The issue of youth unemployment has become a huge headache in our country.
The sad loss of six lives in the recent El-Wak stadium stampede bears some testimony.
Often, some individuals hide behind the excuse of job scarcity to justify engaging in unlawful acts that go against social norms.
Those involved in the destructive illegal mining practice known as ‘galamsey’ claim that these activities are their means of survival, citing the state’s failure to provide employment opportunities.
Others go into commercial motorcycle operations, popularly known as ‘Okada’, without the slightest knowledge or awareness of safety for themselves and others.
With confidence, they ride through red traffic lights when they should stop. They sometimes ride on the opposite side of traffic, endangering the lives of pedestrians and drivers.
Their emboldened stance on our roads defies understanding, especially in the presence of law enforcers.
That is why one is curious to know how many of our unemployed youth in Accra will troop into the offices of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) to be taken on for temporary job opportunities to clean the city.
Earlier this week, the news had it that the Mayor of Accra, Michael Kpakpo Allotey, announced that AMA is ready to pay individuals GH¢100 a day to help clean the city in readiness for the Christmas season.
He explained that the opportunity is targeting unemployed youth, calling on interested individuals to visit the AMA office, ostensibly to get themselves signed up for temporary employment.
Much as this is welcome news for the unemployed youth, one is keen to see how many will take advantage of the offer and see it as a step to greater or permanent opportunities.
According to the news item reported on Ghanaweb, the AMA boss stated that 190 persons had already been deployed across the metropolis, with an additional 400 to be employed.
Even though this current AMA leadership’s commitment to keep the city clean is not new, one still welcomes it with keenness.
Countless ideas have been bandied around in the past by successive mayors and or governments to rid the city of filth.
Promises
In almost all cases where promises to rid the city of filth are put on the front burner, creating jobs for sanitation inspectors has always been hailed by citizens.
It has been an idea supported with much applause, not only to keep the city clean, but also to help create employment.
To date, one has yet to hear a Minister of Environment or Sanitation or even a Mayor confirming how many jobs have been created over the years in that direction.
Is it the mere job title of sanitation inspector that does not gel with the youth of today, or that the authorities have reneged on their promises?
Filth on our streets, roads and communities is not getting any better, no matter how much we talk.
If it is the job title that is putting the youth off, then how about finding a more attractive name for the positions of street and or community cleaners?
After all, that seems to be the name of the game in these modern times, where the glorification of job titles means a lot.
What used to be called watchmen is now referred to as security officers, cooks are now referred to as chefs and secretaries are personal assistants.
The list goes on and on.
The Accra Mayor’s intentions for unemployed youth to come and help clean the city for GHC100 a day must not only be for the coming festive season.
Accra, as the capital, must stay clean and tidy 365 days in each given year.
It must also mean 24 hours for ceremonial roads and streets, as well as busy areas such as the markets and car parks.
That would be AMA’s support for the 24-hour economy.
Speaking of keeping the capital clean and tidy, the AMA should also pay attention to the numerous small hotels and guest houses that have sprung up in communities.
It is an eyesore to see some operating in unhygienic conditions, showing little concern for the exterior of their premises and neglecting tidiness, with waste and rainwater often left to flow into public access roads.
As commercial entities, these establishments should be closely monitored by the Assemblies to ensure a well-maintained and clean environment.
May the youth find fulfilment in the AMA boss’s challenge to create jobs this festive season, and may it lead to greater initiatives in the future, as proper sanitation is an ongoing responsibility.
Writer’s email: vickywirekoandoh@yahoo.com
