Features
Burning Issues Any justification for National Development Bank in Ghana? (Part 1)
“The Development Bank is going to play a very important part in the rapid economic transformation of Ghana, following the onset of COVID-19.” These words came from President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo during the signing ceremony on Wednesday May 19, 2021, when the President of the Republic held a meeting with the President of European Development Bank (EDB), Dr Werner Hoyer, as part of his official visit to Belgium.
According to President Akufo-Addo, the design and operation of the Development Bank Ghana (DBG) in Ghana has been on the drawing board over the past two years and when established, would satisfy the highest standards, scrutiny and best practices of development banks across the world.
He assured further that the €170 million facility being provided by European Investment Bank (EIB) for the establishment of the Development Bank Ghana (DBG), signals the determination of the country to continue partnering with the EU to continue to finance other projects in the pipeline as the country works to recover from the impact of COVID-19 as well as assist in the rapid recovery of the Ghanaian economy from the ravages of the pandemic.
Not quite long ago, during the presentation of the 2022 Budget Statement and Economic Policy to Parliament on Wednesday, 17th November, 2021, the Hon Minister of Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta, stated that the country would soon establish a national development bank to address our developmental issues. In opposition to the announcement, some of the minority in Parliament expressed the view that the Minister should have informed Parliament to pass the relevant law on the bank before making the announcement.
This is surprising because a Minister can announce an intention of setting up an entity in the country before informing Parliament about it. It appears everything by Government, even if good, will be antagonistically be attacked before going through the process, a behaviour that is unpalatable or awful and should, therefore, be discarded or thrown overboard.
WHY IS SUCH BEHAVIOUR EXHIBITED TOO OFTEN IN THIS COUNTRY?
We need to ensure that, as much as possible, we place our partisan interest far above that of the nation, so that we would be able to confront and overcome all challenges or obstacles that may come our way as a nation. This is the only way to ensure that we are able to rise above every difficulty in this country.
If right from the beginning, we are not able to do this, then we must note that moving forward as a nation will always be extremely difficult, if not impossible. Countries are admired today for their economic achievements – United States, Germany, France, Canada and all others that are able to donate funds to needy countries – exercised democracy in this way but had to keep their nations afloat before being able to reach where they are today.
It is also for this reason that we often say that Rome was not built in a day. What this means is that, the process of nation building always requires sacrifices on the part of residents before being able to get to the top. Similarly, the process of growth for every human takes a long time through a lengthy process before a baby becomes an adult, not forgetting daily guidance from parents and others in society in addition to the vital issue of socialisation.
What all this means is that, as citizens and residents in the country, we need to know our priorities and desire for societal values before being able to move from the first step to the end. It is said also that, the journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step. If this is the case, then Ghana as a country needs much patience to go through the various nationalistic processes needed to cement national progress for all and sundry.
We, therefore, have a long way to go before being able to achieve our developmental goals. These goals can only be attained if as a nation, we begin to understand each other, appreciate our differences in opinion while at the same time being critical at each other, through constructive criticisms not destructive or deadly ones, so as to be able to move the country forward.
ANY NEED FOR A NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT BANK?
One question that comes up immediately is whether there is the need for a bank for developmental purposes when indeed other banks are already operating in the country. It has even been argued that, to prevent the collapse of certain banks and strengthen the banking sector, the government in collaboration with the Bank of Ghana, recently sanitised the sector to ensure that it is strengthened up for business in the country.
And if this is the case, why should another bank be established if it is aimed at promoting the same economic development that we are all seeking?
DEVELOPMENT BANKS AND ECONOMIC GROWTH
Generally, development banks serve as important instruments to promote economic growth. They usually do this by providing credit and a wide range of advisory as well as capacity building programmes to stakeholders. The stakeholders here include households, small and medium enterprises and even large private companies. Usually, the financial needs of the huge private companies are not sufficiently served by private commercial banks or by local capital markets.
Email address /whatsapp number of author: Pradmat2013@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
