Editorial
Stay away from hard drugs
Ghana, like many other countries, is faced with a number of social problems including drug addiction among segments of its people.
Even though drug addiction is often identified with the youth, it is a social problem that can be traced to both the young and the old. It is a social problem that needs to be tackled and eliminated from our society.
People normally keep to the use of drugs when they face certain problems in their lives. Some of the problems are breakages in marriage, leaving the children uncared for, lack of parental control, peer pressure and so on.
When young people are faced with problems in society, they tend to make use of drugs as a way of making them forget about such problems. Unfortunately, the drugs are not able to eliminate the problems and in the process, they tend to go for more of the drugs when they feel that they are now disillusioned.
Some of the hard drugs used are cannabis (wee), cocaine, heroine and many others. In the process, they become used to the drugs in such a way that they now find it difficult to keep away from them.
When this happens, we say that they have reached addiction level.
The effects of these drugs are that they distort the lifestyles of those who use them, making them become violent even in situations where they could have remained calm. This is a dangerous effect that must be eliminated from society.
Among the youth who are addicted to hard drugs, the future is bleak because whatever they do is based on fantasy and excitement but not on their real selves. As a result, many of them keep to social vices such as stealing or armed robbery, rape and general misbehaviour in society.
To solve this problem, parents will have to be more responsible and start the training of these children right from infancy until they reach adulthood. It is also important for parents to keep away from drugs, so as not to tempt their children to go into that negative practice.
We must do our best as a nation to guide the youth to become responsible in behaviour, so that negative peer pressure from any quarters cannot emerge to influence the young ones.
In all, society as a whole must be very vigilant so that we can put an end to this canker in the country. Our youth should not allow drug addiction to sap their energy and ruin their future.
Editorial
Concern over mentally ill persons roaming Kwame Nkrumah Circle Interchange
Dear Sir
I write to express my concern over the growing number of mentally ill individuals roaming the Kwame Nkrumah Circle Interchange in Accra.
This area, a vital transportation hub and commercial centre, has increasingly become home to several persons visibly suffering from mental health issues, often without adequate care or supervision.
This situation poses risks both to the affected individuals and the general public. Some of these individuals are exposed to traffic hazards, unsanitary conditions, and in some cases, hostile treatment from passersby.
There have also been reports of occasional erratic behaviour, which causes fear and discomfort among commuters and vendors.
Mental health is a public health issue, and these individuals deserve compassion, medical attention, and a safe environment.
I urge the Ministry of Health, the Accra Metropolitan Assembly, and relevant NGOs to collaborate on a sustainable solution including mental health outreach programmes, rehabilitation, and safe housing.
Kwame Nkrumah Circle should be a symbol of progress, not a place where the vulnerable are left to struggle. Let us act with urgency and humanity.
From John Boateng
Kwame Nkrumah Circle
Editorial
Parents should encourage their wards writing BECE
Dear Editor,
AS the 2025 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) takes off across the country starting Wednesday, I write to encourage all candidates taking part in this important step in their academic journey.
Out of a total of 603,328 candidates taking the examination this year, 306,078 are females, whiles the rest 297,250 are males.
Over the years, the examination begins on Monday and ended on Friday but per the timetable, this year’s candidates started on Wednesday and will end next week.
The BECE is not just an exam, it is a milestone from one stage to another. It represents years of hardwork, dedication and the dreams of countless students who hope to continue their education and build a brighter future.
This is where the role of parents, teachers and society become beneficial. Let us offer not only academic support but emotional encouragement to them.
I also appeal to educational authorities to ensure fairness, proper supervision and transparency throughout the examination period.
The journey may be challenging, but with time, focus and discipline they can make it.
I wish to use this platform to wish all of them well.
Naa Koshie, Teshie
