Editorial (5-11-22): Let your children choose careers that reflect their natural abilities

Humans are not the same in this world because each person has different talent from the other.

For this reason, we cannot all be made to study the same things, as some people are good at using their hands for different kinds of work.

This shows that no child should be made or forced to go into a particular trade or area of study. This will not help children to maximise their performance in their jobs.

As a result of this, they will be square pegs in round holes.

What parents can do is to guide their children or wards make choices that best suit their abilities and talents.

Therefore, parents should encourage their children to pursue their interests and ambitions.

The more children are allowed to make good decisions on their own, the better it will be for them when they become adults. Parents can guide them in the right direction.

Parents can do this by closely watching and monitoring what their children like to play with. For example, if a child likes drawing, then the child concerned may have talents in painting or artwork.

Close monitoring of children is, therefore, very important. This should be carried out by parents at all times.

The Spectator is of the view that instead of forcing children into particular areas of study, they should rather be encouraged to go into professions where they can easily exhibit their talents.

Career interests are important because they reflect one’s preferences in a work environment. When you align your career with your interests, you essentially increase your job satisfaction.

When you are enthusiastic and productive at work, you would be more likely to help others and complement their work ethic. This is the benefit of a positive work environment.

So, the more decisions children are allowed to make on their own, the better they will become as adults.

Employ pros at local government level to address sanitation issues

Dear Editor,

In a car on my way to work on Tuesday, I listened to an interview on sanitation on a radio station which a local government expert said that most of the people that handled waste management issues at the Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies, were not waste management professionals but health professionals.

According to the speaker, this has contributed to the failure to address the sanitation problems, especially at the local level.

These health professionals who have been tasked to oversee waste management are only occupied with the health related dangers but have no clue on the issues at hand.

I felt very sad and found it disturbing as to why people without professional training in waste management is given responsibilities in a field alien to him.

Waste management involves a lot of processes, including segmentation of waste products as well as recycling.

Employers must know that waste management professionals at the local level was important as it helps making decisions ton how to combat it.

This is not a problem at the local government level alone. It is something across the various sectors.

Maybe this is the time for us as a country to start recruiting qualified professionals to occupy their respective fields to bring their competence to the table to solve whatever problem persist.

It is clearly a case of putting ‘square pegs in round holes.’ I believe it is about time we change that narrative and employ professionals who are qualified to find solutions to our waste management conundrum.

Baba Hafiz, Kasoa

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