Editorial
Let’s practise national anthem
In the history of the country, gaining independence is a momentous occasion that is commemorated annually to remember the sacrifices made by freedom fighters.
In keeping with that, last Thursday, Ghana celebrated its 68th Independence Day with a modest event held at the seat of government, Jubilee House with the theme “Reflect, Review, and Reset.”
Celebrating the Day is significant because it promotes national unity and patriotism following nearly 70 years of independence from British colonial authority on March 6, 1957. So far, it has been years of unity, freedom, and progress.
Given that our ancestors fought for our independence, what are we doing to leave a legacy for future generations?
We can confidently say that the Ghana National Anthem is a wonderful song that asks God to bless Ghana and make us powerful and great. It is an exhortation to serve Ghana with all of our heart and strength.
The question is how can we be great and strong when we fight each other? Everywhere, there are isolated incidents of violence and assaults, particularly among the youth, which is concerning for our nation. Let us keep in mind that using violence to serve Mother Ghana is not acceptable.
The song “Yen Ara Asaase Ni” reminds us that Ghana is where we were born and exhorts us to be unselfish and look out for one another’s well-being every day in order to bring peace and prosperity to our country.
Also, the Ghana National Pledge exhorts us as citizens to hold in high regard our heritage, which was won for us through the blood and labour of our fathers, and to work toward a better future. Another song for reflection is, “Land of our birth we pledge to thee, our love and toil in the years to be, when we are grown and take our place as men and women with our race.”
We must learn, recite, comprehend, and live out the words of the national anthem and the national pledge.
We strongly exhort the populace to work hard for the nation’s success and to abstain from all sorts of indolence, backbiting, jealousy, and hostility. To raise the flag of our nation, we must be tolerant, patriotic, focused, disciplined, diligent, accountable, self-assured, and prayerful.
Additionally, let us exhibit humility, honesty, loyalty, serviceability, and unity. Together, we can create our nation by pursuing these characteristics, for power rests in togetherness. Once more, to make Ghana a better place for us to live let us defend the vulnerable, assist those in need, forgive others, show love for all people, and serve God with all of your heart.
May God grant us success as we commit to doing everything in our power to protect and preserve Ghana’s reputation.
Cheers to the 68th anniversary of independence!
Editorial
Parents urged to take responsibility for sex education
Dr. Francis Wuobar, a Gynaecologist at the Eastern Regional Hospital in Koforidua has urged parents to take the lead in providing sex education to their children, stressing that they were in the best position to guide them through the changes of adolescence.
According to him, sex education remained a taboo subject in most Ghanaian homes, a culture that must change to prevent children from seeking misleading information elsewhere.
“With the evolving nature of society and technological advancements, today’s children will either learn about sex on the internet or from their peers, who may offer wrong advice,” he cautioned.
Dr. Wuobar noted that the health system and society often concentrate on the reproductive stage of life, neglecting the adolescent and menopausal phases.
“When a woman reaches the reproductive period and gets pregnant, everyone rallies around her. But before that stage, during adolescence, there is little attention and guidance, which has contributed to the rising cases of teenage pregnancy,” he explained.
He observed that many adolescents lack access to counseling and adolescent clinics, creating a vacuum that forces them to explore on their own.
“The answers they seek, adults and parents are not willing to provide. Their peers, who are equally uninformed, become their only source of advice. This exploration is one of the major contributors to teenage pregnancy,” he said.
Dr. Wuobar therefore called on parents to create open and confidential spaces for discussion, where children can freely ask questions about sex, puberty, and relationships.
He emphasized that parents must help adolescents understand the consequences of unprotected sex, the changes they go through, and what choices were right or wrong.
“Today’s generation is curious and asks questions, unlike in the past when children were silent. Parents should not rebuke them but rather engage them seriously and guide them through this turbulent stage,” he advised.
He further appealed to the health sector to establish more adolescent clinics across the country to give young people safe spaces to seek information and counseling.
That, he said, would help reduce the high incidence of teenage pregnancy and support adolescents in making informed decisions about their sexual health.
From Ama Tekyiwaa Ampadu Agyeman, Koforidua
Editorial
Addressing unhealthy conditions at Akropong Mandela Market
Dear Editor,
The Akropong Mandela Market, a vibrant centre of commerce, has been in a terrible state for over a decade now.
Central to the problem is a public toilet located near the market, which has become a breeding ground for diseases and a source of discomfort for both food vendors and customers.
This toilet, utilised by everyone in the town, is positioned too close to the market, severely affecting the vendors who spend long hours selling their goods.
They are constantly exposed to unsanitary conditions mixed with foul odours emanating from the facility.
Agnes, a vendor at the market is sad about the apparent lack of concern from those responsible for maintaining the toilet. Despite collecting user fees, there seems to be little effort to keep the facility clean and hygienic.
The situation at the Akropong Mandela Market highlights the urgent need for effective waste management and sanitation infrastructure in public spaces.
Authorities must take immediate action to ensure the facility is regularly maintained and cleaned. Vendors and customers deserve a safe and healthy environment to conduct their daily activities.
In the meantime, the vendors are urging local government officials to intervene and find a lasting solution to this problem.
Only through collective action can the health and well-being of both vendors and customers be safeguarded to restore the Akropong Mandela Market to its former glory as a thriving commercial hub.
Addo Sarah Ansah Student,
UNIMAC–IJ(BACS26275)
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