Answer the following questions
1. (a) Causes of irresponsible adolescent behaviour
(i) Lack of proper parental guidance
(ii) Broken homes
(iii) Poverty of both parent and child
(iv) Peer pressure
(v) Low self esteem of adolescent
(vi) Fallen standards of social morality
(vii) Lack of knowledge of dangers involved
(viii) Disrespect shown to adolescent by parents
(ix) Lack of self control of adolescents
(x) Irresponsible behaviours of parents, eg, smoking, womanizing, etc
(xi) Curiosity of adolescents
[any four]
(b) Benefits of adolescent chastity
(i) Honour to adolescent’s family
An adolescent who stays chaste brings honour to both him/herself and the famil, since it would mean that the family trained him/ her and brought him/ her up properly.
(ii) High social reputation (how society sees one)
Chastity is a virtue that society strongly upholds. Those who stay chaste are therefore held in high esteem. Everyone respects an adolescent who is chaste.
(iii) High self esteem / confidence (how one sees himself/herself)
A chaste adolescent has a high level of self esteem / confidence, knowing very well that others respect him/ her due to his/ her chastity.
(iv) Peace of mind (sound mind) to focus on education.
A chaste adolescent does not have to bother about the things that may bother his/ her unchaste friends. There are no worries by him/ her/ the family concerning whether she may be pregnant, may have acquired a sexually transmitted disease, or even what others think of him/ her. He/ she enjoys a sound mind in these regards and therefore can focus better on
his/ her education.
(v) Smooth progress of education of adolescent
Unlike unchaste adolescents who may have to suspend or even stop their education entirely due to problems related to pregnancy / STDs / social stigma, the chaste adolescent enjoys a smooth progress in his/ her education. He/ she does not have to stop school due to pregnancy, or STDs or stigma of being unchaste.
(vi) Prevention of Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)
Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) can be gotten if only one has had any form of sexual contact. For that matter, it is practically impossible for a chaste adolescent to be infected with an STD (except he/ she obtained it through other means, which have very low probabilities)
(vii) Avoidance of teenage pregnancy and related problems
A female can get pregnant in the natural way only by having sexual intercourse. A chaste adolescent therefore avoids teenage pregnancy and its related problems as long as she stays so.
(viii) Greater trust and respect from spouse in marriage
An adolescent who stays chaste till marriage earns the trust and respect of his/ her spouse
in marriage. The thinking is that if he/ she stayed chaste all the while, then chances are that he/ she would continue to remain faithful in marriage.
(ix) Higher chance of attracting responsible partner for marriage
Most responsible people would want to marry people who have maintained their chastity. A chaste adolescent therefore has a higher prospect as regards attracting a responsible partner. (A widely held belief is that, we reap what we sow. If that is true, then, chaste people are most likely to marry equally chaste partners)
[any four]
2. (a) Causes of environmental degradation
(i) indiscriminate sand winning [land] (ii) indiscriminate mining [land] (iii) timber lumbering [land] (iv) heavy rainfall causing erosion [land] (v) overgrazing [land] (vi) indiscriminate dumping of refuse [land and water] (vii) Excessive use of fertilizers [land and water] (viii) Excessive use of pesticides [land and water]
Q5
5. Ways to prevent autocratic rule in a democratic state:
1. Strong institutions: Establish and maintain strong democratic institutions that uphold the rule of law, separation of powers, and checks and balances. This includes an independent judiciary, a free press, and a robust civil society.
2. Promote transparency and accountability: Foster a culture of transparency and accountability in government by implementing mechanisms for public oversight, such as anti-corruption commissions and whistleblower protection laws. Encourage open and inclusive decision-making processes.
3. Protect human rights: Safeguard the fundamental rights and freedoms of citizens through the protection of civil liberties, including freedom of speech, assembly, and association. Uphold the principles of equality and non-discrimination.
4. Ensure free and fair elections: Conduct regular elections that are free, fair, and transparent. Implement electoral reforms to prevent voter suppression, gerrymandering, and other forms of electoral manipulation. Guarantee the independence of electoral management bodies.
5. Promote civic education and engagement: Foster a culture of active citizenship by promoting civic education and encouraging citizen participation in political processes. This includes providing opportunities for public dialogue, consultation, and involvement in decision-making.
Q3a.
Patrilineal Inheritance:
Definition: In a patrilineal system of inheritance, the descent, inheritance, and family lineage are traced through the paternal (father's) line. This means that property, titles, and other family assets are passed from father to son. In patrilineal societies, the male lineage is often emphasized, and inheritance typically follows the male line of descent.
Matrilineal Inheritance:
Definition: Matrilineal inheritance is a system where descent, inheritance, and family lineage are traced through the maternal (mother's) line. In matrilineal societies, property, titles, and other assets are passed from mother to daughter. This means that a person inherits from their mother's side of the family, and family ties are often centered around the maternal line.
Intestate Inheritance:
Definition: Intestate inheritance refers to the distribution of an individual's property and assets when they die without a valid will. In this situation, the laws of intestate succession come into play, and the distribution of the estate is determined by legal rules that vary by jurisdiction. Typically, the inheritance is allocated among the deceased person's heirs, which may include spouses, children, parents, or other close relatives.
Testate Inheritance:
Definition: Testate inheritance is the distribution of an individual's property and assets according to their will. In this system, the individual (known as the testator) has prepared a legal document specifying their wishes regarding the distribution of their estate after death. The will may outline how property is to be divided among heirs, who will be appointed as executors, and other details pertaining to the inheritance.
Q3b.
Social Support and Solidarity:
Justification: Extended families provide a built-in support system. In times of need, such as illness, financial difficulties, or emotional crises, individuals can rely on their extended family for assistance. This network of support fosters a sense of solidarity, ensuring that members are not left to face challenges alone. In a country like Ghana, where community and interconnectedness are highly valued, the extended family system enhances social cohesion.
Economic Cooperation and Resource Sharing:
Justification: Extended families often pool resources and collaborate on economic activities. This cooperative approach allows for the sharing of financial burdens, making it easier for individuals to navigate economic challenges. Cooperative farming, joint business ventures, or shared childcare responsibilities are examples of how extended families in Ghana can contribute to economic stability and resilience.
Cultural Continuity and Identity:
Justification: Extended family systems play a crucial role in preserving cultural traditions and maintaining a sense of identity. Through the transmission of values, customs, and language across generations, the extended family serves as a cultural anchor. Supporting these systems helps sustain the rich cultural heritage of Ghana, contributing to a strong sense of community and shared identity.
Care for Vulnerable Populations:
Justification: The extended family system is particularly beneficial for vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and orphaned children. In Ghana, where formal social welfare systems may be limited, the extended family often steps in to care for those in need. Grandparents, aunts, uncles, and older siblings may take on caregiving roles, ensuring that vulnerable family members receive the support and care they require.