Children appeal to Government to renovate park

Some school children in Accra have appealed to the Government to immediately renovate the Efua Sutherland Children’s Park in Accra, to serve as a recreational centre without posing dangers.

“We, the children of Ghana, are appealing to the Government, to step in and save the Efua Sutherland Children’s Park, popularly called Children’s Park, in Accra, so that we can have a park that is not risky to our lives and really enjoy recreation there as in other countries.”

The children made the appeal in a mock news presentation in English, Twi, Ga, Ewe and Hausa languages, during the ninth graduation ceremony of Anbert Gardens, an early childhood school located at Penny, in Teshie- Accra.

They drew the attention of the Government of the deplorable state of the park, and called for swift intervention to save it from getting worse.

Ghana News Agency investigations have revealed that the 12-acre amusement park which used to be the hub of all entertainment activities for children and adults in Accra is in a very terrible and distasteful state.

A website called GhanaCelebrities.com has reported recently that “the park is being subjugated by unkempt weeds. As if that isn’t enough, none of the amenities is working at the place. The trains and see-saws are corroded and in a messed up state. Whoever is in charge of the place ought to sit up and develop the place.”

Ms Judith Newlove-Mensah, Conference and Banquet Operations Manager of Alisa Hotel, who was the Guest of Honour, urged parents to collaborate with teachers in the formation and development of children.

She dwelt on the theme of the ceremony: “Children are Precious Gifts from God-A Parent’s Role,” and advised parents and guardians to plan very well for the education of their children, coupled with good parental upbringing as solid foundation.

“Children can excel without limits. So I urge parents to continue to believe in the education of their children,” Ms Newlove-Mensah said.

Mrs Christiana Lamptey, Proprietress of the school, announced that the school would be starting the primary section from the next academic year, which begins next month.

She appealed to parents to ensure that their children’s home work are done, and must eat nutritious meals and have enough rest.

Mr Benjamin Mensah, a media practitioner, who chaired the ceremony said to develop children as a whole, the education drive should seek to develop in them initiative, integrity, imagination, an inquiring mind, self-knowledge, interpersonal skills, and the ability to feel and recognise truth on different levels.

He said different cognitive, intuitive, brain structured physical movement and self-directed play handwork, should be seen in each child every day if possible.

“Children will thrive if these elements are part of a child’s nurturance at home as well as in school,” Mr Mensah said, stressing that “efforts must be made to co-ordinate all school activities and regular classes with a whole-child approach”.

The pupils treated the audience to poetry recitals, drama and cultural displays.

Certificates were presented to the graduates.

Miss Zainab Futa, a graduate, on behalf of her colleagues, thanked the management, the teachers, parents and guardians for their efforts and sacrifices in seeing them through pre-school.