Editorial
Caring for underprivileged in our society is necessary
It is not everyone in society who will be born into families that are highly educated, rich or very knowledgeable; this is why we need to develop love and care for all people that we come in contact with in our society.
Under-privileged persons in our society include those who come from less educated families or the poor or those who have problems such as being physically challenged. Such people may find it difficult to go about their normal duties in society because of lack of financial resources or inadequate education or, better still, their inability to go about their duties with ease.
In such situations they need our sympathy and assistance to make it possible for them to go about their normal duties in society. Those who find ourselves in very good positions should count ourselves lucky and be willing to assist the underprivileged.
We must never discriminate against them or look down on them simply because of their poverty level or low level of education. Again, others may be involved in motor accidents and, therefore, become paralysed or physically challenged one way or the other.
In situations like this, we must show great love to such people and be prepared to spend part of our personal resources to make it possible for them to enjoy normal life.
We may not be able to bring them into the normal situation which God may have planned for them, but the little we do can make it possible for their lives to be better.
It is in light of this that we find it gratifying to see certain leaders in this country contributing massively to the underprivileged in our society. The Vice President of the Republic, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, is often seen to be sharing his life and personal resources to some of these underprivileged persons.
His association with people suffering from leprosy, for example, is well known in this country. Also, his commitment to the poor irrespective of religious beliefs has touched the heart of many people across the country. The Vice President has called on Ghanaians to show care and concern to the underprivileged in society.
If we all emulate him, it will go a long way to make it possible for us to put smiles on the faces of those who have very little to eat and drink in the country. In addition, caring for them, including those admitted to our hospitals, will make life better for our unfortunate brothers and sisters who may find themselves in such unfortunate situations.
We pray that people who are leading the light in this way receive abundant blessings from God for the good work they are doing.
Let us count ourselves very fortunate and be prepared to help the underprivileged in society so that life can be made better for many of our brothers and sisters who require such help from us.
Dear Editor,
I’m writing to bring attention to a disturbing situation in Mempeasem, a suburb of East Legon in the Ayawaso West municipality of Accra.
A recent field study by some of my colleagues and I undertaking a “Disaster risk science” course from the University of Ghana’s Geography and Resource Development department uncovered several hazards in the community that could turn into full-blown disasters if not addressed.
The community faces risks like choked gutters causing floods, closely packed wooden houses that could fuel massive fires, open waste dumps breeding diseases, and unsafe waste burning near electrical poles.
These are ticking time bombs.
The hazards identified are not just minor issues but potential catalysts for major catastrophes.
Choked gutters and poor drainage systems can lead to flooding, contaminating water sources and exposing residents to waterborne diseases.
The prevalence of wooden structures in close proximity increases the risk of rapid fire spread, putting lives and properties at risk.
Open refuse dumps and dirty gutters near residential areas are breeding grounds for pests and diseases like cholera and malaria.
The practice of burning waste near electrical poles and transformers also poses a significant fire hazard and possible electrical explosions.
The root causes of these hazards are poor urban planning, weak law enforcement, and economic struggles forcing people into unsafe living conditions.
Mempeasem’s growth has outpaced infrastructure development, leading to haphazard settlements and inadequate waste management.
Weak enforcement of building codes and sanitation laws has allowed these unsafe conditions to persist. Many residents, struggling to afford safer alternatives, are unknowingly increasing their vulnerability to disasters.
To mitigate these risks, authorities must act urgently. Building codes and waste management laws should be enforced strictly. The Municipal Assembly should collaborate with NGOs to educate residents on proper waste disposal and disaster prevention.
Drainage and sanitation infrastructure need improvement to prevent flooding and disease outbreaks.
Food vendors and bakers should be relocated from high-risk areas to designated zones with proper facilities. Community education on disaster risks is also crucial to foster a culture of prevention.
Let’s prevent a disaster in Mempeasem. The authorities, residents, and stakeholders must work together to address these hazards. The time to act is now – let’s ensure Mempeasem doesn’t become Accra’s next disaster hotspot.
Theresa Dzifa Tsetse
University of Ghana
Members of the Times Ladies Association (TLA), a women’s wing of the New Times Corporation (NTC) gathered to celebrate International Women’s Day (IWD) last Monday, March 9, 2026, a day after the global event.
The purpose of the event, which was attended by management and a few employees of the corporation, was to honour women’s achievements and inspire them to succeed in their roles in society.
International Women’s Day is marked annually on March 8, to celebrate women’s economic, political and social achievements, educate and raise awareness about women’s equality.
This year’s celebration was on the theme, “Rights. Justice. Action. For All Women and Girls,” with a global campaign theme “Give to Gain,” a call to deeper service to ourselves and humanity.
Indeed the day is worth celebrating because women are unique, invaluable, strong, brilliant, powerful and resilient. As such they deserve respect, appreciation, kindness and love for the immense role they play in their families, workplaces, communities and the nation as a whole.
The President of the Association called on members to empower themselves academically and take advantage of opportunities to improve their lives and careers.
She acknowledged that over the years members of the Times Ladies Association have worked and continue to work so hard for the progress of New Times Corporation (NTC) despite the challenges they faced.
The Spectator urges the ladies to heed to the president’s advice to maintain healthy lifestyles, go for regular medical check-ups, exercise regularly, and have enough rest and support one another as this will help contribute meaningfully to their wellbeing and others.
In the words of the President: “As ladies we have every right to protect our dignity and empower ourselves to advance in life be it academically, politically, socially or economically.”
The call on women to empower themselves is laudable as it will go a long way to push the agenda of gender equality in every sphere of their lives.
The Spectator urges women to take a cue from the global campaign theme, “Give to Gain” to exhibit the qualities of a true woman; Be hardworking, confident, resilient, responsible, optimistic, patient, compassionate, generous, and be dedicated to your roles at home and at the workplace.”
We believe that to achieve gender equality women must be each other’s keeper and change the slogan, “women are their own enemies.” Whatever roles women play they must be united and contribute their quota to national development.
The Spectator wishes all women a Happy International Women’s Day.
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