WE ARE THE GOVERNMENT

From time immemorial, it has always been the nature of man to shed blame for a problem as was done by Eve in the book of Genesis. This trend can be realized in the ease with which the general public/citizens, subordinates etc. point accusing fingers at leaders or heads for the various problems that confront us in our day to day activities.

Talk about increases in fuel prices, goods and services, bad nature of the environment and roads, poor infrastructure, and the ordinary Ghanaian is quick to mention the name of the President. Talk about low wages arising from low productivity and the average worker/employee is quick to blame the employer or in most cases, government.

Most often than not, such accusations are true. The question most people fail to ask or even think about is: What have I done or failed to do that has contributed to this? One way or the other, we are all responsible. The basic law of nature or the butterfly effect states: whatever we do affects the environment (man, surroundings) in one way or the other.

Talk about increment in prices of utilities and all over, people are complaining. Yes, we must but what about the one who refuses to pay and the one who uses illegal connections. Someone has to take this cost. Have you stopped to think of the fact that someone is illegally connected into one of your utilities network?

Talk about possible increase in fuel prices by government or the responsible agencies and the driver upon hearing this decides to make adjustments to his fares without any consultation. This is often done even before the new rates are applied and in most cases, the percentage increments announced by the government should in actual fact be negligible to the citizens but the adjustments made by transport owners can be felt in everyone’s pocket.

Talk about the increase in food stuffs in our local markets and shops each day. What has triggered these? Is it fuel prices or what? Is it the government who regulates those as well? Excuses for these increments spans from increment of fuel prices with its associated lorry fare increments but the question here is: How realistic or practical is that? Was the government present when the market woman was adjusting the prices of her goods? Was the government present when the driver decided to increase fares?

The driver who decides on his own discretion to increase vehicular fares should also be prepared to buy goods and services at increased rates. The worker who refuses to be productive should be ready for low salaries. The citizen who refuses to pay for utilities and decides on illegal connections should take the blame for the bad state of the economy and so should the person who is aware of these but refuses to report to the right authorities.

All around us, we can see clearly the effects of our actions and inactions. With the rains this year has come several disasters. Floods have rendered people homeless and destitute because building codes, area maps and responsible agencies were not consulted during the construction of several structures. Indiscriminate littering leading to choked gutters were contributing factors all from our actions. Sadly, some of these could be avoided if only we went about things using the right channels. The one who is seen to be doing the right thing in our society is often picked on by those who have disregard for what is right. What has our world come to? This is not what the Osagyefo fought for, that I am very sure.

This blame game can go on and on. It is when we take responsibilities for our actions that we are able to find remedies. Rather than blaming the government, we should blame ourselves for WE ARE THE GOVERNMENT.

Published: Daily graphic (Jul. 19^th, 2010).