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CONGRATULATION PROF. MILLS

2009-01-26T05:06:00.000-08:00

Congratulation Prof John Evans Atta Mills for being elected President of the Republic of Ghana.It is my fervent that, the good Lord will give u a sense of purpose and direction to steer the affairs of this great country Ghana.I have this strong conviction that, the better Ghana Agenda will come to reality.Tell our political opponents that, the principle of social democracy will manifest in the lives of Ghanaians and they will also live to enjoy the goodwill of your government.Kudos n may u rule like King Solomon.Long live NDC, long live Ghana.

Congratulation Ghanaians

2008-12-11T02:04:00.000-08:00

I write to thank Ghanaians for displaying high sense of maturity at the polls on Sunday.It is my
fervent prayer that, the same civility will be repeated on December,28, 2008. Let us tell the
rest of the world that Ghana is capable of managing it own affairs. Kudos once again, Ghanaians.

PHILOSOPHY OF LIFE

2008-11-20T07:44:00.000-08:00

To whom much is given, much is expected.

GO OBAMA

2008-11-04T05:08:00.000-08:00

As you embark on this historic journey to the white house
I encouage you to move on and go far to occupy the
seat of the world's presidency. I know your presence
in world politics will redefine politics in the World.
Therefore, I urge you to go OBAMA, go OBAMA, because I
believe in change you will bring to Africa and the rest
of the World.

African Leaders, Re – examine the Economic Imperialist Policies of the West

2008-10-20T13:19:00.000-07:00

In the world today, a good economic policy is the bedrock for massive infrastructure and social development. The world will be a terrible place to live in if good economic policies are not taken for development to boom. Capitalism is the chief economic policy of the Western world. This theory stipulates that, central to development is the individual, i.e. the individual is an agent of social change. With this theory, the state is not allowed to play a key role in the businesses of private individual; the destiny of the individual is left in his or her hands.

On the other hand, socialist philosophy which states that, central to development is the state. Thus, the state is expected to play a key role in the country’s development agenda. Simply put, socialist proponents see the state as an agent of social change. Opponents of this theory have criticized this theory saying that, the state has no business doing business. They went on further to argue that, the onus rests on the state to provide a conducive atmosphere for individual businesses to boom.

Recent developments in the world have vindicated socialism disciples. Making specific reference to financial crises in the United States, United Kingdom, France and other giant economic countries. These imperialist countries have played down on their own economic theory which is capitalism. These countries who are major disciples of capitalism have now bowed down to socialist ideologies. Financial crisis which have stirred them in the face has given them the opportunity to give room to socialist ideologies to operate.

The financial crises in the United States have compelled the state to vomit a whooping 700 million US dollars to save financial institutions from collapse. The United Kingdom has also suffered similar fate by giving out 200 million pounds to banks to arrest the problem.

The time is now for African leaders to re- examine the economic policies of the West which discards totally the State – led development approach. To them, persueing state – led development policy is a total nonsense, (Forgive me for using that word, I have no option) .They (western leaders and the Bretton Woods Institutions) do not find the need for African leaders to embrace this populist ideology.

Both capitalism and socialism theories are good economic theories. Moreover, socialism theory should override that of the capitalist – imperialist theory. Socialist theory is a humane theory which promotes equity among the vulnerable and the wealthy few in the society.

After all, socialist disciples have been vindicated. The issue about state –led development approach is not about ownership, but putting competent people in the appropriate position. We have remained stooges for the imperialist for quite too long, it’s about time we collectively act now.
Long Live Socialist ideologies, Long Live Marxism!!!

PHILOSOPHY OF LIFE

2008-10-20T13:13:00.000-07:00

When you were born, you cried and the world rejoiced.
Live your life in such a manner that, when you die the world
cries and you rejoice.

TRIBUTE TO HON. KWADWO BAAH- WIREDU

2008-09-26T04:51:00.000-07:00

According to Shakespeare's Julius Caesar, he postulated that, death is a necessary evil and it will come when it must come." Death have layed his icy hands on you at this material moment, but I take solace in the fact that, we will meet again in the bossom of our maker. Though I do not share in your party's ideology, you exhibited some great qualities of a social democrat of which I belong to. For your strenous effort in the building of the Ghanaian economy, i say thumps up and may your footprints on this earth be indelible for posterity to reflect on.
I say REST IN PEACE TILL WE MEET AGAIN, Hon. Baah- Wiredu, Yaawojogbann.

