Editorial
Check proliferation of substandard mattresses on market
The alarming reports from local mattress manufacturers over the proliferation of substandard mattresses in Ghana are not just business grievances, they are grave warnings of endangered health.
At a press briefing in Kumasi, mattress manufacturers sounded an alarm about the growing presence of low-quality mattresses, particularly those made from polystyrene.
According to the manufacturers, these mattresses, often imported by unregistered foreign entities, especially Chinese firms, are being sold at prices so low that they easily lure unsuspecting customers. But beneath their attractive tags lies silent danger resulting from prolonged use.
This can lead to chronic back pain, spinal deformities, poor sleep quality, and musculoskeletal disorders. Such substandard mattresses fail to provide proper support, lack durability, and are wholly inappropriate for bedding.
The Spectator therefore calls on government, law enforcement, customs, and regulatory bodies to collaborate closely with the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) to ensure that all mattress manufacturers, both foreign and local, are registered with the authority.
The paper is also urging stakeholders to ensure raw materials used are certified and match standards, conduct regular spot-inspections in factories, warehouses, and retailers, and confiscate, seal, or destroy substandard products, and impose meaningful sanctions on non-compliant manufacturers and sellers.
Also, the paper believes that public education by the GSA on its certification mark, and why suspiciously cheap, unlabelled mattresses are dangerous, will help curb the menace.
Sleep is not luxury, it is necessity, and the mattress is part of a safe, healthy rest, not a source of risk. The time has come for bold action, consistent regulation, and uncompromising vigilance.
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Dear Editor,
I wish to use this esteemed platform to urge the traditional councils of Osu and La to call for independent investigation into the recent demolition exercise at Kaajaano.
The exercise rendered hundreds homeless.
Information about the reason for the demolition has been scanty with those desiring to know feeding heavily on social media posts.
One particular name –Jato, has been associated with it but under whose instruction the exercise was carried is also not known.
Sadly, instead of getting to know who ordered the demolition and for what reasons, traditional authorities of Osu and La have been embroiled in a tug-of-war over ownership of the said land.
This is premature. At this moment, they should call for investigation into the exercise to know the people behind it.
When that is done, then discussions about the owners of the site can begin. That would end the posture of the two neighbouring town which has the potential to turn into something else.
Ataa Osa Mensah,
Osu
Dear Editor,
I wish to use your respected platform to draw the attention of the Bank of Ghana (BoG) to the behaviour of traders and some drivers about the use of lower denomination coins, specifically the 20 and 10 pesewas.
About two weeks ago, I read in your sister newspaper, The Ghanaian Times about this problem and the caution that followed from the BoG and some economic analysts.
The warning they gave was that the continuous rejection of the notes could create pricing problems which can eventually affect inflation.
I thought that would put to bed that practice or refusal to accept the coins when given out as change or use to pay for particular service.
Unfortunately, the problem still persist among traders, drivers, customers and passengers alike. Only last week, there was as altercation in the Accra Central area where a woman refused to accept five 20 pesewas note totaling one cedi.
As the argument continued, the trader decided not to sell to the customer again after by-standers explained to her that it was still a legal tender and those that refused it could become offenders.
This is an issue the BoG and other regulatory agencies must go and explain to the people and let them know that it is unlawful not to accept a currency that is still in use.
It nothing was done, it could create a much more serious problems.
Mary Osei Badu,
Swedru
