Editorial
See something, say something
When we talk of national development, it depends on each and every person in the country, whose contribution is very necessary for the good of all.
The country comprises various regions, and each region deals with an institution that plays a crucial role in its area of operation. The country as a whole depends on the contribution of each institution.
Similarly, the economy is also made up of various sectors. Each sector also plays useful roles that contribute in one way or another to the general growth of the country.
Some of the sectors are agriculture, transportation, mining, electricity, building and construction, health, transportation, and many others. These sectors operate as institutions or organisations.
The institutions or organisations are managed by people, some of whom are good while others are bad. The problem with many people is that, when they see what is wrong in society, they fail to report it to the appropriate authorities for action to be taken. For this reason, wrongdoing and crimes continue unabated in society.
Many Ghanaians complain about our systems, stating that they don’t work to the satisfaction of everyone. This explains why many criminals go scot-free in this nation.
Even in situations where eyewitnesses who can be of help are expected to assist the police in their investigations, they refuse to cooperate, and this makes things difficult for everyone in the country. A common practice that has been observed over the years in all parts of the country is the the blame game, where everyone wants to blame somebody for wrongdoing.
However, when it comes to owning up to the truth, nobody wants to do so, and we sit to play the blame game so that we can keep ourselves out of trouble.
This is not good enough because it makes us less responsible for actions that could have been taken to prevent wrongdoings in society and help our peace-keeping institutions uncover culprits who do not work in the interest of the country.
The government is working hard to make socioeconomic development better for all Ghanaians. Unfortunately, things have not been able to move at a faster rate than we all expected.
For example, corruption is everywhere, yet many people find it difficult to report any wrongdoing to the appropriate authorities for the right actions to be taken. Also, many personnel in organisations, public and private, are aware of the stealing of funds and acts of corruption that go on in their organisations.
In spite of this, nothing is reported, and we pretend that everything is fine. There are many heads of agencies who are very corrupt and have established systems to put fear in people and prevent them from revealing their negative deeds.
The entire country must, therefore, turn a new leaf and begin to re-examine its conscience in order to uncover wrongdoers in the country.
Instead of the truth, what do we see?
In some cases, wrongdoers are shielded and protected from naming and shaming, and they are also not prosecuted in court in line with the laws of the land. This has gone on in many sectors of the country, and for this reason, the truth is no longer revealed. It is as if people prefer untruth to truth. This is very unfortunate.
Each time anybody sees something, we must be prepared to say it to the right authorities, and this is why it has been emphasised by authorities in this country that, “See something, say something.” If we can all collaborate in this way, we can go a long way toward helping develop the country in a faster way than can be imagined.
Editorial
Employ pros at local government level to address sanitation issues
Dear Editor,
In a car on my way to work on Tuesday, I listened to an interview on sanitation on a radio station which a local government expert said that most of the people that handled waste management issues at the Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies, were not waste management professionals but health professionals.
According to the speaker, this has contributed to the failure to address the sanitation problems, especially at the local level.
These health professionals who have been tasked to oversee waste management are only occupied with the health related dangers but have no clue on the issues at hand.
I felt very sad and found it disturbing as to why people without professional training in waste management is given responsibilities in a field alien to him.
Waste management involves a lot of processes, including segmentation of waste products as well as recycling.
Employers must know that waste management professionals at the local level was important as it helps making decisions ton how to combat it.
This is not a problem at the local government level alone. It is something across the various sectors.
Maybe this is the time for us as a country to start recruiting qualified professionals to occupy their respective fields to bring their competence to the table to solve whatever problem persist.
It is clearly a case of putting ‘square pegs in round holes.’ I believe it is about time we change that narrative and employ professionals who are qualified to find solutions to our waste management conundrum.
Baba Hafiz, Kasoa
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