Very soon, the Government of Ghana will be expected to announce a specific date for the commencement of Ghana’s 2010 Population and Housing Census planned for the second half of this year.
Since 2007, the Ghana Statistical Service has been meticulously planning and preparing to undertake this national exercise in accordance with United Nations recommendations, and the stipulation of the Statistical Law of Ghana (PNDC Law 135 of 1985) which empowers the Government Statistician to conduct any statistical enquiry in the country, including population and housing censuses, among others.
As the Ghana Statistical Service steadily enhances its state of preparedness towards a highly successful Census, it is imperative that everyone resident in Ghana (both nationals and non-nationals) take a moment to reflect on the nature, importance and benefits of this national exercise, and why we all must support it.
Statisticians define a Population Census as the official enumeration of all persons in a country at a specified time. This enumeration also implies the collection, compilation, evaluation, analysis, publication and dissemination of demographic, social and economic statistics relating to the population.
A Housing Census, on the other hand, is the official enumeration of all living quarters (occupied and vacant) and occupants thereof in a country at a specified time. This enumeration also involves the collection, compilation, evaluation, analysis, publication and dissemination of statistical data pertaining to these living quarters and their occupants. Even though, each type of census is a complete exercise on its own, the 2010 Census will be a combination of two exercises i.e. a Population and Housing Census.
Relating the aforementioned definitions to Ghana in lay people’s terms, this simply means that the 2010 Population and Housing Census will tell us how many people are in Ghana irrespective of their nationality, and who they are in terms of age, sex, education, marital status, literacy, educational attainment, occupation, and economic activity. In addition, the Census will give us access to other information like where the people reside in terms of permanent and temporary residential structures, and the availability of other vital social services like water, health, education, and housing conditions, among others, to the minutest administrative units.
There are several reasons why we must conduct the 2010 Census. First, every national statistical system MUST from time to time update its data base with a national census. This will ensure that Ghana’s data systems remain current, accurate and relevant. The last Census conducted in Ghana was in the year 2000. Since censuses are mostly decennial (i.e. conducted in or every 10 years), it is imperative that we update our statistical system if we wish to have current and relevant social, economic and demographic information to assist national, regional and district administrations as well as businesses, industries, the media, academia, research institutions and international organizations in sound evidence-based decision making.
In a nutshell, Census data, in combination with macro data from other sources like the Ghana Living Standards Survey (GLSS), the Core Welfare Indicator Questionnaire Survey (CWIQ), and Ghana Demographic and Health Survey (GDHS), will serve as an invaluable data base on the population, for the government’s operations, and for decision-making by the business community and Ghana’s development partners. Furthermore, there are several specific benefits of Census data which are considered a sine qua non for successful national and business development. The following are just a few examples of such benefits.
Census data is invaluable in planning because it will provide explicit information on the size, distribution, and characteristics of Ghana’s population. This kind of information is indispensable for formulating and monitoring evidence-based policies and programmes that will improve the welfare of the people. In addition, it serves as a guide for evaluating the effectiveness of such policies and programmes for providing basic social sector services. For example, in the area of education, the data can reveal any lack of equality in how quality formal education is accessible to various groups of people spread over various geographical locations. As an illustration, the data could tell the disparity in formal education between men and women, and between urban and rural populations, which government can address.
Another example can be seen in the provision of pipe-borne water. The demand for water is largely determined by population size. This means that future demand for water is dependent on how large the population will be. Since the Census data is a unique source of information including small area data (up to the one person settlement), it becomes very essential for regional and district level planning.
Thus, current population size will also serve as a basis for developing credible projections of the future population size which can very useful in planning for water supply and other essential social services for the urban and rural areas.
Census data is useful for both governmental and non-governmental institutions for measuring progress towards national development goals by putting indicators in place and monitoring their implementation. In this way, Government developmental policies/goals on education, health, and housing, among others, can be tracked easily and modified as and when necessary.
Accurate census data is needed for the efficient and equitable demarcation of electoral constituencies and adjustment of administrative boundaries. This enhances the foundation and means for good governance, and the consolidation of Ghana’s democracy. In addition, reliable census data can assist with rational allocation of revenues among districts. Thus, the 2010 Census will be also very useful in this capacity.
In a nutshell, the Census data will be very useful to individuals and business, industry and labour institutions especially in Demand Forecasting, Product Development and Marketing, and Location Decisions, among others. For example, information on the size of the population and its distribution at least by age and sex, in the regions and districts, down to small area settlements, will be needed in estimating consumer demands for certain goods and services. The Census will provide such current information. And when businesses use the Census data to decide where to locate factories, shopping centres, banks and offices, it will invariably lead to the creation of more jobs.
Census data is also very critical in the area of research. For example, it can be analyzed to understand the composition of the population and the determinants of population phenomena like urbanization, labour force participation, migration, fertility and mortality for various groups, and can help answer such questions as how and why Ghana’s population is changing.
Housing data from the 2010 Census will enable planners and policy makers to formulate realistic and relevant housing policies, and design appropriate programmes to meet Ghana’s housing needs. For instance, information obtained from the Census on housing quality indicated by the materials used for constructing various housing units, and the availability of facilities like water and sanitation serve as important indicators of the occupants’ quality of life. Such information can aid the government in designing housing improvement programmes. Furthermore, data collected from enumerating the floating population (homeless people) will give an exact indication of the housing challenge in various localities.
The 2010 Census will provide data that could help government identify disadvantaged or deprived areas and districts, and special population groups like women, children, youth, the elderly and disabled. Such information can help the government establish priorities for action.
