Editorial
Stealing does not pay
Dear Editor,
Not long ago, the act of duping people in the Ghanaian society got a new name: ‘Sakawa’. Without knowing where the name came from, suspected criminals hid behind their computers and stole cash from innocent victims.
No matter what name one will give to the act of deceit, trick, and stealing, the illegal act to gain favours in several ways has been with man since the creation of the world.
The simple explanation is that the act of stealing, deceiving or tricking someone to get favours is sophisticated in our time, and suspects keep changing their tactics every minute their styles are exposed.
As their tricks are exposed, suspected criminals change their style from stealing people via the internet to using the phone to tell lies to their victims in foreign countries to win favours.
The criminals formulate more lies, roping in influential personalities such as ministers, politician’s, philanthropists, celebrities, chiefs, security commanders, district chief executives, pastors, among others.
Some Ghanaians blame it on poor living conditions, forcing energetic and industrious youth to employ such tactics in order to ‘survive.’
When it comes to ‘Sakawa’, there are more scenarios or stories relating to people in Ghana making deceitful statements and telephone calls to dupe their relatives abroad.
The story is told of a suspect, who duped his uncle when he lied about suffering from life threatening condition, and needed money to settle his medical bills.
A woman was also said to have connived with a private school proprietor to sack her children from school for non-payment of school fees. The plot was to get her husband who lives abroad to send huge sums of money but she was exposed by a private investigator.
Another young man employed similar trick when he told his uncle that he was running a profitable business in Accra and needed money to expand operations.
The uncle was said to have returned to Ghana to inquire about the business only to be told that the “kiosk had been demolished by city guards.”
Many people devise various strategies to outwit their victims with the excuse that the economic situatuons are becoming unbearable. Some good-hearted people, out of pity, end up losing huge money as they fall for the trick.
But it is time we continued educating the young ones that there is no shortcut to creating wealth, and that it takes the fear of God, humility, patience, quality education and hard work to become rich.
Making deceitful statements to make money is not worth it and there is no blessing for doing that and those who indulge in this practice must advise themselves.
Stephen Quaye,
Dansoman, Accra.
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
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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
