Editorial
Address concerns of youth to stay in Ghana
Ghanaian youth at Kotoka International Airport
Dear Editor,
The increasing exodus of the youth has become a matter of concern, prompting me to reflect on the reasons behind this trend.
It is disconcerting to witness the departure of our young talents in pursuit of better opportunities, be it for education or greener pastures.
The fundamental question arises: Why are our youth opting to leave the country in such large numbers?
Through conversations with numerous individuals who have embarked on this journey, a recurrent theme emerges – the quest for greener pastures and the desire to pursue higher education.
However, one cannot overlook the consistent response that points towards a lack of hope for the youth within our national borders.
This raises the pressing need to address the root causes propelling our youth to seek opportunities elsewhere.
The prevailing situation underscores the urgency for our government to implement strategic measures, fostering a robust system that not only encourages the youth to remain in their homeland but also enables them to thrive professionally.
The plea is not merely a call for individuals to stay, but an invitation for them to find fulfillment and joy in contributing to the development of our nation.
In urging the government to take proactive steps, it is paramount to emphasise the importance of creating a conducive environment for the youth. This involves the establishment of job opportunities across different regions, thereby distributing economic activities evenly.
By adopting a regional approach to job creation, we not only address unemployment concerns but also contribute to the overall economic growth of our nation.
Creating jobs at the regional level has multifaceted benefits. It does not only provide employment opportunities for the youth but also acts as a catalyst for economic development in diverse geographical areas.
Moreover, regional job creation could be instrumental in alleviating the strain on urban centres, distributing economic activities and promoting balanced growth.
The ripple effect of region-specific employment opportunities extends beyond reducing unemployment rates. It has the potential to bolster our national revenue, thereby mitigating the need for excessive borrowing.
A financially stable nation is better equipped to address pressing issues, invest in infrastructure, and provide essential services to its citizens.
As a concerned citizen, I earnestly hope that these suggestions are considered seriously by the government for the betterment of our beloved country.
It is my fervent wish that the leadership recognises the urgency of creating an environment where the youth feel not only secured but also inspired to contribute their skills and talents towards nation-building.
Let our collective efforts be directed towards fostering a Ghana where the youth see opportunities on their doorstep, where hope is rekindled, and where the pursuit of a better future aligns with the commitment to the prosperity of our nation.
Samuel Opare Sawovi
Koforidua
Editorial
Rising cost of renting in Accra worrying
Dear Editor,
It is the dream of every young adult to build and live in his or her own apartment or house and not become a tenant in another person’s house. However, such a dream looks far from becoming a reality when one considers the amount to pay to rent an apartment in the capital.
The situation has even become unbearable as the wages of most employed individuals are way lower what landlords charge.
As a young man who is not married, I always imagine getting married and live in a rented apartment with my family, and having to also pay for utility and other basic needs. That alone scares me about marriage.
In Accra, landlords take as much as GHȻ700.00 a month for an apartment with toilets and bathrooms, while some even take the same amount for single rooms without toilets and baths.
Also, one has to sometimes deal with the issue of individuals who are referred to as ‘agents’ when trying to find an apartment to rent. These agents even take monies and don’t even get their clients the type of houses they want.
We can not allow this to continue as most landlords and agents continue to extort monies from their tenants by ‘unreasonably’ increasing house rents on a monthly and yearly basis, thereby putting pressure on them.
I would like to urge the government to have a look at the rent control system of the country to ensure that tenants are not taken advantage of by landlords.
I have also seen young guys and ladies who try to move away from family houses and rent apartments because they want some privacy. My advice to such youngsters is that renting an apartment is not an easy thing, especially when you are not earning much. It is better to stay in the family house and rather save enough to get their own houses.
This is an area of concern government must take a look at and do something about it.
Atom,
Sukura
Editorial
Don’t prophesy to cause fear and panic
Dear Editor,
Curtains on the year 2024, is gradually drawing to close, with many, achieving their dreams while others hope for a better 2025.
Amidst this, churches have planned their watch night services with various themes for the night hoping to give Christians and Ghanaians at large a chance to enter the New Year with optimism.
At the service, there will prophecies or predictions for the coming year, with some causing fear and panic among the populace.
In the year 2021, the Ghana Police Service banned prophecies during 31st night services, also known as watch night services.
Such prophecies, according to the police has caused fear and panic among targeted persons
It seems churches and their leaders have forgotten about this ban, I wish to call in the police to remind the churches to enforce the ban which were mostly about the death of prominent persons in the society.
I believe this will again bring sanity into the Christianity and the society at whole