Editorial
Be steadfast and resolute this year
We have once more ushered in a new year, which is typically marked by a plethora of expectations regarding personal growth.
Every year, individuals establish goals and objectives in the hopes of improving their lives. Now that the year 2024 has arrived, we have a fantastic opportunity, and for that we are grateful to the Almighty God who gave us life.
The New Year is a great opportunity to set new goals, like serving God more, getting better financially or in relationships, exercising frequently, learning new skills for both professional and personal growth, and taking steps to keep one’s emotions stable.
We hope that as the year goes on, 2024 will provide us all we need to succeed in everything we try to do.
People have been setting goals for themselves each year to advance in their many pursuits from time immemorial.
Due to the different obstacles they faced, some people did not make progress, while others just reached halfway. Because of this, some people have made the decision not to set any goals for the New Year because they believe they will be unachievable.
Setting objectives for the New Year, however, is essentially making a commitment to oneself; it is all about accepting responsibility for your actions and being accountable.
Setting attainable objectives helps you build a framework that will drive and keep you focused on the future.
The Spectator hopes that its cherished readers and others will have a year filled with much fulfillment this year. Therefore, we implore everyone to continue being disciplined, resolute, focused, and unwavering in your pursuit of reaching new heights.
Dear Editor,
Walking along roads in some parts of the capital has become increasingly challenging.
While trading on pedestrian walkways remains a concern in certain areas, the parking of vehicles on road shoulders also poses a serious risk to pedestrians.
Often, pedestrians are forced to walk dangerously close to these parked vehicles or even step into the middle of the road to make way for oncoming traffic.
This situation is not only frustrating but also highly unsafe.
I recall an incident when I alighted at a lorry station and was walking home. A Tata bus was approaching, and due to vehicles parked on both sides of the road, I had nowhere to walk safely.
The situation became so dangerous that I had to quickly jump into a nearby shop to avoid being knocked down by the oncoming Tata bus.
That experience was frightening and could have easily resulted in an accident.
In my view, it is time for authorities in the road sector, such as the National Road Safety Authority and the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) of the Ghana Police Service, to take urgent action to address this issue and prevent possible loss of life.
Strict enforcement measures, including towing improperly parked vehicles and imposing substantial fines, would serve as a deterrent to offenders.
From Ray
Adabraka
Dear Editor,
I wish to use this column of your respected newspaper to appeal to the Ministry of Education and the Ghana Education Service to consider bringing back the practice where students stayed home for some months after completing the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE).
Within that period where they stay home for some time and wait for their results, it afforded parents some time to prepare and save towards the next move in the academic life of their children.
In recent times, students are quickly admitted into Senior High School immediately after their examinations, leaving little time for parents and guardians to adequately prepare financially and emotionally for the next stage of their children’s education.
Many parents, therefore struggle to buy school items such as chop boxes, trunks, mattresses, uniforms and other necessities within the short period given.
This situation places pressure on families, especially those with low incomes.
Previously, the break after BECE allowed students to rest after years of academic work while parents and guardians made proper preparations for their wards.
It also gave students enough time to learn vocational skills, assist their families and mature before entering boarding school life.
Bringing back this period will greatly reduce stress on both parents and students and help ensure better preparation for Senior High School education.
And one other thing we have not taken notice of is that within that period, parents also prepare their children mentally and psychologically before they go to school. They are thought how to be independent.
So we see new secondary students displaying an appreciable level of maturity which is missing in this era where they go to senior high schools and still behave like primary school kids.
I hope the authorities will carefully consider this concern in the interest of students, parents and guardians across the country.
By Eugene Ampiaw,
Accra.