Aside helping policy makers to identify deprived and disadvantaged population groups and geographical areas, the 2010 Census data, when combined with other survey data, will tell us where the poor are, why they are poor, and the nature of their lives. Such information will serve as a primary tool for developing a targeted Poverty Reduction Strategy. In addition, it will give the evidence needed to develop and monitor effective development policies. Most importantly, it will serve as a guide for directing resources and programmes to poor people and poor areas.
The Census will be an important source of data on persons with disabilities in that it will aid us in assessing the social and living conditions of such people in terms of school attendance, educational attainment, employment, marital status and living arrangements. This information will provide the basis for developing policies to meet the needs of persons with disabilities, and for evaluating the effectiveness of those policies.
Aside Ghana’s development partners, donors, investors and other world bodies who need Census information to guide them in planning technical and economic assistance to this country, data realized from censuses are vital to the work of the United Nations system as a whole because they provide inputs for official UN population estimates and projections.
From all indications, the Statistical Service has meticulously prepared to undertake this sophisticated and huge national exercise. (GSS’s state of preparedness will be analyzed in subsequent articles).
Aside the Ghana Statistical Service, every individual has an important role to play in the forthcoming Census. For it to be highly successful, it requires the co-operation and participation of everyone resident in Ghana. Thus, it is very important to note the following: The 2010 Census will be easy because Census Officials will visit you in the comfort of your own home (no queuing); Be friendly and cooperate with the Census Official; Make an effort to answer every question you are asked because every correct answer provided will help ensure the accuracy of the 2010 Census; the information you give to the Census Official will be treated as private and confidential.
Finally, everyone resident in Ghana should remember that it is every individual’s civic duty to support the 2010 Census because correct and accurate data from the census will assist our national, metropolitan, municipal and district authorities to make effective plans for our educational, health, housing and other socio-economic services. Ultimately, the nation, our development partners, and every individual resident in Ghana will be the beneficiaries of a highly successful 2010 Population and Housing Census.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
OCTOPUS PAUL IS REAL!
IT appears God reveals many things to animals, birds in the air, fishes in water and other living things that go to marvel human beings. Among human beings only very few even hear the voice of God, and for that most of us go about making mistakes in life, not even knowing what we do.
Most humans enter into life without knowing our directions and go on committing mistakes which could be avoided if we listened carefully to the voice of the voiceless.
In the world of competitions, be they games or wars, men wished some kind of directions would be given before even the commencement of the fray. In the Book of Samuel, it is stated several times how God directed the ordained Seer Samuel to take measures to warn the Israelites when there came any conflict between two enemies, and they had to resort to war.
In modern times where football and other games are meant to entertain audiences, the seers might not be available to tell what would be the result, and that is why certain so-called prophets take advantage to dupe the little minds and collect their pay for that.
The recent case of Octopus Paul makes an interesting reading. Right in Germany, the Octopus has done many wonders, predicting which country would win or lose during the 2010 World Cup tournament in South Africa. The Octopus within the last month done some wonderful predictions and scored 100% marks that at the end of the World Cup, he has been given a replica of the World Cup as a reward for a good work.
The Octopus with psychic powers turned into a worldwide celebrity for what he did, and even though he is of German origin, found in German waters, it was able to predict accurately the loss of Germany to Spain during their semi-final crash. He even went further to predict that Spain would beat Netherlands and claim the World Cup for the first time.
One thing scientists have failed to detect its occurrence is the earthquake, but animals and birds have that intuition to detect them by their nature. About 30 years ago, there was an earthquake in the city of Scopia in Yugoslavia.
According to reports, the event was detected by animals and birds in a zoo in the centre of the city which was used to entertain tourists. Exactly one hour before the earthquake, the animals and birds started crying and disturbing the peace of the people around. The monkeys, the hyenas, the lions kept crying and thumping the ground to alert the tourists of what was ahead, but no one could fathom what was going to happen.
Just about three minutes before the earthquake, the animals and birds kept mute and found some corners to hide. And like the command of a referee’s whistle, a highly powerful quake happened, and all the big hotels crumbled to the ground, killing thousands of people. The people of Scopia recalled the incident with regret for not hearing the voice of the animals and the birds, and possibly saving human lives.
The Bible is full of such incidents where horses could see angels men could not see. It is no wonder that Octopus Paul has been given that intuition to tell by some strange method how the results of the tournament would go, up to the very grand finale. Scientists will certainly not rest on the issue, and might go ahead to find out how the Octopus could see what men with scientific knowledge could not see. Octopus Paul is indeed real, and it must go down as one of the wonders of the world.
Most humans enter into life without knowing our directions and go on committing mistakes which could be avoided if we listened carefully to the voice of the voiceless.
In the world of competitions, be they games or wars, men wished some kind of directions would be given before even the commencement of the fray. In the Book of Samuel, it is stated several times how God directed the ordained Seer Samuel to take measures to warn the Israelites when there came any conflict between two enemies, and they had to resort to war.
In modern times where football and other games are meant to entertain audiences, the seers might not be available to tell what would be the result, and that is why certain so-called prophets take advantage to dupe the little minds and collect their pay for that.
The recent case of Octopus Paul makes an interesting reading. Right in Germany, the Octopus has done many wonders, predicting which country would win or lose during the 2010 World Cup tournament in South Africa. The Octopus within the last month done some wonderful predictions and scored 100% marks that at the end of the World Cup, he has been given a replica of the World Cup as a reward for a good work.
The Octopus with psychic powers turned into a worldwide celebrity for what he did, and even though he is of German origin, found in German waters, it was able to predict accurately the loss of Germany to Spain during their semi-final crash. He even went further to predict that Spain would beat Netherlands and claim the World Cup for the first time.
