Editorial
Don’t leave students stranded
● Government must do well to remit the students
Permit me to comment on the delay in payment of stipends and bursaries to Ghanaian students studying on government scholarship abroad. The complaints keep coming back and it is now more or less an annual ritual.
The latest is that of Ghanaian medical students in Cuba who are lamenting over the non-payment of their stipends for the past seven months.
The students, according to reports, are living on the benevolence of colleagues and friends as assurances from the Scholarship Secretariat have yielded no results.
I have been wondering why successive governments somewhat do not seem to prioritise the needs of students studying abroad.
Studying abroad comes with its own challenges and it can get worse when students run out of cash. We all admit the unfavourable economic conditions in the country but it is not ideal for the government to delay payments for up to seven months.
The Ghana-Cuba students are just one group and I believe trainees elsewhere may be suffering similar fate. If it is, indeed, the case that the these statutory payments cannot be made on time, those in charge should communicate or make the necessary arrangements with the authorities abroad so the students are given some lifeline or breathing space.
I am, by this letter, adding my voice to that of the affected students in Cuba and asking the government of Ghana to act with dispatch.
Frank Bruce,
Achimota-Accra.
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
