Features
Analysis of the 2023 Budget (Final part)
There is no doubt that some government expenditures will be supported by grants from foreign countries. However, not every expenditure will be covered by grants. This explains why the government must find innovative ways of raising more revenue to cover its expenditures. If more revenue is raised, it will help the government overcome its numerous projects.
It is in this light that strenuous efforts are being made under the budget to raise more revenue for the country. Without adequate revenue, not much can be achieved by way of development project financing. It is, therefore, necessary to raise enough revenue since the level of revenue raised in the country is not enough to satisfy our needs.
The destruction of water bodies in various parts of the country is threatening the lives of everyone residing here in Ghana. The destruction of water bodies and the fight against illegal mining imply that additional expenditures will have to be made to fight the menace and clean up the destroyed water bodies.
REVENUE GENERATION MEASURES
In light of all these, certain revenue generation measures have been instituted in the budget for the good of the country. As has been pointed out already, if more revenue cannot be generated, we will not be able to undertake and expand our development projects. This is one fact that we cannot run away from.
The E-Levy, which is meant to generate additional revenue for the government, has been reduced from 1.5 per cent to one (1) per cent. However, the GHC 100 daily threshold has been removed.
This has been described by the Minority in Parliament as a measure that will add to the hardship of Ghanaians. However, these measures are meant to generate more revenue, expand the revenue base, and also make it possible to use the revenue generated to finance our development projects.
Another important measure in the budget is the freezing of employment for civil and public servants for the 2023 financial year. While this is very painful, it must be made clear that government expenditures are already too high and that the government cannot, therefore, undertake additional expenditures in the form of employment in the civil and public services. All these are being done to ensure that government expenditure is not thrown overboard. It is also a measure being undertaken to stabilise the economy so that, within the short to medium term, economic growth can bounce back and allow people to be employed in the public sector.
We are in very difficult times, so we need to take steps now to save the economy. If these corrective measures are not taken now, things will get out of control, so we need to bite the bullet without delay so as to help stabilise our national economy.
EXPENDITURES
It is equally important that steps are taken by the government to cut down on its expenditure. Already, the presidency and ministers are to see a reduction of their expenditures by 50 per cent. The purpose is to save some money for the economy.
In addition to that, the government will again cut down on imports by 45 per cent. The country cannot continue to be import-dependent, especially when many of these things can be produced locally. By being able to produce these things locally, the foreign exchange that will be used to import them will be saved for the country. Eventually, this will put less stress on the demand for the dollar. When this happens, it will help stabilise the country’s currency against the major foreign currencies.
VALUE ADDED TAX
To be able to raise more revenue, the government has increased the Value Added Tax (VAT) by 2.5 per cent. Already, some politics is being played here by the Minority, who claim that it will make life unbearable for Ghanaians. The money being raised here, it must be noted, will not go into the pocket of any individuals. Rather, it will go into the Consolidated Fund, which will be used to finance the numerous projects to be undertaken in the country. If this is not done, then not much can be undertaken in terms of our developmental agenda.
In the same way, the use of V8 and V6 vehicles has been banned in towns except for travel to other regions. The use of V8s and V6s draws huge amounts of fuel, which adds to the cost of transportation in the country. In light of all this, these large vehicles have been banned from daily use except for travel purposes to the regions and other faraway places in the country.
DEMANDS OF POPULATION
In conclusion, the 2023 budget should not just be seen as any other budget but as one that is meant to raise enough revenue to overcome numerous expenditures. With the increase in population as well as the demands of the population, it has become necessary to raise enough revenue to cover all our items of expenditure.
The entire world is going through serious difficulties. This means that as a country, we cannot depend on other countries to finance our developmental projects.
As a result, we need to find innovative ways of raising revenue to put up structures and implement programmes that will be of benefit to people in this country.
IMF BAILOUT
Ghana is already seeking an IMF bailout to stabilise its economy. The bailout will not be possible if we’re not able to prove to the IMF that we’re prepared to cut down on expenditure and at the same time raise enough revenue to cover our numerous expenditures.
If this is the case, then we must all support the budget so that at the end of it all, we will be able to undertake our own programmes. This is very important because the IMF exists to assist with and provide guidance for economic development, not to come in and solve a country’s problems for it.
There is no doubt that the year 2023 will be tough. However, we need to swallow the bitter pill today in order to stabilise our economic problems and provide breathing room for people in this country.
REAL ECONOMIC GROWTH
If all these things are done, we will see real economic growth in the country, and the benefits that will come later will be in the best interest of every person. Many of us will go through the same difficulties, but we know that there will be light at the end of the tunnel, and this is why, after going through the budget carefully, we have come to the conclusion that the purpose of this budget is to halt economic decline, stabilise the system, and effect smooth economic growth for the entire country.
In light of this, we must all embrace the budget and support its implementation for the economic growth that is being envisaged by the noble people of this country.
Email address/whatsApp number of author:
Pradmat201@gmail.com (0553318911)
By Dr. Kofi Amponsah-Bediako
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
