Editorial
Indiscipline in schools worrying, need to address it
In recent years there has been growing concern over the behaviour of Senior High School (SHS) students in Ghana.
Notable among them is indiscipline, disrespect for authority, sexual immorality, substance abuse, betting, cheating during examination among others.
Recently, parents were stunned when the headmistress of Aggrey Memorial Senior High School, Mrs. Dorothy Adentwi-Hayford, displayed seized condoms, pills, and unauthorised items from students at the school’s Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) meeting in Cape Coast.
Reports say that in a firm stance against growing indiscipline in the school, she placed the confiscated items on the high table as a visual illustration of the moral and disciplinary challenges some students posed.
Although the Headmistress declined to name the culprits, she assured parents that appropriate disciplinary actions, alongside counselling would be taken.
According to the Headmistress while the majority of students were disciplined a persistent few students continued to exhibit deviant behaviours that undermined the school’s standards.
Citing examples she noted that sneaking out without exeat, bullying, stealing, truancy, and general apathy towards academic work, was the order of the day.
What is so disturbing is that some parents attack the school verbally and place curses on school authorities for disciplining their wards without verifying the facts.
Such behaviour is uncalled for and the Spectator wants such parents to desist from that, instead they should collaborate with school authorities to find the best way to deal with indiscipline among students.
Parents must also take an active interest in their children’s welfare beyond just providing for their material needs and investigate issues when their children return home with complaints before jumping into conclusion.
These days the school’s structure has changed and with the increasing numbers without any corporal punishment school authorities find it difficult to discipline the children.
The behaviour of majority of students in schools is very disheartening. While some students take their studies seriously, others have taken to the use of drugs, sex, occultism, betting and all kinds of bad behaviours.
Corporal punishment has its own advantages and disadvantages and if the Ghana Education Service (GES) is not ready to reintroduce corporal punishment, then school authorities must be extra vigilant and put in stricter disciplinary measures to restore order in schools.
Most SHS students are in their teenage stages, a stage characterised by all kinds of behaviours and peer pressure activities so they must not be left alone, rather they must be guided as they explore the world.
The Spectator urges all stakeholders to make concerted efforts to check indiscipline and moral decadence in schools.
Editorial
Ghana must preserve her monumental facilities
Dear Editor,
THE monumental facilities of any country are very important because they do not only tell the rich history of that country, but enhances the country’s economy.
It is, therefore, not surprising that the Western world hold these facilities in high esteem and invest so much in preserving them.
However, in Ghana, the importance we attach to these facilities, such as castles, forts, Black Star Square and recreational parks such as the Efua Sutherland Children’s Park are very disturbing.
Anytime I pass by the Efua Sutherland Children’s Park, I feel very sad with its current state. I get a similar feeling when I pass by our Forts and Castles, which are fast deteriorating due to climate change, specifically rising sea levels and increased surges.
Looking at their importance, it is critical for government to be more intentional about their preservation.
Over the past, we have seen successive governments try to invest in the refurbishment of some of these facilities through partnership agreements with some private organisations as well as donor funding from international organisations.
For instance, after concerns were raised about the state of the Black Star Square through media reportage, the government undertook some renovation works at the place to keep it in shape as most national activities were held there.
Also, I was happy to know that the government, in collaboration with the W.E.B Du Bois Museum Foundation, was working to secure funds to redevelop and rebrand the W.E.B Du Bois Memorial Centre for Pan-African Culture, the resting place of Dr Du Bois, the father of Pan-Africanis.
I think we can do more as a country to preserve these facilities.
I suggest that a special fund be created purposely for the preservation of these facilities as they serve as our identity as Ghanaians.
Baba
Ofankor
Editorial
Loneliness kills, keep social ties intact
According to a World Health Organisation (WHO) research, loneliness is responsible for more than 100 deaths per hour, or more than 871,000 deaths worldwide annually.
The WHO Commission on Social Connection study reveals that loneliness affects one in six people worldwide and has a major negative impact on well-being, economic productivity, physical and mental health.
In the past, people could travel to see friends, family, or loved ones to experience beautiful moments. Despite the countless options for connection, more and more individuals in today’s society feel alone and isolated.
Loneliness can cost societies billions of dollars in lost wages, health care, education, and employment. In addition to having an effect on the person, it also raises the risk of stroke, diabetes, heart disease, depression, and early mortality, among other conditions.
Even more concerning is the fact that, despite the fact that loneliness affects people of all ages, it primarily affects the young people who will be tomorrow’s leaders. This is a warning to check for loneliness.
In time past, there was a vibrant extended family system and a variety of outdoor games for young people to play that greatly reduced loneliness and improved neighbourhood safety. As a result, socially cohesive groups tended to be more crisis-responsive and resilient.
On the other hand, as technology advances, young people are impacted by digital influences like social media; nonetheless, the report warns of the dangers excessive screen time and bad online experiences pose to mental health.
Among the other underlying reasons of loneliness and isolation, it included poor health, low income, a lack of education, living alone, inadequate infrastructure, and weak public policy.
As part of the interventions to address the issue of loneliness at the national level the government must address these issues through policies which include the construction of more recreational facilities, such as parks, libraries, and community centres, as well as mental health support, which can reduce the risk of serious illnesses and prevent early death.
There should also be awareness campaigns and policy changes to create inclusive social infrastructure since loneliness damages social cohesiveness at the society level and results in significant expenses for missed productivity and medical treatment.
At the individual level, The Spectator encourages people to visit friends to check in on them and to be completely involved in talks without being distracted by technology, even though technological advancements have made it easier for people to interact on phones.
It is also essential to interact with neighbours and participate in community events because social isolation results from a lack of sufficient social ties.
