Editorial
Bawku Conflict: Have we not had enough?
Dear Editor,
Every other day, we hear of curfew in Bawku but it appears everything returns to ground zero after these restrictions are imposed as one cannot predict when the next disturbance pop up.
Consistent efforts to bring peace to the area do not seem to yield any lasting results. Recent development in the area remain a cause for worry and I think it is time residents, opinion leaders, security agencies, and stakeholders came together to say ‘enough is enough.’
The recurring conflict has undermined social and economic development in the area. Feuding factions must be reminded of this reality and the need to drop their weapons.
Following the recent disturbance on February 1, 2023, a fact-finding mission had been deployed and were told investigations would be concluded in due time. Security experts admit there are many factors at play in the conflict, and that perhaps explains the unresolved nature of the conflict.
Whatever be the case, I believe we must do all it takes to bring lasting peace to area. We must not entertain individuals or groups who do not want the conflict to end, if there are any.
I am not a security expert but I guess we can resolve the worrying Bawku conflict, once and for all, by adopting the same strategy applied in ending and uniting the people Dagbon in the Northern Region subsequent to their protracted chieftaincy disputes.
Stakeholders can come up with a clear roadmap and timeline to ending the conflict if for for instance, we give ourselves up to the year 2025 to re-identify and tackle the entire root causes of the conflict so as to ensure lasting peace and sustainable development in Bawku.
The year is still young and residents within the enclave cannot continue to live in fear. Whatever needs to be done, should be done as quickly as possible.
Alice Konadu,Tafo-Kukurantumi
Editorial
Indiscipline in schools worrying, need to address it
In recent years there has been growing concern over the behaviour of Senior High School (SHS) students in Ghana.
Notable among them is indiscipline, disrespect for authority, sexual immorality, substance abuse, betting, cheating during examination among others.
Recently, parents were stunned when the headmistress of Aggrey Memorial Senior High School, Mrs. Dorothy Adentwi-Hayford, displayed seized condoms, pills, and unauthorised items from students at the school’s Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) meeting in Cape Coast.
Reports say that in a firm stance against growing indiscipline in the school, she placed the confiscated items on the high table as a visual illustration of the moral and disciplinary challenges some students posed.
Although the Headmistress declined to name the culprits, she assured parents that appropriate disciplinary actions, alongside counselling would be taken.
According to the Headmistress while the majority of students were disciplined a persistent few students continued to exhibit deviant behaviours that undermined the school’s standards.
Citing examples she noted that sneaking out without exeat, bullying, stealing, truancy, and general apathy towards academic work, was the order of the day.
What is so disturbing is that some parents attack the school verbally and place curses on school authorities for disciplining their wards without verifying the facts.
Such behaviour is uncalled for and the Spectator wants such parents to desist from that, instead they should collaborate with school authorities to find the best way to deal with indiscipline among students.
Parents must also take an active interest in their children’s welfare beyond just providing for their material needs and investigate issues when their children return home with complaints before jumping into conclusion.
These days the school’s structure has changed and with the increasing numbers without any corporal punishment school authorities find it difficult to discipline the children.
The behaviour of majority of students in schools is very disheartening. While some students take their studies seriously, others have taken to the use of drugs, sex, occultism, betting and all kinds of bad behaviours.
Corporal punishment has its own advantages and disadvantages and if the Ghana Education Service (GES) is not ready to reintroduce corporal punishment, then school authorities must be extra vigilant and put in stricter disciplinary measures to restore order in schools.
Most SHS students are in their teenage stages, a stage characterised by all kinds of behaviours and peer pressure activities so they must not be left alone, rather they must be guided as they explore the world.
The Spectator urges all stakeholders to make concerted efforts to check indiscipline and moral decadence in schools.
Editorial
Bring back Osu Street Carnival
Dear Editor,
I write to passionately appeal to the authorities bring back one of Accra’s beautiful events, the Osu ‘Oxford’ Street Carnival.
It produced a dazzling celebration of music, dance, food, and business. The Osu Street Carnival was more than a festive street event.
It was a unifying force that brought together people from all walks of life-Ghanaians and tourists alike to celebrate the beauty of our culture.
The festival had costumed dancers to vibrant street performances and delicious local cuisine while local manufacturers display their wares.
Sadly, in recent years, the carnival has faded into memory.
The absence has left a void for fun lovers who trouped the event in their numbers.
This appeal goes to the authorities in charge to reintroduce it as a way of boosting our tourism and the local economy.
Esinam, South La Estates
