Features
Burning Issues Economic demands and pressure on the national kitty
Various demands come from various sectors of the economy and these demands cannot be overlooked since they are all important towards the developmental agenda of the country as well as helping to improve upon the general welfare of the people.
Such intricate and various demands look justified but in terms of the national kitty, one may wonder whether all such demands can be met with the limited resources available in the country. This explains why economists express the view that the wants of man are unlimited but the resources to satisfy them are very limited.
This position adopted by economists is very true wherever we find ourselves in any part of the world. In comparative terms, the US may have more resources than each of the countries in the developing world. The same rule applies to Canada, Japan, Germany and other rich countries but once again the general rule is that in terms of humans, resources are limited so we cannot satisfy all our needs at the same time.
JUDICIOUS USE OF RESOURCES
This explains why we have to make judicious use of available resources for all competing demands in this country so that only the most important demands can be satisfied at the same time.
The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted negatively on the economies of countries the world over making it difficult for both rich and poor nations to attend to the needs of their respective citizens. As a result of the inability to meet all these demands, there could be uproar and disorderliness, creating needless tension in society.
SEEMINGLY JUSTIFIED DEMANDS
Many a time, each group of people may think that their demand or request is more important than any other thing in society for which reason all resources must be used to satisfy such demand even to the neglect of other equally important ones.
In the educational sector in Ghana for example, teachers across various levels are crying for better salaries and better conditions of service. Various teacher unions such as NAGRAT, GNAT and many others are always putting forward their request for better conditions of service.
Apart from this, there may be the need to build more infrastructure and other facilities for Primary, Senior High Schools as well as Technical and Vocational Institutions. Similarly, there may be the need to supply such schools with equipment for their vocational and technical training and also laboratory work when it comes to the senior high schools.
DEMANDS OF TEACHERS
In the same way, teachers at the higher levels, that is the universities, are also calling for better conditions of service to the dismay of certain sections of the world that may see such strikes as strange. All this puts tremendous pressure on the national kitty which does not have enough resources to satisfy all the demands.
Within the health sector, many villages and towns are still in need of clinics and hospitals as well as health laboratories and equipment to address the health needs of the people. It is for this reason that the Akufo-Addo led government has come up with Agenda 111 which is a programme aimed at setting up a number of hospitals at the district and regional levels, all totalling 111.
IMPROVEMENT
If all these are provided, they will go to improve upon the health needs of the people in the country. In addition, government is expected to find money to bring in drugs which will be used to cater for the same health needs of the people.
When we come to the area of water and sanitation, we will need millions of Ghana Cedis to expand the system for water supply so that people can get good drinking water to keep away from needless diseases. What a world!
In the area of agriculture, we need huge investments for fertiliser to be able to produce abundant food stock to feed the people. In the same way, agricultural implements and facilities are required to facilitate agricultural production in various levels and also to promote agribusiness to make life better for everyone.
RELIABLE ENERGY SECTOR
The energy sector cannot be left out. Indeed, without a reliable or dependable energy sector, the economy cannot grow as expected. It is for this reason that we do not have to joke with the energy sector, making sure that there is always enough energy to propel factories and other business entities to operate.
Again in the area of tourism, huge sums of money are needed to open up the country for tourism purposes. Both domestic and international tourism are important but without developing tourist sites in the country, it will be difficult for us to promote tourism whether at the national or international level.
ACCIDENTS
In addition to all these, accidents are bound to happen which may also require emergency donations from unplanned sources to satisfy our human needs. A good example is the recent Appiatse disaster which led to loss of lives and property. For this reason, the nation is organising donations to rebuild the community of Appiatse.
All these are indications and development of the pressure on the national kitty. Together, they are unbearable. If it is unbearable, then we need to be reasonable in our demands and give the government some time to plan well to satisfy the needs of everyone. It is equally important for the state to be more productive in its business organisation to be able to generate more revenue to satisfy all the demands.
SYSTEM OF TAXATION
At the same time, the system of taxation must be looked at again so that more people can be brought into the tax bracket. In all these, we also need to use technology to bring some improvement into the tax payment system so that corrupt practices can be minimised if not totally eliminated.
These measures are good but it will take a much longer time to bring all of them into fruition so that the national kitty will be filled with more money to address the national needs of everyone in the country. If this can be done, it will help the country as a whole and reduce the high tensions that characterise social relations and interactions.
POUND OF FLESH
No matter how one looks at it, people with varied demands from various sectors of the economy, though justified in their demands, must be reasonable and tolerant instead of demanding their full pound of flesh from the national kitty. Even if they get their full pound of flesh, other people in other sectors of the economy will also place higher demands on them and in no time compel them to deplete the money at their disposal. Such demands may come from mechanics and health sectors and many other areas that may also see the need to demand their own pound of flesh.
It is, therefore, more reasonable for each and every individual or groups of people to be more tolerant and kind to one another so that, step by step, the various competing needs of everyone in the country will be addressed even if slowly, for everyone to be happy.
VERY DIFFICULT TIMES
We are in very difficult times so no matter how justified we may think we are in our demands, we would have to agree to care for each and every person in the country by being a bit more tolerant, knowing that others are also depending on the national kitty for their survival.
Contact email/whatsApp address 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
