Editorial
Groom the youth to live responsible lives
The youth of today constitute an important asset in the sense that they are seen as the leaders of tomorrow who will take charge of affairs of the country to lift it to greater heights.
For this reason, they (the youth) must be groomed well and encouraged to live responsible lives.
Unfortunately, many of them live irresponsible lives as a result of indiscipline coupled with other factors.
Some youth have become indisciplined partly because of bad examples of their parents. These parents misbehave in society in the full glare of young people, so the youth easily become influenced in that way.
In addition to that, some of the young people also fall into bad company or bad peer groups. Such bad peer groups influence them to the point that they become disrespectful in society.
Irresponsible parenthood is another factor that influences many young people in society to become indisciplined. These parents neglect their children and do not spend quality time with them to change their lifestyles from negative to positive.
The issue of foreign films is also a factor that influences them negatively. This together with exposure to social media ends up changing their behaviour from good to bad.
As a result of all these, many young people of today have become indisciplined and do not respect the elders in society. Many of them take to hard drugs which worsen their conditions. Others also, that is the males among them, throw caution to the wind and flirt with their female counterparts to make them pregnant and perpetually rendering them dependent on society.
Furthermore, some of the youth resort to armed robbery to terrorise communities and make life difficult for the people.
To reverse this situation, good parental care is needed for all children through their teenage period and beyond, so that they can grow up to become responsible citizens.
Society must also use all means to influence young people of today to obey the laws of the country when they are in school, so that irresponsible behaviour such as the attacks on teachers and destraction of school property can stop.
School rules must be obeyed so that the young students will grow up to become responsible members of society. This is how the young ones can be influenced to turn away from acts of indiscipline to become responsible leaders for society.
It is our collective responsibility to ensure that these young people are advised from time to time to instill discipline in them.
The youth themselves must know that without discipline, they cannot make it in life and this is why we must keep to positive social values and do away with any forms of indiscipline in society.
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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