Let’s get our priorities right
Prior to the commencement of the FIFA World Cup in Brazil, the government raised money to sponsor some so-called supporters of the national team to cheer the players up.
It also released millions of dollars to be paid as appearance fees and winning bonuses to the team and its numerous technical handlers.
But while that happened, the Public Utilities and Regulatory Commission (PURC) issued a statement to confirm that the government is acquiring additional megawatts of power from neighbouring Cote d’Ivoire to augment what is internally generated to minimise the number of power outages experienced by households during the World Cup season.
Under normal circumstances, these gestures should be seen as laudable because soccer is our passion and the players who are supposed to hold high the flag of Ghana deserve some motivation in terms of cash rewards and support from cheer groups.
However, it is equally important to note that the country is in dire need of funds to push through many development projects that are lagging behind for lack of funds.
For instance, industry is crying for stable power supply to enable it to produce without any unforeseen impact on its cost of operation.
Industry continues to lay our brothers and sisters off because it is unable to bear the rising cost of production.
It is unfortunate that instead of the PURC finding ways to help ameliorate the challenges of power supply to industry, it was rather quick to ensure that additional power was acquired to help households to power their television sets to watch the football.
The government has also been able to find money at all cost to pay for the expenses of the Black Stars but it is unable to find money to promptly pay the allowance of medical doctors, nurses, teachers and other institutions whose contribution to the growth of the economy is constant and not one off as in the case of the World Cup.
The GRAPHIC BUSINESS is surprised that as a country, we never get our priorities right and as a result we have become so wasteful.
We also seem to be interested in projects that will create avenues for massive corruption to the neglect of areas where we can create value for the economy and ensure growth.
If a country that is constantly going round begging for funds can dole out huge sums of money to a hand full of people in the name of football, then there is obviously something wrong with the way we set our priorities.
The GRAPHIC BUSINESS is equally appalled by the fact the same players Ghanaians sacrificed to create a platform to reach the heights and fame they enjoy today could make unrealistic demands at this crucial times.
We believe that the challenges confronting the economy are too enormous for us to be spending a fortune on a month’s tournament.
Let’s have our priorities right to be able to solve our problems today and enjoy our toil in the future. For that to happen, we must all genuinely sacrifice. GB
