Editorial
Police-Military must co-operate
National security depends on the collective effort of all stakeholders and players.
It is not just the police or military that are responsible for keeping security and peace in the country. Both the military and police have a major role to play in this regard.
The police have a specific role to play in maintaining law and order but the military ensure the defence of the nation.
Each of these institutions needs to collaborate with the other so that the image and interests of the State can be enhanced. It is, therefore, unfortunate that from time to time, these two institutions are found in disagreement or in dispute with each other. The top military officers as well as top police personnel respect one another and have always collaborated in a way that helps to promote the interest of the State.
The problem has always been presumably with the lower ranks who go on operations in various parts of the country. The recent skirmish between the police and the military at Kumasi Magazine is a case in point. The incident, unfortunate as it is, constitutes a big shame and disgrace to the entire country.
Some military personnel consider themselves above the law, so when it comes to the behaviour or misbehaviour of their personnel, they find it difficult to subject them to law and order in line with police supervision.
Even if police personnel are also found to break the law, they are to be reported to the respective superior officers of the two institutions for action to be taken.
This means that any aggrieved police personnel who are unhappy with the misbehaviour of any military personnel, the issue would have to be reported to the relevant military command. In the same way, any unhappy military personnel who are unhappy about a specific police misbehaviour should also report such incident to the relevant police command.
It is, therefore, wrong for any personnel belonging to any of the two institutions to take the law into their own hands and misbehave, as has been the case from time to time.
The two institutions stand for discipline and must set good examples to the rest of society. Fighting amongst themselves and later setting up investigations into their conduct or misconduct is something that should not be entertained or encouraged at any time. If this is the case, then any person or group of people found culpable ought to be severely dealt with to serve as a deterrent to others.
No one is above the law, so it is wrong for personnel of these two security establishments to fight, create chaos and expect society to look on unconcerned.
When such incidents happen, those found culpable ought to bow their heads in shame, as measures are taken to discipline them. The discipline must be severe to deter others from resorting to such shameful conduct.
Also, from time to time, the two institutions would have to collaborate with each other in the sharing of experiences in external operations as well as internal duties. In the same way, personnel from each of the two institutions must give lectures on the respective roles of each of them to deepen better understanding.
They have to see each other as the same and be prepared to work together. The police and the military ought to be encouraged in this direction, so that their personnel can maximise efforts towards peacekeeping as well as maintenance of law and order in different parts of the country.
This is what we need to ensure total peace between the police and the military in this our dear motherland.
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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