Features
Abandoned projects: Ghana’s monument to neglect (Part 2)
Last week, I wrote about how successive governments abandon on-going projects, either initiated by a previous administration, or by the party in power itself.
The projects span various spheres of national development such as health and educational facilities, housing schemes, sports infrastructure, roads and highways, among other things.
For starters, I cited the abandonment of the $200 – million Saglemi Affordable Housing Scheme at Prampram, as a classic example of a monument to neglect.
By that I mean Ghana’s notorious tendency to waste our scarce resources by pumping vast sums of money into projects already investigated and certified feasible, only to discontinue them, sometimes even when almost completed.
The 300-acre Saglemi project initiated by the previous NDC regime comprises a 5000-unit residential facility to accommodate middle and low-income earners within Accra and its environs and reduce the housing deficit in the metropolis.
When the NPP took over from the NDC in 2016, the first phase of the project, consisting of 180 blocks of flats with 1,500 residential units, had already been completed at the cost of $200 million. But to date, no allocations of the completed flats has been made.
The ruling government’s explanation is that it has detected evidence of financial impropriety in procurement as well as inconsistencies in contract documents handed over to it by the previous administration.
Meanwhile, the workers for whom the project was undertaken, continue to wallow in squalid living conditions while the buildings deteriorate at a fast rate.
Whatever the problem, and for the sake of the beneficiaries, is there no way allocations can be made while investigations into allegations of financial malfeasance are conducted?
This week I continue with another project which can be rightly categorised as a monument to neglect. I am referring to the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) Teaching Hospital.
The project was initiated in 2007 by the university’s College of Architecture and Planning with support from the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) under the auspices of former president J.A. Kufuor.
The university banked on its internally-generated funds and donor support to raise enough money to supplement government’s contribution.
However, the project did not begin until 2008. Amid much fanfare, the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu who is the Chancellor of KNUST, cut the sod for the $125-millionwork to begin in earnest.
The 800-bed capacity hospital, was expected to be one of the leading medical training and healthcare facilities in the country, to enable patients to access the facility towards easing the unnecessary pressure on other health facilities in the Ashanti Regional capital of Kumasi.
Apart from providing health care services, the project was also expected to serve as a teaching, research, and training facility for health and allied professionals critically needed for efficient health service delivery in the country and beyond.
Covering a land area of some 71 acres, the project, which is sited at Boadi in the Oforikrom Municipality, has among its features, a cardiothoracic and neurosurgical centre, a diagnostic unit and laboratory, morgue, administration and Out-Patient-Department (OPD) blocks, wards, security post, effluent chambers as well as a laundry unit.
It was expected to be completed in six years which should have been 2014, with the first phase comprising the administration block and facilities required to kick-start operations projected to be ready for use within two years.
But after the superstructure was only partially completed, this very important project was abandoned due to inadequate inflows from the KNUST’s internally generated funds and external donors. For that reason, the project has remained stalled for over a decade. What?
Do we not have any sense of urgency? Where do our national priorities lie? How can we sacrifice so beneficial a programme as improved health care for the people with the unjustifiable excuse that we do not have money?
But we have money for other useless ventures that serve the parochial interests of advocates of such projects. Even if other constituencies have overwhelming comparative advantage for the siting of certain projects, some unscrupulous players in government, would scheme and pull all kinds of tricks to have them situated in areas that would ensure personal dividends. For them the end justifies the means.
It took repeated reminders from the Asantehene to get the project resumed, as it were, only recently. About four years ago, that is, in 2018, at the 52nd graduation ceremony of the university, attended by the then Minister of Education, Matthew Opoku Prempeh, the monarch urged the government to release funds to ensure the completion of the project
Then, two years later in 2020, during the investiture of Professor Rita Akosua Dickson as the new Vice-Chancellor of KNUST, Otumfuo repeated his concerns about the neglect of the project in the presence of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
The Akans have a time-tested proverb that, if you want to communicate with God, just speak into the air. That is the wisdom Otumfuo applied, and it worked.
In an urgent and emotional direct appeal to the President, Otumfuo Osei Tutu said: “I have written a series of letters to the Ministry of Finance and to the office of His Excellency the President, but it appears no action has since been taken.”
