Head of Psychology at the University of Ghana, Professor Joseph Osafo, says for political parties in the country to avert the increasing rates of violent incidents by their teeming supporters, there is the need to consider having professional psychologists.
According to him, while many are fostering development in the country, it is important for political parties to also have psychologists to have grassroots engagement with the youth to ascertain their emotional states and problems that may likely arise among them.
“If this is not done, the youth will cause problems”, he intimated.
Prof. Osafo’s recommendation comes on the back of the violent clash between some members of the ruling New Patriotic Party at Suhum in the Eastern Region last Saturday.
Lower West Akyem Communications Officer, Bernard Kwesi Amoani’s allegedly had his forehead slashed with a cutlass by the driver of the Suhum MP and another victim, Alexander Odei, who also sustained injuries on his lips.
Those involved in the clash were said to be supporters of the Trade Minister, Alan Kyerematen and Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, however, the Trade Minister has refuted the claims saying “rumors currently circulating on social media that the clash was between my supporters and those of our Vice President are not only completely false but mischievous and have been contrived to bring both the Vice President and my good self into public ridicule. I condemn without reservation this barbaric act of some members of our great party”.
But speaking on Peace FM and monitored by ATLFMNEWS on Tuesday, Prof. Joseph Osafo expressed worry about the incident and explained that the recent horrendous criminal cases of armed robbery and murders/ritual killings are a disturbance to the security of the nation.
He believes that the major cause of such incidents is due to the youth not being engaged in meaningful jobs adding that “if we do not find ways of engaging the youth, they will find ways of engaging themselves; and we will not be happy with the way they will go about it”.
Prof. Joseph Osafo intimated that though the government is supposed to stimulate interventions for various stakeholders, it is important for traditional leaders, churches, homes, schools, and the community at large to play their role in ensuring the youth are engaged meaningfully to the benefit of the society.
Source: ATLFMNEWS
