Editorial
Let’s close the gender pay gap
According to a study by the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS), women in Ghana are paid 34.2 percent less than men, as reported in last week’s issue of The Spectator.
It said the wage gap was the highest among workers with basic education (60.1 percent) followed by workers with no education (54 percent).
The data from the first-quarter of the 2022 Annual Household Income and Expenditure Survey (AHIES) was released to commemorate International Equal Pay Day, which was observed on September 18.
It aimed at encouraging efforts toward the achievement of equal pay for work of equal value.
According to the story, “the gender wage gap is lowest among paid workers with tertiary education or more, where women earn 12.7 percent less than their male counterparts.”
The discrepancy between men’s and women’s incomes is known as the “gender pay gap.”
Arguments against the gender pay gap stem from gender inequality, which include lack of employment equality, unequal political representation, unequal access to education, and job segregation at work, where society tends to believe that men are better suited to handle particular jobs.
And because of this, people believe that men are better in the highest-paying jobs, which results in discrimination and lower incomes.
It appears that most women are paid less than men because they (the women) occupy positions that require less education, less experience, or fewer time commitments which affect their pay-packs eventually.
It is not surprising though, that some women with higher education levels and lots of experience are still underappreciated.
In certain organisations, women negotiate salary increases and request promotions, yet they are turned down.
In these modern times when women provide majority of the income for their families, when they are paid less, they have less money for essential expenses like child care, rent, utilities, education, savings and property.
The Spectator believes that if women were compensated decently and the salary gap is closed it will benefit society and the economy as a whole to reduce the poverty rate.
We implore all employers, including those in the public and private sectors, whether formally or informally, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), among others to make pay equity a top priority on their agenda to ensure that women and men receive equal pay for the work they do.
We also urge women to advance in their careers to create more opportunities for them in their jobs.
Editorial
Ghana must preserve her monumental facilities

Dear Editor,
THE monumental facilities of any country are very important because they do not only tell the rich history of that country, but enhances the country’s economy.
It is, therefore, not surprising that the Western world hold these facilities in high esteem and invest so much in preserving them.



However, in Ghana, the importance we attach to these facilities, such as castles, forts, Black Star Square and recreational parks such as the Efua Sutherland Children’s Park are very disturbing.
Anytime I pass by the Efua Sutherland Children’s Park, I feel very sad with its current state. I get a similar feeling when I pass by our Forts and Castles, which are fast deteriorating due to climate change, specifically rising sea levels and increased surges.
Looking at their importance, it is critical for government to be more intentional about their preservation.
Over the past, we have seen successive governments try to invest in the refurbishment of some of these facilities through partnership agreements with some private organisations as well as donor funding from international organisations.
For instance, after concerns were raised about the state of the Black Star Square through media reportage, the government undertook some renovation works at the place to keep it in shape as most national activities were held there.
Also, I was happy to know that the government, in collaboration with the W.E.B Du Bois Museum Foundation, was working to secure funds to redevelop and rebrand the W.E.B Du Bois Memorial Centre for Pan-African Culture, the resting place of Dr Du Bois, the father of Pan-Africanis.
I think we can do more as a country to preserve these facilities.
I suggest that a special fund be created purposely for the preservation of these facilities as they serve as our identity as Ghanaians.
Baba
Ofankor
Editorial
Loneliness kills, keep social ties intact
According to a World Health Organisation (WHO) research, loneliness is responsible for more than 100 deaths per hour, or more than 871,000 deaths worldwide annually.
The WHO Commission on Social Connection study reveals that loneliness affects one in six people worldwide and has a major negative impact on well-being, economic productivity, physical and mental health.
In the past, people could travel to see friends, family, or loved ones to experience beautiful moments. Despite the countless options for connection, more and more individuals in today’s society feel alone and isolated.
Loneliness can cost societies billions of dollars in lost wages, health care, education, and employment. In addition to having an effect on the person, it also raises the risk of stroke, diabetes, heart disease, depression, and early mortality, among other conditions.
Even more concerning is the fact that, despite the fact that loneliness affects people of all ages, it primarily affects the young people who will be tomorrow’s leaders. This is a warning to check for loneliness.
In time past, there was a vibrant extended family system and a variety of outdoor games for young people to play that greatly reduced loneliness and improved neighbourhood safety. As a result, socially cohesive groups tended to be more crisis-responsive and resilient.
On the other hand, as technology advances, young people are impacted by digital influences like social media; nonetheless, the report warns of the dangers excessive screen time and bad online experiences pose to mental health.
Among the other underlying reasons of loneliness and isolation, it included poor health, low income, a lack of education, living alone, inadequate infrastructure, and weak public policy.
As part of the interventions to address the issue of loneliness at the national level the government must address these issues through policies which include the construction of more recreational facilities, such as parks, libraries, and community centres, as well as mental health support, which can reduce the risk of serious illnesses and prevent early death.
There should also be awareness campaigns and policy changes to create inclusive social infrastructure since loneliness damages social cohesiveness at the society level and results in significant expenses for missed productivity and medical treatment.
At the individual level, The Spectator encourages people to visit friends to check in on them and to be completely involved in talks without being distracted by technology, even though technological advancements have made it easier for people to interact on phones.
It is also essential to interact with neighbours and participate in community events because social isolation results from a lack of sufficient social ties.