Near The Precipice

Ghana has entered another phase of the government-inflicted hard times. Near-famished citizens have endured the challenges of high prices in the face of falling purchasing power for a while now.

Various measures introduced amidst much fanfare for PR goals have failed to alter the downward trend of the economy, the results of which are too glaring to be overlooked.

Government might not intend wreaking hardship on the people especially to the levels we are witnessing today. Bad governance, fiscal indiscipline and profligacy on the part of government appointees result in the state in which Ghana is today.

Many saw it coming but when they spoke up they were descended upon by government hounds who consider such admonitions as nothing but mischief-making.

Fuel to move some state agencies are in permanent short supply to the extent that officers have to dip their hands in their pockets to keep vehicles moving and remuneration in are erratic – a reality which is affecting the morale of staffers. Today the realities are dawning upon all of us with everything almost at a standstill.

The gloomy picture being painted is not exaggeratory and it would be in the interest of the President and his team to consider these with the seriousness that they deserve.

So bad are the times that like a contagion, it is spreading to the other levels of the social strata. When pressure mounts on the middle class to support the downtrodden, the effects can easily be imagined.

The period of dangling phantom economic figures in front of Ghanaians is over. The nudity of government is exposed by uncontrollable price hikes and a crumbling economy. With three square meals eluding some families, we are certainly approaching the precipice. Let the government rethink their policies and reset their modules.

People are grumbling in town, out of genuine desperation and a state of hopelessness. Listening to them could put the government in a better stead to chart a new path. Perhaps that could help somewhat even as all organs of state are infected beyond treatment.

Sitting in the comfort of state-provided facilities, our government officials might not be in a good position to appreciate the level of distress.

If those in charge find it convenient to read us, let them know that the good of our dear country is our obsession. When we call their attention to the negative changes in the country's socio-economic fortunes we do so with good intentions.

These past few days have seen a further deterioration of the lot of Ghanaians. It is our fear that matters are close to a head. Unless changes are effected the stability of the country could be endangered as social unrests become the preferred option.  It is our prayer we do not get to this last rung for the sake of our country.

When government officials, especially the President, find time to read this piece let them do so with an open mind. Cry our beloved Ghana.