Features
Why we need more revenue through e-levy
Even without the COVID-19 pandemic, it was not easy for countries to enhance the generation of their income to finance their developmental needs as well as improve upon the welfare of their people.
Many countries found it difficult to generate enough revenue to satisfy their needs and to portray themselves as self sufficient and independent of other countries. While many developed countries have been able to generate more revenue to finance their own projects, many developing countries on the other hand have not been able to do same for which reason such developing countries tend to depend on the rich developed countries for assistance.
DEVELOPING COUNTRIES AND INCOME GENERATION
If developing countries are, therefore, to make it in the world by way of adequate income generation and satisfy their own needs without depending on others, then they need to find new ways of finding their own revenue to meet their own needs. It is in the light of this that developing countries must work hard in the direction of income generation to be able to finance their ever increasing demands.
President Akufo-Addo has told Ghanaians about Ghana-without-aid. This is a concept that seeks to challenge all Ghanaians to think of depending on their own selves rather than depending on other countries for assistance. The programme will take time to achieve but we need to start from somewhere, that is, be able to increasingly generate more revenue for our developmental needs so that with time we will become less and less independent on foreign donors.
If this is done, Ghana will be able to depend on its own efforts in the long run. This is the goal of Ghana-without-aid and we all need to support it in its pursuance to bring it to the required logical conclusion and tell the world that Ghana has become of age as far as economic independence is concerned.
SUPPORT FROM ALL GHANAIANS
The Akufo-Addo administration intending to achieve this objective wants support from all Ghanaians, not just a section, to bring this into fruition. This will be possible when we all pledge in sincerity and become highly committed to implement such a programme.
The main objective of the introduction of the E-levy in Ghana, therefore, is to generate more revenue and be able to undertake as much development as possible and also generate enough employment in the country.
STRIKES
Many lecturers in our tertiary institutions, including professors and senior lecturers are often seen embarking upon strikes to demand for research allowances and better conditions of service. Other workers in the public sector are also often seen embarking on the same demands.
Again, we need to care for our health needs to satisfy all Ghanaians in various parts of the country. Apart from health needs, the educational sector also needs rapid development so that our future leaders will not be let down in the process.
From time to time we also hear of disasters in various parts of the country. They include fire outbreaks, explosions, motor accidents, etc. All these require immediate attention from the government through National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO). For NADMO to be effective, the government must be able to support it with enough financial resources to address all disasters including damage by storms to buildings.
ROAD CONSTRUCTION
One other thing we cannot forget about is the construction of roads which is needed in both rural and urban areas. As of now, people are demanding good roads in all parts of the country but these cannot be built without money. European countries are beautiful because of the taxes they are able to impose on their people for development.
In the same way, the E-levy ought to be accepted by the people in this country to enable us finance all our needs without relying on foreign donors for support. If we are unable to do this, then we will have no choice but consider ourselves second-rate citizens who will always have to depend on others for support.
Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) was given the exclusive rights for both radio and television broadcasts regarding the 2021 AFCON. This became possible because the government contributed substantially to the sponsorship to top up the little amount that GBC was able to raise. The sponsorship was good, even though Ghana did not perform well, because it helped to project the national broadcaster as a capable broadcasting network that could live up to expectation.
NEED TO EMBRACE THE E-LEVY
Thus, it is clear that without the generation of adequate revenue to undertake relevant projects, the country will not be able to go far and if this is the case, then Ghanaians need to embrace the E-levy and help government to depend on our own financial resources to address the ever-challenging needs of the country.
This is where we need to put aside partisan politics and think about the country first before anything else. If we all move along this path of progress, all developmental challenges, indeed, most of them would be overcome and Ghanaians as a whole will be the winners.
As a country, we need to think about ourselves as to whether we want to stay where we are today or move ahead to a higher level where the economy can cater for the needs of everyone without discrimination. If God created all men equal, then what others have been able to do by way of socioeconomic development in Europe, Japan, Canada, United States, etc, can also be done by Ghanaians.
The trick is simple, that is, coming together to mobilise resources from within our country and using them to transform the socioeconomic needs of our people.
What is good for the goose is good for the gander so let us come together as one people to strive hard to transform the needs of society and make it better for all.
Contact email/WhatsApp of author:
Pradmat2013@gmail.com (0553318911)
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
