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
I wish to draw attention to the increasing number of children begging for alms on the streets of the capital.
This has become a common sight at traffic lights, markets and busy intersections.
Many of these children should be in school, but instead they spend long hours under the hot sun and in dangerous traffic.
Sadly, they are sometimes found in the company of their parents, the same people expected to ensure that these minors spend those hours in school.
These children are usually exposed to accidents, exploitation and abuse. The situation does not only affects their future but also reflects poorly on our society.
I appeal to parents and guardians to take greater responsibility for their children.
I also urge the government, the Department of Social Welfare and other relevant agencies to intensify efforts to rescue these children, provide them with education and support their families where necessary.
I also wish to employ the ‘Samaritans’ who gives money to these children to also spend a few seconds to ask these children why they beg for alms on the street and not going to school.
Getting these children off the street must now be seen as a shared responsibility.
Every child deserves a safe home, quality education and the opportunity to achieve their full potential. By working together, we can reduce street begging and give these children a brighter future.
From Eugene Ampiaw,
Dansoman
In addition to the severe flooding that Accra is already experiencing a major sanitation crisis is imminent as the Kpone dump approaches closure.
Currently, there are now just two significant disposal sites in the area: the Adepa dumpsite in the Ga West Municipal Assembly, which is close to Amasaman, and the Kpone Waste Landfill.
Inquiries so far, revealed that the Kpone site is almost at capacity and will likely close in the next six months. As a result, waste is accumulating at local markets and municipal collection points throughout the capital.
The situation has been made worse by the recent terrible floods, and immediate action is required to prevent the impending crisis.
The fundamental issue is that accumulating uncollected waste during rainy seasons poses significant threats to public health, including the possibility of cholera, typhoid, and malaria outbreaks.
Subsequent investigations showed that the Kpone plant, which was initially built to manage 500 tonnes of waste per day, has been handling almost twice that much, shortening its lifespan.
Many towns’ waste collection operations have been badly impacted by this looming shutdown, and the fact that Accra has few disposal choices is even more disturbing.
Now, waste collection vehicles face abnormally long queues at the Kpone site, and residents complain that most of the tricycles, referred to as “Aboboyaa,” leave rubbish uncollected in residential and commercial areas.
Although the Zoompak waste transfer station was authorised by the government to reopen in order to help manage daily waste volumes, it is still unable to handle the enormous volumes of waste generated every day.
According to Dr. Peter Kwesi Dagadu, Managing Director of the Landfills Company Limited, managing the capital’s expanding waste burden has become extremely difficult due to the scarcity of disposal facilities, especially in light of the city’s fast population increase and rising waste production.
As a result, the situation has put a great deal of strain on the infrastructure already in place and jeopardizes attempts to keep Accra’s waste management system sustainable and effective.
The Spectator agrees with him that new infrastructure for disposing of waste is desperately needed, as a change to a more environmentally friendly waste management techniques.
It is admirable that he suggests Ghana adopt recycling and garbage recovery as a long-term solution to the nation’s sanitation problems.
We therefore, implore the government to support this recycling objective by enacting strict laws, regulations, investments, and enforcement measures to enhance waste management nationwide.
In order to address the waste problem as quickly as possible, everyone must be involved, including private waste management companies, individuals, and households.
