A Closer Look Into Ghana's Future

After 59 long years of independence, Ghana still remains in a dilemma of developmental deficiency; a contagious disease our leaders inherited from birth, and a cure that can only take its source from the celestial city. Our leaders thrive in fat salaries with a mental illness of, "my family and I ". A call to serve has now become a call for personal gain. Governmental policies no longer interest it citizens; a kleptomaniac government where the illiterate thieves are put behind bars whiles the self claimed educated are promoted to higher positions and hailed as the Messiah. Our ill mentality coupled with our shortsightedness has caused us to be where we are today. A 59 years old underdeveloped nation. We say Ayeeko to our leaders for failing to create the environment for the citizens to harness their hidden potentials.

Ghana can still be the beacon of hope and the new Ghana all the desperate politicians promised us, and that dream can become a reality if the following measures are adopted and implemented. We've been where we are far too long.

First and foremost, Government needs to construct a modern prison where those who violate the laws of the land are kept, instead of the deplorable Nsawam and other regional prisons. However, since those citizens in prison have only their freedom of movement curtailed, there need to be other activities that could make them useful. They should further be equipped with technical knowledge hence making them productive after their tenure of imprisonment.

I won't therefore negate the fact that some prisons are already undergoing such a development, instead Government should view into the inner picture; A prison where television and a bigger space that could accommodate all, a place where a balance diet is served instead of the tasteless "water-soup".

Secondly, I don't know how the police intelligence track and arrest criminals, but whatever the it should be, I don't see a better end. A 59 years nation that cannot boast of CCTV cameras across it's streets. How pathetic, how do we fight crimes? State properties are destroyed, Markets are burnt down, Stores are broken into, People murdered at gun point and Traffic regulations are violated everyday; we sit and observe expecting a miracle to occur. We shouldn't be expecting the police roaming in town with guns hanging on their shoulders always, the functions of the CCTV cameras are there to consider. An upward surge in crime each day which the police department are ignorant to.

In addition to the above, there should be the establishment of a statutory body responsible for the collection of personal data of the entire citizenry. An institution where where fingerprints, blood groups and other relevant information that will assist the police service in fighting crime are stored. Government has given numerous promises about this innovation. But until it is implemented , it's still a dream in chains.

Furthermore, since the metropolitan and district assemblies are both occupied by party representatives, they cannot issue a direct order concerning the beautification of our streets. The Streets are tagged with party flags, as of it is a Shinto religion woven into the fabrics of the Japanese, coupled with the ineffectiveness of the Zoomlion .The streets are filled with garbages, the walls are pasted with party posters that has no benefit to the lay man after election; with millions of colourful posters of mallams in the system. Fraud and scam has now become the order of the day. And surprisingly our economist cannot tell the general public the source of the said charms and its effect on the economy. As to whether the Zoomlion is effectively doing it job, it is left for the CCTV cameras to discover. They hold their brooms moving in groups discussing unnecessary issues and when the month end, they are paid from the tax payers money. In addition to the above, I don't see the role of the Transport Authority(MoT) if they cannot issue a direct order specifying that all drivers without license should be prevented from driving. Accidents are bound to occur, but since prevention far outweighs the cures, the death rate should surge down if drivers without valid licence are prosecuted. The shape of the roads is nothing to write home about, Concerned Citizens have expressed their grievances time without numbers, but it's still a matter of politics. The less I talk about it the better I save my ink.

Again, let me provide another lens for Government to zoom into what will happen if all the mentally impaired and insane people are sent to the Asylum. What provision did Government make towards that? Or perhaps they didn't see that coming. They are left on the streets surviving on alms, causing harm to sane civilians. Is the Asylum a place where foods are kept?

To add up, Volta Region, can only boast of very few infrastructures, the roads are considered as Ninth class roads, the youth are running away from home and congesting in the cities of Greater Accra for greener pastures. How long shall we wallow in this deceptive mediocrity? Why should some regions far developed than others? What are our representatives doing to fix this issues? The answers we all seek lies before us, our representatives in Parliament and public offices after taking fat salaries, they go and sleep in Parliament when proceedings are being Carried. They refuse to demand accountability from the personnel responsible. In this era of flash pace development, we can't boast of any busy town, the streets are dull with few public libraries. The selfish and the greedy nature is never ending. Everyday, we lament and contemplate about the actions and inactions of our leaders, but we do the same thing when given the same opportunity. We have become mature hypocrites of our own cause.

Finally, The Economic Community Of West African States ( ECOWAS) has been able to achieve one of its major objectives, that is movement of people from one border to another without any hindrances; I don't know the number of Ghanaians in Nigeria, but from my observations, The number of Nigerians here in Ghana is just beyond counting. Among them are fraudsters and thieves causing harm to our economy. Foreigners should be allowed into the country only on merit, business or education, aside that certified documents needed to be provided. Everyone should be given the opportunity to develop their country. Government should create the needed environment for us to develop our own world.

It is the responsibility of every citizen to question and petition Government, I will not stop.

Richmond Brown Sekyi
...........signed.............
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