Mob Justice, not a panacea to crime prevention

2008-09-19T03:42:00.000-07:00

Mob Justice, not a panacea to crime prevention.

Ghana has become a breeding ground for the perpetuation of mob justice. It is very disheartening to see people taking the law into their own hands to seek justice. Mob justice is a common phenomenon across the country in which a suspect, if caught by the local populace, is often "softened" before being handed to the police.

One writer likened mob justice to a “Christian who in times of tribulations submits to unscriptural acts for relief, because God has taken too long to heed his request. Surely, the decision may provide immediate gratification. However, it may well turn out to be an ephemeral solution in the long run.”

This act has become part of Ghanaian culture and is so widespread that, it impinges on the conscience of the people who are then compelled for something to be done about it. The most disturbing aspect of this phenomenon is that, some suspected criminals are killed in the process.

Views solicited from individuals on the issue of mob justice in some parts of Accra, Teshie, Nungua, Kokomlemle, indicates that, mob justice is very prominent in areas where the “collective conscience” (solidarity) of the people are very strong and less in communities where the “collective conscience” (solidarity) is very weak. In addition, the people also revealed that, mob justice is also very prominent in poverty stricken areas.
Moreover, the people contended that, inadequate knowledge of the legal system and lost of confidence in the judiciary and police service are the major predisposing factors that motivate them to commit this act.

In all cases, mob justice is not justice at all but a mass crime. Mob justice is sadly inadequate because it lacks the careful examination and deliberation required to discover the truth surrounding the act committed by the suspected criminal.

Due to perceived corruption in the judiciary and police service that has made criminals to “buy” their freedom, society is left with no option but to take the law into its own hands to commit this horrendous crime. But this is a crime which should be condemned by all persons in the society, since two wrongs do not make a right.

Government and civil society groups should act quickly to educate the citizens on legal procedures and the police service must be well resourced to bring the perpetrators of this devilish act to book.

In addition, the judiciary should be cognizant of the fact that, justice delayed is justice denied. Therefore, they should fast track cases in order to bring relief to all. When this is done well, mob justice will be a thing of the past.

Corruption needs a multi- dimensional Approach

2008-09-15T12:07:00.000-07:00

Walter Lippmann defines corruption as, “the intentional misperformance of a recognized duty or the unwarranted exercise of power with the objective of gaining some advantage more or less directly personal.”

Corruption remains a major headache confronting many developing countries of which Ghana is no exception. Corruption is a real menace in the Ghanaian society, and it occurs at every level of governance in the country.

Past and present governments have made strenuous effort to fight this old age problem but desirable results are yet to be achieved. This is partly due to the lack of moral and political courage of government.

Corruption is embedded in the social structure. Thus to curb it, practical solutions and strategies need to be devised and implemented to the latter. There is also the need to understand what motivates or causes corrupt behaviour.
In the long run, Ghana cannot afford the social, political or economic costs that corruption entails. It erodes public confidence in political institutions and leads to contempt for the rule of law.
Moreover, corruption distorts the allocation of resources and undermines competition in the market place and thus it’s’ devastating effect on investment, growth and development.
Furthermore, corruption also denies the vulnerable in the society to get access to vital basic services. A whole host of conditions can influence corruption, its different manifestations, its pervasiveness and, indeed, its perception by ordinary citizens.
The practical solution to this menace needs effective and intensive public education on the negative impacts of corruption on the developmental goals of Ghana. The state institutions should be adequately resourced so that individuals will not be tempted to fall to corrupt act. The judiciary should formulate laws to seal the cracks in the system that motivates people to be corrupt.
Understanding the multifaceted dimension of corruption is essential in order to identify workable ways of dealing with it. Corruption cuts across every aspect of the Ghanaian society and comes in many forms. It is therefore very prudent to adopt a multi-dimensional approach to arrest the problem.

FACT OF LIFE

2008-09-11T05:05:00.000-07:00

Never judge a man's actions until you know his motives.

TRUE LEADERSHIP

2008-09-08T08:04:00.000-07:00

True leadership is not in pleasing people,but challenging them.

Rural- Urban Migration needs Urgent attention

2008-09-01T02:01:00.000-07:00

Rural-urban migration is a major problem confronting developing countries of which Ghana is no exception. Rural - urban migration refers to the movement of people from the rural areas to the urban centres in search of greener pastures. The problem is associated with economic growth and development in the rural areas.