“The KNUST,” he said, “has been very instrumental in the development of the country’s health systems and the completion of this facility will go a long way to contribute to the sustenance of such support…The time to act is now!” the Asantehene stressed.
In response, President Akufo-Addo assured that the project would be completed soon, saying that the tenure of the new Vice-Chancellor would be marked by the construction of the teaching hospital which is so dear to the heart of the Asantehene and the university community.
Another Ghanaian proverb in Akan says: “Treeeeeempoantremu a, wosekoko?” This loosely translates to: “Even when you poured it (maybe milk or any other drink) liberally, it was not sufficient for me, how much less would mere squeezes of drops suffice?
My point is, for over a decade the first phase which was supposed to be completed in six years did not reach anywhere.
Now the president says very soon the first phase will be completed. My Nigerian friends would say, “OK ooo, we shall see.”Not that I do not believe it. It is just too good to be true. Besides, my fear stems from that favourite word of politicians- soon. That is the snag. Why not put a timeline on it for us to be sure?
Probably, it will work this time. In fact, in 2021, the Government, according to the Asantehene, in response to his numerous appeals, initiated moves by releasing funds for the continuation of the project.
Media reports have quoted the Asantehene as saying that information available to him indicated that the first phase of the KNUST Teaching Hospital project would be completed by October 2022.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu revealed that government had already resumed construction works on the project, adding that the government had also made the necessary provisions for the second phase of the project in this year’s budget.
Contact: teepeejubilee@yahoo.co.uk
By Tony Prempeh
Features
Who knows tomorrow?
Recently a friend posted a sad news on his Facebook page, announcing the death of a school mate who had passed away, suddenly. The report had it that he was on his way to the airport to take a flight to Ghana.
I am sure this man had already informed the wife or a friend or a work colleague at work that he was returning home but he was not to return as a human being but as a dead body.
Such is life and so we need to be circumspect in how we go about things in life. The Bible reminds us that we are like grass which at one point in time looks elegant and the next moment becomes withered according to Psalm 90:5 and 6. It is for this reason that we need to guard our hearts with the word of God so that we shall be motivated to do the right thing, at all times.
This will enable us live on this planet, free from all sorts of troubles in our personal lives, even if we ignore the question of Heaven and Hell. Living a disciplined life delivers us from any kind of trouble as the Bible declares in Galatians 5:23 that against such there is no law.
The uncertainty surrounding our lives on earth is the more reason why people should commit their lives into the hands of the one who created it, in the first place unless you believe that the world created itself and that it appeared from nowhere.
Otherwise, the logical thing to do is to recognize the authority of the creator and surrender to his Lordship. Heaven is real and Hell is real, so for us who know the truth and have received Jesus as our Lord and Saviour, the onus lies on us to encourage our relations who have not believed and received Jesus into their lives, to do so.
We are a couple of days from another Easter Resurrection celebration and an opportunity to reflect on our lives in relation to the significance of Easter. In the Bible, the only occasion Jesus, Saviour of the world commands us to celebrate is his death and resurrection.
He never commanded his followers to celebrate his birth but like everything else, we chose to ignore Jesus’s instructions and decided to do what pleases us, just like our forefather and mother in the Garden of Eden.
Let us deliberately choose to do things differently as Christians this Easter, so we can really benefit from all the blessings that the celebration of the death and birth of Jesus, has on offer. Doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result is definitely insanity.
I choose to be different this Easter and I am believing God for a newness of life so God’s glory would be revealed in me to draw the unsaved to him. It is only when people especially the unsaved, see the character of Christ in us, that they can be convinced about the authenticity of Jesus, as Saviour of the world, who can bring transformation in their lives too.
This is what would motivate them to surrender their lives to Jesus Christ. Let us make this Easter a memorable one that will be cherished for a long time. It is also a period for reconciliation and it would be great if in the spirit of Easter, we would try to reach out to those who have wronged us or have a grudge against us.
This would demonstrate that we have indeed accepted Jesus and that our religious posture is not a sham. May the good Lord grant us the grace to love our neighbours as ourselves, demonstrating the love of God in the process.
