Editorial
Let’s pay attention to sanitation
Globally, poor sanitation is not healthy for the socio-economic development of any community, and for this reason, we would have to do all we can to prevent such unfortunate situation.
Indeed, poor sanitation brings about ill health and it is in view of this that no effort should be spared to ensure that we pay due attention to it.
We do not need to remind anyone that poor sanitary conditions are detrimental to the future survival of our community as we spend huge sums of money going to health centres for treatment; aside squandering precious time that could have been used to encourage productivity within the community.
In addition, when people fall sick, they feel very uncomfortable. The discomfort they go through hugely affect their rate of work and draw back the level of productivity within the community.
In light of all this, there is the need for society to pay attention to sanitation and prevent poor sanitary conditions that weigh us down as people who thirst for rapid socio-economic development.
The Clean Your Frontage campaign launched by the Greater Accra Regional Minister, Mr Henry Quartey, in Accra is a move that should be supported by all and sundry. If for nothing at all, it is said “cleanliness is next to godliness”, so keeping our environment clean should be encouraged at all times.
It is good that some officers have been trained to go round the various communities to ensure that the exercise of cleanliness is carried out to the letter and obeyed in all parts of the Greater Accra Region – and Ghana as a whole.
The Spectator supports this programme that is why it is devoting another editorial to support the sensitisation of keeping the environment clean in the national capital, Accra.
Officers of the Response Team should keep their nose to the grindstone and live up to expectation by ensuring that those who go contrary to the by-laws are made to face the consequences in terms of penalty.
If this is done, diseases can be brought under control and choked gutters would also be free from filth to enable the gutters remain as clean as possible. Upshot of this is that, the free flow of water in the gutters will make it impossible for mosquitoes to lay eggs and cause havoc in form of Malaria to the people.
It has been pointed out already, it is incumbent upon everybody in the country to support the Operation Clean Your Frontage campaign for good quality health and socio-economic development.
Editorial
Concern over mentally ill persons roaming Kwame Nkrumah Circle Interchange
Dear Sir
I write to express my concern over the growing number of mentally ill individuals roaming the Kwame Nkrumah Circle Interchange in Accra.
This area, a vital transportation hub and commercial centre, has increasingly become home to several persons visibly suffering from mental health issues, often without adequate care or supervision.
This situation poses risks both to the affected individuals and the general public. Some of these individuals are exposed to traffic hazards, unsanitary conditions, and in some cases, hostile treatment from passersby.
There have also been reports of occasional erratic behaviour, which causes fear and discomfort among commuters and vendors.
Mental health is a public health issue, and these individuals deserve compassion, medical attention, and a safe environment.
I urge the Ministry of Health, the Accra Metropolitan Assembly, and relevant NGOs to collaborate on a sustainable solution including mental health outreach programmes, rehabilitation, and safe housing.
Kwame Nkrumah Circle should be a symbol of progress, not a place where the vulnerable are left to struggle. Let us act with urgency and humanity.
From John Boateng
Kwame Nkrumah Circle
Editorial
Parents should encourage their wards writing BECE
Dear Editor,
AS the 2025 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) takes off across the country starting Wednesday, I write to encourage all candidates taking part in this important step in their academic journey.
Out of a total of 603,328 candidates taking the examination this year, 306,078 are females, whiles the rest 297,250 are males.
Over the years, the examination begins on Monday and ended on Friday but per the timetable, this year’s candidates started on Wednesday and will end next week.
The BECE is not just an exam, it is a milestone from one stage to another. It represents years of hardwork, dedication and the dreams of countless students who hope to continue their education and build a brighter future.
This is where the role of parents, teachers and society become beneficial. Let us offer not only academic support but emotional encouragement to them.
I also appeal to educational authorities to ensure fairness, proper supervision and transparency throughout the examination period.
The journey may be challenging, but with time, focus and discipline they can make it.
I wish to use this platform to wish all of them well.
Naa Koshie, Teshie