In Ghana, the three major cities, namely Accra, Kumasi, and Sekondi –Takoradi have experienced significant increase in rural-urban migration. The situation has brought negative consequences on the existing social infrastructure in the urban areas. The rural dwellers see the rural area as deliberately ignored by government and civil society.

Exclusive interview conducted reveals that, the designs for good living such as good schools, roads, hospitals, drinking water and diverse places of entertainment in the urban areas are the major predisposing factors that compel them to migrate to the urban centres. They further revealed that, the absence of the designs of good living makes the rural areas dull to live in.

Politicians in their quest to win political power have promised to deal with the root cause of the problem, but it turns out to be a wishful thinking on their assumption of office. Most of the facilities in the rural areas are in a bad state thus compelling them to migrate to the urban centres.

The problem of rural- urban migration should not be the headache of government alone but civil society groups as well. They should act quickly to come out with appropriate policies and take keen interest in bringing the problem under control.

Communist Manifesto, 1848

2008-08-28T03:01:00.000-07:00

The bourgeoisie has subjected the country to the rule of the towns.
It has created enormous cities, has greatly increased the urban
population as compared with the rural and has thus rescued a
considerable part of the population from the idiocy of rural life.

Karl Marx

Combating Armed robbery needs a hoslistic Approach

2008-08-22T03:39:00.000-07:00

Ghana has become the breeding grounds for a dangerous strain of armed robbers. Known for our hospitality and warm heartedness, Ghana seems to appear easy prey to some of the criminal elements that have developed over the years. Armed robbery is a social problem that has become so widespread that, it impinges on the conscience of the people. As such, many are calling for something to be done about it.
According to Prof. Ken Attafuah, “armed robbery is a real menace in the Ghanaian society which occurs whenever force is applied in stealing from a person using machetes, guns and dangerous weapons.”
He also postulates that, “armed robbery is one of the most frightening and audacious things to happen to anyone.”
Prof. Ken Attafuah in his book, “Fighting armed robbery in Ghana”, indicates that, between 1997 and 2006, there were 7,471 reported cases of armed robbery cases in Ghana. Of this Greater Accra recorded the highest of 2,829, Ashanti 2,412 and Tema 557 respectively.
Since the problem is growing so fast, legislators have not gathered the political courage to seal the cracks in the society that predispose individuals to armed robbery. In Ghana, when there is an increase in armed robbery cases, government and other stakeholders are fast to call on the security agencies be up and doing. They do this without recourse to the fact that, armed robbery is a social problem, which is embedded in the social structure.
Armed robbery is embedded in our social structure. Thus, to curb it, proactive and preventive strategies must be devised and implemented to the latter.
Armed robbery has dire consequences on our growing economy since it has the tendency of driving away potential investors who are willing to invest in the country. Therefore, the issue should not be on the shoulders of the security agencies alone. What is needed is an all inclusive approach from all stakeholders in the Ghanaian society. Ghanaians need to see the situation as a social problem embedded in our social structure that needs the synergy of efforts from the church, school, family, media as well as government in order to achieve desired results.

PHILOSOPHY OF LIFE

2008-08-19T05:31:00.000-07:00

Pride is tasteless, colourless,and hardless yet it is difficult to swallow.

PHILOSOPHY OF LIFE

2008-08-18T04:27:00.000-07:00

Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.

POVERTY REDUCTION

2008-08-15T02:44:00.000-07:00

Poverty reduction in Ghana; the most urgent task

Poverty has been one of the major social problems confronting the continent of Africa of which Ghana is no exception. Poverty reduction is the most urgent task facing the country today. It is a challenge that no country, whether developed or developing, has overcome.

Research indicates that, in Ghana, women are mostly affected because they do not have access to resources. Most resources are in the hands of men, especially land and capital.

Generally, resources for reducing poverty are limited; therefore, working in partnership is the obvious thing to do in making progress. Hence, Government, NGOs and local communities all need to redouble their efforts in reducing poverty.

The author would want to recommend the following strategies to government and stakeholders to help in reducing poverty: a fundamental level of education is essential to reduce both individual and countrywide poverty.

