY GRAPHIC, however, calls on the government to shut its doors on foreigners who are bent on causing a strain in relations between Ghana and the countries from where the illegal immigrants come from.
We cherish international brotherhood but from the quarters of those who reciprocate our hospitality.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
THE CARNAGE MUST STOP (JAN 13, 2011)
GHANAIANS woke up on Tuesday to the sad news of a fatal road accident on the outskirts of Akomadan in the Ashanti Region.
Fifteen people died on the spot when two Yutong buses collided, while many others suffered serious head and body injuries.
The occurrence of such a gory incident quite early in the New Year must be a matter of serious concern to the agencies charged with ensuring safety on our roads, the government and, indeed, all Ghanaians.
For some time now, many Ghanaians have been expressing their displeasure at the spate of accidents on our highways, leading to the loss of precious lives.
The statistics on road accidents from the Motor Traffic and Transport Unit (MTTU) of the Ghana Police Service are not to be taken lightly.
Six thousand deaths in three years make road accidents one of the major causes of death in the country, not to talk about loss of productivity, high health bills and pain to bereaved families.
Many Ghanaians heaved a sigh of relief when, during the Christmas and New Year holidays, very few road accidents were recorded, as a result of which the travelling public commended drivers for the achievement.
It must be placed on record that prior to the Christmas and New Year festivities, the MTTU and the National Road Safety Commission (NRSC) embarked on a vigorous educational campaign to encourage drivers and the travelling public to respect road traffic regulations.
One dividend of those educational campaigns was the reduced accidents on our roads during the holidays, a development which was applauded by the people.
No sooner had the applause died down than Ghanaians had the shock of that fatal accident on the outskirts of Akomadan three days ago.
For our roads to become safe, the DAILY GRAPHIC thinks drastic measures must be taken to ensure compliance with road traffic regulations in the country.
The causes of accidents on our roads are inexhaustible, including speeding, drink driving and the use of unworthy vehicles.
The DAILY GRAPHIC believes the time has come for all to join the crusade to rid our roads of all undesirable users, so that the roads will be safe for the motoring public.
Any move to the contrary or inaction on the part of stakeholders, such as government agencies, transport unions, the police, drivers and the travelling public, can only cause more pain and grief to families who lose their relatives through accidents.
We think public education, without the enforcement of the regulations, will not yield the desired results. The spate of road accidents require that those who break the regulations are punished to serve as a deterrent to others.
Many of the accidents are avoidable because they are caused through human error. Tragedies such as the one on the outskirts of Akomadan can easily be avoided if we all resolve to respect road traffic regulations.
Every soul is needed in our nation-building efforts, while the huge medical bills on road accidents can easily be used to address development challenges in health and education.
Let us be one another’s keeper by policing drivers to play by road traffic regulations. Through that, we may save lives that are dear and close to us.
Fifteen people died on the spot when two Yutong buses collided, while many others suffered serious head and body injuries.
The occurrence of such a gory incident quite early in the New Year must be a matter of serious concern to the agencies charged with ensuring safety on our roads, the government and, indeed, all Ghanaians.
For some time now, many Ghanaians have been expressing their displeasure at the spate of accidents on our highways, leading to the loss of precious lives.
The statistics on road accidents from the Motor Traffic and Transport Unit (MTTU) of the Ghana Police Service are not to be taken lightly.
Six thousand deaths in three years make road accidents one of the major causes of death in the country, not to talk about loss of productivity, high health bills and pain to bereaved families.
Many Ghanaians heaved a sigh of relief when, during the Christmas and New Year holidays, very few road accidents were recorded, as a result of which the travelling public commended drivers for the achievement.
It must be placed on record that prior to the Christmas and New Year festivities, the MTTU and the National Road Safety Commission (NRSC) embarked on a vigorous educational campaign to encourage drivers and the travelling public to respect road traffic regulations.
One dividend of those educational campaigns was the reduced accidents on our roads during the holidays, a development which was applauded by the people.
No sooner had the applause died down than Ghanaians had the shock of that fatal accident on the outskirts of Akomadan three days ago.
For our roads to become safe, the DAILY GRAPHIC thinks drastic measures must be taken to ensure compliance with road traffic regulations in the country.
The causes of accidents on our roads are inexhaustible, including speeding, drink driving and the use of unworthy vehicles.
The DAILY GRAPHIC believes the time has come for all to join the crusade to rid our roads of all undesirable users, so that the roads will be safe for the motoring public.
Any move to the contrary or inaction on the part of stakeholders, such as government agencies, transport unions, the police, drivers and the travelling public, can only cause more pain and grief to families who lose their relatives through accidents.
We think public education, without the enforcement of the regulations, will not yield the desired results. The spate of road accidents require that those who break the regulations are punished to serve as a deterrent to others.
Many of the accidents are avoidable because they are caused through human error. Tragedies such as the one on the outskirts of Akomadan can easily be avoided if we all resolve to respect road traffic regulations.
Every soul is needed in our nation-building efforts, while the huge medical bills on road accidents can easily be used to address development challenges in health and education.
Let us be one another’s keeper by policing drivers to play by road traffic regulations. Through that, we may save lives that are dear and close to us.
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