One thing scientists have failed to detect its occurrence is the earthquake, but animals and birds have that intuition to detect them by their nature. About 30 years ago, there was an earthquake in the city of Scopia in Yugoslavia.
According to reports, the event was detected by animals and birds in a zoo in the centre of the city which was used to entertain tourists. Exactly one hour before the earthquake, the animals and birds started crying and disturbing the peace of the people around. The monkeys, the hyenas, the lions kept crying and thumping the ground to alert the tourists of what was ahead, but no one could fathom what was going to happen.
Just about three minutes before the earthquake, the animals and birds kept mute and found some corners to hide. And like the command of a referee’s whistle, a highly powerful quake happened, and all the big hotels crumbled to the ground, killing thousands of people. The people of Scopia recalled the incident with regret for not hearing the voice of the animals and the birds, and possibly saving human lives.
The Bible is full of such incidents where horses could see angels men could not see. It is no wonder that Octopus Paul has been given that intuition to tell by some strange method how the results of the tournament would go, up to the very grand finale. Scientists will certainly not rest on the issue, and might go ahead to find out how the Octopus could see what men with scientific knowledge could not see. Octopus Paul is indeed real, and it must go down as one of the wonders of the world.
BLACK STARS – AFRICA’S SALVATION!
At long last, just as we decided to make a U-turn and return to the vendors’ table, it has coincided with the final stages of the fantastic 2010 World Cup hosted in Africa, and South Africa to be precise.
And whether Africa will survive a crucial operation and be blessed in this hour of destiny has fallen on the lap of the Black Stars of this wonderful Coast of Gold.
All the six representatives of Africa could not survive at the Group level, with the exception of the Black Stars. – Glory be!!
The Indomitable Lions of Cameroun hit the rock and collapsed with three defeats, Algeria lost twice and drew once, Nigeria lost twice and drew one, South Africa lost one, drew once and lost one, and Cote d’Ivoire could not survive with one draw, one loss and one win.
And as destiny might have it, our blessed Coast of Gold had a chequered progress, winning once, drawing once and losing once and entered the one-sixteenth stage to beat the United States of America to raise the banner of Africa.
It is the sterling quality of the Black Stars performance that has shot them to the quarter-finals as a lone ranger of the continent. Now it is the Black Heroes of Africa against Uruguay at the Nelson Mandela Bay tomorrow, and the whole world is watching with keen interest, knowing that it was with fasting and prayers that has made it all possible up to this level.
At the quarter-finals are three European countries, four from South America, and one from Africa. The three Asian contestants who started with promise are all gone.
To God be the glory that the twinkle-twinkle little Stars have reached where they are now, and as we commit the Black Stars into the hands of the Almighty, so do we bestow the life of NUGS onto the care of the Heavenly King, as it makes a fresh return to its beloved readers.
Yes, we have come back in the Redeemer’s name to seek the face of the Gracious Power, and with His glory we shall have an everlasting blessing. God bless our readers; God bless NUGS.
And whether Africa will survive a crucial operation and be blessed in this hour of destiny has fallen on the lap of the Black Stars of this wonderful Coast of Gold.
All the six representatives of Africa could not survive at the Group level, with the exception of the Black Stars. – Glory be!!
The Indomitable Lions of Cameroun hit the rock and collapsed with three defeats, Algeria lost twice and drew once, Nigeria lost twice and drew one, South Africa lost one, drew once and lost one, and Cote d’Ivoire could not survive with one draw, one loss and one win.
And as destiny might have it, our blessed Coast of Gold had a chequered progress, winning once, drawing once and losing once and entered the one-sixteenth stage to beat the United States of America to raise the banner of Africa.
It is the sterling quality of the Black Stars performance that has shot them to the quarter-finals as a lone ranger of the continent. Now it is the Black Heroes of Africa against Uruguay at the Nelson Mandela Bay tomorrow, and the whole world is watching with keen interest, knowing that it was with fasting and prayers that has made it all possible up to this level.
At the quarter-finals are three European countries, four from South America, and one from Africa. The three Asian contestants who started with promise are all gone.
To God be the glory that the twinkle-twinkle little Stars have reached where they are now, and as we commit the Black Stars into the hands of the Almighty, so do we bestow the life of NUGS onto the care of the Heavenly King, as it makes a fresh return to its beloved readers.
Yes, we have come back in the Redeemer’s name to seek the face of the Gracious Power, and with His glory we shall have an everlasting blessing. God bless our readers; God bless NUGS.
GOD BLESS ALL PAST WINNERS OF THE WORLD CUP
THE FIFA World Cup has done all that is humanly possible to unite mankind. All hidden peoples all over the world have been made to become one family under the banner of football. The game has brought numerous benefits to the world.
The governing body of the world football has data on all affiliate countries numbering over 280, and all are given equal opportunity to be at the finals to enjoy all the available facilities. All continents on earth are empowered and given slots to be there.
Africa has five, South America has five, Asia has three, the Oceanic has two, the Americas have three and Europe has 14. In the recent 19th edition staged in South Africa, FIFA allowed Africa to be represented by six countries because the continent was hosting it. That was a special dispensation granted Africa and it is a situation that might be one case in a thousand.
Africa with over 50 countries has to undergo their eliminations series sieving the teams twice before reaching the final five. Europe has its method of elimination, and for South America, the situation is more difficult, but in the final analysis the five would emerge.
