In this publication, I write as an outsider observing the policy initiatives and direction of the nation’s government. Like many others in my position, I question a recurring tendency among our leaders, regardless of their political party, to pursue national development through external loans. The terms of these loans are often kept secret, leaving the public to trust that everything will be fine. This habit of borrowing for development to appease voters during election seasons is not a sound policy; it is an impulsive decision. It gives the illusion that our leaders are actively addressing the nation’s challenges, while in reality, they are amassing debt that exceeds sustainable levels when compared to our gross domestic product (GDP).
In the early months of his presidency, the Mahama administration imported large quantities of menstrual pads to distribute to female students across the nation. This initiative was not inexpensive; it involved securing funds or loans from an undisclosed source to purchase these items. I would like to raise the following questions for discussion:
- When, in the 21st century, did governments take on the responsibility of importing menstrual pads for the female population?
- Does a one-time importation of pads adequately address the ongoing needs of girls who will require these products for many years?
- Who was responsible for importing these pads?
- How much money was allocated for this importation, and was this policy a wise decision given the pressing needs of the nation?
In a neoliberal era, governments are not meant to be caretakers. The importation of menstrual pads, which should be the responsibility of parents or users depending on their age, fosters a sense of dependency – one of the many factors contributing to the nation’s regression. By intervening in areas where it should not, the government aims to portray the president as a paternal figure with a special concern for the poor, suggesting that it was elected to solve every issue, no matter how minor or trivial. This mentality explains why citizens frequently demand solutions to their problems and threaten to vote the government out of office if their needs are not met. The current and past governments create their own challenges; they foster a mentality that becomes frustrated when problems are not promptly addressed. Ultimately, this results in a population that behaves like toddlers, resorting to tantrums to ensure their needs are met.
There are serious implications associated with these types of policy initiatives. They foster a complacent population with an insatiable sense of entitlement – an army of opportunists who would do anything to earn free money, even if it means betraying their nation, state, and collective cause. In today’s Ghana, it is common to see young people who rely on promises from political parties, ignoring legitimate employment because it seems unappealing. These youths often resort to violence to ensure that a particular political party or politician wins an election. Consequently, the nation’s politicians and political parties contribute to a climate of violence and vigilantism, creating a harmful cycle that is slowly and painfully stifling youth innovation.
The government’s decision to import and distribute menstrual pads has inadvertently reduced the agency and autonomy of young women in Ghana. As a result, many women still rely on men to purchase sanitary pads for them. This reliance occurs without embarrassment or awareness that it undermines the value of womanhood. Such dependence on men for basic necessities leaves some young women vulnerable, leading them to engage in sexual services for financial gain. Unfortunately, they often pay little attention to the health risks involved, such as sexually transmitted diseases and unplanned pregnancies, which further exacerbate poverty among women in the nation.
On a more serious note, the government’s importation of menstrual pads, supervised by the president, his wife, and other officials, seems like a publicity stunt and raises questions about how the president prioritizes his time. This situation highlights a lack of focus on crucial issues, as significant resources are being spent on menstrual pads while many children in rural areas attend school under trees, lack access to books, and do not have trained teachers to provide them with a quality education. Unfortunately, many of these children may grow up uneducated through no fault of their own and could eventually join the ranks of criminals, posing a threat to the nation.
Contrary to what government supporters may interpret from this publication, my intention is not to criticize the president or his appointees personally. Instead, I aim to encourage them to reconsider their policies. I want to warn them against adopting populist measures that could lead to negative outcomes, such as creating a dependency that the government cannot sustain. It is essential to provide people with skills that enable them to thrive, rather than simply providing short-term solutions. The culture of begging, which has become prevalent in Ghana – especially among young girls – is concerning and represents a troubling moral decline that threatens to erode the nation’s moral foundation.
To steer the nation back onto a stable path, it is essential to address the persistent issues of begging and dependency that currently divert resources from vital projects and programs. The government needs to communicate honestly with the people, emphasizing that those who rely on begging for political support must understand that aiding a party in winning elections is a service, not a career. It should be made clear that while the government is willing to assist its supporters, this support cannot come at the expense of the nation as a whole. The reset agenda requires a thorough re-evaluation and adjustment of policies to promote sustainable development, cognitive reorientation, and effective outcomes. Until the nation embraces a comprehensive reassessment of its behaviours – with leaders demonstrating genuine leadership – the country will remain stuck in a cycle of blame against external factors for its misfortunes. The root of our ongoing troubles lies within us; we are a people who often seek to reap rewards without investing the necessary effort. I wish the nation all the best in this journey.
