Editorial
Bearing our economic burden together
National reconstruction calls for mobilisation of resources for the purpose of rebuilding what has gone wrong to promote smooth economic development for people in the country.
To be able to do this, we need to ensure that the burden is borne equally by everyone in the country, as part of contributing our quota towards national development.
In a situation where only a handful of people pays taxes to generate revenue into the national coffers for the sake of national development, the system can be said to be unfair since a substantial portion of people may not be seen to be contributing their quota to national development.
It is in the light of this that the government must adopt strategies to rope in more people into the tax net. When this is done, more people will be forced to contribute to national development in terms of paying taxes to raise revenue for the country.
Construction of roads, hospitals, schools, railways and many of such development projects require that we raise enough revenue to cover such expenses. We need to do this on regular basis to ensure that development projects are distributed to all sections of the population, so that every person or group of people will have their fair share of the national cake.
Many people in the formal sector are already contributing their quota through payment of taxes.
However, it is known that a large section of the country’s population does not pay tax. This is very unfortunate.
The Spectator is of the view that anyone who is involved in any kind of trade, no matter how small the scale is, ought to be made to pay some tax, so that together we can all enjoy good drinking water, good roads and health facilities for the good of everyone in this country.
Rome was not built in a day, so we must all agree to contribute our quota, so that over a period of time, we can all share in the glory of our own developmental agenda.
Government is already making some effort in this direction by ensuring that, to be able to register a business in this country, a person’s TIN number will be required for that purpose. This means that you cannot register a business entity without your TIN number.
We believe these are the measures needed to ensure that everyone is brought into the tax net, so that, together, we can all contribute to national revenue and help in the reconstruction of our country.
Editorial
Concern over mentally ill persons roaming Kwame Nkrumah Circle Interchange
Dear Sir
I write to express my concern over the growing number of mentally ill individuals roaming the Kwame Nkrumah Circle Interchange in Accra.
This area, a vital transportation hub and commercial centre, has increasingly become home to several persons visibly suffering from mental health issues, often without adequate care or supervision.
This situation poses risks both to the affected individuals and the general public. Some of these individuals are exposed to traffic hazards, unsanitary conditions, and in some cases, hostile treatment from passersby.
There have also been reports of occasional erratic behaviour, which causes fear and discomfort among commuters and vendors.
Mental health is a public health issue, and these individuals deserve compassion, medical attention, and a safe environment.
I urge the Ministry of Health, the Accra Metropolitan Assembly, and relevant NGOs to collaborate on a sustainable solution including mental health outreach programmes, rehabilitation, and safe housing.
Kwame Nkrumah Circle should be a symbol of progress, not a place where the vulnerable are left to struggle. Let us act with urgency and humanity.
From John Boateng
Kwame Nkrumah Circle
Editorial
Parents should encourage their wards writing BECE
Dear Editor,
AS the 2025 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) takes off across the country starting Wednesday, I write to encourage all candidates taking part in this important step in their academic journey.
Out of a total of 603,328 candidates taking the examination this year, 306,078 are females, whiles the rest 297,250 are males.
Over the years, the examination begins on Monday and ended on Friday but per the timetable, this year’s candidates started on Wednesday and will end next week.
The BECE is not just an exam, it is a milestone from one stage to another. It represents years of hardwork, dedication and the dreams of countless students who hope to continue their education and build a brighter future.
This is where the role of parents, teachers and society become beneficial. Let us offer not only academic support but emotional encouragement to them.
I also appeal to educational authorities to ensure fairness, proper supervision and transparency throughout the examination period.
The journey may be challenging, but with time, focus and discipline they can make it.
I wish to use this platform to wish all of them well.
Naa Koshie, Teshie