This year’s World Cup which was dubbed “Africa World Cup” attracted the best in Africa, Asia, and Europe, and the competition could be classified as the toughest. Although only one African country could cross to the quarter-final, and that country was Ghana, all indications point to the fact that Europe was triumphant as they ended up having three among the best four, and that credit goes to Netherlands, Spain and Germany.
Knowing how difficult it is to win the tournament when it developed from 16 to 24 and now 32, it is regarded as a blessing to be the final winners. The competition which started in 1930 has seen 18 winners.
The first winner of the tournament which was organized in Uruguay was won by the home team in their capital Monte Vedio. The second in 1934 was won by Italy in their home capital, Rome. That was the first time an African country, Egypt, was invited to take part. The next cup final was held in France, and it was won again by Italy.
In 1950, Brazil organized the tournament, and in front of their home crowd, Uruguay won the cup, and four years later it was the turn of West Germany to win it in Switzerland. In 1958, Brazil rose from the blue to claim the title in Sweden, and that marked the rise of 17-year-old Pele who scored two goals in the final 5 – 2 victory over the home team.
Brazil’s formula worked in 1962 in Chile, and they repeated their magic, and in spite of their form guide, they had to surrender to England who won it in London in 1966. Brazil rose again in 1970 to claim the cup in Mexico.
Germany lived up to their desire to host and win in 1974, and the next tournament which went to Argentina, the Argentines hosted and won comfortably with the rise of legendary Deogo Maradona. Spain hosted the next tournament, and it was claimed by Italy; they beat West Germany 3 – 1 in the grand finale.
Mexico took up the mantle in 1986 and once again Argentina won it. West Germany organized the next tournament and won it at home. In 1994 USA hosted it and Brazil worked to the final and won it, beating Italy on penalties. In 1998, France hosted it and won the cup beating strong Brazil 3 – 0 in the final.
The next tournament was hosted by Japan and South Korea, and Brazil travelled there to win their fifth title. In 2006, when Ghana had their first opportunity to be at the World Cup in a united Germany, the title went to Italy. They beat France on penalties. It has been a tortuous journey, and it takes guts, good preparation and strong character to win the World Cup.
To a lot of believers, it is a great blessing to win the whole World Cup!
The governing body of the world football has data on all affiliate countries numbering over 280, and all are given equal opportunity to be at the finals to enjoy all the available facilities. All continents on earth are empowered and given slots to be there.
Africa has five, South America has five, Asia has three, the Oceanic has two, the Americas have three and Europe has 14. In the recent 19th edition staged in South Africa, FIFA allowed Africa to be represented by six countries because the continent was hosting it. That was a special dispensation granted Africa and it is a situation that might be one case in a thousand.
Africa with over 50 countries has to undergo their eliminations series sieving the teams twice before reaching the final five. Europe has its method of elimination, and for South America, the situation is more difficult, but in the final analysis the five would emerge.
This year’s World Cup which was dubbed “Africa World Cup” attracted the best in Africa, Asia, and Europe, and the competition could be classified as the toughest. Although only one African country could cross to the quarter-final, and that country was Ghana, all indications point to the fact that Europe was triumphant as they ended up having three among the best four, and that credit goes to Netherlands, Spain and Germany.
Knowing how difficult it is to win the tournament when it developed from 16 to 24 and now 32, it is regarded as a blessing to be the final winners. The competition which started in 1930 has seen 18 winners.
The first winner of the tournament which was organized in Uruguay was won by the home team in their capital Monte Vedio. The second in 1934 was won by Italy in their home capital, Rome. That was the first time an African country, Egypt, was invited to take part. The next cup final was held in France, and it was won again by Italy.
In 1950, Brazil organized the tournament, and in front of their home crowd, Uruguay won the cup, and four years later it was the turn of West Germany to win it in Switzerland. In 1958, Brazil rose from the blue to claim the title in Sweden, and that marked the rise of 17-year-old Pele who scored two goals in the final 5 – 2 victory over the home team.
Brazil’s formula worked in 1962 in Chile, and they repeated their magic, and in spite of their form guide, they had to surrender to England who won it in London in 1966. Brazil rose again in 1970 to claim the cup in Mexico.
Germany lived up to their desire to host and win in 1974, and the next tournament which went to Argentina, the Argentines hosted and won comfortably with the rise of legendary Deogo Maradona. Spain hosted the next tournament, and it was claimed by Italy; they beat West Germany 3 – 1 in the grand finale.
Mexico took up the mantle in 1986 and once again Argentina won it. West Germany organized the next tournament and won it at home. In 1994 USA hosted it and Brazil worked to the final and won it, beating Italy on penalties. In 1998, France hosted it and won the cup beating strong Brazil 3 – 0 in the final.
The next tournament was hosted by Japan and South Korea, and Brazil travelled there to win their fifth title. In 2006, when Ghana had their first opportunity to be at the World Cup in a united Germany, the title went to Italy. They beat France on penalties. It has been a tortuous journey, and it takes guts, good preparation and strong character to win the World Cup.
To a lot of believers, it is a great blessing to win the whole World Cup!
DO WE NEED A LOCAL COACH FOR BLACK STARS?
ANY COACH, be he foreign or local will be welcomed if he is qualified and ready for the job presently; but the argument seems to be the same as most soccer administrators on the continent believe that expatriate coaches are better than the local ones.
The reality on the ground is that, most people following the game of football in Africa have noticed that, foreign coaches seem to be more disciplined and serious in their activities than those on the continent when it comes to the national team job.
Fortunately for Ghana particularly, the nation won the Africa Cup of Nations for four times with local coaches, it is also real that since its inception in 1957, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) made it a law not to allow more than two professional players to feature at a time.
