Editorial
Insult in public space not good example for youth
The use of insults in addressing issues is gradually gaining root in the country and if this is not checked, it will affect the future generation.
Last week, there were a lot of reactions from the public following the dismissal of eight female students of Chiana Senior High School (SHS) in the Kassena Nankana West District of the Upper East Region.
The students in November last year, insulted President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo in a video which went viral expressing their frustrations over the severe hardships in the country.
While some Ghanaians commended the Ghana Education Service (GES) for its decision to dismiss the students, others were of the view that the punishment was too harsh as it would jeopardise the future of the students.
Fortunately, the President intervened by appealing to the GES to rescind its decision and resort to an alternative disciplinary action instead of dismissal.
Surely, the students are wrong and they must be punished but what punishment can they be given to serve as a deterrent to others?
Although The Spectator condemns the conduct of the girls in its entirety, we commend the President for pardoning the students who earlier rendered an apology to him in another video showing remorse for their misconduct.
Prior to that, the GES also intervened and apologised to the President on behalf of the girls. The intervention is a step in the right direction and The Spectator hopes that this misconduct will not be repeated by other students in future.
The problem is, respect for the elderly is becoming a thing of the past which is worrying. Coupled with that, insult in public space is gradually gaining root in the country. Instead of discussing relevant issues some people rather resort to attacking their opponents with insults on various platforms, especially on the airwaves.
As Ghanaians, we should not be ignorant of the fact that the youth listen and watch whatever goes on in the country. Insult in public space is not a good example for the youth. It is not a surprise that the youth have imitated their leaders unconsciously and have resorted to the use of insults against the elderly.
As a country, we must check this before it becomes a canker else our future generation will show no respect at all to the elderly.
We need to be careful with our utterances to set a good example for the upcoming young ones. Even in instances of provocation, let us exercise restraint in our pronouncements and show respect to those in authority.
Attacking your opponent with insults promotes violence which must be nipped in the bud. Let us eschew insults to promote peace for a better Ghana.
On the issue of the Chiana girls, The Spectator hopes that the youth will learn a lesson from the action taken against the girls and refrain from such misconduct. Students should not take the intervention made on behalf of the girls as an excuse to engage in similar acts hoping that they will be pardoned.
It is unfortunate that (sometimes) no matter how disciplined some parents may be, their children become recalcitrant. We urge parents to have control over their children and apply sound biblical principles in training them. In addition, parents must monitor their children on the use of the social media to ensure that it does not create problems for them.
It is our hope that the GES will revise some of the policies which, according to some teachers, make it difficult for school’s authorities to enforce discipline in schools for fear of being victimised.
Dear Editor,
Walking along roads in some parts of the capital has become increasingly challenging.
While trading on pedestrian walkways remains a concern in certain areas, the parking of vehicles on road shoulders also poses a serious risk to pedestrians.
Often, pedestrians are forced to walk dangerously close to these parked vehicles or even step into the middle of the road to make way for oncoming traffic.
This situation is not only frustrating but also highly unsafe.
I recall an incident when I alighted at a lorry station and was walking home. A Tata bus was approaching, and due to vehicles parked on both sides of the road, I had nowhere to walk safely.
The situation became so dangerous that I had to quickly jump into a nearby shop to avoid being knocked down by the oncoming Tata bus.
That experience was frightening and could have easily resulted in an accident.
In my view, it is time for authorities in the road sector, such as the National Road Safety Authority and the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) of the Ghana Police Service, to take urgent action to address this issue and prevent possible loss of life.
Strict enforcement measures, including towing improperly parked vehicles and imposing substantial fines, would serve as a deterrent to offenders.
From Ray
Adabraka
Dear Editor,
I wish to use this column of your respected newspaper to appeal to the Ministry of Education and the Ghana Education Service to consider bringing back the practice where students stayed home for some months after completing the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE).
Within that period where they stay home for some time and wait for their results, it afforded parents some time to prepare and save towards the next move in the academic life of their children.
In recent times, students are quickly admitted into Senior High School immediately after their examinations, leaving little time for parents and guardians to adequately prepare financially and emotionally for the next stage of their children’s education.
Many parents, therefore struggle to buy school items such as chop boxes, trunks, mattresses, uniforms and other necessities within the short period given.
This situation places pressure on families, especially those with low incomes.
Previously, the break after BECE allowed students to rest after years of academic work while parents and guardians made proper preparations for their wards.
It also gave students enough time to learn vocational skills, assist their families and mature before entering boarding school life.
Bringing back this period will greatly reduce stress on both parents and students and help ensure better preparation for Senior High School education.
And one other thing we have not taken notice of is that within that period, parents also prepare their children mentally and psychologically before they go to school. They are thought how to be independent.
So we see new secondary students displaying an appreciable level of maturity which is missing in this era where they go to senior high schools and still behave like primary school kids.
I hope the authorities will carefully consider this concern in the interest of students, parents and guardians across the country.
By Eugene Ampiaw,
Accra.
