Editorial
Address concerns of youth to stay in Ghana
Ghanaian youth at Kotoka International Airport
Dear Editor,
The increasing exodus of the youth has become a matter of concern, prompting me to reflect on the reasons behind this trend.
It is disconcerting to witness the departure of our young talents in pursuit of better opportunities, be it for education or greener pastures.
The fundamental question arises: Why are our youth opting to leave the country in such large numbers?
Through conversations with numerous individuals who have embarked on this journey, a recurrent theme emerges – the quest for greener pastures and the desire to pursue higher education.
However, one cannot overlook the consistent response that points towards a lack of hope for the youth within our national borders.
This raises the pressing need to address the root causes propelling our youth to seek opportunities elsewhere.
The prevailing situation underscores the urgency for our government to implement strategic measures, fostering a robust system that not only encourages the youth to remain in their homeland but also enables them to thrive professionally.
The plea is not merely a call for individuals to stay, but an invitation for them to find fulfillment and joy in contributing to the development of our nation.
In urging the government to take proactive steps, it is paramount to emphasise the importance of creating a conducive environment for the youth. This involves the establishment of job opportunities across different regions, thereby distributing economic activities evenly.
By adopting a regional approach to job creation, we not only address unemployment concerns but also contribute to the overall economic growth of our nation.
Creating jobs at the regional level has multifaceted benefits. It does not only provide employment opportunities for the youth but also acts as a catalyst for economic development in diverse geographical areas.
Moreover, regional job creation could be instrumental in alleviating the strain on urban centres, distributing economic activities and promoting balanced growth.
The ripple effect of region-specific employment opportunities extends beyond reducing unemployment rates. It has the potential to bolster our national revenue, thereby mitigating the need for excessive borrowing.
A financially stable nation is better equipped to address pressing issues, invest in infrastructure, and provide essential services to its citizens.
As a concerned citizen, I earnestly hope that these suggestions are considered seriously by the government for the betterment of our beloved country.
It is my fervent wish that the leadership recognises the urgency of creating an environment where the youth feel not only secured but also inspired to contribute their skills and talents towards nation-building.
Let our collective efforts be directed towards fostering a Ghana where the youth see opportunities on their doorstep, where hope is rekindled, and where the pursuit of a better future aligns with the commitment to the prosperity of our nation.
Samuel Opare Sawovi
Koforidua
Editorial
Promote welfare of African children
The African Union hosts the annual International Day of the African Child on June 16 to increase awareness of the rights and ongoing struggles of African children.
Additionally, the day offers a forum for talking about and addressing topics including healthcare, education, and safety from exploitation and abuse.
It began in 1976 when students in Soweto, South Africa, were killed for demonstrating against inequality and injustice in education.
Since children have rights that must be upheld, the African Day celebration is appropriate because it serves as a poignant reminder to our communities to put children’s needs first, ensuring that they develop and realise their full potential.
Most importantly, it pushes people, governments, and communities to address pressing issues like child labour, inadequate education, and to ensure safe, healthy environments.
This year’s theme, “Planning and budgeting for children’s rights: progress since 2010,” is no exception to the efforts done thus far by governments, individuals, parents, and others to advance the welfare of children.
In addition to their rights to nutritious food, medical care, secure housing, and high-quality education, children also require emotional support, safety, and protection from danger in order to flourish.
Children’s physical, mental, and social development depends on these necessities, yet far too many continue to be denied their rights and go without food, housing, water, or health care.
While eating, sleeping, playing, and learning are all important aspects of a child’s growth, some children do not find these activities enjoyable. Such children work independently to make ends meet although their parents are responsible for that role,
Many people and organisations have put a lot of effort into making sure that children’s rights are outlined, upheld, and safeguarded; thus, everyone must keep fighting for children’s rights.
The Convention on the Rights of a Child (CRC) was created in 1989 as a result of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which served as the foundation for all legal norms pertaining to children’s rights. This is the first international agreement with legal force that covers all human rights.
Therefore, a multifaceted strategy encompassing legal frameworks, education, community involvement, and tackling systemic challenges is needed to assure the preservation of children’s rights.
Laws that safeguard children from abuse must be put into place and upheld, public awareness of children’s rights and protection must be increased, and safe spaces must be established in institutions and communities.
Let us all work together to defend the rights of African children.
Editorial
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