The Federation of International Football Association (FIFA) advised CAF to change the notion when the Black Stars won the continent’s football tournament for the fourth time in 1982 and played goalless with the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon in Libya. Then after the Cameroon team that qualified to Spain 1982 World Cup finished honorably with three drawn games against Poland, Peru and the eventual Champions, Italy, the whole system changed.
It was only normal that the inclusion of many professionals in the national squad may have influenced the selection, and the appointment of a national coach who should handle the national teams for various assignments needed the experience of expatriates.
And, looking at the invitation of players who have to join the national team coming from various European countries and elsewhere, soccer administrators decided to fall in love with expatriate coaches to handle the national team.
So many factors are put into consideration, such as facility of training grounds for the national team abroad, the release of professional players with the interpretation of FIFA Regulations and possibility of arguments put across by the Football Association in collaboration with the contracted coach.
Foreign coaches seem to be a bit ahead of their local counterparts as the game of football has a large coverage abroad than in Africa; they are easily abreast with new Rules and Regulations of the game of football including some logistics during camping such as diet, physiotherapy, condition for release, transfer of players and the time for a professional player to return to the mother club.
It is also normal that foreign coaches earn bigger remuneration due to the environment they are coming from and the condition of employment they used to work within, because most are also very sincere to our FA when it comes to resources given to them to monitor players abroad.
Every foreign coach is very particular about time in every exercise with the national team, and above all they are disciplined and do not allow their sentiments to overshadow their professional responsibilities.
The first thing for Africans to do, if we want a local coach to be in charge, is to make sure that he is well -trained, of course somewhere abroad for some years; he is disciplined enough while the country put up decent infrastructures to facilitate his job as he will be given a considerable salary to unable him do his work properly without interference, be he a former footballer or not.
The idea of the past administration of Osagyefo Dr. Nkrumah who sent a number of coaches and soccer administrators abroad to learn about the game of football became history because we are in a new era where national teams have a lot of well- paid professionals who are always invited to come and play for the nation.
The fact remains that, it is a tall order today to appoint local coaches to handle the Black Stars because of their pedigree we need more time for them, if we want to talk about the above - mentioned factors, unless they are well -trained and scrutinized by football governing body for the job the next five years.
A local coach will handle Brazil, France and other national teams abroad because of their environment. The development of football in those countries in terms of administration and coaching is not the same as we have in Africa, especially in Ghana where there are no facilities and high modern rated resource persons to initiate coaching courses.
Reaching the World Cup quarter-final stage was a combination of foreign-based players, who are under great coaching abroad in collaboration with a foreign coach who has also seen it all in his country, Serbia.
Africa still needs foreign coaches until we work hard to train those we feel are disciplined enough and have reached a level to do the job without favoritism whilst we also need a disciplined FA that will not interfere in their responsibilities.
The reality on the ground is that, most people following the game of football in Africa have noticed that, foreign coaches seem to be more disciplined and serious in their activities than those on the continent when it comes to the national team job.
Fortunately for Ghana particularly, the nation won the Africa Cup of Nations for four times with local coaches, it is also real that since its inception in 1957, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) made it a law not to allow more than two professional players to feature at a time.
The Federation of International Football Association (FIFA) advised CAF to change the notion when the Black Stars won the continent’s football tournament for the fourth time in 1982 and played goalless with the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon in Libya. Then after the Cameroon team that qualified to Spain 1982 World Cup finished honorably with three drawn games against Poland, Peru and the eventual Champions, Italy, the whole system changed.
It was only normal that the inclusion of many professionals in the national squad may have influenced the selection, and the appointment of a national coach who should handle the national teams for various assignments needed the experience of expatriates.
And, looking at the invitation of players who have to join the national team coming from various European countries and elsewhere, soccer administrators decided to fall in love with expatriate coaches to handle the national team.
So many factors are put into consideration, such as facility of training grounds for the national team abroad, the release of professional players with the interpretation of FIFA Regulations and possibility of arguments put across by the Football Association in collaboration with the contracted coach.
Foreign coaches seem to be a bit ahead of their local counterparts as the game of football has a large coverage abroad than in Africa; they are easily abreast with new Rules and Regulations of the game of football including some logistics during camping such as diet, physiotherapy, condition for release, transfer of players and the time for a professional player to return to the mother club.
It is also normal that foreign coaches earn bigger remuneration due to the environment they are coming from and the condition of employment they used to work within, because most are also very sincere to our FA when it comes to resources given to them to monitor players abroad.
Every foreign coach is very particular about time in every exercise with the national team, and above all they are disciplined and do not allow their sentiments to overshadow their professional responsibilities.
The first thing for Africans to do, if we want a local coach to be in charge, is to make sure that he is well -trained, of course somewhere abroad for some years; he is disciplined enough while the country put up decent infrastructures to facilitate his job as he will be given a considerable salary to unable him do his work properly without interference, be he a former footballer or not.
The idea of the past administration of Osagyefo Dr. Nkrumah who sent a number of coaches and soccer administrators abroad to learn about the game of football became history because we are in a new era where national teams have a lot of well- paid professionals who are always invited to come and play for the nation.
The fact remains that, it is a tall order today to appoint local coaches to handle the Black Stars because of their pedigree we need more time for them, if we want to talk about the above - mentioned factors, unless they are well -trained and scrutinized by football governing body for the job the next five years.
A local coach will handle Brazil, France and other national teams abroad because of their environment. The development of football in those countries in terms of administration and coaching is not the same as we have in Africa, especially in Ghana where there are no facilities and high modern rated resource persons to initiate coaching courses.
