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06.10.2009 Feature Article

The World Bank Loan And Human Insecurity In Ghana.

The World Bank Loan And Human Insecurity In Ghana.
06.10.2009 LISTEN


Human security according to Thomas Greminger Head of Political Affairs Division IV Human Security, Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, '' an innovative field, where work is needed at the grass-roots, with civil society organizations and with government.''

Human security to the chagrin of some critiques depends not just on freedom from conflict and the threat of terrorism. It also lies in meeting basic human needs for shelter, food and work, health and education - and a sense of self-worth. For millions of Ghanaians, these are far from being met. In a country of plenty, poverty and injustice reign supreme.

The root causes of human insecurity covers six vital sectors namely, social and economic conditions; wounded memories; environmental factors; good governance; and conflicts and the rule of law; religious and cultural differences.

Statistically, Africa has about 60% of the world's resources. It possesses 97% of world chromium reserves, 85% platinum, 64% gold, 50% manganese,25% uranium, 13% copper, not to mention bauxite (21%), nickel and lead, 45.2% of cobalt, 8.5% of known oil reserve, 8% of natural gas and 3% coal etc with arid lands spanning hundreds of thousands acres. In the abundance of the above cheap foreign goods flood our markets like an invasion of locusts. Our leaders with 'pride' go 'begging spree' in search of alms for who knows development.


It is against this backdrop that i find the reaction of Ghanaians with regard to the recent World Bank loan of $1.3 billion which comes in instalment basis as hypocrisy in th highest order. We behave like beggars dying on a stock of gold. Is this the first time we have heard of an IMF or World Bank loan? Have we not witnessed thousands of millions loaned to Ghana under the Rawlings-led-PNDC/NDC and the Kuffuor-led-NPP administrations? What became of those facilities? Was poverty stalled?

The loan contracted with the mindset of ameliorating poverty and boosting other defunct sectors end up accentuating the misery of the poor and the vulnerable with it concomitant injustice and debasing of human dignity. It is surprising that the rich and the politician who are exploiting the poor want absolute security. This is an illusion! We must learn to live with insecurity. Injustice is armed robbery's main ally, so to fight armed robbery, we must fight injustice. We are all responsible; we must all play our part.

Ghana, like other African countries is a land of paradoxes. The reasons for hope are numerous and varied. We need to rise to the challenge Ghanaians and create a climate of survival for both the poor and the rich to thrive.

ATTAH-BRAKO AUXTYN
UNIVERSITY OF GHANA, LEGON
+233 242628164

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