Editorial
Exploitation of parents by some SHS heads
Second cycle institutions have just re-opened and fresh students who are entering the first year have been given bills to bring in certain items which they will need in school.
These items include brooms, cutlasses and buckets. At this time, these items have risen in prices because of the demand for them.
If these things are to help the school in any way, they will not be seen as creating problems for parents.
However, it is becoming increasingly clear that many heads of the institutions see this time as a period to exploit parents and guardians. When these items are brought, they are kept by loyal friends of the heads of the institutions who ensure that the items are taken to a particular shop for sale to the public.
We are told that, some of the shops are owned by the heads of the schools. This amounts to exploitation of parents and guidance.
The Spectator is, therefore, of the view that, special investigations need to be carried out into such matters. The investigation is very necessary because, the behaviour of these heads amount to defeating the purpose of the free SHS system and also the TVET programme being implemented by government.
It amounts to nothing but sabotage of the government programme of free education at the secondary level. Many parents are not happy about this, so the Ministry of Education together with the Ghana Education Service is expected to act on this issue without delay.
The GES has already directed the heads of institutions to make use of only GES approved prospectus. Failure to do this will attract severe sanctions. We are happy to hear this, so we expect the GES to rigidly apply the sanctions.
The purpose of the free SHS and free TVET is to make it possible for everyone to gain access to education at the secondary level. Saboteurs should, therefore, not be allowed to have their way in this matter.
What the Ministry of Education and the Ghana Education Service can do is to come out with a standard prospectus for all schools. It is true that items like paint may be needed to paint schools from time to time but if these are to be sold selfishly by some of the heads, then we need to take drastic measures against this misbehaviour and disgraceful act.
The system ought to be sanitised at once. If this is not done immediately, the purpose of the free SHS and TVET will be defeated.
Parents are not happy about this so the earlier something is done about the issue, the better it will be for the educational system at the second cycle schools.
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
