Editorial
Let us respect our men in uniform
A few weeks ago, we heard of an incident at Ashaiman about the murder of a young soldier who had come all the way from Sunyani for training in Accra.
Unfortunately, some people at Ashaiman attacked and killed him for no justified reason. This was very unfortunate.
As a result some soldiers with the permission of the Military High Command descended on Ashaiman to look for the people who committed this dastardly act. In the process, some innocent residents were maltreated.
Many people have condemned the action of the Military even though it was carried out in response to an unjustified action by some criminals at Ashaiman in the Greater Accra Region.
The Spectator does not support any violence perpetrated by the Military or any group of people in this country.
However, in judging the issue, we need to be fair to all parties involved. We have already stated that we do not support any acts of violence by the Military. This is not to say that civilians should also misbehave towards our men in uniform. These men in uniform must be respected at all times because they are the people who protect us.
If things continue this way, a time will come when our men in uniform will not be willing to sacrifice their lives in defence of poor civilians.
When this happens, it will be disastrous for everyone in this country. To prevent this from occurring, we need to be disciplined and as well behave well towards one another in the country.
The time has come for everyone to be disciplined. The irresponsible killing of Major Mahama has not been forgotten and the case is still pending in court, not knowing when it will end.
Whenever unfair treatment is meted out to civilians by soldiers people are always quick to condemn the Military, calling for compensation for the victims.
The late Major Mahama, like any other person had the right to live but was murdered in cold blood.
In the same way the 21-year-old soldier who was killed at Ashaiman also had the right to live so when issues like these happen, let us be fair in our judgement.
We need peace in this country so no one should misbehave in a manner that will result in disturbances and slow down the clock of progress.
Let us respect one another for positive development of our Motherland, Ghana.
Editorial
Promote welfare of African children
The African Union hosts the annual International Day of the African Child on June 16 to increase awareness of the rights and ongoing struggles of African children.
Additionally, the day offers a forum for talking about and addressing topics including healthcare, education, and safety from exploitation and abuse.
It began in 1976 when students in Soweto, South Africa, were killed for demonstrating against inequality and injustice in education.
Since children have rights that must be upheld, the African Day celebration is appropriate because it serves as a poignant reminder to our communities to put children’s needs first, ensuring that they develop and realise their full potential.
Most importantly, it pushes people, governments, and communities to address pressing issues like child labour, inadequate education, and to ensure safe, healthy environments.
This year’s theme, “Planning and budgeting for children’s rights: progress since 2010,” is no exception to the efforts done thus far by governments, individuals, parents, and others to advance the welfare of children.
In addition to their rights to nutritious food, medical care, secure housing, and high-quality education, children also require emotional support, safety, and protection from danger in order to flourish.
Children’s physical, mental, and social development depends on these necessities, yet far too many continue to be denied their rights and go without food, housing, water, or health care.
While eating, sleeping, playing, and learning are all important aspects of a child’s growth, some children do not find these activities enjoyable. Such children work independently to make ends meet although their parents are responsible for that role,
Many people and organisations have put a lot of effort into making sure that children’s rights are outlined, upheld, and safeguarded; thus, everyone must keep fighting for children’s rights.
The Convention on the Rights of a Child (CRC) was created in 1989 as a result of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which served as the foundation for all legal norms pertaining to children’s rights. This is the first international agreement with legal force that covers all human rights.
Therefore, a multifaceted strategy encompassing legal frameworks, education, community involvement, and tackling systemic challenges is needed to assure the preservation of children’s rights.
Laws that safeguard children from abuse must be put into place and upheld, public awareness of children’s rights and protection must be increased, and safe spaces must be established in institutions and communities.
Let us all work together to defend the rights of African children.
Editorial
Employ pros at local government level to address sanitation issues
Dear Editor,
In a car on my way to work on Tuesday, I listened to an interview on sanitation on a radio station which a local government expert said that most of the people that handled waste management issues at the Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies, were not waste management professionals but health professionals.
According to the speaker, this has contributed to the failure to address the sanitation problems, especially at the local level.
These health professionals who have been tasked to oversee waste management are only occupied with the health related dangers but have no clue on the issues at hand.
I felt very sad and found it disturbing as to why people without professional training in waste management is given responsibilities in a field alien to him.
Waste management involves a lot of processes, including segmentation of waste products as well as recycling.
Employers must know that waste management professionals at the local level was important as it helps making decisions ton how to combat it.
This is not a problem at the local government level alone. It is something across the various sectors.
Maybe this is the time for us as a country to start recruiting qualified professionals to occupy their respective fields to bring their competence to the table to solve whatever problem persist.
It is clearly a case of putting ‘square pegs in round holes.’ I believe it is about time we change that narrative and employ professionals who are qualified to find solutions to our waste management conundrum.
Baba Hafiz, Kasoa
