Features
Any justificationfor Ghana’s rising public debt?
One of the countries in the world that owes a lot in terms of public debt is the United States of America which is about the richest and the most powerful country occupying the surface of the earth.
Even though the United States owes a huge debt to many countries in the world, it cannot be said that it is threatening the existence of its citizens because it uses the money in a manner that helps to cater for the interest of the American people. In other words, as long as a country that owes huge public debt is able to invest its resources wisely and undertake productive ventures with the money borrowed, it will go a long way to solidify the lifestyle and standard of living of its people.
It is only when money that should be well invested is wasted that we can say the future will become bleak for the country concerned. If money is borrowed in huge quantities but utilised to undertake tremendous development projects which go to enhance the productive capacity of the economy, it will not be seen as waste, but a form of investment that will ultimately influence the country’s direction of growth in a positive manner.
Developmental government programmes
If this is the case, then we need to be careful about how we crucify certain governments for going in for money for developmental purposes. If a country, like Ghana, borrows so much money without a corresponding record of investment, then people must begin to show concern about this trend. But, if on the other hand, what is borrowed, even if high, is used to undertake programmes that will be in the interest of the country, then we need not be worried over such a situation.
Due to the over-politicisation of issues in this country, matters concerning borrowing have always been overstretched beyond reasonable limits of analysis such that sometimes, we wonder whether to sit and fold our arms while we could have gone in to borrow money to stimulate growth in certain parts of the economy. There is no doubt that we need to be careful about borrowing but if it is used to resuscitate and strengthen the economy for a more positive productive growth, we need to embrace it.
Free SHS and TVET
If more debts are contracted to add to our total debt stock but there is no basis for such a development, then we all have to show concern about it, but if the debt stock is going up because of investment in areas such as road construction, strengthening of the health sector, building of educational infrastructure, especially the free SHS and TVET, then we need to put aside all jokes and analyse issues in the right way so that we would all come to the right and acceptable conclusion.
Current debate
A current debate ongoing among certain individuals and groups of people in the country is the rising public debt which has hit a high level of GH¢286.9 billion. This figure appears to be very high but did not come out by chance. Rather, it is the result of a combination of factors which have brought about this huge public debt.
A number of reasons can account for rising public debt. One such factor is that if in the past things were not managed well, the result will be a rapid rise in the debts facing the nation. Debts may be accrued in form of investment or rapid construction of infrastructure to facilitate socio-economic development.
When this happens, the development that has taken place can help to generate extra incomes which in turn may cover the debts previously incurred. On the other hand, if previous accumulated debts are not put to good use in form of investment the result will be escalating the level of public debt. Again, some of the debts came about as a result of judgement debts and unreasonable interest rates incurred in connection with some deals connected with some of the power agreements contracted in the past.
Current public debt
Ghana’s current debt of GH¢286.9 billion represents 74.4 per cent of the country’s gross domestic product. On the face of it the debt looks too high but did it just rise like that? Certainly, no.
Available records show that the country’s public debt more than tripled between 2012 and 2016. It will, therefore, stand to reason that the numerous debts that were incurred between 2012 and 2016 could not be invested well as a result of which the public debt level kept getting higher and higher.
In a way, this unfavourable economic situation greatly impacted on the lifestyle of the people in the country and this together with non-availability of adequate electricity made economic life unbearable, hence the massive votes against the then NDC led government in December ,2016.
Surviving economically
The people in this country must continue to survive economically and live well. For this reason, the Akufo-Addo administration has negotiated for more loans to help construct more roads and other forms of infrastructure in form of schools, hospitals and other development projects.
The implementation of the free secondary school system which is good for the country has also affected the debt stock of the country. The free SHS, free Technical schools and free Vocational schools have led to the accumulation of some billions of Ghana Cedis.
Some of these covered water and electricity extension projects in various parts of the country. For example, for the first time Tamale in the Northern Region can now boast of a beautiful interchange. Such interchange projects have been duplicated in places such as Tema, Obetsebi-Lamptey Circle in Accra and Nsawam area.
COVID-19 pandemic
Just as things were moving on well under the Akufo-Addo administration, the pandemic known as COVID-19 hit the world including Ghana, throwing out of gear all infrastructure programmes that had been planned for the country.
The COVID-19 further affected the revenue base of the country and increased expenditures to further higher levels. This is what has led to the debt to GDP ratio of 74.4 per cent as of November 2020.
These and many other challenges have contributed to the economic problems facing the country. For many countries in the world, including France, Britain, USA, Germany and others, economic conditions have not been easy. What this means is that things are not easy. Thus, the situation calls for prudent economic management and implementation of programmes.
In spite of all these, Ghana as a country has done well in managing its economy, especially in the light of the COVID-19 pandemic which has led to the collapse of many economic and business activities in the country. Small businesses for example are being supported by the National Board for Small Scale Industries (NBSSI).
Mobilisation of resources to carry out development projects in the country has not been easy but with great determination and commitment, irrespective of the challenges, the Akufo-Addo administration is likely to make it to the admiration of all Ghanaians.
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
