Regardless Of Which Region They Hail From, Ghanaians Must Always Put Their Nation First

There are many Ghanaians, who are of the view that although the democratic system of government isn't perfect, it is still the best form of government for the ordinary people of Ghana. For such Ghanaians,  despite evidence of electoral malpractice at some voting centres during the just-ended referendum, today's reality, is that an overwhelming number of residents of the proposed new regions actually want to see the creation of new regions become reality in 2019. Accepting that new reality is vital for our nation's long-term stability.

Speaking personally, for example,  although I was totally opposed to the creation of any more  new regions, I now accept  the unpalatable fact that they will indeed be formed in the new year - and one's hope is that life will indeed be relatively better for all the people living in those new regions: just as they were led to believe by proponents of the idea. After all, at the end of the day, what we all want, as a people who love their homeland  Ghana passionately, is that regardless of which part of the nation they hail from, Ghanaians will always put their nation first. That is as it should be.

Is A Referendum In Which Ballot Boxes Aren't Guarded By The Security Agencies A Properly Organised Election?

Why did the Electoral Commission of Ghana (EC), not take the commonsense-precaution of having police officers and personnel of the other security agencies, posted to at all the polling stations, for today's referendum on the creation of new regions? It is beyond belief that the EC has acted as if no one in Ghana will attempt to influence the outcome of the referendum, by switching the official ballot boxes, with ones that are stuffed with ballots to ensure that the Yes voters have large majorities at all the referendum's voting centres. Pity.

The EC must understand clearly that to remain a credible organisation, during elections,  it has to do everything possible to prevent stuffed ballot boxes being substituted for genuine ones - by making sure that adequate  security is provided by the security agencies to ensure that no electoral malpractices occur when Ghanaians go to polling stations to cast their votes during national elections. On that basis alone, any voter in the areas in our homeland Ghana that the referendum is being held today, who insists that this referendum cannot be said to have been properly organised, wouldn't be making an unfair statement. Haaba. Hmmm, Oman Ghana - eyeasem o: asem kesie ebeba debi ankasa.

Voters In The December 27th Referendum Must Reject The Creation Of More Regions - For It Is Not In The National Interest

Are those in Ghana, who posit that Chiefs will be the only beneficiaries of the creation of new regions, being fair, in making that assumption? Many of those who back the creation of new regions claim that it will fasten the pace of development in the newly-created regions.  Alas, that will not happen in a byzantine system such as ours. It will only end up  adding another layer of unaccountable  high-level thieves to the machinery of state -  who will seize every opportunity that comes their way to rob Mother Ghana. Hmmmm, Oman Ghana - eyeasem o. Asem kesie ebeba debi ankasa.
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The question is: Are those who insist that  the creation of new regions is a classic example of  the duplicity of our nation's vampire-elites, right, in saying so? Such Ghanaians say that when it suits them, our ruling elites claim that they want value for money in the spending of taxpayers' money - yet think nothing of wasting taxpayers' money to satisfy the greedy ambitions of certain Chiefs in Ghana: who for tribal-supremacist reasons want to have their own Regional Houses of Chiefs, and are using the creation of new regions as the perfect legal cover, to make that possible.

In a nation with limited resources, wise leaders should always prioritise the spending of taxpayers' money.The priority for our country, in as far as resolving the problem of underdevelopment at the grassroots-level is concerned,  cannot be  the creation of new Regional Houses of Chiefs - which is the hidden agenda of the beneficiaries of inherited privilege in Ghana. The truth of the matter, is that underdevelopment at the grassroots-level, occurs, simply because the chief executives and members of Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) fail to respond to the actual needs of local people.

If the chief executives, and members, of the MMDAs  are elected, they will definitely focus on responding to the needs of local people at all material times, and make that the raison d'être of their administrations. Ordinary people must reject the abominable idea of consenting to the spending of hapless taxpayers' money to  create yet more regions and new Regional Houses of Chiefs - instead of spending that money to organise a referendum to make grassroots-level democracy possible: by electing the chief executives and members of MMDAs. Voters in the areas of our country where the December 27th referendum will be held must be bold and reject the creation of more regions by voting no - for it is not in their nation's interest.  Full stop. Case closed. Haaba.

  

Has The Time Come For Ghana's Inspector General of Police To Start Firing Police Personnel Who Misconduct Themselves When Dealing With Civilians?

The arrest this morning, of our driver, by a police patrol team from the Kasoa Divisional Command, which apparently suspected that the vehicle he drives was an "uncustomed' vehicle ("Eye Togo car! I have reported it to National Security!"), was most revealing. To begin with, it ought to be made clear that the Ghana Police Service has some very fine men and women in it - and the Inspector General of Police ought to be very proud of the top brass in charge of the Kasoa Divisional Police Command. They are real gentlemen and fantastic human beings. Very polished. And they are truly world-class police officers.

