A Letter to the Speaker of Parliament: A Cry for Quietude

Dear Rt. Hon Alban S.K. Bagbin,

The quieter the sirens, the louder our voices can be in building a better future for Ghana.

I hope this letter finds you well and in good health. Imagine a classroom filled with eager students, poised to absorb knowledge like sponges. Now, imagine their place of studies being bombarded by sirens blaring from the motorcades of our honorable Members of Parliament (MPs) and Ministers. This is the reality at the Ghana Institute of Journalism (GIJ), and it's a situation that's causing quite a stir.

In this letter, I address you, Right Honourable Speaker of Parliament, bringing to attention a matter that not only affects the students and lecturers at GIJ but also reflects the need for a balance between security and the right to a conducive learning environment.

As we approach the commencement of a new academic year at the Ghana Institute of Journalism (GIJ), the road leading to Parliament House (Adjacent to the British High Commission, Abdul Nasser Rd. Ridge, Accra.) often frequented by our nation's elected representatives has become a corridor of clamor. The loud sirens and motorcade convoys accompanying these dignitaries have transformed our tranquil academic vicinity into a hub of noise pollution.

After all, GIJ is not just a place of learning; it's a sanctuary for aspiring journalists and communicators, individuals dedicated to shaping the future of our nation. But how can we craft the stories of tomorrow if our classrooms are besieged by the CACOPHONY of sirens?

It is imperative to acknowledge that both students at GIJ and our parliamentary representatives are essential stakeholders in the future of our nation. We, the students, attend GIJ with the sincere desire to learn, contribute, and serve our country. Similarly, our elected officials convene in Parliament to deliberate and make decisions that shape our nation's destiny. However, the relentless noise pollution generated by these motorcades disrupts our educational pursuits, disturbs our concentration, and creates an unfavorable learning environment.

Mr. Speaker, this letter is not an indictment but a plea—a plea for consideration, for understanding, and for a harmonious resolution. We fully recognize the necessity of security measures for our elected officials, and we hold deep respect for their roles in our democracy. Nevertheless, we believe that a middle ground can be reached—one that upholds the sanctity of both our parliamentary proceedings and the educational mission of GIJ.

In the spirit of compromise and shared responsibility, we propose exploring alternative routes or quieter modes of transportation for our MPs and Ministers. By doing so, we can mitigate the disturbance caused by motorcade sirens without compromising the security and dignity of our leaders.

In closing, I extend my profound respect for your office and the diligent work undertaken therein. May this letter be a catalyst for positive change, one that paves the way for a GIJ where the pursuit of knowledge and the deliberation of our leaders can coexist harmoniously.

Yours sincerely,

Adjei Dickens Ofori Asare

(Concerned Student)