YOUNG POSITIVIST

YOUNG POSITIVIST WRITES. HOW DEMOCRACY COLLAPSED Ghana. There is an old testament scripture which I would begin with this piece; Job 38:7; “When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy?”. I have chosen this scriptural reference to write on an issue which is critical to this country. Ghana has been touted as “the beckon of democracy in Africa” because of its relatively stable political stability under its fourth republic. Is there any developmental correlation between what has been advertised to the outside world and the reality in the country? "When the cry for the return to democracy came about, many people shouted for joy”. Has the return to democracy brought any joy, or has it brought about its downfall? For this purpose, I have chosen to write on how democracy under the fourth republican constitution has collapsed and retarded Ghana’s growth. Ghana is one of the most endowed countries in Sub Saharan Africa with human and natural resourc...

YOUNG POSITIVIST WRITES THE DEPLORABLE STATE OF SANITATION IN ACCRA. “Cleanliness is next to Godliness” is the first statement that comes to mind immediately the topic of sanitation is discussed. One can never talk about sanitation extensively without alluding to this powerful and catchy expression. Many may think that this adage emanates from the Bible but unfortunately, they are misguided because there is no scriptural reference to it. My focal goal is not to contend on its Biblical orientation but rather to trigger a conversation around a delicate issue of concern left unattended, the result we see on the streets of Accra- Ghana now. On this note, I want to bring to the notice of the general public the terrible and downgrading nature of sanitation in the nation’s capital and how it is being swallowed by filth and dirt; a pathetic scene. Whenever the issue of sanitation comes up it becomes a big problem for many people in Africa largely because of the loose system and insti...

YOUNG POSITIVIST WRITES. TO MOVE OR TO BE MOVED? - THE ISSUE OF TRAFFIC IN ACCRA. Have you ever been caught up in heavy traffic? How long have you lived in Accra and how many times have you experienced the hectic congestion that occurs on weekdays? What is the road system in Ghana? And what has been various governments’ response to the issue of traffic? Have there been any measures taken by authorities to alleviate this menace? One will ask why I begin this write-up with so many unanswered questions. I must say that this topic is very dear to my heart and these are some of the questions I have asked myself anytime the issue comes to mind. The issue of congestion on our roads in Accra is a troubling matter that needs attention and we must play our part as responsible citizens to awaken the minds of our leaders to act. On this very particular note, I want to talk about the issue of traffic in Accra that seems not to go away. Accra is the most populous city in Ghana and it also hou...

YOUNG POSITIVIST WRITES. GHANA: A DIVIDED COUNTRY? Ghana has over the years been a haven for many nationals largely due to its high level of hospitality and generosity. Citizens have lived and continue to live in peace and tranquility despite all the ethnic and cultural differences that exist in the country. Aside the differences based on these lines, political ideologies have also been another divisive factor among the Ghanaian people. It is in view of this that I will like to write about the divided country Ghana, made so due to the engagement in multiparty democracy; a country divided based on political philosophies. I can recall reading from the literature back in the days when Ghana fought for independence. The entire country had one vision and mission and wrestled tirelessly to gain independence. I must admit that in the early 1950s, different political parties existed but despite their differences, all the people came together to fight a common enemy. The United Gold Coas...

YOUNG POSITIVIST WRITES. THE TERRIBLE STATE OF ACCRA TO KOFORIDUA ROAD I have a great desire to write about this troubling issue which has been ensuing in this country by bringing on board the problems encountered when using the Accra to Koforidua stretch of road, as a case study to present to the general public about the ‘horrific’ nature of our roads and how government respond to them but before I proceed to the main discussion, I have to take this great opportunity to thank all those who spent their time and resources to nominate and also voted for me in the 2019 University of Ghana Excellence Awards. Even though we did not win any of the three categories, I was amazed at the support with which you gave me. As a matter of fact, I was the only person who got nominated, evaluated and shortlisted for three different categories; Journalist of the year, Student Voice of the year and Creative Fellow. It was indeed a wonderful experience and I appreciate all your efforts. At a point i...

YOUNG POSITIVIST WRITES. GOVERNMENT SHOULD NOT CRAWL INTO ACADEMIA. I have had the opportunity to read a draft bill which is titled “ Public University Bill” in which government seeks to make some changes in the statutes of Public Universities which I see will protect Government interest. After carefully reading, I realized that, this is another attempt by government (politicians) to meddle itself (themselves) into the activities of our education. On this note, I want to advise the president not to crawl its way into academia. “The purpose of the Public Universities Bill is to provide the procedure for the establishment of Public Universities, the principles of management of Public Universities, the legal status of Public Universities, the procedure for financing public Universities and administration and supervision of the activities of Public Universities and related matters.” I understand that this bill is not yet a law or an act of parliament but what is entailed in the dr...

  YOUNG POSITIVIST WRITES.  VIOLENCE IS NOT THE KEY. The University of Education ( UEW ) Winneba, has been in the news for about 2 years now due to the impasse that seems not to wipe off. If readers may recall, there was a court suit against the then Vice Chancellor Professor Mawutor Avoke, and the then Finance Officer Mr. Theophilus Senyo Ackorlie along with other workers of the University including the then Acting Head of Procurement Mrs. Mary Dzimey. One Mr. Kofi Kwayera commenced an action in the High Court of Winneba against the University of Education, Winneba ( UEW )and the Minister for Education, alleging a breach of the University’s Act, 2004 (Act 672) and Public Procurement Act, 2003 (Act 663). He sought among other reliefs the declaration that the continuous existence of the Avoke-led Governing Council was “illegal” and declaration that all appointment by the council were void. I wish I could continue to give a full account of the events as it unfolded but th...