Editorial
Partisanship will take us nowhere
Dear Editor,
As individuals, we belong to different groups, and over the years have aligned ourselves or supported different ideologies and political parties.
But the question is whether we must allow our party colours or ideological differences cloud our judgment when it comes to discussing matters of national interest?
I believe, irrespective of our affiliations, individuals or groups must be bold in condemning policies or decisions which may put the country’s development agenda off gear.
Objectivity, fairness and consensus building on national issues, in my view, would go a long way in helping us to find lasting solutions to matters that are retarding our progress as a nation.
It has been the norm in Ghana where successive governments failed to continue development projects initiated by previous governments because they do not want their opponents to “take the credit”.
This posture, in the long run, is counter-productive, hence the need for all to come together and change the narrative. When it comes to national issues, all hands must be on deck and all views, irrespective of party affiliations, must be taken seriously.
The saying in Parliament, that “the minority will have their say but the majority would have its way, should not always be the case.
Frankly, consensus building is important if we care so much about the growth of our dear nation. Partisanship, to some extent, has retarded our development and I believe we can make progress when we put aside our political lenses.
Jennifer Quaye,
Kaneshie, Accra
Dear Editor,
Walking along roads in some parts of the capital has become increasingly challenging.
While trading on pedestrian walkways remains a concern in certain areas, the parking of vehicles on road shoulders also poses a serious risk to pedestrians.
Often, pedestrians are forced to walk dangerously close to these parked vehicles or even step into the middle of the road to make way for oncoming traffic.
This situation is not only frustrating but also highly unsafe.
I recall an incident when I alighted at a lorry station and was walking home. A Tata bus was approaching, and due to vehicles parked on both sides of the road, I had nowhere to walk safely.
The situation became so dangerous that I had to quickly jump into a nearby shop to avoid being knocked down by the oncoming Tata bus.
That experience was frightening and could have easily resulted in an accident.
In my view, it is time for authorities in the road sector, such as the National Road Safety Authority and the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) of the Ghana Police Service, to take urgent action to address this issue and prevent possible loss of life.
Strict enforcement measures, including towing improperly parked vehicles and imposing substantial fines, would serve as a deterrent to offenders.
From Ray
Adabraka
Dear Editor,
I wish to use this column of your respected newspaper to appeal to the Ministry of Education and the Ghana Education Service to consider bringing back the practice where students stayed home for some months after completing the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE).
Within that period where they stay home for some time and wait for their results, it afforded parents some time to prepare and save towards the next move in the academic life of their children.
In recent times, students are quickly admitted into Senior High School immediately after their examinations, leaving little time for parents and guardians to adequately prepare financially and emotionally for the next stage of their children’s education.
Many parents, therefore struggle to buy school items such as chop boxes, trunks, mattresses, uniforms and other necessities within the short period given.
This situation places pressure on families, especially those with low incomes.
Previously, the break after BECE allowed students to rest after years of academic work while parents and guardians made proper preparations for their wards.
It also gave students enough time to learn vocational skills, assist their families and mature before entering boarding school life.
Bringing back this period will greatly reduce stress on both parents and students and help ensure better preparation for Senior High School education.
And one other thing we have not taken notice of is that within that period, parents also prepare their children mentally and psychologically before they go to school. They are thought how to be independent.
So we see new secondary students displaying an appreciable level of maturity which is missing in this era where they go to senior high schools and still behave like primary school kids.
I hope the authorities will carefully consider this concern in the interest of students, parents and guardians across the country.
By Eugene Ampiaw,
Accra.
