Editorial
Bring Shatta Wale back to TGM
Shatta Wale
Dear Editor,
I wish to congratulate Stonebwoy and other winners of last weekend’s 25th edition of Ghana’s music awards held in Accra.
Without doubt, it has become the biggest entertainment gathering in Ghana’s showbiz circles.
The event, some few editions back, was marred by the behaviour of two artistes having the biggest brands in the industry, Stonebwoy and Shatta Wale whose actions created chaotic scenes at the event.
From that day, it appears the doors of the awards have been shut on Shatta Wale, leaving a chunk of music followers loyal to him out of the celebration.
Whatever happened at that particular event have been sorted as both artistes have apologised and pledged to be of good behaviour.
What is of concern to me is the absence of Shatta Wale at recent events. We are not sure whether it is a decision from his camp to ignore the event or one from the organisers to do without him.
Much as we respect any decision by Charterhouse, the organisers, to ensure some sanity for the event, we also want to plead with them to find a way to bring Shatta Wale back.
Wale’s clout in Ghana’s music industry makes him a giant and therefore his absence in such awards can put a dent on the winner. It could be like winning a competition without the top athletes.
People would always look back and say that it would have been different had Shatta Wale featured. It may not be the case today but it could be tomorrow.
It is my fervent hope that next year by this time when the event is announced, nominations would be received from the Shatta Movement. Thank you for the space.
Mark Aprede,
Accra
Dear Editor,
Once again Christmas is around the corner and the usual hustle and bustle around the Central Business District is in full swing.
Visits to the various markets shows that Ghanaians are ready for the festive season.
But that has also come with its annual ritual of traders abandoning their shops and preferring to sell their wares on the streets and pavements.
This leaves pedestrians and commuters with no choice than alighting from vehicles and turning the busy roads into pathways, in a way endangering their lives.
I wish to appeal to the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) to also initiate its awareness campaign to educate these market women on why they must stop selling on the roads and pavements.
I witnessed a situation where a misunderstanding trader and a customer turned into near fisticuffs the customer’s bag hit the wares of a trader and poured out.
It was very unfortunate but when every inch of space is covered by traders, some of these things can happen.
I have heard of plans to close some major roads in the capital to create more for women. That appears to be a good move but that is not enough in ensuring order.
The AMA must be visible at the various markets. If it will be possible, it can go into a partnership with the police to ensure that people stay at where they are stationed so that there would be no spillovers to spaces reserved for visitors to the markets.
Thank you for the space.
Seth Ayiku,
Accra
Dear Editor,
The recent shooting to death of Javits Frimpong, a 15 year old Ghanaian student in Bronx, USA, is a heartbreaking reminder that bullying should never be dismissed as a normal part of growing up.
Reports indicate that the teenager had allegedly been subjected to bullying at school before he was fatally shot on his way to class.
While investigations continue and the exact motive yet to be officially established, the circumstances surrounding this tragedy have raised serious concerns about the impact of not checking bullying.
What makes this loss even more painful is that Javits Frimpong, had moved from Ghana to the United States with hopes of a brighter future through education. Instead, his life was cut short at an age when he should have been pursuing his dreams and preparing for adulthood.
Bullying is often viewed as harmless teasing, but its effects can be severe and long-lasting. Victims may suffer emotional trauma, anxiety, depression, poor academic performance, and, in extreme cases, become entangled in violence.
This incident should serve as a wake-up call to schools everywhere. Complaints of bullying must be taken seriously, investigated promptly, and addressed decisively before situations escalate.
Parents, teachers, school authorities, and community leaders all share a responsibility to create safe environments for young people.
Open communication, counselling services, anti-bullying education, and effective disciplinary measures can help protect vulnerable students.
Equally important is teaching young people respect, empathy, and peaceful conflict resolution.
As we mourn the loss of Javits Frimpong, let us also commit ourselves to ensuring that no other child loses their life because warning signs were ignored. The fight against bullying is not merely a school issue; it is a societal responsibility.
Yours faithfully,
Dansoman
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