Editorial
Let’s sustain ‘Reset’ edition of Indece Day celebration
Dear Editor,
I write to congratulate the government and the security services for the impressive organisation of this year’s Independence Day celebration.
The 68th edition of the event is what I call the ‘Reset’ edition due to the major cut it suffered regarding the massive reduction in terms of resources and personnel in a bid to control government expenditure.
That notwithstanding, it proved to be outstanding as the few selected forces and school children lived up to the occasion.
At least we were spared of the long session of March past by several school contingents, only for the security services to replicate the entire exercise.
In the end, it leaves a lot of people – school children, service men and women and even audience so exhausted and fatigued.
For the school children, they are lucky to get the following day as a holiday but others would continue with work.
I want to suggest that in order to save cost and reduce this exhaustion, we adopt the reduced or reset edition style except for major milestones like Golden Jubilee (which we have gone past), Diamond Jubilee, Centenary celebration and so forth.
Additionally, the regional celebrations should be sustained or perhaps reviewed as it becomes worrying sometimes seeing the children kept in the scorching sun for hours.
As the occasion coincides with the Heritage Month celebration, schools can be empowered by the Ghana Education Service (GES) to partner organisation with particular expertise of interest to organise educative programmes for the school children.
Other activities like the Armed Forces Open Day should also be sustained while the other security agencies like the Police, Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) Ghana Prisons Service (GPS) Customs, now GRA must be encouraged to embrace the idea.
That would widen the scope of choices for the participants.
It was also gratifying watching the living past presidents, J.A Kufour and Nana Akufo-Addo shared the same podium on such a historic day.
Prince Amartey,
Dodowa
Editorial
Concern over mentally ill persons roaming Kwame Nkrumah Circle Interchange
Dear Sir
I write to express my concern over the growing number of mentally ill individuals roaming the Kwame Nkrumah Circle Interchange in Accra.
This area, a vital transportation hub and commercial centre, has increasingly become home to several persons visibly suffering from mental health issues, often without adequate care or supervision.
This situation poses risks both to the affected individuals and the general public. Some of these individuals are exposed to traffic hazards, unsanitary conditions, and in some cases, hostile treatment from passersby.
There have also been reports of occasional erratic behaviour, which causes fear and discomfort among commuters and vendors.
Mental health is a public health issue, and these individuals deserve compassion, medical attention, and a safe environment.
I urge the Ministry of Health, the Accra Metropolitan Assembly, and relevant NGOs to collaborate on a sustainable solution including mental health outreach programmes, rehabilitation, and safe housing.
Kwame Nkrumah Circle should be a symbol of progress, not a place where the vulnerable are left to struggle. Let us act with urgency and humanity.
From John Boateng
Kwame Nkrumah Circle
Editorial
Parents should encourage their wards writing BECE
Dear Editor,
AS the 2025 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) takes off across the country starting Wednesday, I write to encourage all candidates taking part in this important step in their academic journey.
Out of a total of 603,328 candidates taking the examination this year, 306,078 are females, whiles the rest 297,250 are males.
Over the years, the examination begins on Monday and ended on Friday but per the timetable, this year’s candidates started on Wednesday and will end next week.
The BECE is not just an exam, it is a milestone from one stage to another. It represents years of hardwork, dedication and the dreams of countless students who hope to continue their education and build a brighter future.
This is where the role of parents, teachers and society become beneficial. Let us offer not only academic support but emotional encouragement to them.
I also appeal to educational authorities to ensure fairness, proper supervision and transparency throughout the examination period.
The journey may be challenging, but with time, focus and discipline they can make it.
I wish to use this platform to wish all of them well.
Naa Koshie, Teshie
