Editorial
‘Ayekoo’ to Ghana for hosting inaugural African Games
Dear Editor,
I am writing to express my profound delight as a Ghanaian over our country’s unprecedented opportunity to host the African Games for the first time.
This momentous occasion fills my heart with joy and pride, and I am compelled to commend the government for its foresight and initiative in bringing such a prestigious event to our nation.
For years, Ghana has longed for an opportunity to showcase its capabilities on the continental stage, and hosting the African Games signifies a significant milestone in our nation’s history.
The prospect of welcoming athletes from across Africa to compete on our soil is a testament to Ghana’s growing stature and influence in the region.
Moreover, the overwhelming support and enthusiasm shown by Ghanaians towards this event are truly commendable. From the grassroots to the highest echelons of society, there has been a groundswell of excitement and anticipation, underscoring the unity and collective spirit of our nation.
I extend my heartfelt appreciation to all Ghanaians who have contributed to the success of this endeavour, whether through their active participation, volunteerism, or unwavering support.
Together, we have demonstrated our capacity to host world-class events and showcase the rich cultural heritage and hospitality for which Ghana is renowned.
As the games unfold, I am confident that they will serve as a platform for fostering unity, friendship, and sportsmanship among nations.
May this historic occasion pave the way for future opportunities to elevate Ghana’s profile on the global stage and inspire future generations to pursue excellence in sports and beyond.
James Essah Baah,
Koforidua.
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