Speaking of which, one particularly commends Inspector Frank Kofi Tsikata to his superiors in the Kasoa Divisional Police Command. He it was, whose astonishing tact and diplomacy calmed me down considerably, when I stormed the Kasoa MTTU's office - apoplectic that some arrogant female officer (Cynthia) was slandering my family by alleging that the vehicle was an uncustomed vehicle. Pure nonsense on bamboo stilts. Hmmm Oman Ghana - eyeasem o. Asem kesie ebeba debi ankasa.

Although her superior ordered her to apologise to me - which she did - so egregious was that sodden Cythia's arrogance that for the greater good of society, she must be exposed - and ought to be retrained swiftly before she ends up framing someone innocent someday: because the selfsame person she  victimises  "provoked" her. Impudent woman. She really isn't fit to wear the police uniform that has made her so power drunk. The Inspector General of Police must start firing all police officers who misconduct themselves when dealing with civilians. Enough is enough. Haaba.

Can The Media In Ghana Help Create An Entrepreneurial Culture In Our Nation?

If we are to develop an entrepreneurial culture in our country, the more responsible sections of the Ghanaian media, ought to focus on highlighting the various government policy initiatives designed to help young people interested in starting their own businesses.  Ghanaians are adept at adapting to changing circumstances because we are a resilient people - by and large. The ability to respond effectively in positive fashion to changing circumstances makes for success in business.

As our widow's mite contribution to the creation of an entrepreneurial culture in our homeland Ghana - to tap the energies of our younger generations - today, this blog is posting a culled Investopedia.com article by Chris Seabury entitled: "9 Tips for Growing a Successful Business". We do hope our many bright young Ghanaian readers will find it inspiring.

 Please read on:

"SMALL BUSINESS  ENTREPRENEURSHIP

9 Tips for Growing a Successful Business

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BY CHRIS SEABURY

 Updated Dec 3, 2018

To succeed in business today, you need to be flexible and have good planning and organizational skills. Many people start a business thinking that they'll turn on their computers or open their doors and start making money, only to find that making money in a business is much more difficult than they thought. You can avoid this in your business ventures by taking your time and planning out all the necessary steps you need to achieve success. 

1. Get Organized

To be successful in business you need to be organized. Organization will help you complete tasks and stay on top of things to be done. A good way to do this is to create a to-do list each day. As you complete each item, check it off your list. This will ensure that you're not forgetting anything and you're completing all the tasks that are essential to the survival of your business.

2. Keep Detailed Records

All successful businesses keep detailed records. By keeping detailed records, you'll know where the business stands financially and what potential challenges you could be facing. Just knowing this gives you time to create strategies to overcome those challenges. 

3. Analyze Your Competition

Competition breeds the best results. To be successful, you can't be afraid to study and learn from your competitors. After all, they may be doing something right that you can implement in your business to make more money.(For related reading, see: How do I determine my company's competitive advantage?)

4. Understand the Risks and Rewards

The key to being successful is taking calculated risks to help your business grow. A good question to ask is "What's the downside?" If you can answer this question, then you know what the worst-case scenario is. This knowledge will allow you to take the kinds of calculated risks that can generate tremendous rewards.

5. Be Creative

Always be looking for ways to improve your business and to make it stand out from the competition. Recognize that you don't know everything and be open to new ideas and new approaches to your business. 

6. Stay Focused

The old saying, "Rome was not built in a day," applies here. Just because you open a business doesn't mean you're going to immediately start making money. It takes time to let people know who you are, so stay focused on achieving your short-term goals.

7. Prepare to Make Sacrifices

The lead-up to starting a business is hard work, but after you open your doors, your work has just begun. In many cases, you have to put in more time than you would if you were working for someone else, which may mean spending less time with family and friends to be successful.

8. Provide Great Service

There are many successful businesses that forget that providing great customer service is important. If you provide better service for your customers, they'll be more inclined to come to you the next time they need something instead of going to your competition.

9. Be Consistent

Consistency is a key component to making money in business. You have to consistently keep doing what is necessary to be successful day in and day out. This will create long-term positive habits that will help you make money in the long run.

Whatever type of business you want to start, using these nine tips can help you be successful in your venture. "

End of culled Investopedia.com article by Chris Seabury.

Why Was The Election Of Chief Executives Of MMDAs And Assembly Members Not Prioritised Over The Creation Of Yet More Regions?

Every time one sees those governing our country being shown in television news reports attending state dinners, and partying at other state functions,  one can't help thinking of the consequences of the  infamous phrase uttered by French King Louis XVI's wife, Queen Marie-Antoinette (when she was told that the peasants were rioting because of the shortage of bread): “Qu'ils mangent de la brioche.” - its English translation:  "Let them eat brioche." Our country's ruling elites are drinking in the Last Chance Salon - but it is obvious that many of them are apparently unaware of it. Pity.

In light of regular media reports of increasing incidents of acts of defiance being shown across the nation, by dissatisfied Ghanaians fed up with: bad roads; washed away bridges, and  culverts that are never repaired in time; dilapidated school  buildings;  poorly-equipped hospitals,  and  clinics in deplorable conditions; etc., etc.;  our educated urban elites must understand clearly that they must no longer take the stability of our country for granted. A massive social explosion looms - if things continue in business as usual fashion.

