Editorial: Do You �Smell� The Yuletide?

Christmas� has come and gone year in and out amidst wild celebrations of splendor. Last year�s was no exception, except for the fact that it was an election year, and Ghana was on the brink of collapse, if not for the understanding of Ghanaians. In fact, virtually every concerned Ghanaian, as far as the election was concerned, held the celebration to themselves, since the election was in something of a stalemate, with no clear winner. After all was said and done, everything returned to normal, and those who wanted to celebrate, did it in modesty and not-too grand a style, as has usually characterized the celebration. However, this year, there is not the slightest sign of a Christmas celebration in the air. With just a couple of days to Christmas, one cannot see or smell the real and usual feeling of Christmas in the air, as if Ghanaians, and for that matter Christians, have stopped celebrating the birth of Christ. Though the police have issued a directive, barring people from selling and buying fireworks (knockouts and bangers) that has often characterized the celebration, the entire country also seems to be a very dull mood. Only a few radio stations could be heard playing Christmas carols, with Christmas decorations spotted in a few stores and offices. The numerous hampers that people and institutions used to send each other in exchange of pleasantries and heartfelt greetings, have reduced significantly, with the few of them seen around, appearing quite economical. Lately, everybody you come across complains about no cash, and the fact that the country�s economy has become, what they say, �hard�. Now, people have begun questioning how they are going to celebrate the Christmas under such tight circumstances and conditions, since they don�t have money in their pockets. Could this be result of the rippling effect of the much talked-about global economic crunch? We hope not, because Ghanaians don�t, and Christians for that matter, don�t joke with their Christmas at all. The truth about the current and existing situation in Ghana is that the government is keeping to itself, and has adopted a no-spending policy and attitude, whilst contracts are not being awarded for money to be in circulation. No wonder the country�s reserves have increased with time, all because the government is not spending. However prudent this attitude of government may be, we hope and pray that it does not go a long way to have telling effect on the �ordinary Ghanaians,� since the consequences may be dire enough to deprive him of a living, and making ends meet. In that regard, we urge the government to soften things a little, to enable Ghanaians enjoy the Christmas, no matter how small the celebration would be, instead of making the economy too tight.