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,
THE Ghana Education Service (GES) has announced that most Senior High Schools (SHSs) will return to the single-track system by this month.
For many students and parents, this feels like a relief. But before we move on, we must take a moment to reflect.
The double-track system helped thousands of students get into schools. It gave hope to families who couldn’t afford private education. But it also came with challenges.
Some students had shorter terms, others had longer breaks. Teachers were stretched, and learning felt rushed. Many students felt left behind not because they didn’t try, but because the system didn’t give them enough time.
Now that we’re returning to single-track, let’s make sure we don’t repeat the mistakes of the past. We need more classrooms, better planning, and support for teachers.
Education is not just about getting into school. It’s about feeling safe and supported. Let’s build a system that gives every child a real chance.
Beatrice Princess Kpeglah,
Dansoman
Join our WhatsApp Channel now!
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbBElzjInlqHhl1aTU27
Dear Editor
As it is critical for preserving our surroundings, there is the urgent need for increased awareness and action to protect Ghana’s environment and resources.
Ghana’s forest reserves, vast savannas and scenic coastlines serve as homes and habitats to a wide range of flora and fauna, including several endangered species.
Our vegetation and rich soil deposits provide the nation with food, plants and animal resources, which ensures food availability and accessibility for the population.
However, the country’s environment is facing numerous threats including deforestation, overexploitation, pollution, etc.
The importance of environmental conservation cannot be overstated; our natural resources are the backbone of our economy, playing a vital role in driving the country’s economic growth and development.
It is therefore critical that we take actions to protect them for our future generations.
There is the need for collective action to address environmental challenges and promote sustainable development.
Environmentalists, various organizations and private individuals must come on board to promote environmental conservation, through tree planting exercises, clean-up campaigns, and resource conservation practices.
These efforts, when carried out effectively, would create a long-lasting impact in protecting and conserving the country’s environment.
The Ghanaian government should also implement policies and conduct regular programmes aimed at promoting environmental conservation.
By Theresa Tsetse Dzifa,
Bubiashie