While that time-bomb ticks away, there  is not a single independent-minded Ghanaian citizen, who truly loves Mother Ghana, who is not aware  that under our system, development at the grassroots level is carried out, not by regional administrations and the regional ministers who lead them; but by Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) - and the chief executives who head them. So why is the false impression being created in certain quarters that the creation of more regions is necessary if our nation is to develop at  a faster rate? Amazing.

The creation of more regions will only add yet another layer of greedy white collar criminals who will ruthlessly exploit a corrupt system for their own ends. The question  is: In a nation with limited funds for carrying out development projects, and in which  development at the grassroots level is actually carried out by MMDAs, and the chief executives who head them; why have we not prioritised amending the 1992 Constitution to allow the election of all members of MMDAs,  as well as the chief executives who head them; over the creation of yet more regions?  Bizarre. Hmmm, Oman Ghana -eyeasem o: asem kesie ebeba debi ankasa.

Will John Dramani Mahama Ever Be Elected As Ghana's President Again?

It appears that the well-oiled John Dramani Mahama election-campaign-juggernaut is hurtling towards the crossing line, far ahead of the other contestants vying to lead the National Democratic Congress (NDC), as its presidential candidate, for the December 2020  elections. Amazing. It is an extraordinary situation - and pretty bizarre. How has that come about?

There is a world of difference between trying for the presidency three times in a row, as an opposition party's candidate, and finally getting lucky at the third try, and ascending to the presidency by winning the election - and vying to regain power as president, again, after being turfed out of power by a dissatisfied electorate that overwhelmingly felt their country needed a firm and visionary leader, who could give Ghanaians the decisive leadership needed to transform it. It is incredible that so many intelligent people in the NDC fail to see the big-picture-reality-on-the-ground that led to President Mahama's humiliating defeat in December 2016. Hmmm, eyeasem o.

The notion that a laid-back politician who was lucky enough to rise to the presidency, and lead  Nkrumah's Ghana for six solid years, but subsequently then lost power when he was roundly defeated by his main opponent,  the then opposition New Patriotic Party's (NPP) candidate, Nana Addo Danquah Akufo-Addo (by nearly a million votes), is somehow going to defeat President Akufo-Addo in 2020, is pure fantasy. "Poppycock, Kofi!", to quote an old wag I know. Hmmmm, eyenokware trodooooo, Massa! NDC fuoeee, mu ensore oooooo toooom. Haaba.

Finally, if it is ever to regain power again,  the NDC must wake up to the brutal reality that the vast majority of ordinary Ghanaians, see John Dramani Mahama as a very personable gentleman, from a privileged background, who messed up big time as their nation's leader - and who, many of them have not forgotten, opted to surround himself with devious and despicable characters such as the Stan Dogbes: when what their homeland Ghana actually needed most at the time, was leadership made up of men and  women of integrity, who were principled and bold enough to act to halt the brutal gang-rape of  Mother Ghana that went on during the Mahama-era. For many today, that is why John Dramani Mahama will never be elected again as president by a majority of voters, in any presidential election, in today's Ghana. Case closed.

President Akufo-Addo Must Sack John Owusu Afriyie Now - Not Tomorrow

It is most extraordinary that the Forestry Commission of Ghana is apparently unable to pay the thousands of unemployed  young people it recruited to work for it about four or so months ago. Incredible. That unfortunate and embarrassing situation, illustrates perfectly, the lack of original and creative thinking that has characterised John Owusu Afriyie's leadership of that vitafl state-owned organisation - which has such a crucial role to play in enabling our nation successfully cope with the negative impact of global climate change in resilient fashion.

It is instructive that John Owusu Afriyie talks endlessly about timber utilisation contracts and  defends the issuance of exploratory gold mining  licenses in forest reserves - when he should be seeking to unlock the value in our forests through low-carbon development deals and leveraging carbon offset marakets. Now he has ended up embarrassing the well-meaning President Akufo-Addo, who has demonstrated his commitment to the preservation of what is left of our nation's natural heritage, to the world, by taking drastic measures to curb the excesses of the powerful gold mining industry that was resulting in the poisoning of streams, rivers, groundwater sources and soils across vast swathes of the Ghanaian countryside.

Enough is enough. The time has now come for President Akufo-Addo to get rid of John Owusu Afriyie, and replace him with someone who will ensure that the Forestry Commission earns billions of dollars in low-carbon develodpment deals - such as that which Liberia has struck with Norway for example. The question is: What stops the Forestry Commission from approaching dynamic and innovation-driven companies such as Amazon, Google, Facebook and Apple - and asking them to neutralise their carbon footprints in carbon sequestration deals that will enable it earn  money to pay its  entire workforce well?  Ditto find the wherewithal to fund the greening of our homeland Ghana - to counteract the effects of global warming. President Akufo-Addo must sack John Owusu Afriyie now. Not tomorrow. Haaba.