Editorial
Inter-hall clashes: Hooliganism, mindless youthful exuberance
Dear Editor,
About two weeks ago, I expressed concern over the conduct of some final year senior high school students and how they tended to misbehave when they were about departing the school after writing their papers.
Just when I concluded my thoughts and submissions on the matter and insisted that the wayward students be tamed, I heard of the clashes at the University of Ghana, Legon between students of Commonwealth and Mensah Sarbah halls.
The cause was not immediately known but we were told a number of students were injured as police personnel moved in swiftly to calm the tension. Before the dust settled on the Legon episode, some students of Katanga and Continental halls at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) also decided to attack one another during their Hall Week celebrations.
The disturbance at KNUST on Thursday, August 18, 2022, reportedly left three vehicles damaged and about 12 people injured. Authorities at Legon and KNUST have since condemned and resolved to investigate and bring the masterminds of the disturbances to book.
While we wait patiently for the outcome of the investigations, I cannot agree more with the leadership of the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) when it issued a statement saying such “needless clashes” were getting out of control and would “undermine academic peace and freedom.”
I am at a loss as to how some students in tertiary institutions choose to show their ‘might’ by engaging in acts of violence when their compatriots elsewhere are using the same time and energy productively.
I believe clashes of this nature are archaic and retrogressive and it is time student leadership and university management found permanent solutions and upgraded punitive measures for these condemnable and recurring clashes. The hooliganism and ‘mindless’ youthful exuberance must end!
Prince Kwateng Amanfo,
Prampram, Greater Accra.
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
