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MIXED BASKET?

Feature Article MIXED BASKET?
AUG 21, 2013 LISTEN

Ghana is one country I love so much and I know there are others who will argue that their love for Ghana far exceeds what I can offer. That is an issue for contention of course. The situation Ghana find itself in is a delicate situation and needs to be treated as such. Over the past seven months, Ghana has witnessed numerous strike actions workers of all kinds. This situation is quite worrying and needs to be looked at again. Strikes in my view has most of the times served as the last resort for most workers in Ghana and indeed in other parts of the world. Strikes have been used most of the time to press home demands of workers which round table discussions have failed to recognize. The recent spate of strikes are making a nuisance of the whole idea. Innocent people are suffering and the government seems to be 'unresponsive' to the plight of the workers. Can we really blame the government for its seeming unresponsiveness?

Before any blame game, one may just want to take a second look at some of the issues that has brought as to this stage again. In the first place, the government of Ghana introduced a wage policy meant to improve the workers lives without, arguably, 'aforethought'. The introduction of the new salary policy according to the IMF increased Ghana's wage bill by 45 percent last year alone and this was a time when the policy was not completely implemented. Experts have already warned of economic turmoil if Ghana continue to move in this direction. More especially when inflation is increasing due to 'an all out borrowing policy'. Now that FUSSAG is on strike with monetary demands, where will the government get the money from to make sure it is able to satisfy FUSSAG and other unions which are planning to embark on industrial action to press home their demands?

Again, the political scientist and activist are happy to point out the recognition Ghana stands to gain if we come out of the election petition in one piece. Interestingly, there are a lot of things to talk about even on the healthiness or unhealthiness of this election petition. Having read a few articles of revered writers on myjoyonline.com, I believe my conscience will forgive me in that department. We have failed to understand or pretend not to understand that Ghana's economy is highly dependent on international aid and investment. The election petition has in one way or the other succeeded in casting a shadow over the economic activities of Ghana with other nations. Investors will largely not invest in areas where they think are potential places for instability. Unless of course, if they are 'gun producers'? We have succeeded in heightening tensions through out the country and on the international stage. Now that we are making noise about purported U.S alert emails citizens in Ghana, one will be forced to ask, who will not like to warn the child of a potential danger? And do we think potential investors will readily invest in such a hot spot?

Investment are securities to the investors and they will largely want to invest in places where their investments are secure. The Middle East have over the years been Ghana's economic supporters and investors. However, over the last few years they have witnessed a lot of conflicts which has basically reduced the level of support they can offer to the people of Ghana and this has largely influenced the direction of Ghana's economic situation. Another issue we have overlooked is the issue of UN and international aid agencies. These agencies over the years have supported Ghana immensely in our efforts towards economic stability. Unfortunately, the Arab spring has in succeeded in attracting these agencies and has therefore left highly dependent countries like Ghana with very little.

The international trade market has not also been 'supportive' of the governments efforts. Ghana has failed to get the estimated revenues from its major export (Cocoa and Gold) commodities and this has also had a toll on the state of the country's account. The government has found itself with little means but have more to do and it must do them.

While it is important to understand the situation the government finds itself in, it is equally important for the government to be more financially discipline. The judgement debt and GYEEDA payments although necessary, was in some instance frivolous. The government must ensure that it does due diligence in the payments of debts and in the award of contracts. The borrowing in my view is not in the best interest of the children of Ghana who are becoming heavily indebted person before they start to earn some income.

The children of Ghana deserves better and Ghana should rise to the occasion once again. Amidst these strikes, most children in Ghana are still without potable drinking water, shelter, classrooms, teachers and many other basic rights and the onus still fall on the government to find a solution to these issues.

My conscience will not actually let me end this piece without adding my voice to the clarion call of majority of Ghanaians, to remain calm and peaceful before, during and after the supreme court verdict. I however find it quite interesting that, all the call of peace has been in English as far as I am concerned and I am guilty on this piece as well. Who are our real targets with this peace messages really? Why are we 'preparing for war' but seems to preaching peace. I have no iota of doubt that Ghana will sail through this current unscathed but this just a food for thought for all Ghanaians. Ghana is a nation of peace and I believe most Ghanaians will not want to break the peace they have toiled to build with mortal blood to break into pieces.

BY: Yassannah Nurudeen

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