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 write to raise urgent concern about ongoing construction activities that are dangerously narrowing a lane near Darkuman Circle Station. This lane has already suffered years of encroachment, and the latest developments could block access for fire tenders, cesspit trucks, ambulances, and other emergency responders.
There is an orange storey building on the right side of the lane. Nearly two decades ago, a structure that completely closed off this lane was demolished following pressure from residents and extensive media coverage. However, workers have returned and erected another structure, leaving part of the lane open but still encroaching.
On the left side of the lane, stores are also being constructed. While the owners are respecting the ground boundary, the buildings extend over the wall, further narrowing the passage. If this continues unchecked, the lane could become impassable for large vehicles. In an emergency, lives could be lost simply because help cannot get through. This is not just a planning issue; it is a serious public safety risk.
I have drafted a petition and will be gathering signatures from neighbors by the close of day. We intend to address it to the Accra Director of Fire Service, the Ablekuma North Municipal Chief Executive, and our Assemblyman. We hope the relevant authorities will act swiftly to prevent further encroachment and restore safe access to the lane.
Mama Moli, Darkuman
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Every child, including those with disabilities, has the fundamental right to elementary education and training, enabling them to develop their maximum potential and become self-reliant.
Unfortunately, despite provisions in the Persons with Disability Act 2006 (Act 715), children with limb deformities are often denied admission to schools due to their physical conditions, even when they show eagerness and capability to learn.
Limb deformities refer to abnormalities related to the growth and development of the arms or legs. As a result, parents of affected children are advocating for an increase in trained teachers and the provision of facilities in schools to accommodate these learners.
A parent shared with The Spectator that his daughter is highly talented but is being denied admission due to her disability. He also noted the difficulties in accessing health care for children with limb deformities. Another parent highlighted the emotional toll, stating that children are often teased or mocked by peers, leading to psychological issues such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
According to statistics from the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF, over 90% of children with disabilities in low-income countries do not attend school.
The concerns of parents are backed by Ghanaian law, including the 1992 Constitution, the Children’s Act of 1998 (Act 560), and the Persons with Disability Act 2006 (Act 715). These laws guarantee children with disabilities the right to education, non-discrimination, dignity, social participation, special care, and protection from exploitation and abuse.
Despite these legal protections, implementation gaps due to inadequate monitoring and enforcement continue to deny many children access to education.
Many children can benefit from simple accommodations and modifications in schools, while others may require specialized, individualized support from special education professionals to help them learn and thrive.
Parents play a pivotal role as primary caregivers and advocates, supporting their children’s independence, encouraging mobility, and assisting with practical tasks.
It is also crucial for the government to provide social support by establishing more specialized orthopedic hospitals across the country to ease the burden on parents.
Addressing these barriers ensures that children with disabilities can participate in education and develop holistically, fulfilling their potential while contributing meaningfully to society.
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