Children’s parks play a vital role in fostering the social, physical, and mental development of children.
These spaces provide children with opportunities to play, socialize, and grow, which can, in turn, improve their academic performance, physical fitness, and overall well-being. In communities where such parks and recreation centers exist, busy parents often send their children there to have fun while they focus on their daily tasks.
Without these spaces, children may experience boredom, social isolation, and a lack of developmental experiences, which can also place additional pressure on parents, especially during weekends and holidays when school activities are not available.
As political campaigns intensify, one crucial issue seems to be missing from the conversation: the need for more recreational spaces, particularly for children.
This issue has not been addressed in the manifestos of any of the political parties, raising concerns about whether the needs of children are being overlooked—especially in the Upper East Regional capital, Bolgatanga.
During an interaction with local residents, Ramatu Malik, the Headmistress of Ayuusi Yine Junior High, pointed out that political campaigns rarely address issues that affect children, such as the creation of recreational spaces.
“I don’t know whether they are interested in the children or not. Maybe it’s because they don’t have votes, that’s why they’re not paying attention to them,” she remarked.
She emphasized the importance of children’s parks for social and physical development, helping children interact and develop essential life skills.
“It would have been great if political parties included this in their manifestos, and if they were in power, they could implement it. This way, children would have a place to go on weekends and holidays for recreational activities. I appeal to the political parties to consider this; it’s not too late to add it to their manifestos. The children will also be happy to know they are living in Ghana,” she added.
Monica Asakute, a pharmacist and parent, also expressed concern over the lack of a safe, functional space for children to play, particularly highlighting the long-standing neglect of the town’s children’s park. With outdated and broken play equipment, she believes revitalizing the park would benefit both children and working parents.
“If they could maintain the park, it would be a great benefit to us. Our kids would always have fun, and as parents, we could enjoy spending time with them there. We are pleading with the political parties, MPs, and anyone who can support this cause,” she said.
Children like Thomas Saha from Safe Tower International School shared similar sentiments, describing weekends as dull without a park to visit.
“Since there’s no park, we are usually at home, and it’s boring. Sometimes, you’re too bored to even read. If there was a park, we would engage in activities. It could inspire us to become athletes in the future,” she said, adding that the creation of a children’s park could have a long-term impact on future generations.
“Politics is not only about parents voting. We children also have our own needs, even if we can’t vote. They should listen to us and do something for us because a children’s park can benefit us in many ways.”
A Solution in Talensi?
Robert Alibo, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Parliamentary candidate for Talensi, also addressed the issue, proposing the integration of playgrounds into new early learning centers to promote inclusive education.
“Many of our children spend most of their time in school. I am looking at having early learning centers in the three zones within our constituency. Playground facilities should be included in these centers to ensure children have functional learning environments. If we can achieve this across the constituency, our children will greatly benefit,” he said.
Residents hope that their calls for better recreational spaces will be heard and acted upon as soon as possible, making life more enjoyable for both children and parents in the Upper East Region.
Source: A1Radioonline.Com | 101.1MHz | Gifty Eyram Kudiabor | Bolgatanga
