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
Preventing the brain’s melting point with BOS
The human brain is a complex and delicate organ, susceptible to damage from various factors, including extreme temperatures.
The brain’s melting point, also known as the temperature threshold beyond which brain tissue begins to degrade, is a critical concern for individuals seeking to maintain optimal cognitive function.
Fortunately, the Brain Operating System (BOS) offers a revolutionary solution to prevent the brain’s melting point.
Understanding the brain’s melting point
The brain’s melting point refers to the temperature threshold beyond which brain tissue begins to degrade, leading to irreversible damage.
This temperature threshold varies depending on individual factors, such as age, health, and environmental conditions. However, research suggests that the brain’s melting point is approximately 104°F (40°C) to 107°F (42°C).
The role of BOS in preventing the brain’s melting point
BOS, a cutting-edge technology, plays a crucial role in preventing the brain’s melting point. By leveraging advanced neural interfaces and artificial intelligence, BOS monitors and regulates brain temperature, ensuring that it remains within a safe range.
How BOS prevents the brain’s melting point
BOS prevents the brain’s melting point through several mechanisms:
1. Temperature regulation: BOS continuously monitors brain temperature, adjusting neural activity to maintain a stable temperature.
2. Heat dissipation: BOS enhances heat dissipation through increased blood flow and sweating.
3. Neuro protection: BOS protects neurons from heat-induced damage.
Benefits of BOS in preventing the brain’s melting point
The benefits of BOS in preventing the brain’s melting point are numerous:
1. Prevents brain damage: BOS prevents brain damage caused by excessive heat.
2. Maintains cognitive function: BOS ensures optimal cognitive function by maintaining stable brain temperature.
3. Enhances brain resilience: BOS enhances brain resilience to temperature fluctuations.
Real-World applications of BOS
BOS has various real-world applications:
1. High-performance computing: BOS enables high-performance computing by maintaining optimal brain temperature.
2. Medical applications: BOS has medical applications, such as treating heat-related illnesses.
3. Space exploration: BOS is crucial for space exploration, where extreme temperatures pose a significant risk.
Conclusion
BOS is a revolutionary technology that prevents the brain’s melting point, ensuring optimal cognitive function and overall well-being. By leveraging advanced neural interfaces and artificial intelligence, BOS monitors and regulates brain temperature, protecting against heat-related damage.
Glossary:
1. BOS: Brain Operating System.
2. Brain’s melting point: Temperature threshold beyond which brain tissue begins to degrade.
3. Neural interface: Connects human brain with digital devices.
Contact Information
virginvtech@yahoo.com
Additional resources:
1. BOS research: Explore scientific studies.
2. Neural interface resources: Discover books and articles.
3. Brain-computer interface communities: Join online forums.
Future directions
As BOS technology continues to evolve, we can expect:
1. Improved temperature regulation: Enhanced temperature regulation mechanisms.
2. Increased cognitive enhancement: Advanced cognitive enhancement capabilities.
3. Expanded applications: New applications in various fields.
By harnessing the power of BOS, individuals can safeguard their brain health and maintain optimal cognitive function, even in extreme environments.
By Robert Ekow Grimmond-Thompson
Features
Lotto wahala and Tuobodom palaver
In Sikaman lotto is not a game. It is a profession, a noble career which people aspire to. It is the highest paying profession after armed robbery and the most widespread job on this side of the Atlantic.
In places like China, lotto is a disease that has no cure. Once you are infected, no doctor on earth can cure you. May be Kofi Larteh, Ghana’s most celebrated magician, can help ease the symptoms, but no definitive cure will be forthcoming.
Coming back to Sikaman, lotto has been the financial messiah of many. That is how people look after their large families, pay school fees, marry two wives and do their own ‘monkey things.’
If you are very poor and you win a lottery, chances are that you will die before you even collect the money. You’ll die out of excitement or you’ll start day-dreaming in the streets and an articulated truck will hit you.
As such, very heavy wins are not recommended for poor people, lest they get listed too soon in the obituary columns.
The sad story is told of a heavy-duty caterpillar driver who had a very heavy lotto windfall of several millions, his first big win after several years.
CATERPILLAR
He was driving the caterpillar home when he saw his son running towards him, shouting. “All your numbers have dropped! All your numbers have dropped! He could not believe his ears.
All the four numbers he had staked had dropped and his son, who had gone to stake them for him, was himself over-excited. The poor caterpillar man just could not handle the good news. He suddenly stepped on the brakes and the caterpillar jolted him a trifle too violently, throwing him off. He landed right in front of the still moving heavy-duty machine and it crushed him flat.
I don’t think the bloke would have died if he had won a smaller amount. Sometimes too much cash is not good for the health.
Seldom, people get too confident and that can also result in a wake-keeping, like that of a man who used his lifetime savings and borrowed extra money to crack the machine with a two-sure that the compiler must compulsory drop or the world will end.
Even the shadows of the numbers or their counterparts were nowhere near the winning numbers. His shock-absorbers crumbled under the weight of the heavy disappointment. He crashed to the floor and started foaming at the mouth. He was declared dead on arrival at the nearest clinic.
WINDFALL
Recently, there was a countrywide lotto windfall, and in Kumasi it was more than a festival. Most stakers had between ¢30m and ¢40 million on two-sure that the lotto magicians had predicted at least three weeks earlier,
Kejetia chop bars were besieged with overnight millionaires, carrying huge appetites induced by Opeimu Bitters popularly called Opeimu Peters. All the meat and mudfish got sold out within an hour and procurement agents had to double up to restock.
While some were celebrating, others were weeping and gnashing teeth. The problem was that, three weeks beforehand, the two sure numbers were declared by all the lotto sorcerers, dreamers, magicians, tellers and all the self-appointed and self-promoted forecasters.
Everybody including 10-year-olds, who staked and lost. The following week, they were advised to continue staking. The faithful did continue but the faithless stopped. All of them lost. In the third week or so, a good number of confident stakers had lost faith in the two numbers. That was when the number landed.
So the windfall was for only those who had the unshakeable faith in the numbers. See what faith can do? It can move dollars. Don’t waver, so saith the holy scriptures.
The faithless indeed gnashed teeth. The winners on the other hand celebrated with a song that is as controversial as the business of lotto. It is a song played by the group called Nkasei and has something to do with a town in the Brong Ahafo Region called Tuobodom whose capital we hear is Jinijini.
I hear it is a derogatory song and the queen mother of Tuobodom got charged and breathed out electric current during her protest on air. She allegedly ended up demanding a mobile phone from Nkasei so that she could communicate with them to settle the matter peacefully, lest wahala.
Well, the song is rising up the charts and Nkasei are making the dough, but should it be at the expense of a whole townsfolk, their forebears and generations to come?
WATERPROOF
Waterproof, the famous comedian, was allegedly given hefty slaps at the Kumasi rail station by some Frafra jingoists who felt he was deriding their tribe. And Bob Okala had to run with his tail between his legs when he was confronted and realised that slaps were going to be visited on his lean face.
Let’s not use words and lyrics to cause discomfort to others.
This article was first published on Saturday July 9, 2005
