Societal deficiency is recipe for anarchy - Deputy Clerk

Accra, March 24, GNA - Mr John G. K. Agama, Deputy Clerk of Parliament has advised University students and the youth in general to recognise that where the normative value of society proves defective, objective standards cannot be established for societal guidance. "Such circumstances provide a recipe for anarchy and a framework for disaster within which no progress can be made," Mr Agama stated at the Act Right Initiative campaign seminar at the University of Ghana, Legon.

It was organized by the Campus Transformation Network (C-Tranet), an organization made up of professionals from the various sections of the society with branches in Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Liberia and Gambia. With the slogan "Just Say No To Evil," the campaign aims at eradicating sexual promiscuity, examination malpractices, corruption and unethical job practices, as well as indecent dressing and disrespect for authority, on the various campuses.

Mr Agama challenged the universities and other institutions of higher learning not only to serve as citadels of knowledge, but also as the propellants of social change and transformation.

"The future of every nation lies in the hands of its leaders, largely constituted by the products of universities, therefore it is critical to concentrate on the development and welfare of our students so as to ensure our survival."

He expressed concern about the degeneration of the standard objectives that had been set for institutions of higher learning into social vices, most of which are perpetuated by students.

Emphasising on the theme of the Act Right Initiative, "Act Right, Just Say No To All Evil On Our Campuses," Mr Agama encouraged the students to resort to the Bible as an authentic source of overcoming evil.

"We are all by virtue of our sinful nature vulnerable to the consequences of sin and unless as a people, we radically confront this menace of vice, we would all be consumed under the weight - the wages of sin is death."

He said medical statistics had revealed that the health index of the youth has taken a nose-dived especially due to drug abuse, premarital or extra-marital sexual indulgence, as well as other anti-social behaviours.

Pastor Edward Kofi Tumsiah, Programme Coordinator, C-Tranet, reiterated that more than 60 per cent of ladies on campuses dress indecently, almost going naked, leading to the increase in rape and sexual harassment incidents.

He said the problem had reached worrisome levels with prostitution becoming a thriving business in the female hostels in some of the institutions, adding that this called for a campaign that would bring behavioural change.

Pastor Tumsiah said the Act Right Initiative Campaign was poised to eradicate such vices on the campuses and to ensure good moral standards among the students.

He appealed to segments of the society, especially the media, to trumpet the impact of the campaign of virtue until the youth begin to change their behaviour.