Editorial
Mixed feelings in Russia-Ukraine war
Dear Editor,
I have been a bit indifferent about the prevailing tension between Russia and Ukraine since I thought their war had nothing to do with us here, in Ghana. I, however, had to revise my stand after I read about the fate of Ghanaian citizens living in Ukraine.
The unwarranted assault on Ukraine had gone a long way to truncate the studies of Ghanaian students pursuing different programmes in that country. Indeed, I would not have been able to deal with such a disruption to my studies if I were in the shoes of these students.
Nonetheless, I congratulate the government of Ghana on evacuating some of the students back to Accra as it plans to rescue other stranded citizens.
But, it is somewhat uncertain whether the students who were yet to complete their studies in Ukraine would be permitted to complete here in Ghana.
I have heard parents of some of the students propose that the medical students from Ukraine should be allowed to complete their studies at the University of Ghana Medical School. I do not know the feasibility of this proposal but I agree there should be some internal arrangements for the students who are now victims of circumstance.
That being said, it is a mixed feeling for me anytime some unplanned events, such as the one in Ukraine, validate why we must develop home-grown solutions across all sectors.
I believe we should be able to build our education, health, security, financial systems, among others to the extent that we may not always have to turn abroad to seek support.
I am not against international collaboration or exchange of expertise but I am convinced that we can make our education system robust and attractive enough for students to study here in Ghana, work and live comfortably without necessarily seeking greener pastures elsewhere.
It is said that the “grass is not greener on the other side; it is greener where you water it.” We must, therefore, take a cue from world events and re-position ourselves and the country appropriately.
Omar Abubakr,
Mamprobi, Accra.
Dear Editor,
I am writing to draw your attention to a matter of grave concern affecting residents of Dansoman Mpoasei area.
Recently, contractors have been digging to fix some pipes but the infrastructure has been badly managed and creating inconvenience for residents.
The exercise has left several pipes broken and these damages have been left unattended, forcing households to endure disrupted water supply.
Such negligence does not only inconveniences residents but also raises serious questions about accountability and oversight in public works.
Contractors entrusted with projects of this nature must be held responsible.
It is unacceptable for them to abandon damaged utilities without repair.
Authorities should ensure that such contractors were compelled to restore any services they disrupt.
I urge the relevant agencies to take swift action to address this issue by compelling such contractors to repair the damage they cause.
Princess Wonovi
Dansoman
Shisha smoking is on the rise among young people who should be making significant life investments for a better future.
Shisha is a smoking apparatus designed to smoke heated tobacco to deliver a smooth and flavourful experience.
Although under the Ghanaian law, shisha smoking is prohibited for minors the law is violated as more and more minors have resorted to smoking the substance at the peril of their future.
Public health experts have consistently warned that shisha use exposes users to harmful substances that can negatively affect brain development, respiratory health, and overall well-being, particularly among young people.
As a result, concerns have been raised in Damongo in the Savannah Region following reports that some young people believed to be under the age of 18 have allegedly been found smoking shisha in pubs and drinking spots within the township.
According to eyewitnesses these minors were seen patronising nightlife venues, particularly during late evening hours, where shisha smoking was openly taking place. The situation has sparked renewed public concern over the enforcement of child protection laws and regulations governing entertainment centres in the municipality.
It is sad that the situation is becoming increasingly common and what is more dangerous is that residents fear to openly report or speak about it as they claim their lives will be at risk if they do so.
But the warning is that the rising consumption of hard drugs poses a serious threat to the future of the youth in general.
The situation is worrying and some residents believe that the alleged incidents point to broader challenges relating to youth supervision, substance abuse, and weak enforcement of existing regulations.
The youth are the future leaders of Ghana therefore we cannot sit aloof and expect them to waste their lives.
The Spectator therefore urges all hands to be on deck to find a lasting solution to this menace. We support the call by residents on municipal authorities, security agencies, and regulatory bodies to intensify monitoring of pubs and entertainment centres to ensure compliance with the law.
We applaud the Savannah Regional Minister, Mr. Salisu Be-Awurbi, who has led public education campaigns, engaged security agencies, and supported enforcement actions aimed at addressing the rising use of illicit substances in the region.
Again, we commend the Chief of Damongo, Wura Kelly Seidu Boresah I, who has also called on all stakeholders including parents, community leaders, institutions, and young people to actively support efforts to curb drug abuse.
His caution to individuals involved in the sale and distribution of illicit drugs to immediately desist from the practice, is laudable.
If strict and swift measures are taken to arrest and prosecute offenders in accordance with the law, it will deter others from engaging in it and minors will be free.
The Spectator urges the appropriate authorities to enforce child protection laws and regulations at entertainment centres to protect the youth.
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