In fact, basic education is a key element in developing the human capital of the poor. The poor in the society should be given the necessary basic education to be able to gain some skills in society. Also, since women are the mostly affected, more emphasis should be placed on girl child education. Educating the girl child has a powerful catalytic effect on every dimension of development, from lowering fertility rates to raising productivity and improving environmental management.

Besides, the government should provide safety nets for vulnerable groups, because it is an important element in the strategy to poverty reduction. These safety nets include short-term job creation for the unskilled in the urban areas.

In addition, there should be a broad based economic growth. This should include labour intensive programmes where those with no skills can be employed and credit facilities also made available to them.

Government should, as a matter of urgency, lift unnecessary and burdensome regulations such as licensing and start up taxes for small firms, discourage discriminatory practices against the poor and support women and indigenous group.

PERSONAL BEAUTY

2008-08-13T05:18:00.000-07:00

Personal beauty is a greater recommendation than any letter of introduction.

TRUE LEADERSHIP

2008-08-11T02:08:00.000-07:00

The mark of a true leadership is challenging people and not pleasing them.

CRIME PREVENTION

2008-08-08T01:12:00.000-07:00

CRIME PREVENTION NEEDS A PARTNERSHIP APPROACH
Crime refers to acts or omissions which violates the provision of the criminal code and
are punishable by law. Crime has been one of the major social problems confronting a developing country like Ghana. It has become widespread that, people are calling for something to be done about it. In Ghana, various attempts have been made by governments to tackle the issue of crime in the country. Some of these attempts made by governments are the provision of vehicles, equipments, finance and so on.

On daily basis, the print and electronic media report on crime related activities. Criminologists have argued that, crime prevention is a partnership approach. Therefore, to fight crime, there is the need for police personnels, community members and stakeholders to collaborate in the fight against crime.

A police personnel interviewed confirmed that, the reason why there has been an increase in crime rate in the country is that, individuals are not providing them with vital information on criminals. He also maintains that, individuals do not want to volunteer to give vital information to the police because of the fear of victimization. In addition, he added that, even if the police service is well resourced and there is no collaboration between individuals and the community as a whole, crime prevention in this country will be a mirage. He concluded by saying that, when there is an increase in crime rate, the blame should not be on them alone, but the nation as a whole.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY EKUA

2008-08-07T01:12:00.000-07:00

A friend is a beautiful gift, a person you can think of and suddenly smile.
You are more than a friend to me. As you celebrate this day, may your
heart desires come true and may you grow beautiful in the Lord.Happy
birthday, grow to be 99.99 years.

IS THERE A MORAL JUSTIFICATION FOR MOB JUSTICE

2008-08-06T02:58:00.000-07:00

IS THERE A MORAL JUSTIFICATION FOR MOB JUSTICE?

“It is like a Christian who in times of tribulations submits himself to unscriptural
acts for relief, because God has taken too long to heed his requests. Surely, the
decision he takes may provide immediate gratification. However, it may well turn
out to be an ephemeral solution in the long run.”(Akita, 2008).

Mob justice has become a common phenomenon in Ghana. It is very disheartening to see people taking the law into their own hands to seek instant justice. The recent coverage by TV 3 Network on mob justice in the Ashanti Region is barbaric. I am therefore making a clarion call on the Chief Justice and the police administration to have the political and moral courage to bring the culprits in the Ashanti region to book for committing such horrendous crime.

The most disturbing aspect of this phenomenon is that, some suspected criminals are killed in the process. Citizens of this dear country of ours should know that, Ghana is governed by a well-defined constitution, which stipulates in article 19c that, an individual is presumed to be innocent until he is proved or has pleaded guilty in a court of competent jurisdiction. So why should we take the law into our own hands?

Ghanaians should remember that, we are not in a jungle where things are done in a disorderly manner. As suggested by Thomas Hobbes, he postulated that, “in the absence of social control, man would live in a state of nature govern by his reason in the service of his passion. In all, there would be war against all and the life of man will be solitary, poor, nasty, brutish and short.”

Therefore, to prevent this chaos and animalistic behaviour in society, laws have been formulated to regulate human behavior and thus maintain order in society. The chief justice and other stakeholders in the administration of justice should come out with clear-cut policies to fight this devilish act in our Ghanaian society. The law administrators should be cognizant of the fact that, when justice is delayed, justice is denied. Therefore, they should fast track cases brought before them to bring relief to all.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

2008-08-06T01:15:00.000-07:00

Our way of life is a true reflection of our perception towards God.

