Editorial
Protect and empower adolescent girls
Many adolescent girls in Ghana are subjected to pressures from society, including early marriage, which hinders their growth and well-being and prevents them from reaching their full potential.
These pressures include, but are not limited to, financial, educational, psychological, and emotional challenges.
Adolescence is the period of life between childhood and adulthood from the ages of 10 to 19. They are an essential component of society and may make a positive impact on their communities and families both now and in the future.
Throughout this period, they grow quickly in terms of their physical, cognitive, and psychosocial development which has an impact on their emotions, thoughts, decision-making, and interactions with the outside environment.
Also, they are vulnerable at this point and need to be protected. In order for adolescent girls to make decisions that will define their adult lives with parental guidance, parents must ensure that their daughters have a solid foundation of knowledge and strong values.
Although adolescents require parental or guardian protection, they also require some degree of independence to make decisions for themselves because they are still young.
Ghana was the first nation in history to ratify the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) in 1990. While governments have developed and implemented various legal and institutional structures to support the empowerment of adolescent girls through this ratification, more work is needed to ensure that adolescent girls’ rights are fulfilled.
The Spectator is in favour of this since it will enable them to completely confront their own issues and make a positive contribution to their own lives.
In order to support Ghana’s overall development toward the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) asserts that continuous and coordinated investments in the rights and welfare of teenage girls are necessary.
According to a research titled “Protecting and empowering adolescent girls in Ghana,” many girls between the ages of 10 and 19 – especially the most marginalised and vulnerable – have their possibilities hampered by early pregnancy, violence, and an overwhelming amount of domestic responsibilities.
In order to support Ghana’s overall development toward the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) asserts that continuous and coordinated investments in the rights and welfare of adolescent girls are necessary.
According to the survey, 10 percent of adolescent girls had sex before turning 15, and early pregnancies raise the risk of maternal mortality, which is the main cause of death for teenage girls.
Adolescent girls’ education may be interrupted or curtailed by child marriage. For this reason, “it is imperative to prioritise their education, protection, health and well-being to not only fulfil their fundamental rights but also contribute to the peace, security and sustainable development of the entire country.”
Let us protect and empower adolescent girls to fulfil their dreams in life.
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
