Editorial
Gyakye Quayson’s plea for visa fee reduction commendable
Dear Editor,
I applaud the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, James Gyakye Quayson for his commitment in ensuring that huge sums of visa application fees charged by some foreign missions in Ghana were reviewed.
It dawned on me after Quayson’s response to a question asked by a member of the Parliament’s Appointment Committee during his vetting on July, 25.
I got convinced when he told the committee that when he was confirmed and takes office, he will work closely with his Minister to push for foreign policy that benefit the citizens in the country.
I am wishing the Deputy Minster well in pursuing this agenda to get the foreign missions in the country to agree on a flat rates in this regard.
In deliberations to ensure a reduction in the visa fees, I also wish the minister will move for a refund of half of the application fee to unsuccessful applicants.
It is unfair that after all the stress applicants go through, most of the applicants were denied their visas.
Even though a few of the applicants goes through successfully, the percentage for successful applications is too low.
Victor Buxton,
Tema
Dear Editor,
THE Ghana Education Service (GES) has announced that most Senior High Schools (SHSs) will return to the single-track system by this month.
For many students and parents, this feels like a relief. But before we move on, we must take a moment to reflect.
The double-track system helped thousands of students get into schools. It gave hope to families who couldn’t afford private education. But it also came with challenges.
Some students had shorter terms, others had longer breaks. Teachers were stretched, and learning felt rushed. Many students felt left behind not because they didn’t try, but because the system didn’t give them enough time.
Now that we’re returning to single-track, let’s make sure we don’t repeat the mistakes of the past. We need more classrooms, better planning, and support for teachers.
Education is not just about getting into school. It’s about feeling safe and supported. Let’s build a system that gives every child a real chance.
Beatrice Princess Kpeglah,
Dansoman
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Dear Editor
As it is critical for preserving our surroundings, there is the urgent need for increased awareness and action to protect Ghana’s environment and resources.
Ghana’s forest reserves, vast savannas and scenic coastlines serve as homes and habitats to a wide range of flora and fauna, including several endangered species.
Our vegetation and rich soil deposits provide the nation with food, plants and animal resources, which ensures food availability and accessibility for the population.
However, the country’s environment is facing numerous threats including deforestation, overexploitation, pollution, etc.
The importance of environmental conservation cannot be overstated; our natural resources are the backbone of our economy, playing a vital role in driving the country’s economic growth and development.
It is therefore critical that we take actions to protect them for our future generations.
There is the need for collective action to address environmental challenges and promote sustainable development.
Environmentalists, various organizations and private individuals must come on board to promote environmental conservation, through tree planting exercises, clean-up campaigns, and resource conservation practices.
These efforts, when carried out effectively, would create a long-lasting impact in protecting and conserving the country’s environment.
The Ghanaian government should also implement policies and conduct regular programmes aimed at promoting environmental conservation.
By Theresa Tsetse Dzifa,
Bubiashie
