Actor and media personality George Quaye has called for empathy towards residents of Teshie, urging Ghanaians not to stigmatise the entire community over recent criminal incidents.
In a Facebook post, Mr Quaye acknowledged the concerns surrounding the incidents but questioned why many people only appear to find their voices when Teshie makes the headlines for negative reasons.
He cited several challenges that have confronted the community over the years, including water shortages linked to the desalination plant, difficulties faced by fishermen at the Teshie landing beach, declining fish stocks, loss of canoes and livelihoods, as well as concerns over roads, sanitation, flooding, drainage and congestion.
“Where were all these voices when the people of Teshie cried and begged for water because of the problems surrounding the desalination plant?” he asked.
Mr Quaye also questioned where the public outcry was when fishermen were struggling with challenges at the landing beach and when residents raised concerns about other difficulties affecting the community.
He stressed that although crime exists in Teshie, criminal acts should not be used to define an entire community.
“There’s no denying the fact that in every densely populated part of Ghana, there are bad people who do terrible things,” he said.
Drawing from his personal experience growing up in Kotobabi, Mr Quaye said his phone was once snatched close to his home but noted that the incident did not mean people from his neighbourhood were responsible.
He cited communities such as Kasoa, Ashaiman, Maamobi, Abeka, Mallam and East Legon as places where crimes also occur, arguing that perpetrators are not necessarily residents of the communities where the crimes take place.
“I’m not suggesting that is the case with Teshie. I simply believe the security agencies within the community must do more to protect its residents and help restore confidence,” he stated.
Mr Quaye said increased vigilance, intelligence-led operations and proactive policing could help uncover the circumstances surrounding criminal activities in the area.
He also highlighted Teshie’s contribution to Ghana’s culture and society, particularly its renowned coffin-carving industry and the talents produced by the community.
“Have you seen the world-famous coffin carvers? Have you seen the creativity, enterprise and talent coming out of that community?” he asked.
He mentioned media personalities Naa Ashorkor and Berla Mundi among notable people associated with Teshie.
According to Mr Quaye, while crime must be confronted, it should not overshadow the positive attributes of the community and the lives of thousands of innocent residents.
“Yes, crime exists. But so do creativity, resilience, courage, hard work and everyday goodness,” he wrote.
He urged the public to avoid allowing a few tragic incidents to erase the history, humanity and contributions of Teshie.
“The people of Teshie deserve our empathy, not our easy judgement,” he said.
Mr Quaye further challenged Ghanaians to show concern for Teshie beyond periods when the community is trending for negative reasons.
He called for greater attention to the community’s needs, including access to water, support for fishermen, opportunities for young people, improved roads, sanitation and better security.
“Criminals do not carry the identity of an entire community. And crime should never become a licence to stigmatise thousands of innocent people,” he added.
Mr Quaye also charged the security services and relevant state agencies operating in Teshie to step up efforts to protect residents and help restore confidence in the community.
“I have family and friends in Teshie. They are not criminals. They are fathers. Mothers. Fishermen. Traders. Teachers. Professionals. Creatives. Young people. Old people. Good neighbours. They are human beings,” he concluded.
