Editorial
Education on course but let’s fill the gaps
Ghana recently joined the rest of the world to mark the 5th International Day of Education. The Day makes countries to prioritise education to accelerate progress toward attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals.
January 24 was declared the International Day of Education by a resolution passed by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on 3rd December, 2018. This year’s celebration was on the theme “To Invest in People, Prioritise Education.”
As part of the event, some personnel from the United Nations and the Ministry of Education visited some selected schools in Accra to encourage the youth to take their academic work seriously in order to achieve their future aspirations.
This annual initiative is very beneficial since it serves as a reminder to children that much is expected from them with respect to their education.
Following the commemoration of this event, it is important that stakeholders in education focus attention on schools in deprived areas.
There are still many schools across the country that are lagging behind when it comes to provision of infrastructure and other facilities which could have complemented the right of pupils to quality education.
Some parents continue to earn meagre salaries and are, therefore, unable to meet all the educational needs of their wards. Child marriage and teenage pregnancy continue to undermine the efforts made in improving educational standards.
Indeed, the commemoration of the International Day of Education means we must identify and fill the gaps that still exist as we consolidate the gains made in the education sector so far. I wish to say kudos for how far we have come.
Yunusah Essandoh,
Achimota, Accra.
Editorial
Employ pros at local government level to address sanitation issues
Dear Editor,
In a car on my way to work on Tuesday, I listened to an interview on sanitation on a radio station which a local government expert said that most of the people that handled waste management issues at the Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies, were not waste management professionals but health professionals.
According to the speaker, this has contributed to the failure to address the sanitation problems, especially at the local level.
These health professionals who have been tasked to oversee waste management are only occupied with the health related dangers but have no clue on the issues at hand.
I felt very sad and found it disturbing as to why people without professional training in waste management is given responsibilities in a field alien to him.
Waste management involves a lot of processes, including segmentation of waste products as well as recycling.
Employers must know that waste management professionals at the local level was important as it helps making decisions ton how to combat it.
This is not a problem at the local government level alone. It is something across the various sectors.
Maybe this is the time for us as a country to start recruiting qualified professionals to occupy their respective fields to bring their competence to the table to solve whatever problem persist.
It is clearly a case of putting ‘square pegs in round holes.’ I believe it is about time we change that narrative and employ professionals who are qualified to find solutions to our waste management conundrum.
Baba Hafiz, Kasoa
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
