Together we achieve more

The health of the nation has not been very clean for a few months now, particularly during the period that our people have endured hardships associated with disruptions in electricity, gas and water supply.

The challenges appear to have compounded with the upward adjustment in the prices of petroleum products. The removal of some amount of subsidy on petroleum products per se does not throw individual budgets out of gear but the ripple effects of the upward adjustments pose the difficulties.

The Daily Graphic has said time and again that unless we play by the rules, sooner than later the challenges facing society will become insurmountable.

We know that many civil and public servants will disagree with our position that they are unproductive, but we throw the challenge to any concerned member of the public to cross-check this assertion at the ministries in Accra and other regional and district capitals.

No matter how passionate the President and his men and women are about the need to create fair opportunities for all, the results will be unimpressive without the support of the people, particularly those whose emoluments are a charge on the taxpayer.

As the President outlined his vision for the country, we felt sad that a section of Parliament was empty as a result of the boycott by the Minority. We do not begrudge them that right to register their protest, as it is allowed in a democracy. We, however, disagree with their option because of the timing of their action.

Whether we like it or not, the country is faced with numerous problems that require all hands on deck to resolve.

And the President again acknowledged this when he said, “We are a nation of diverse customs and religious beliefs. There is a tremendous amount of beauty in our diversity. While we celebrate our diversity, let us explore what unites us, instead of focusing on the things that divide us.”

Many well-meaning Ghanaians have spent time to talk to us about the essence of bonding, even in the very diverse society, so that the resources of the land can be harnessed for the good of all. Unfortunately, we have spent much of our time highlighting the things that divide our ranks, instead of the commonalities that we must explore for the development of the country.

This is the time to say no to extreme politicisation and adopt an all-inclusive governance structure that puts Ghana first before any other consideration.

The problem with our society in recent times is our inability to hold on fast to the strict values of the past when those who flouted the values were made to face not only sanctions but also public opprobrium. That way, those who look on while wrongdoers are punished will fear to break the rules.

We shall fail in our fight against crime if our leaders make it a habit to plead on behalf of wrongdoers.

The Daily Graphic thinks that we should not allow deviants to peddle influence and drop big names in front of the law enforcement agencies.

There is no magic wand to resolve our problems. The solutions lie in hard work, honesty and the show of integrity in the discharge of our duties. Let us show lazy people the exit and welcome those who are prepared to contribute to the efforts to build a better Ghana.

We plead with the government to strive to resolve the power, water and gas problems in the shortest possible time to reduce the burden on the people.