Accra High School and Kinbu SHS students clash
Back in my days, I remember my parents reporting me to my teacher at school for any bad behaviour. At the end of the school day, I never repeated that kind of bad behaviour.
Respect for teachers and authority was part of the culture. A neighbour could correct another neighbour’s child, and there was nothing wrong with that.
Growing up in a Ghanaian family was interesting, to say the least.
My mother and father always told us stories about our culture, no matter how ridiculous they seemed. They had their own sign languages, and we understood what they meant.
We were assigned appropriate domestic tasks, which we carried out cheerfully. We took part in communal labour and learnt how to keep our surroundings clean.
This made us useful and allowed us to do the same wherever we found ourselves. We were taught courtesy—both boys and girls—in school and at home.
Traditional and religious leaders were up to the task. They made us understand the importance of good behaviour because, one day, we would be held accountable for it. You do not take what does not belong to you without asking.
Somehow, along the way, this beautiful culture of ours has been infiltrated by many others, all in the name of freedom of speech and human rights. We now have parents who defend their children, knowing full well they are in the wrong, making the child believe their actions are justified.
There are instances where parents go to their child’s school to insult teachers and, at times, even physically attack them in front of the children. What do we see these days? Students beating up teachers and talking back to them without any remorse.
Religious and traditional leaders are now afraid to condemn bad behaviour for fear of losing members or followers. The few who do speak out are labelled as too judgmental.
Political leaders, instead of providing solutions to problems, blame others and fight among themselves. They sometimes use vulgar language, forgetting that the youth are listening to them.
At 68 years of independence, we cannot confidently claim any substantial achievements of our own without relying on external assistance.
If public officials and politicians stopped travelling abroad for healthcare and instead invested in the country, it would help expand and improve our healthcare facilities.
We also have politicians who implement policies in the education system but send their children abroad for schooling. The president should be able to question them on this.
Indiscipline is widespread because lawmakers themselves break the law, and the youth have adopted this trend—it is truly disheartening. Enough of the self-interest and selfishness we display in our endeavours.
The system of the country has collapsed, and until we unite and set aside our differences, we will continue in cycles and fail to achieve meaningful progress as a nation.
Let’s all get involved!!!
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