Reaching the World Cup quarter-final stage was a combination of foreign-based players, who are under great coaching abroad in collaboration with a foreign coach who has also seen it all in his country, Serbia.
Africa still needs foreign coaches until we work hard to train those we feel are disciplined enough and have reached a level to do the job without favoritism whilst we also need a disciplined FA that will not interfere in their responsibilities.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
GHANA’S DEMOCRACY – HOW EFFECTIVE IS IT?
GHANA is a constitutional democracy with a strong presidency and a unicameral 230-seat parliament. The country's population is approximately 21 million. In 2008, about five (5) political parties contested both presidential and parliamentary elections.
These among others include: the National Democratic Congress, the New Patriotic Party, the People’s National Convention, the Convention People’s Party and the Ghana Consolidated Popular Party.
Despite a few incidents of intimidation and minor irregularities, domestic and international observers judged the elections generally free and fair. While civilian authorities generally maintained effective control over security forces, there were some instances in which elements of the security forces acted independently of government authorities.
The constitution and law provide citizens the right to change their government peacefully and citizens exercise this right through periodic, free and fair elections held on the basis of universal suffrage.
Elections and Political Participation:
In 2008, Presidential and Parliamentary elections were held nationwide. Professor John Evans Atta Mills of the NDC was elected as the current President the Ghana by 50.8% votes.
Despite some irregularities, domestic and international observers characterized the elections as generally free and fair. There were reports of shortage of ballots papers at some polls and minor problems with the voters’ register, such as misspelled names or photos not matching names. In the parliamentary elections the National Democratic Congress (NDC) won 115 seats; New Patriotic Party (NPP) won 112; the Convention People's Party (CPP), had 1, the Peoples' National Convention (PNC) had 2 seats.
The country continued its transition from a one-party state to a more established multiparty constitutional system. The political system includes recognized opposition parties, which expressed their views freely within parliament and won a near majority of the parliamentary seats.
THE ROLE OF POLITICAL PARTIES IN GHANA'S DEMOCRACY
Political parties have made invaluable contributions to Ghana's struggle for independence and the promotion of democracy and good governance. However, military interventions in party politics in the country have occasionally delayed the activities of Parliament, the Executive and Judiciary as well as political parties.
But any time there is a programme to return the country to civilian rule; political parties are always the first to resurrect to give the process a moving spirit as was witnessed by activities leading to the establishment of the Fourth Republic.
Currently, the country is blessed with political parties of varied ideologies whose leaders have acquired political experiences for several decades.
Some of these political parties have drawn their inspiration and philosophies from tested political traditions, some of which have existed since pre-independence era.
For example, the Progress Party (PP) that ruled Ghana from 1969 to 1972 and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) both trace their roots to the United Gold Coast Convention (UGCC), which was formed in 1946. The National Democratic Congress (NDC) is considered as a hybrid party. The Convention People's Party (CPP) and the People's National Convention (PNC) trace their roots to the Convention People's Party (Nkrumaism), which was formed in 1949 and governed the country since its independence in 1957 to 1966.
This rich background of political parties probably explains why Ghana, unlike some other African countries, is finding it easy in coping with the wave of democracy blowing across the continent.
Essentially, political parties are providing fertile grounds for the advancement of the new political experiment and giving impetus to the promotion of rule of law, good governance and national development.
Undeniably, the political parties are serving as an umbilical cord between society and the state, ordinary citizens and social groups on one hand and organs of government on the other hand. The political parties provide psychological anchorage to some Ghanaians as political rallies that are often characterized by music and carnival throw supporters into state of ecstasy and give them a sense of belonging.
So crucial is the contribution of political parties to the country's multiparty democracy that it would not be out of place to describe them as the heart beat of the political system. Even though the main function of Parliament is law making, political parties operating inside and outside the House are effectively serving as a check on the Executive, thereby providing the political balance needed in a multi-party democracy.
Ghanaians rely very much on political parties for shaping public opinion and gauging information and education on government policies and programmes. But despite the contributions of political parties to national development, there is the need for them to intensify efforts to improve the political system towards accelerated development.
The parties would be required to collaborate in their efforts to sustain peace; unity and stability through diversity of opinions to enable them fulfill their objectives.
Political parties must always have recourse to the 1992 Constitution Article 55 (4), which enjoins them to foster unity from diversity. Thus, they must ensure that they have a national character and membership devoid of ethnic, religious, regional or other sectional considerations.
Both the ruling political party and the minority parties are obliged to collectively push the national development agenda forward.
Managing the affairs of a country is not a technical issue that can be handled by the wisest and best qualified people in society alone. No political party can claim to have an exclusive antidote to the country's socio-economic and political problems. The ruling party must, therefore, accept suggestions from the minority parties to promote good governance and national development.
On the other hand, minority parties are obliged to constructively keep the ruling party on its toes, scrutinize and criticize its policies and programme to help solve the many socio-economic and political problems facing the country.
Political parties are expected to support vital state institutions such as the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), Electoral Commission (EC), National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), the Police, Government departments and agencies to carry out their functions effectively.
The role of political parties in ensuring probity, accountability, transparency and preventing corruption, especially among government officials, is a regular feature of every democracy. The fight against corruption, in particular, is difficult and complex and would require the collective efforts of all political parties.
Political parties would be expected to demonstrate their commitment to such a crusade by abiding by all laws regarding their financial operations. Political parties are reminded that they are required by the 1992 Constitution article 55 (14) (a) to declare to the public their revenues and assets and the sources of those revenues and assets.
