Editorial
My Ghana card at last!
Dear Editor,
About two weeks ago, I wrote about the “needless hustle” citizens were going through in order to acquire the Ghana Card. Well, my persistence paid off last Friday, March 18, 2022, after I spent another week “chasing” the card at the registration centre in my district.
The officer at the centre found the card on Monday, March 14, 2022 after I submitted my details but I could not do the biometric verification that day as there were many other residents in a queue.
Friday morning, however, was less busy for me so I managed to spend about an hour in a queue until it was my turn to take my card. Capturing my fingerprints (also known as biometric verification) took less than five minutes after which my card was given to me.
I left the centre again wondering why we must spend several hours in a queue when, indeed, the verification and issuance of the card did not take much time to complete.
While in the queue, I heard an officer express worry over the thousands of cards that had not been picked up by the owners. I asked myself: “how would they pick them up when they have to spend many hours or even a whole day in a queue?”
I believe the National Identification Authority can do better and ensure there is no undue delay when registrants show up at various centres to pick their Ghana cards. Their details had already been captured at the initial stages off the registration, therefore, issuance of the printed cards need not become another hurdle.
Prince Opoku-Gyamerah,
Teshie–First Junction.
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