Those who have lost their loved ones and Easter brings sad memories, may the good Lord comfort and strengthen you. God bless.
.NB: ‘CHANGE KOTOKA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT TO KOFI BAAKO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT’
Features
Cosmetic deformities
COSMETIC deformities refer to physical imperfections or abnormalities that affect an individual’s appearance, often causing emotional distress and impacting their quality of life.
These deformities can be congenital, acquired, or result from various medical conditions or treatments. This article provides an in-depth exploration of cosmetic deformities, their types, causes, effects, and treatment options.
Types of cosmetic deformities
Cosmetic deformities can affect various parts of the body, including the face, skin, hair, nails, and teeth. Some common types of cosmetic deformities include:
1. Facial deformities: Congenital or acquired abnormalities affecting the shape, structure, or appearance of the face, such as cleft lip and palate, facial paralysis, or facial asymmetry.
2. Skin deformities: Conditions affecting the skin’s texture, tone, or appearance, such as acne, scars, birthmarks, or skin discoloration.
3. Hair deformities: Abnormalities affecting the hair’s growth, texture, or appearance, such as alopecia, hirsutism, or hair loss due to medical conditions or treatments.
4. Nail deformities: Conditions affecting the shape, size, or appearance of the nails, such as nail fungus, nail psoriasis, or nail trauma.
5. Dental deformities: Abnormalities affecting the shape, size, or appearance of the teeth, such as tooth decay, tooth loss, or malocclusion.
Causes of cosmetic deformities
Cosmetic deformities can result from various factors, including:
1. Genetics: Congenital conditions or inherited traits can cause cosmetic deformities.
2. Trauma: Injuries or accidents can result in cosmetic deformities, such as scars or facial trauma.
3. Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as acne, psoriasis, or eczema, can cause cosmetic deformities.
4. Treatments and procedures: Medical treatments, such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or surgery, can result in cosmetic deformities.
5. Aging and environmental factors: Aging, sun exposure, and environmental factors can contribute to cosmetic deformities, such as wrinkles, fine lines, or age spots.
Effects of cosmetic deformities
Cosmetic deformities can have significant emotional and psychological effects on individuals, including:
1. Low self-esteem: Cosmetic deformities can lead to feelings of insecurity, self-consciousness, and low self-esteem.
2. Social anxiety: Individuals with cosmetic deformities may experience social anxiety, avoiding social interactions or feeling embarrassed in public.
3. Emotional distress: Cosmetic deformities can cause emotional distress, including depression, anxiety, or stress.
4. Impact on quality of life: Cosmetic deformities can affect an individual’s quality of life, impacting their relationships, career, or overall well-being.
Treatment options for cosmetic deformities
Various treatment options are available to address cosmetic deformities, including:
1. Surgical procedures: Surgical procedures, such as reconstructive surgery, cosmetic surgery, or dermatological surgery, can correct or improve cosmetic deformities.
2. Non-surgical treatments: Non-surgical treatments, such as laser therapy, chemical peels, or microdermabrasion, can address cosmetic concerns, such as skin texture, tone, or appearance.
3. Medical treatments: Medical treatments, such as topical creams, oral medications, or injectable treatments, can address cosmetic concerns, such as acne, hair loss, or nail deformities.
4. Prosthetic and orthotic devices: Prosthetic and orthotic devices, such as wigs, hairpieces, or dental prosthetics, can help individuals with cosmetic deformities.
5. Counselling and therapy: Counselling and therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy or psychotherapy, can help individuals cope with the emotional and psychological effects of cosmetic deformities.
Conclusion
Cosmetic deformities can have significant emotional and psychological effects on individuals, impacting their quality of life and overall well-being.
Understanding the types, causes, and effects of cosmetic deformities is crucial in addressing these concerns.
Various treatment options are available, ranging from surgical procedures to non-surgical treatments, medical treatments, prosthetic and orthotic devices, and counselling and therapy.
By seeking professional help and support, individuals with cosmetic deformities can improve their appearance, boost their self-esteem, and enhance their overall quality of life.
Reference
1. “Cosmetic Deformities” by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons
