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‘Introduce children to hobbies, not phones’
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A child with a phone
A registered member of the Ghana Psychology Association (GPA), Dr May Wulff-Caesar, has advised parents to be interested in technology to enable them have more control over the devices of their children.
She said learning about technology could also help parents to monitor activities of their children on the phone.
She said this last week during a virtual seminar organised by the Mental Health Authority (MHA) on the topic, ‘conquering phone addiction: sharing real life experience.’
“As parents, we need to introduce hobbies to our children which will enable them get off the screens in addition to extra curriculum activities that will keep them busy and away from the devices,” she said.
Dr Wulff-Caesar said studies have proven that excessive use of cell phones could lead to anxiety and depression where persons addicted to their smartphones were more likely to experience mental health issues such as chronic stress and low emotional stability.
She said it would be beneficial for parents to set rules and regulations as well as some activities that would take the attention of children off the phone.
“Studies have proven that excessive use of cell phones could lead to anxiety and depression where persons addicted to their smartphones were more likely to experience mental health issues such as chronic stress and low emotional stability,” she added.
Some negative effects of phone addiction, Dr Wulff-Caesar said were exposure to radiation, changes in cognitive ability, problems with social or emotional skills, problems sleeping and mental laziness.
The Deputy Director, Health Promotion, MHA, Dr Amankwa Arthur, said using phones for research purposes and assignments had increased children’s addiction, adding that “it is toxic and worrying.”
According to Dr Arthur, poor family relationship and boredom were some of the contributory factors to the menace, adding that children find solace with the phone rather than having a quality time with the family.
A Clinical Psychologist and Lecturer at the University of Ghana, Dr Seth Mawusi Asafo, said although the contributory factors were enormous, it was necessary to build a broad range of activities for children and other persons affected to manage boredom to prevent the attitude of being on the screens very often.
In order to get the children off the addiction, Dr Asafo urged parents to be moderate and patient with children when dealing with the challenge.
By Spectator Reporter
The Accra Regional Police Command has arrested five people and retrieved firearms, ammunition and other offensive items during an intelligence led operation at Sapeiman Faase in the Greater Accra Region.
According to a press release issued by the Command on Monday, the operation was carried out jointly with the National Police Intelligence Directorate (NPID) on July 17, 2026.
The Police identified the suspects as Torgbui Agah Semaglo, 50, Shadrach Agah Semaglo, 22, William Kweku Sedanu, 21, Cyril Kassenu, 26, and Kingsford Agah Semaglo, 18.
The Command said a search at the suspects’ premises led to the retrieval of a pump action gun, a Stoeger ST R9 pistol, a dummy Austria pistol, a jackknife, a face mask, 12 BB cartridges, three rounds of 9mm ammunition, one AK-47 round of ammunition, a talisman and two kitchen knives.
It noted that all the items had been kept as exhibits to support investigations.
The Police said preliminary investigations suggested that the suspects were members of a criminal group involved in armed robbery and landguard activities.
It alleged that they used the recovered weapons to terrorise residents in Sapeiman and nearby communities.
The suspects are currently in Police custody assisting with investigations, while efforts continue to determine their involvement in other robbery cases and related criminal activities. The Police also said it was working to identify and arrest any additional accomplices.
The Accra Regional Police Command commended members of the public for providing credible information that supported its work and urged residents to remain vigilant.
It encouraged the public to report suspicious persons or activities to the nearest police station or through the Police emergency numbers, adding that it remained committed to protecting lives and property across the region.
By: Jacob Aggrey
The Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has announced that a revised national curriculum for kindergarten to junior high school will be presented to the Ministry of Education on Wednesday for further approval.
Speaking at the Government Accountability Series today, Mr. Iddrisu said the new curriculum was developed by the National Curriculum Assessment Agency (NaCCA) as part of efforts to improve teaching and learning at the basic education level.
According to him, the revised curriculum will be formally submitted to the Ministry before it is forwarded to President John Dramani Mahama. He added that it will then be sent to Cabinet and Parliament for consideration and approval.
Mr. Iddrisu said the revised curriculum is designed to support a “Smart Start” approach by strengthening the teaching of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
He explained that the government intends to introduce new subjects, including coding, electronics, artificial intelligence (AI) and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), into the basic school curriculum.
The Minister said the changes form part of the government’s commitment to equipping pupils with practical and digital skills needed to meet the demands of the modern world.
He expressed confidence that the revised curriculum would help prepare learners for future opportunities by integrating technology and innovation into education from the early years of schooling.
By: Jacob Aggrey
