Editorial
Bringing up a child the right way
The world is facing many social problems today because of the improper upbringing of children in society.
Some of the problems are stealing, armed robbery, indiscipline, teenage pregnancy and general dishonesty. Others are drug addiction and threats to life and property of neighbours.
These problems did not emerge overnight but over a long period due to the neglect by parents to ensure that children are brought up to follow rules of discipline and love.
Parents and society ought to have time for children, so that their concerns can be adequately addressed from time to time.
If this is done on a regular basis, the adult members of society will help the children to grow up into responsible citizens. Irresponsible parenthood is a serious problem in society.
Some women are now parents as a result of teenage pregnancy and unpreparedness to work hard and cater for their children.
Some of the children are also left at the mercy of peer groups which may be good or bad. If a particular peer group happens to be good, it will influence a child to adopt good behaviour and become a responsible citizen.
On the other hand, if a child falls into the hand of a bad peer group, he or she will be influenced to behave in an unacceptable way. It is, therefore, necessary for parents and society to pay attention to the upbringing of a child, so that this child will be taught the right way to behave well in society.
Today, the government has introduced free education in terms of Senior High Schools as well as Technical and Vocational Schools. It is necessary for parents to complement this opportunity to ensure that children are well catered for in the house, and provided with basic needs, such as food, clothing and shelter.
If this is done, it will be difficult for any children to go wayward and follow bad company. Indiscipline in society among the youth comes about when the children are left alone to fend for themselves anyhow. If the children are well catered for, waywardness on their part can be easily prevented.
Adults should always know that it is not just enough to bring forth children when they are not ready to carry on with the responsibility of caring for them.
Childcare is an enormous task that cannot be taken for granted. It involves working hard to earn a living and also getting adequate quality time to cater for the needs of these children.
Many social problems have come about because of irresponsible parenthood, so we must all work hard to put an end to this negative practice.
Dear Editor,
The performance of the Black Stars of Ghana has plunged the entire nation into a joyful mood.
Very few people gave the team any chance at the World Cup but with the little they have shown, Ghanaians have shown massive support.
All the two matches they have played with England and Panama have been characterized by unending joy after the games.
Apart from the team’s performance, the theme song by Ghana’s ace musician, Kofi Kinata have taken the celebration to a new dimension.
The song resonates through every corner both match and non-match days. And when they are played through the large speakers, it gets both young and old dancing their hearts out.
This is a mood I wish Ghanaians would sustain for a long time to keep the unity and friendship among us. Within this period, politics have been relegated to the background and football dominating the discussion. This is what football can do, let’s keep it growing. For the Black Stars, we say ‘Ayekoo.’
Mawuli Quaye,
Accra
Dear Editor,
I have, over time, observed the growing practice of drying washed clothes on the pavements of some principal streets in Accra, as well as on the grassy medians of major roads.
This practice is often carried out by individuals who have made these public spaces their place of abode.
As a country that seeks to maintain a clean, orderly, and beautiful environment, I believe it is time for the government, through the relevant local authorities, to address this issue.
The use of pavements and road medians for drying clothes undermines efforts to promote cleanliness and urban beautification.
Furthermore, this situation could negatively affect Ghana’s tourism industry. Tourists who visit our country do not only come to see historical landmarks and tourist attractions; they also pay attention to the cleanliness, organization, and general appearance of our streets and public spaces.
The sight of clothes hanging on pavements and road medians creates an impression that is inconsistent with the image of a modern and welcoming city.
Equally disturbing is the practice of bathing children on road medians and street pavements. Apart from raising concerns about public hygiene and safety, such activities diminish the dignity and proper use of these public spaces.
As a concerned citizen, I believe that if we are truly committed to keeping our cities clean, attractive, and conducive to tourism and investment, then we must take decisive action.
Local authorities should enforce existing bylaws and regulations governing the use of public spaces and implement measures to prevent such practices.
By doing so, we can preserve the beauty of our cities and project a positive image of Ghana to both residents and visitors alike.
Kojo K,
Madina
