In enumerating my wish list for 2011, the issue of power supply cannot be left out, this country has been turned into a disco of some sorts with power outages the norm. This perennial situation is disturbing and any attempt to understand it, agonizing. Since when did the supply of power become rocket science? Is human resource the problem, the power generation, or possibly the finance? Can we not simply have uninterrupted supply of power in this 21st century Ghana?
It is the hope of many Ghanaians that a time will come when there will be no fear when one plans to stock his or her refrigerator knowing these items will be well preserved after returning from work. That corporate Ghana can plan knowing that they have a reliable power supply and there will be no need to spend their meager gains on expensive generators and fuel to power them. This is not too much for the country to provide considering the amount we pay for this “basic need” which eludes us so much. In criticizing we must however give some credit because the condition is not as bad as before, but it can be better, to be in tune with the “Better Ghana Agenda”.
Last on my list is that the president relocates to the flagstaff house since it’s now the new seat of government. I can comprehend the fact that the president did not like the idea in the first place and expressed his disapproval vehemently. Those misgivings are known and well documented. But he was an ordinary citizen then and also in opposition, being the president now with the project complete; with hard earned tax payer’s money and some help from our Indian friends, it is only right and proper that he occupies it. This somewhat small gesture will contribute to the nation’s unity and peace, blur party lines and reduce the partisan nature of our politics. This will also promote the spirit of continuity. He should do this not for himself but for Ghanaians because his decisions now should be in the best interest of the nation and not his own. It’s a national asset that should serve its purpose. It should therefore not be allowed to become a relic, nor be maintained for the birds and any creature that may be tempted to inhabit this uninhabited imposing structure(s).
The precedent was set, alas! a bad one, when the previous president decided to stay in his own house (and was allowed to) rather than what the nation has reserved for its leaders, it should be drummed home that once a person becomes a President he/she becomes the most important person in the country and is not at liberty to decide certain issues especially those that concern his personal security; where he is housed, the size of his security detail and so forth. It is the decision of the country as a whole and the security services in particular. So whether the president likes it or not the deed is done and there’s no need crying over spilt milk, flagstaff house should be occupied and it should be by the nation’s leader, not a ministry nor any other department or agency.
As 2011 approaches these three concerns trouble me and it is hoped that they will be dealt with so that we can all move forward in the best direction possible, building a prosperous nation and making ourselves proud in the process. Yesterday is gone but tomorrow beckons. Merry Christmas and a happy new year!
Dr. Charles A. Berko
canimberk@yahoo.com