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1st Lady, others marks Father’s Day
Ghana on Sunday joined the rest of the world to mark Father’s Day in celebration of their paternal bonds, leadership and outstanding roles they have played in communities over the years.
The day observed on the third Sunday of June globally and usually characterised with giving of cards, gifts, dining outs and other forms of appreciation could not happen as expected this year due to the outbreak of the coronavirus.
Though restrictions have been eased to allow for social gathering, some Ghanaians decided to observe the day by sharing their experiences and sending well wishes to their fathers through radio platforms, television programmes and social media platforms.
The new normal would surely offer many fathers some smiles and joy that alas their toils and sacrifices are being appreciated by family, community and country.
Additionally, online shops, community gift shops and some malls, created special packages and displayed gifts for potential customers to celebrate their fathers.
First Lady, Rebecca Akufo-Addo in a remark to commemorate the day, wished all fathers including her husband a happy Father’s Day.
“Happy Father’s Day with love to all our gallant heroes out there especially my dear Nana Akufo-Addo. Much of what fathers do go unnoticed and without praise but yet they still continue to act responsibly. May you continue to be a shining example for your children to follow,” she tweeted.
The Second Lady, Samira Bawumia in a tweet celebrated his husband and thanked him for his support towards the family.
“Happy Father’s Day to my dear husband, Dr Mahamadu Bawumia. May Allah bless you for your continuous love and guidance for our family and the many people who look up to you.”
In separate interviews, some members of the public praised their fathers and other “father figures” in their life for contributing to their success.
Mr Alfred Amanor, a pastor with the Abundant Life Worship Centre said “Fatherhood is a very important and serious responsibility, requiring a lot of physical, material and emotional investments in the family, community and the nation. Many of us strive to do our best to be able to care for our children”.
“My father juggled between many trades when my mum left him to raise me and three other siblings. I am now a lover of human beings who has no option than to put people first, because he taught me never to let down people who depend on me.
For Maame Nyarkoa, her heart was with all men who have no children of their own. “We count as well as celebrate you for the immense role you play in society’s development. Keep it up,” she stated.
Source: Ghanaian Times
Troubled and anxious citizens in Damongo of the Savannah Region have expressed concerns about the number of young people, believed to be under the age of 18, involved in ‘shisha’ smoking in pubs and drinking spots within the township.
Eyewitnesses say the minors were seen patronising nightlife venues, where Shisha smoking happen in the open.
The situation has sparked renewed public concern over the enforcement of child protection laws and regulations governing the operations of entertainment centres in the municipality and country as a whole.
An eyewitness, who spoke to The Spectator on conditions of anonymity for security reasons, noted that the situation was becoming increasingly common.
“This is not a one-off incident. It is becoming very common, but residents like us cannot openly report or speak about it because our lives will be at risk,” he said.
Under Ghanaian law, minors were prohibited from patronising Shisha.
Public health experts have consistently warned that shisha use exposes users to harmful substances that can negatively affect brain development, respiratory health, and overall well-being, particularly among young people.
The residents believe the alleged incidents point to broader challenges relating to youth supervision, substance abuse, and weak enforcement of existing regulations and have called on municipal authorities, security agencies, and regulatory bodies to intensify monitoring of pubs and entertainment centres to ensure compliance with the law.
In an effort to address the menace, Mr Salisu Be-Awurbi, the Savannah Regional Minister, has led public education campaigns, engaged security agencies, and supported enforcement actions to address the rising use of illicit substances in the region.
Wura Kelly Seidu Boresah I, the Chief of Damongo, has also called on all stakeholders including parents, community leaders, institutions, and young people to actively support efforts to curb drug abuse, warning that the rising consumption of hard drugs poses a serious health threat to the future of the youth in the Savannah Region.
He also cautioned individuals involved in the sale and distribution of illicit drugs to immediately desist from the practice, stressing that offenders will face arrest and prosecution in accordance with the law.
From Geoffrey Buta, Damongo, Savannah Region
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Dr Theresa Baffour, an advocate for ending violence and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of SAHM SAHW Foundation, has said that society plays a critical and pivotal role in breaking the cycle of domestic violence.
According to her, domestic violence is a major contributor of making women, who are mostly the victims, mentally derailed and unable to engage in economic activities.
She said this when the foundation called on the Ga Mantse, Nii Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, to solicit support for the initiative by the “Strong and Healthy Minds, Strong and Healthy Women” (SAHM SAHW) to combat domestic violence within the Ga State.
The visit was occasioned by the fact that domestic violence cases have become quite prevalent in the Ga communities and is retarding growth.
According to her, the canker was an impediment to national development because the victims were usually tortured and would have to go through series of therapies to return to the right state of mind.
Dr Baffour mentioned that Gender-Based Violence (GBV) places a mental toll on women, and was, therefore, important to break the cycle through comprehensive mental health support, crisis intervention and empowerment programmes in communities with high rates of GBV.
This intervention, she underscored, would help in empowering the denigrated victim of domestic violence to soundly heal, build and thrive.
Dr Baffour added that the initiative would provide holistic, trauma-informed mental health care and advocacy for young women affected by domestic violence.
According to her, the above statement would create safe spaces for healing and equipping them with entrepreneurial skills for renewed hope and empowered life.
The Ga Mantse pledged his support for the laudable initiative to combat domestic violence and also acknowledged the need to address it in the Ga State.
Further endorsement came from Justice Julia Naa-Yarley Adjei Amoah, Chief of Staff at the Office of the Ga Mantse, as she commended the team of SAHM SAHW Foundation for taking a bold step to end the canker in the Greater Accra.
She added that it was a step in the right direction to save vulnerable women from torture, stress and emotional abuse.
By Alfred Nii Arday Ankrah
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