Editorial
Let’s make life meaningful for people with Autism
It may be intolerable to deal with some conditions, but when those who are experiencing them receive the necessary assistance, life becomes more meaningful.
Autism is one such case, which has recently received some exposure. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), another name for autism, is a complicated developmental illness that impacts a person’s ability to interact, communicate, learn, and behave.
Instead of feeling normal, many people with autism frequently feel odd, as if they do not belong. They often experience emotions of loneliness as a result of social cues, sensory overload, or everyday tasks that others take for granted.
In the past, individuals with autism were frequently mistreated, marginalised, and exposed to damaging therapies. Some were often misdiagnosed, institutionalised, and cut off from society, and parent, especially mothers, were held accountable for their children’s illness.
Fortunately, parents are no longer held accountable because of increased awareness. Nevertheless, many people still have misconceptions about autism, so it is necessary to educate the public to accept it.
This year’s World Autism Day commemoration, which was held in Accra under the theme “Embracing Differences, Empowering Every Ability,” called for raising awareness for increased support for individuals with autism and their families.
It is true that children with autism may behave differently from other people, but the public can contribute to creating a more compassionate and understanding environment for them by promoting inclusion in educational institutions and community events, respecting their dignity, and acknowledging that autistic people have distinctive ways of interacting and communicating.
It is important to be understanding and patient with autistic children and their families, particularly when a youngster is feeling overwhelmed or going through a trying time.
To maximise the potential of autistic children for positive outcomes, schools must also establish an effective learning environment.
Children should be encouraged to play with or participate in activities with classmates who have autism without being forced to do so in order to promote social inclusion.
Practical assistance, such as company or errand running, should be provided to families with children with autism.
Let’s shift our perspectives so that every child with autism has the chance to lead a more satisfying life.
Dear Editor,
Over the past few months, the ages of some drivers of commercial vehicles continue to baffle me.
This is common during weekends when one boards any of the commercial vehicles – be it trotros and okada.
I remember, I boarded a taxi from the Accra Central area towards the Kwame Nkrumah Circle area. When I sat in the vehicle, I realised the driver was a young boy. Specifically, he said he was 18.
I know our laws do not permit youth under the age of 21 to be driving; that is clearly against Ghana’s Road Traffic laws for operating commercial vehicles.
Some commuters have even had confrontations with station masters over the issue and have refused to board vehicles driven by underage individuals, despite the risk of arriving late for work.
This situation is deeply disturbing because it puts the lives of passengers and other road users at risk.
No matter how skilled such drivers may be, allowing underage persons to operate commercial vehicles is wrong and unlawful. Laws governing road safety are meant to protect lives, and ignoring them only increases the chances of accidents and loss of lives.
I therefore urge the relevant authorities, especially the National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) and the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority, to strictly enforce the age requirements for commercial driving in the country.
Baba
Labadi
The advantages of focusing on girls have been evident over the years. However, current research indicates that the statistics pertaining to boys are still declining.
Approximately 69 percent of boys and 73 percent of girls finish primary school. While Senior High School (SHS) enrollment trends have lately changed, with females significantly outnumbering males (about 110 girls to every 100 boys), Junior High School (JHS) gender parity remains stable, with the Gender Parity Index (GPI) remaining between 1.00 and 1.03.
The Gender Parity Index (GPI) indicates parity between girls and boys.
Although encouraging education for girls is essential for Ghana’s development, the strong emphasis has unintentionally led to inequalities for boys.
Many stakeholders worry that affirmative action and unequal resource distribution put males at risk, which can occasionally lead to increased dropout rates and behavioural issues in specific neighbourhoods.
There has been a lot of discussion among Ghanaian sociologists and educators about the disproportionate support given to girls and how it affects boys.
They claim that the majority of scholarships and special facilities are frequently disproportionately given to girls, which boy child advocates contend makes young men feel ignored or disadvantaged.
Due to these differences, Apostle Professor Kwabena Agyapong-Kodua, Vice Chancellor of Pentecost University, has voiced serious concerns and is pushing for a deliberate discussion about the education and development of boys in order to build stronger families and societies.
The statement was made by Apostle Prof. Agyapong-Kodua during a seminar hosted by the Church of Pentecost Schools Outreach Ministry in Accra on May 16, which is International Day of the Boy Child.
It was organised in association with the Pentecost Men’s Ministry and the Ghana Education Service (GES) under the theme “Flourish and Thrive: Investing and Unleashing Boys for Strong Families and Communities.”
Apostle Prof. Agyapong-Kodua revealed that many young males are vulnerable due to inadequate mentoring, a decline in schooling, negative social media influences, and emotional neglect.
Additionally, he stated that the boy child faced numerous difficulties, including aggression, substance addiction, academic decline, emotional neglect, and the lack of strong role models, as a result of the focus shifting to the girl child.
He worries that since boys are essential to the development of the country, they should not be overlooked in discussions about leadership, education, family stability, and national reform.
The Spectator agrees with Apostle Prof. Agyapong-Kodua and believes that while it is important to train girls, neglecting boys can impede social advancement by causing differences in behaviour and education between young men and women.
“If we don’t make an effort social media will train our children for us. We’re not saying they shouldn’t use social media, but we should help them get the information they need to succeed in life,” he said.
The Spectator believes that the GES would adopt gender-responsive education in order to guarantee that classroom instruction meets the requirements of both boys and girls equally.
Let’s continue to be dedicated to making sure that no child is left behind.