Parties are also, according to article 55 (14) (b), "to declare to the public annually their audited accounts and only a citizen of Ghana may make a contribution or donation to a political party registered in Ghana".
Political parties should complement the efforts of the National Commission for Civic Education in educating the public on the rights and responsibilities of the citizenry and the provisions of the 1992 Constitution.
This would help guide the people in all their activities to ensure law and order and stability for a law-abiding and hard-working population is a vital resource for peace and nation building. It behoves on political parties to ensure that their members are disciplined, accountable and transparent in all their activities since the parties are avenues for the training of political leaders.
This is very essential because, in a democracy, political parties have been a major vehicle for the recruitment of political leadership, providing electoral choice and peaceful political competition and framing of alternative policies.
Despite the differences in ideology, policies and programmes, political parties have the common goal of winning power to govern the country.
As the campaign leading to polls intensifies, leaders, members and supporters of political parties must demonstrate to the whole world that multi-party system has come to stay. They should avoid character assassination, insults, inflammatory statements and violence that could undermine the country's democracy.
No single party has a magic baton to the country's problems and all parties would be expected to work as a team to sustain and consolidate the country's fledgling democracy towards national development.
These among others include: the National Democratic Congress, the New Patriotic Party, the People’s National Convention, the Convention People’s Party and the Ghana Consolidated Popular Party.
Despite a few incidents of intimidation and minor irregularities, domestic and international observers judged the elections generally free and fair. While civilian authorities generally maintained effective control over security forces, there were some instances in which elements of the security forces acted independently of government authorities.
The constitution and law provide citizens the right to change their government peacefully and citizens exercise this right through periodic, free and fair elections held on the basis of universal suffrage.
Elections and Political Participation:
In 2008, Presidential and Parliamentary elections were held nationwide. Professor John Evans Atta Mills of the NDC was elected as the current President the Ghana by 50.8% votes.
Despite some irregularities, domestic and international observers characterized the elections as generally free and fair. There were reports of shortage of ballots papers at some polls and minor problems with the voters’ register, such as misspelled names or photos not matching names. In the parliamentary elections the National Democratic Congress (NDC) won 115 seats; New Patriotic Party (NPP) won 112; the Convention People's Party (CPP), had 1, the Peoples' National Convention (PNC) had 2 seats.
The country continued its transition from a one-party state to a more established multiparty constitutional system. The political system includes recognized opposition parties, which expressed their views freely within parliament and won a near majority of the parliamentary seats.
THE ROLE OF POLITICAL PARTIES IN GHANA'S DEMOCRACY
Political parties have made invaluable contributions to Ghana's struggle for independence and the promotion of democracy and good governance. However, military interventions in party politics in the country have occasionally delayed the activities of Parliament, the Executive and Judiciary as well as political parties.
But any time there is a programme to return the country to civilian rule; political parties are always the first to resurrect to give the process a moving spirit as was witnessed by activities leading to the establishment of the Fourth Republic.
Currently, the country is blessed with political parties of varied ideologies whose leaders have acquired political experiences for several decades.
Some of these political parties have drawn their inspiration and philosophies from tested political traditions, some of which have existed since pre-independence era.
For example, the Progress Party (PP) that ruled Ghana from 1969 to 1972 and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) both trace their roots to the United Gold Coast Convention (UGCC), which was formed in 1946. The National Democratic Congress (NDC) is considered as a hybrid party. The Convention People's Party (CPP) and the People's National Convention (PNC) trace their roots to the Convention People's Party (Nkrumaism), which was formed in 1949 and governed the country since its independence in 1957 to 1966.
This rich background of political parties probably explains why Ghana, unlike some other African countries, is finding it easy in coping with the wave of democracy blowing across the continent.
Essentially, political parties are providing fertile grounds for the advancement of the new political experiment and giving impetus to the promotion of rule of law, good governance and national development.
Undeniably, the political parties are serving as an umbilical cord between society and the state, ordinary citizens and social groups on one hand and organs of government on the other hand. The political parties provide psychological anchorage to some Ghanaians as political rallies that are often characterized by music and carnival throw supporters into state of ecstasy and give them a sense of belonging.
So crucial is the contribution of political parties to the country's multiparty democracy that it would not be out of place to describe them as the heart beat of the political system. Even though the main function of Parliament is law making, political parties operating inside and outside the House are effectively serving as a check on the Executive, thereby providing the political balance needed in a multi-party democracy.
Ghanaians rely very much on political parties for shaping public opinion and gauging information and education on government policies and programmes. But despite the contributions of political parties to national development, there is the need for them to intensify efforts to improve the political system towards accelerated development.
The parties would be required to collaborate in their efforts to sustain peace; unity and stability through diversity of opinions to enable them fulfill their objectives.
Political parties must always have recourse to the 1992 Constitution Article 55 (4), which enjoins them to foster unity from diversity. Thus, they must ensure that they have a national character and membership devoid of ethnic, religious, regional or other sectional considerations.
Both the ruling political party and the minority parties are obliged to collectively push the national development agenda forward.
Managing the affairs of a country is not a technical issue that can be handled by the wisest and best qualified people in society alone. No political party can claim to have an exclusive antidote to the country's socio-economic and political problems. The ruling party must, therefore, accept suggestions from the minority parties to promote good governance and national development.
On the other hand, minority parties are obliged to constructively keep the ruling party on its toes, scrutinize and criticize its policies and programme to help solve the many socio-economic and political problems facing the country.
Political parties are expected to support vital state institutions such as the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), Electoral Commission (EC), National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), the Police, Government departments and agencies to carry out their functions effectively.