PHILOSOPHY OF LIFE

2008-08-05T01:32:00.001-07:00

QUOTATION BY WILLIAM AKITA
The greatest achievement of an educated person is not the knowledge he acquires,
but his action towards man and society.

BRETTON WOODS

2008-08-04T06:24:00.000-07:00

THE BRETTON WOODS INSTITUTIONS; A BANE OR A BLESSING TO THIRD WORLD COUNTRIES

The World Bank and its sister organization, the International Monetary Fund, were created at Bretton Woods New Hampshire in 1944. Together they are referred to as the Bretton Woods Institutions or BWIs. Originally created primarily to finance the reconstruction of war-torn Europe, the World Bank has become the primary financier of development projects in the Third World. It has also become the Third World's largest creditor.

In pursuit of this, the bretton woods institutions have been granting loans to third world countries to persue their developmental agenda. For developing countries to get access to these loans there is the need for them to pledge to the conditions of these institutions. Some of the conditions are removal of subsidies, privatization and commercialization, trade liberalization and so on. These conditions are very detrimental to third world countries, since they do not benefit from these conditions prescribed by these institutions.

In the foregoing analysis, it has been discovered by socio-political researchers that, most third world countries have suffered a great pain due to the conditions attached to the loans by the bretton woods institutions. The bretton woods institutions have failed many third world countries, especially Africa. Almost three-decades of independence (average), the continent is bedeviled with so many problems such as malnutrition, civil wars, unemployment, poverty and disease, and political instability.

There is the need for African leaders to come out with modalities that will enable them to develop their own policies to suit the continent to facilitate social, economic, and infrastructural development in Africa. The continent leaders should have the political will to discard the policies of the bretton woods institution, (IMF and World Bank). Moreover, the bretton woods institutions cannot be written off in African history, because they have played a key role in granting loans to African countries in bringing back on track their weak economy.

On the other hand, if the leaders of third- world countries do not have the political and moral courage to come out with their own policies, then it is very prudent for them to engage stakeholders in the bretton woods institutions to undertake a fundamental review of the policies and practices of the institutions. This will include projects and programmes, and a full financial, social and ecological risk assessment. This review should be broadly based, including other industrialized countries, the nations of the developing world, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs).

MATERNAL MORTALITY

2008-08-04T06:18:00.000-07:00

FREE MATERNAL CARE, NOT A PANACEA IN ADDRESSING MATERNAL HEALTH PROBLEMS.

Maternal mortality is an important measure of women’s health and indicative of the performance of health care systems. Several international conferences, most recently the Millennium Summit in 2000, have included the goal of reducing maternal mortality. However, monitoring progress towards the goal has proven to be problematic because maternal mortality is difficult to measure, especially in developing countries with weak health infrastructure and trained health personnel to handle maternal related problems.

More than half a million women mostly in developing nations die in pregnancy or childbirth each year and the number of deaths is being reduced very slowly to achieve United Nations set goals. Experts on reproductive health have painted a grim picture of maternal and child health in the region and warned that the situation could worsen in the next decade if no immediate remedial actions were taken by Africa's governments and development partners.

Ghana’s maternal mortality ratio is one of the most disputed health indicators. Ghana’s attempts to tackle the issue of maternal death have been at a snail pace. Early last month, the president gave the directive that, maternal care services should be free. Provision of free maternal health services is not the ultimate solution in tackling the issue of maternal death in Ghana when other factors have not been equally given attention to. This assertion is very true in the research conducted on maternal mortality at Korle - Bu teaching hospital in the months of April and May.

Pregnant mothers in the third and first floor of the maternity block at the Korle –Bu Teaching Hospital indicated that, some of the major contributory factors of maternal death are deteriorating equipments and low motivation of hospital personnel. The principal nursing officers interviewed also confirmed that, the causes of maternal death is due to the deteriorating facilities and equipments, inadequate training of health personnels, low motivation of staff as indicated earlier by the pregnant mothers.

Therefore, to tackle the issue of maternal death, the government should have the political courage to look at the situation from a holistic approach. Thus, considering all the factors that have influenced negatively on pregnant mothers. That is, provision of adequate equipments and deteriorating ones replaced. Adequate training should be given to health professionals and there should be incentives for personnels to deliver efficiently. By doing so, the situation will be under control thereby reducing the increasing rate of maternal death in the country.