Before we go about the week in search of our daily bread and in the hopes that the country gets better, I would like to share a piece of my clouded thoughts.
My thoughts have been racing in my head anytime I seek to take inspiration on my future and that of my age group in the country.
I recently came across a quote on the internet from a popular TV presenter and comedian that read, “Some of the fiercest voices of Change, Changed when they got into positions meant to affect those Changes.” You would obviously know the implications and lesson the quote makes. It has been quite the norm in this part of the country, from the grass root levels through to the top officers to fall short on their words once they gain power.
In the last couple of years, the country has witnessed numerous strikes from various working groups and divisions in the country. More of such became evident and very intense close to the end of the year 2021 and kept up through the new year. Most Ghanaians seem to believe 2022 is the year of strikes despite being just a month into the year.
Let us take a recap of these strikes starting with the worrying scenes across the country from the transport services strike with response to additional taxes on fuel. Various teacher unions are currently under strike for poor conditions of services and under the health department, the Anesthetists group also demonstrated against some disagreements in their line of work.
Now the question that struck me most and of which I keep pondering on is, does the future really look bright for the next generation?
School resumes but teachers have decided to boycott lecturers until their demands are addressed. However, government institutions and sector Ministers keep going back and forth arguing who is right and have refused to address the root cause of these strikes.
Notably, all the above strikes would have significant effect on the country’s economy. What our leaders fail to understand is the impact it has on students and the youth at large. Our school system intend will be dented as teachers have ignored their work for a while. There is the possibility of increase in social vices and crime rates among the youth as many could drop out of school. We have seen most engage in internet fraud, street fighting, prostitution and with others trying to start their own businesses.
As a result of lack of motivation and inspiration, I have seen several friends literally given up on schooling as they believe, “There is nothing good for them” after school so they would choose to drop out and hustle than to invest without profiting. Significantly, some young ones would fight to leave the country to Europe and the States for a better future.
Our situation is not entirely hopeless, let’s reclaim our Ghanaian dream and heritage. Our leaders need to always consider the youth in every major decision, as they make up of the majority of the country’s population