The role of political parties in ensuring probity, accountability, transparency and preventing corruption, especially among government officials, is a regular feature of every democracy. The fight against corruption, in particular, is difficult and complex and would require the collective efforts of all political parties.
Political parties would be expected to demonstrate their commitment to such a crusade by abiding by all laws regarding their financial operations. Political parties are reminded that they are required by the 1992 Constitution article 55 (14) (a) to declare to the public their revenues and assets and the sources of those revenues and assets.
Parties are also, according to article 55 (14) (b), "to declare to the public annually their audited accounts and only a citizen of Ghana may make a contribution or donation to a political party registered in Ghana".
Political parties should complement the efforts of the National Commission for Civic Education in educating the public on the rights and responsibilities of the citizenry and the provisions of the 1992 Constitution.
This would help guide the people in all their activities to ensure law and order and stability for a law-abiding and hard-working population is a vital resource for peace and nation building. It behoves on political parties to ensure that their members are disciplined, accountable and transparent in all their activities since the parties are avenues for the training of political leaders.
This is very essential because, in a democracy, political parties have been a major vehicle for the recruitment of political leadership, providing electoral choice and peaceful political competition and framing of alternative policies.
Despite the differences in ideology, policies and programmes, political parties have the common goal of winning power to govern the country.
As the campaign leading to polls intensifies, leaders, members and supporters of political parties must demonstrate to the whole world that multi-party system has come to stay. They should avoid character assassination, insults, inflammatory statements and violence that could undermine the country's democracy.
No single party has a magic baton to the country's problems and all parties would be expected to work as a team to sustain and consolidate the country's fledgling democracy towards national development.
THE CHILDRENS’ ACT IN GHANA
IN 1998, Ghana’s Children's Act was passed into law. This legislation was imitative of Britain's 1989 Children Act. However, due to the very different socio -economic and cultural context of Ghana, implementation of the 1998 Children's Act was problematic.
Finally, alternative courses of action to protect children and maintain their welfare are considered with the specific socio-economic and cultural setting of Ghana.
However, under Section 91 of the Children’s Act, 1998, it stated that, the minimum age for a child to work in hazardous places is 18 years. Children are claimed to be the bedrock and the lifeblood of the nation’s future but have become more than slaves in their own country.
Children under five years of age, regardless of gender, have access to free health care at public hospitals and clinics.
These days, children are seen loitering about in every corner of the city and major streets causing vehicular and human traffic just to make earns meet. Where are the parents of these young ones? Children of school going age are used as beggars on highways in the mercy of the sun; most of whom are seen escorting the physically disabled while their colleagues are enrolled in schools. Most children as young as six to ten years are forced into hard labour by carrying heavy loads as porters in markets and lorry parks through no fault of theirs.
Under the Children’s Act of 1998, labour is exploitative of a child if it deprives him / her of education, development or health. The Act further states that, no person should engage a child in night services.
Most house helps are physically molested and are not given the required treatments as they do for their biological children. House helps have some potentials in them that needed to be established so that they can rub shoulders with the fortunate ones in the society. They shouldn’t be treated as outcasts in the society. Even Jesus welcomes outcasts and feeds them.
Child labour is a bad practice because; every child has the same right under the Act and must therefore be given all the rights that accord him or her.
Within the limits of its resources, the government is committed to protecting the rights and welfare of children, although its efforts were constrained by its limited financial and logistical resources.
The government continues to implement the Education Sector Plan (ESP) which provides for free universal primary school education until 2015.
Education is compulsory through Primary and Junior High School. Despite the constitutional provision for "free compulsory and universal basic education," Government also provides free uniforms and books.
Help to work towards a day when the rights of every child will be respected; for these are the holders of this nation. Children who are victims of this illicit practice must report to nearest authorities in their communities.
Finally, alternative courses of action to protect children and maintain their welfare are considered with the specific socio-economic and cultural setting of Ghana.
However, under Section 91 of the Children’s Act, 1998, it stated that, the minimum age for a child to work in hazardous places is 18 years. Children are claimed to be the bedrock and the lifeblood of the nation’s future but have become more than slaves in their own country.
Children under five years of age, regardless of gender, have access to free health care at public hospitals and clinics.
These days, children are seen loitering about in every corner of the city and major streets causing vehicular and human traffic just to make earns meet. Where are the parents of these young ones? Children of school going age are used as beggars on highways in the mercy of the sun; most of whom are seen escorting the physically disabled while their colleagues are enrolled in schools. Most children as young as six to ten years are forced into hard labour by carrying heavy loads as porters in markets and lorry parks through no fault of theirs.
Under the Children’s Act of 1998, labour is exploitative of a child if it deprives him / her of education, development or health. The Act further states that, no person should engage a child in night services.
Most house helps are physically molested and are not given the required treatments as they do for their biological children. House helps have some potentials in them that needed to be established so that they can rub shoulders with the fortunate ones in the society. They shouldn’t be treated as outcasts in the society. Even Jesus welcomes outcasts and feeds them.
Child labour is a bad practice because; every child has the same right under the Act and must therefore be given all the rights that accord him or her.
Within the limits of its resources, the government is committed to protecting the rights and welfare of children, although its efforts were constrained by its limited financial and logistical resources.
The government continues to implement the Education Sector Plan (ESP) which provides for free universal primary school education until 2015.
Education is compulsory through Primary and Junior High School. Despite the constitutional provision for "free compulsory and universal basic education," Government also provides free uniforms and books.
Help to work towards a day when the rights of every child will be respected; for these are the holders of this nation. Children who are victims of this illicit practice must report to nearest authorities in their communities.
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