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 use this esteemed platform to urge the traditional councils of Osu and La to call for independent investigation into the recent demolition exercise at Kaajaano.
The exercise rendered hundreds homeless.
Information about the reason for the demolition has been scanty with those desiring to know feeding heavily on social media posts.
One particular name –Jato, has been associated with it but under whose instruction the exercise was carried is also not known.
Sadly, instead of getting to know who ordered the demolition and for what reasons, traditional authorities of Osu and La have been embroiled in a tug-of-war over ownership of the said land.
This is premature. At this moment, they should call for investigation into the exercise to know the people behind it.
When that is done, then discussions about the owners of the site can begin. That would end the posture of the two neighbouring town which has the potential to turn into something else.
Ataa Osa Mensah,
Osu
Dear Editor,
I wish to use your respected platform to draw the attention of the Bank of Ghana (BoG) to the behaviour of traders and some drivers about the use of lower denomination coins, specifically the 20 and 10 pesewas.
About two weeks ago, I read in your sister newspaper, The Ghanaian Times about this problem and the caution that followed from the BoG and some economic analysts.
The warning they gave was that the continuous rejection of the notes could create pricing problems which can eventually affect inflation.
I thought that would put to bed that practice or refusal to accept the coins when given out as change or use to pay for particular service.
Unfortunately, the problem still persist among traders, drivers, customers and passengers alike. Only last week, there was as altercation in the Accra Central area where a woman refused to accept five 20 pesewas note totaling one cedi.
As the argument continued, the trader decided not to sell to the customer again after by-standers explained to her that it was still a legal tender and those that refused it could become offenders.
This is an issue the BoG and other regulatory agencies must go and explain to the people and let them know that it is unlawful not to accept a currency that is still in use.
It nothing was done, it could create a much more serious problems.
Mary Osei Badu,
Swedru
