Features
Improvement in Ghana’s import cover praiseworthy
There had been times when Ghana’s import cover was only meant for two weeks making it dangerous for the country to economically survive beyond two weeks since there would be no reserves for the country to bring in imported items that it needed so much to satisfy the needs of its people.
Economic performance is, therefore, not easy because as far as some countries have import cover for about six months or one year, others may have import covers that would last for days. Many developing countries have had problems with import cover since they are not able to generate enough international reserves to cover imports of essential goods over a long period.
DEPENDABLE IMPORT COVER
It is not easy for every country to get a dependable import cover to give an assurance that the economy of that country is stable, formidable and performing well compared with others. Stability can only be possible when, during difficulties, efforts are made by the planners of the economy to work hard towards generating more incomes through exports while at the same time importing less from other countries.
The COVID-19 pandemic has not been kind to all countries, especially the developing ones, and the economies of all these countries have been thrown out of gear, making them import more compared with the volume of exports. This is an unfavourable situation that should be avoided, if possible, but in practical terms, it is not easy to do so especially when countries are faced with unavoidable practical challenges as has been imposed by the pandemic.
It is important to note that there are so many ways a country’s economy can be assessed whether it is enjoying a trend that is depicting an upward growth or otherwise. If a country is enjoying increasing economic growth, it will show in the way it is able to establish its imports cover to the world.
TREND OF GROWTH
If a country enjoys a trend of upward growth, it means that the different sectors of the economy together contribute massively, in average terms, to general economic growth and welfare. On the other hand, if the trend of growth shows a decline, it means that there is a deterioration of growth in the economy and this will adversely affect the economic well-being of the people.
We may also look at how an economy is in terms of its import cover which indicates to us whether a country has enough reserves to allow it to stay for a long time if it is unable to produce certain goods and services for itself. This is what makes import cover important.
Whenever we speak of an import cover, we are simply referring to the number of months that could be covered for by a country’s international reserves. A country’s international reserves refer to the amount of money available to that country to import goods and services which it is not able to produce for itself.
INTER-DEPENDENCE
Different countries in the world inter depend on one another in the sense that what one country can produce for itself cannot be produced in the same way by another country. For this reason, each country makes available to other countries what it can produce and, therefore, export these commodities or items to those countries that may need such goods but cannot produce by themselves.
It is important that as countries transact business with one another, they can accumulate enough income reserves over a period so that in times of need they will be able to withstand a period of the necessity of imports of essential goods.
As a country transacts business in form of trade with other countries, it derives earnings from different sources that is why the incomes earned and kept for a period are referred to as international reserves.
INTERNATIONAL RESERVES AND IMPORT COVER
These international reserves determine the import cover that the country concerned can enjoy. A country that has sizeable international reserves to cover many months such as 18 or 20 months is said to be more stable and better than another country that has an import cover for only two or three months.
The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted negatively on various economies in the world such that the import cover of various countries has been reduced. This is easy to understand, seeing that many economies have been thrown out of gear.
A country that has an import cover of only three weeks stands the danger of falling into economic turmoil when there is a disaster that will last for more than three weeks. For this reason, every country needs to work hard and accumulate more international reserves so that the economy will be seen as reliable, dependable and stable.
IMPORTANCE OF IMPORT COVER
An import cover is an important indicator of the stability of a country. If this is so, then we need to work hard in spite of the challenges we face to bring in more earnings from all directions, in terms of, reserves to cover longer periods so that the economy can be seen as reliable, dependable and stable even in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic
The good news for all Ghanaians is that Ghana’s gross international reserves position grew strongly to US$11.02 billion in the first half of this year. This is equivalent to five months of import cover. The reserves were, however, a little below the US$11.30 billion recorded in May 2021, but stronger than the US$10.9 billion registered in April 2021.
COUNTRY’S RESERVE POSITION
In January, February and March this year, the country’s reserve position was US$8.83 billion, US$8.7 billion, and US$8.3 billion respectively. Despite the economic challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the economy has been able to withstand pressures and come out with an import cover for at least five months. We would not conclude that we have done better and, therefore, need to rely on our oars.
However, this is good performance in these days when the pandemic is causing havoc to all economies including those of the USA, Germany, Switzerland, Canada etc. The managers of the economy under the leadership of President Akufo-Addo must continue to work hard so that we will see further improvement in our economic situation.
COVID-19 PANDEMIC
In conclusion, people in Ghana ought to note that during the pandemic, which is causing havoc to nations across the world, we need to appreciate the effort being made by government to overcome all the economic challenges facing the nation but not to behave as if nothing is being done by the leadership of the country. This approach is negative and irresponsible and should not be entertained by anyone who means well for the country, especially when we know that the wolf criers in this country cannot perform as creditably as we see today.
By Dr Kofi Amponsah-Bediako
pradmat2013@gmail.com (0553318911)
Contact email/WhatsApp of author:
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
