Editorial
Human capital, youthful exuberance and national development
There is the need for every country to pay critical attention to the people it has and fight hard to develop the skills of such people; so that they can come together to help develop communities and promote national development.
For the most important assets in every country is the human resource base,
The development of this human resource should not just be academic but also the technical, vocational and other skills, so that a balance can be struck for the overall development of the country.
In Ghana today, the youth form a large section of the population and should not be left to go wayward. This means they need to be directed appropriately, so that their visions in life can be realised or achieved.
Without such programmes, the youth will be found wanting by walking about wasting their talents. This must not be allowed to happen because it is the talents that can be utilised to transform the country.
The youth need to be given hope from time to time, so that they can know society thinks and values them also as an important part of society.
The youth of today have an important role to play as they are responsible for the development of the country at present and for the future. Their forefathers had done what they could to bring them to a certain level of development but they also need to play their part in ensuring that the future is guaranteed for the prosperity of all Ghanaians.
It is in light of this that The Spectator is happy for certain ongoing programmes designed to give hope and direction to the youth of this country. We are aware of a programme taking place in Kumasi which will be under the chairmanship of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene. This is an important programme that must be encouraged, so that the youth will know that they are not left to fend for themselves but be guided to know what it takes to delve into what is good for them and be able to come out with what they can do to shape up the country.
The programme organised under the theme, “The youth, our future hope” signifies the importance of the youth segment of this country and the fact that they need to know that all is not lost. The programme comes off on Friday, April 29, 2022, at the Great Hall of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology. The programme is not meant for only the youth in that institution but all other young people in Ghana.
The National Youth Authority deserves high commendation for organising such an event and it is the expectation of everyone that its objectives will be achieved, so that the country as a whole will be the ultimate beneficiary within the context of national progress and development.
Long live the youth of this country
Long live Ghana!
Dear Editor,
I am writing to draw your attention to a matter of grave concern affecting residents of Dansoman Mpoasei area.
Recently, contractors have been digging to fix some pipes but the infrastructure has been badly managed and creating inconvenience for residents.
The exercise has left several pipes broken and these damages have been left unattended, forcing households to endure disrupted water supply.
Such negligence does not only inconveniences residents but also raises serious questions about accountability and oversight in public works.
Contractors entrusted with projects of this nature must be held responsible.
It is unacceptable for them to abandon damaged utilities without repair.
Authorities should ensure that such contractors were compelled to restore any services they disrupt.
I urge the relevant agencies to take swift action to address this issue by compelling such contractors to repair the damage they cause.
Princess Wonovi
Dansoman
Shisha smoking is on the rise among young people who should be making significant life investments for a better future.
Shisha is a smoking apparatus designed to smoke heated tobacco to deliver a smooth and flavourful experience.
Although under the Ghanaian law, shisha smoking is prohibited for minors the law is violated as more and more minors have resorted to smoking the substance at the peril of their future.
Public health experts have consistently warned that shisha use exposes users to harmful substances that can negatively affect brain development, respiratory health, and overall well-being, particularly among young people.
As a result, concerns have been raised in Damongo in the Savannah Region following reports that some young people believed to be under the age of 18 have allegedly been found smoking shisha in pubs and drinking spots within the township.
According to eyewitnesses these minors were seen patronising nightlife venues, particularly during late evening hours, where shisha smoking was openly taking place. The situation has sparked renewed public concern over the enforcement of child protection laws and regulations governing entertainment centres in the municipality.
It is sad that the situation is becoming increasingly common and what is more dangerous is that residents fear to openly report or speak about it as they claim their lives will be at risk if they do so.
But the warning is that the rising consumption of hard drugs poses a serious threat to the future of the youth in general.
The situation is worrying and some residents believe that the alleged incidents point to broader challenges relating to youth supervision, substance abuse, and weak enforcement of existing regulations.
The youth are the future leaders of Ghana therefore we cannot sit aloof and expect them to waste their lives.
The Spectator therefore urges all hands to be on deck to find a lasting solution to this menace. We support the call by residents on municipal authorities, security agencies, and regulatory bodies to intensify monitoring of pubs and entertainment centres to ensure compliance with the law.
We applaud the Savannah Regional Minister, Mr. Salisu Be-Awurbi, who has led public education campaigns, engaged security agencies, and supported enforcement actions aimed at addressing the rising use of illicit substances in the region.
Again, we commend the Chief of Damongo, Wura Kelly Seidu Boresah I, who has also called on all stakeholders including parents, community leaders, institutions, and young people to actively support efforts to curb drug abuse.
His caution to individuals involved in the sale and distribution of illicit drugs to immediately desist from the practice, is laudable.
If strict and swift measures are taken to arrest and prosecute offenders in accordance with the law, it will deter others from engaging in it and minors will be free.
The Spectator urges the appropriate authorities to enforce child protection laws and regulations at entertainment centres to protect the youth.
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