THE ECONOMIC CRISIS IN GHANA: THE PLIGHT OF THE ORDINARY STUDENT.

 

          SAAKA’S DIARY 📔 

We are in a great time of the year where Religious activities across the globe has taken centre stage. Whilst Muslims are in the Holy Month of Ramadan, observing their fasting, engaging in vigorous prayers, both day and night, in other to earn the forgiveness, blessings and mercies of Almighty Allah our Christian brothers and Sisters recently observed their Easter celebrations to mark the crucifixion of their Lord and savior Jesus Christ. Various Churches, Prayer points were occupied day and night as part of observing this important day. 

We Pray that, at the end of this Holy month coupled with our Easter celebration, we would be refined citizens both within the youth front through to the highest level of leadership, to at least touch the hearts of our leaders to exhibit sympathy, truthfulness and make the best of decisions for our Country. Amen!!!

Fast forward, the debate of the Ghana Economy has become the gossip in town, children, market women, offices, airwaves chop bars and drinking spots. The Slogan ‘the economy hard oooh’ is something you hear almost every day. Many are afraid to speak for fear of being victimized or tagged with political parties but Martin Luther King Jr once said “ Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about the things that matter." Drawing inspiration from this quote, how can we not speak up to the hardships faced? Are we in anyway suggesting that a conversation that has taken over our airwaves and daily lives doesn’t matter? No!! Then why the fear of being tagged? After all, we all vote. 

The decisions our leaders take today have serious ramifications in our lives so every bit of it matters and we must speak out!!!

Our economy is hard, things are difficult and no amount of explanation can ameliorate the suffering of the ordinary Ghanaian. Our leaders must act now to change the situation since government officials and communicators have admitted the seemingly irredeemable economic quagmire we currently find ourselves.

I’m one of the youth who kept quiet for same reasons not until last month when my former institution, the University of Education, Winneba Kumasi now Akenten Appiah Menkah University of Skills and Entrepreneurial Development( AAMUSTED) began the implementation of an amount of 20 cedis penalty for the inability of students to meet deadlines for paying their school fees and subsequent registration. 

I was sad upon hearing the news, of course, having been through the system and know how it feels. I must admit, however, that there are rare scenarios that  some students  spend their school fees  unnecessarily on some non-academic stuff but it is also true that others have genuine problems in paying the fees and should be given the kindest consideration.

 Imagine accumulating a 20 cedis Penalty for a month added to the unpaid fees. Do the maths and you will realize how unbearable the situation is to most students out there. Though I do not seek to justify the inability of students to pay school fees by blaming the current economic situation in the country, it's patriotic to admit that, the economic situation is a contributory factor.

The issue however gained public attention when scores of students numbering up to 6,000 were deferred by the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology for their inability to pay up to 70% of their fees. Reasons given among others include some students allegedly using their school fees for betting, investment and other ventures. 

Why would one choose to use his/her fees for betting instead of paying fees? Is it not worrying that our future leaders will begin taking such decisions assuming the situation is affirmative? This is a source of worry that must be looked at. No amount of explanation can justify this unrealistic, unreasonable and unbelievable act. On the other hand, school is an investment and choosing to use your fees for other ventures is mind boggling! Is  it the case that these students are influenced  the unemployment and general economic situation? 

If YES, it is still not justifiable enough because education is key and must not be sacrificed. 

I kept asking myself what happened to the social interventions set to help in such situations such as the Student Loan Trust Fund( SLTF) established in 2005 under the trustee incorporation Act 1962, Act 820 to provide financial resources for the sound management of the trust benefit of the students and to help promote and facilitate the National ideals enshrined in Article 28 and 38 of the 1992 Constitution. 

 Information received indicates that STLF hasn’t disbursed moneys to qualified students who have applied. What about the Scholarship Secretariat? This is really worrying and sad and one keeps wondering when our problems would be solved. Question for the gods. 

It's therefore suggested that the management of various public institutions, the Minister of Education, the government, NGOs , politicians and other benevolent individuals should come to the aid of our brothers and sisters whose courses have been deferred with genuine reasons to be assisted  to pay their fees to enable them complete the semester. 

To the students and youth of this country, in these trying times, we must make decisions taking into consideration our future, our background and the hopes people have for us. 

At least let’s temper justice with mercy to allow these poor students continue their education because the consequences will be unbearable in the not too distant future, if we sack them.

“ Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny “. God bless our homeland Ghana and make our Nation great and strong. 

WE WRITE TO RIGHT THE WRONGS OF THE SOCIETY. 

Wahidu Saaka 

Saakawahid29@gmail.com 

0540515390