Editorial
History will be kind to Rawlings
On Wednesday, January 27, 2021, the late President Jerry John Rawlings, was laid to rest at the new military cemetery in Accra.
Various kinds of tributes were presented in his honour from a cross-section of the population including the Ghana Armed Forces, National Democratic Congress, Parliament, his family, that is, wife and children, and many others.
On behalf of the entire country, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo also presented a tribute in which he pointed out, among others, that history would be kind to Rawlings.
Matters relating to the late President regarding his political career always breed controversy. While his supporters would always go with him in line with what he perceived to be the right thing, others who were opposed to him politically disagreed and condemned him or his actions.
No matter how one looks at it, it will be realised that he was not perfect just like any other human, but he did what he could to pursue the agenda of development for his country Ghana. While he was alive there were disagreements with his political opponents, but with time they all came to appreciate one another in what each person stood for.
Rawlings began his political career as a revolutionary leader who later became a democratically elected leader. He was, therefore, able to go through his experience as a military leader and also as a democratically elected leader.
One remarkable thing about him was that he handed over peacefully as a military leader and became the first President of the Fourth Republic in 1992, ending his presidency on January 6, 2001, after which President J. A. Kufuor took over from him as the next democratically elected President.
This helped to lay a foundation stone for the Fourth Republic, which Ghanaians are enjoying today. Probably, if this had not been done, seeing that President J. A. kufuor didn’t come from his party, the National Democratic Congress, things would have been thrown out of gear and the culture of handing over peacefully to a democratically elected person would not have been established.
All these put together, help to explain why President Akufo-Addo thinks that history will be kind to Jerry Rawlings.
During his days as military leader and also as President, Jerry Rawlings contributed his part to the development of the country in the area of infrastructure, agriculture, education and other sectors of the economy. Before his death, he became a good friend of President Akufo-Addo (his one time bitterest political opponent) and this sent positive signals to the entire country.
It is, therefore, not surprising that Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings and her children find it safer to be closer to President Akufo-Addo than presumably with any other group in the country. If this trend of friendship and cordiality continues, it will bring peace and contribute to development in the country.
The President in his tribute stated that, ” I believe that history, on the balance, will be kind to him and will render a positive verdict on his contribution to the evolution of our nation and the entrenchment of its democratic institutions and culture.”
The observation made by him (President Akufo-Addo) is significant. It goes to show that, as a nation, we need to let go the pains in our hearts so that there will be peace and harmony in our beloved nation.
The Spectator is of the view that peace is important because without it political and socio-economic development cannot take place.
It was, therefore, most appropriate that a state funeral with full honours was organised by President Akufo-Addo as well as his administration and the people of Ghana to express the gratitude of the nation for the contribution of the late President.
May each and every person in Ghana who stands for peace and development be given a fair judgement in the light of any good contribution to this great nation.
Dear Editor,
I WRITE to express my growing concern about the increasing display of adult content on some television stations in the country.
These programmes, often aired during hours when children are most likely to be watching, pose a serious threat to their moral development and general well-being.
Television remains one of the strongest influences on young people, and stations have a responsibility to ensure that their content reflects the values we seek to instil in our society.
Unfortunately, some channels appear to prioritise sensationalism and profit over public safety and decency.
Such content not only exposes children to material they are not prepared to process but also undermines parents’ efforts to guide their behaviour.
I call on the National Media Commission (NMC) and other regulatory bodies to intensify monitoring and enforce stricter guidelines to protect viewers, especially minors.
Broadcasters must be reminded of their duty to promote responsible and wholesome programming.
Our airwaves should uplift, educate, and inform — not endanger the moral fabric of the next generation.
Eugene Ampiaw,
Accra
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Dear Editor,
I AM writing to share my thoughts on the ongoing issue at Wesley Girls’ Senior High School, which has attracted national attention after the Deputy Attorney General released a statement in court.
The matter is about whether Muslim students are being denied the right to freely practice their religion, and whether they are being compelled to follow practices that go against their faith.
To me, this is not just a legal issue but a question of fairness and respect in our schools.
While the Constitution guarantees every student the right to practice their faith, schools also have traditions and rules that must be respected. As the saying goes, “When you go to Rome, you do what Romans do.” If a teacher is teaching, it is not right for a student to suddenly leave for prayers. That disrupts learning.
Instead, schools should provide a clear time and place for worship, so that students can honour their faith without disturbing academic work. There is time for everything; time to learn, and time to pray.
Wesley Girls SHS can continue to uphold its Methodist heritage while also respecting the rights of Muslim students.
This compromise will protect unity and ensure that our schools remain places of both discipline and inclusion.
Princess Wonovi
Accra
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