Editorial
Teachers strike disturbing
●The strike is affecting academic activities
Dear Editor,
The recent strike declared by the four teacher unions is very disturbing as it is adversely affecting academic work and impacting students and parents negatively.
I do agree with these teachers who are demanding Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) as a result of the prevailing economic conditions in the country.
The striking teachers should also consider that students report to school everyday and practically do nothing although they have paid the required tuition fees.
Some students in their final year have also been left stranded. What will be the fate of these students if the teachers do not return to the classroom in time? How will they prepare for their examinations when teachers are not there to guide them?
It is worrying that some students just go to school without doing anything profitable thereby giving parents whose wards are in boarding houses sleepless nights as they do not know what their wards are up to.
Other parents are incurring additional cost as they have to add up to the stock of food items they had provided for their wards thinking it would take them through the term.
Inasmuch as I am not happy with the decision of the teacher unions, the government must take urgent steps to address the concern of teachers so they can return to the classroom as quickly as possible. I hear there are some ongoing negotiations and I hope the government and the unions would come to an amicable conclusion.
Pamela Lamptey,
Mallam-Accra.
Dear Editor,
The performance of the Black Stars of Ghana has plunged the entire nation into a joyful mood.
Very few people gave the team any chance at the World Cup but with the little they have shown, Ghanaians have shown massive support.
All the two matches they have played with England and Panama have been characterized by unending joy after the games.
Apart from the team’s performance, the theme song by Ghana’s ace musician, Kofi Kinata have taken the celebration to a new dimension.
The song resonates through every corner both match and non-match days. And when they are played through the large speakers, it gets both young and old dancing their hearts out.
This is a mood I wish Ghanaians would sustain for a long time to keep the unity and friendship among us. Within this period, politics have been relegated to the background and football dominating the discussion. This is what football can do, let’s keep it growing. For the Black Stars, we say ‘Ayekoo.’
Mawuli Quaye,
Accra
Dear Editor,
I have, over time, observed the growing practice of drying washed clothes on the pavements of some principal streets in Accra, as well as on the grassy medians of major roads.
This practice is often carried out by individuals who have made these public spaces their place of abode.
As a country that seeks to maintain a clean, orderly, and beautiful environment, I believe it is time for the government, through the relevant local authorities, to address this issue.
The use of pavements and road medians for drying clothes undermines efforts to promote cleanliness and urban beautification.
Furthermore, this situation could negatively affect Ghana’s tourism industry. Tourists who visit our country do not only come to see historical landmarks and tourist attractions; they also pay attention to the cleanliness, organization, and general appearance of our streets and public spaces.
The sight of clothes hanging on pavements and road medians creates an impression that is inconsistent with the image of a modern and welcoming city.
Equally disturbing is the practice of bathing children on road medians and street pavements. Apart from raising concerns about public hygiene and safety, such activities diminish the dignity and proper use of these public spaces.
As a concerned citizen, I believe that if we are truly committed to keeping our cities clean, attractive, and conducive to tourism and investment, then we must take decisive action.
Local authorities should enforce existing bylaws and regulations governing the use of public spaces and implement measures to prevent such practices.
By doing so, we can preserve the beauty of our cities and project a positive image of Ghana to both residents and visitors alike.
Kojo K,
Madina
