EDITORIAL: Our Big Brother Should Relax the Muscles

The trade embargo imposed on Ghana by the Nigerian government is unarguably a bad one.

Especially that it happens at a time when the region should be encouraging inter-regional trade in the face of Western and European trade restrictions.

Nigeria is undoubtedly a sub regional power block. With a population of over 130 million, oil and abundant natural resources, it represents a viable and an alternative market for ECOWAS and to an extent, the bid towards south-south cooperation.

We also note that outside protocol agreements, Nigeria is Ghana's big brother. The two have had a cordial relationship spanning over several years. Indeed, the warmest of inter-state relations that ever existed within the sub region in current times could unarguably be said to be the one between Ghana and Nigeria.

It is therefore unacceptable that Nigeria turns its back on Ghana at this moment.

Really, if the Nigerian government's decision is to protect its fledgling manufacturing industries, we suggest there are ways to that end without charting the path it has adopted.

Public Agenda therefore associates itself with the calls by Hon. Kwabena Adusa Okerchiri, Chairman of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Foreign Affairs and Hon. John Mahama, the National Democratic Congress's Member of Parliament for Bole Bamboi and Minority Spokesperson on Foreign Affairs that the two presidents of the two nations initiate a discussion on the matter.

Public Agenda also calls on the government of Ghana to make use of the established structures within ECOWAS, including the Authority of Heads of State and Government, the Council of Ministers, the Community Parliament, the Economic and Social Council the Community Court of Justice and the Executive Secretariat to get the issue addressed.

Time to Recognize Excellence

The prominence of the adage, "An applaud must be given to someone who prevails" is as relevant to the itinerary of our today's socio-economic development just as it was during the time the sage composed it.

Unfortunately, in this society of ours, it is rare to see people bestowing praises on persons of excellence.

It is against this backdrop that the organizers of the Millennium Excellence Awards deserve commendation for the recognition it has bestowed on the twenty-seven individuals and corporate bodies, for their distinguished services and contributions to the development of the country.

Apart from inspiring others to emulate the strides of the winners, awards of this nature spur on the spirit of service.

The 'Global Excellence Award', the highest of the awards, bestowed on the United Nations Secretary-General, Mr. Kofi Annan for his exemplary global leadership, would in no doubt propel many of our youth to strive for excellence in their fields of endeavours, be it in Ghana or elsewhere.

Undoubtedly, the organizers achieved excellence themselves by adjudging Professor Kwabena Frimpong Boateng, Chief Executive of the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital as the 'Personality of the Decade'.

This is a man whose singular effort has rejuvenated the hitherto dying Teaching Hospital.

In the beginning, his detractors nearly won the battle when they started throwing 'unnecessary' missiles in an attempt to thwart his intended plans for the development of the nation's largest hospital. Everything is clear now! The man has achieved a rare excellence worthy of emulation.

Public Agenda is also happy to share in the joy of the award winners especially, Apostle Kwadwo Sarfo's Humanitarian Award.

We say kudos to all the winners.