Editorial
Is neutrality allowance justifiable?
One issue that has come up in recent times is the pressure being put on government to pay political neutrality allowance to certain categories of civil servants.
This demand is very strange seeing that all civil and public servants are expected to be politically neutral in their day-to-day activities.
All civil and public servants are different from politicians and so are not expected to meddle in political activities as stipulated in the Constitution of the Republic of Ghana. In fact, civil and public servants are expected to keep away from partisan politics but implement political programmes and policies in the interest of the nation.
All civil servants are aware of this that is why when they go wrong they are hardly dismissed but transferred to new places where it is expected that they will change for the better.
A politician can be dropped from office at any point in time but the civil servant is not treated the same way. This shows that he/she is shielded from the shakeups that affect those who occupy political offices.
In light of all this, it is wrong for any group of people to demand political neutrality allowance since the 1992 Constitution makes it clear to them how they are protected and kept away from unwarranted dismissal. It is, therefore, difficult to understand why any civil servant should be paid such ‘unjustifiable’ allowance.
We are encouraging government not to succumb to the payment of this allowance otherwise it will lead to the creation of disorderliness among all workers who operate in the civil and public sectors of the country. If this is the case, then the civil servants concerned should drop the agitation for the payment of this allowance.
If this allowance is paid, then all workers in Ghana apart from politicians should also be made to enjoy same.
The Spectator is of the view that instead of embarking on agitations for these ‘unjustifiable’ allowances, they should rather negotiate with government to improve upon the conditions of workers in a manner that will cut across all sectors and encourage people to work hard.
This objective may not be achieved overnight but we can make consistent efforts towards it until the ultimate goal is achieved.
Dear Editor,
THE Ghana Education Service (GES) has announced that most Senior High Schools (SHSs) will return to the single-track system by this month.
For many students and parents, this feels like a relief. But before we move on, we must take a moment to reflect.
The double-track system helped thousands of students get into schools. It gave hope to families who couldn’t afford private education. But it also came with challenges.
Some students had shorter terms, others had longer breaks. Teachers were stretched, and learning felt rushed. Many students felt left behind not because they didn’t try, but because the system didn’t give them enough time.
Now that we’re returning to single-track, let’s make sure we don’t repeat the mistakes of the past. We need more classrooms, better planning, and support for teachers.
Education is not just about getting into school. It’s about feeling safe and supported. Let’s build a system that gives every child a real chance.
Beatrice Princess Kpeglah,
Dansoman
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Dear Editor
As it is critical for preserving our surroundings, there is the urgent need for increased awareness and action to protect Ghana’s environment and resources.
Ghana’s forest reserves, vast savannas and scenic coastlines serve as homes and habitats to a wide range of flora and fauna, including several endangered species.
Our vegetation and rich soil deposits provide the nation with food, plants and animal resources, which ensures food availability and accessibility for the population.
However, the country’s environment is facing numerous threats including deforestation, overexploitation, pollution, etc.
The importance of environmental conservation cannot be overstated; our natural resources are the backbone of our economy, playing a vital role in driving the country’s economic growth and development.
It is therefore critical that we take actions to protect them for our future generations.
There is the need for collective action to address environmental challenges and promote sustainable development.
Environmentalists, various organizations and private individuals must come on board to promote environmental conservation, through tree planting exercises, clean-up campaigns, and resource conservation practices.
These efforts, when carried out effectively, would create a long-lasting impact in protecting and conserving the country’s environment.
The Ghanaian government should also implement policies and conduct regular programmes aimed at promoting environmental conservation.
By Theresa Tsetse Dzifa,
Bubiashie
