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
Dear Editor,
It is often said that a healthy nation is a wealthy nation. However, this saying becomes worrying when the health of citizens is threatened by the conditions under which the food they consume daily is sold.
In Ghana, the conditions under which food is sold is quite disturbing. Over the years, I have observed that the environments where food is prepared and sold are often unhygienic.
In many cases, containers holding food such as rice and waakye are left uncovered or not properly covered, exposing them to contamination.
While many Ghanaians paid little attention in the past to the conditions under which food was sold, the narrative seems to be changing in recent years.
I recall an incident during my days in Senior High School (S.H.S.) when my friends and I went out to buy food. At one location, some of us chose not to buy because we assumed the food would be expensive due to how neat the place looked.
Unfortunately, we ended up purchasing food from a different place that was somewhat unhygienic. We overlooked the poor conditions because we believed the quantity offered was better than at the cleaner location.
However, I am certain that my friends and I would not repeat such a mistake today, as we now understand the health implications of that decision.
While public education is important in addressing this issue, I believe it is time for regulatory and law enforcement agencies, such as the Food and Drug Authority (FDA), to crack the whip on food sellers and vendors who operate in unhygienic environments and conditions.
As citizens, we must also be mindful of where we buy our food to protect ourselves and our families from diseases and illnesses. We should choose ‘quality’ over ‘quantity’ and prioritize our health.
From Syram
Oyarifa
Dear Editor,
I write to express concern and call for improved security measures before and after every football match.
The recent robbery attack that led to the tragic death of a player, on their return from a Match day 29 game against Samartex, is both shocking and heartbreaking.
The incident, which reportedly occurred around 10:30 p.m., highlights the growing risks faced by players and team officials while traveling.
Football is meant to unite and entertain, not to expose lives to danger. It is therefore imperative that authorities, the Ghana Football Association, and security agencies put in place adequate protection for teams, especially during late-night travels.
I strongly urge all stakeholders to treat this matter with urgency to prevent such unfortunate incidents from recurring.
From Eugene Ampiaw
Accra
