Editorial
Improve security arrangement at match venues
Dear Editor,
It is sad to hear that a football fan has lost his life at a match venue.
It has thrown the football fraternity into a state of mourning.
The incident which occurred on Sunday when Nsoatreman FC played Asante Kotoko in a Premier League game highlights the lack of proper security measures at the various match venues across the country at all levels of our football.
Over the years, there have been issues of violent attacks on match officials, sports journalists, and opposition supporters by fans of home teams.
However, most of these cases are not addressed by the Ghana Football Association (GFA).
When such incidents happen, the team that is involved often get banned from playing at their home grounds, while the supporters go unpunished.
This has not yielded the needed results as we continue to see violent acts at our stadiums.
In view of the recent incident, I recommend that appropriate security measures be put in place by the GFA to protect teams, match officials, and sports journalists.
To begin with, I suggest that any team that travels to honour league matches should be provided with adequate security.
Also, certain venues in the Bono region, should be allocated a greater number of security personnel to ensure the safety of both home and travelling supporters.
The two most successful football clubs in the country, Accra Hearts of Oak and Kumasi Asante Kotoko, should also lead reforms of the league, as often seen in Europe and North Africa, where teams like Real Madrid, Barcelona, Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester United, Al Ahly and Zamalek take the bold step in ensuring that decisions regarding the salaries of players, their welfare and security measures at match venues were not only taken for granted.
For that to happen, representatives of these two clubs at the Executive Committee of the GFA need to be vocal and stand firm with the decision they make.
Atom,
Accra
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
