News
‘All masks are not equal’
As COVID-19 continues to wreak havoc, experts maintain that if all people wear nose masks and observe other safety protocols, the pandemic could be brought under control.
But there seems to be argument over which masks are most effective. There are suggestions that some masks may actually spread the virus than not wearing one at all.
It is common to see some people in public using handkerchiefs, as nose masks.
According to Mr Kalvin Odonkor, a nurse and health blogger, “some people really don’t understand that not all face coverings are equal, and that there are some that are going to be more or less effective”.
He said given the rate of droplet transmission, people must stop covering their mouths and noses with handkerchiefs, bandana and other materials.
“All masks are not equal; some are of inferior quality and this could be dangerous. I think that many people are just wearing these face coverings not realising that they are meant to serve a purpose” he said.
For those who are still confused about why masks are necessary, he noted that asymptomatic spread was one of the factors to keep in mind. 
He said that, there were many people out there who did not know that they were infected, and that face shields or nose masks helped to reduce contracting the disease from those who did not show any signs or symptoms.
“If everybody knew their status, that would be a different story, but the fact of the matter is that most people don’t know whether they’re infected or not,” he said.
By Geoffrey Buta
Muslims across the country celebrated this year’s Eid-ul-Adha in a colourful and spiritually uplifting atmosphere under the theme, “A Season of Sacrifice, Solidarity and Spiritual Renewal.”
The celebration brought together Muslims from diverse backgrounds in a remarkable display of faith, unity and cultural heritage.
The occasion was marked by special Eid prayers at various designated grounds, the slaughtering of rams in homes for sharing among family members, friends and the less privileged, as well as musical concerts and recreational activities including horse riding.
Leading the celebration was the Chief Imam, Dr Sheikh Osman Sharubutu.
While the national celebration was held at the Black Star Square where President John Dramani Mahama was the Special Guest of Honour, similar gatherings took place at different centres across the capital and other regions of the country.
A visit by The Spectator to some celebration grounds revealed Muslims, both young and old, elegantly dressed in colourful jalabiya and other Islamic attire, reflecting the rich culture and traditions of the Muslim community.
The celebration also portrayed the spirit of religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence in the country, as a number of Christians joined their Muslim counterparts to mark the occasion.
Muslim leaders and government officials used the opportunity to call on the faithful to uphold the teachings of the Holy Quran, renew their spiritual commitment and refrain from acts capable of undermining the peace, unity and security of the nation.
They further urged Ghanaians to continue to live in harmony and support one another for national development.
By Linda Abrefi Wadie
Dear Obaa Yaa,
During Eid-ul- Adha celebration, I decided to spend the weekend at my boyfriend’s place since we were planning towards our marriage.
To my surprise, what keeps me wide awake, restless and frustrated every single time is that he snores loudly like a generator running on full power, and I genuinely cannot get any rest
At a point, I thought it was just a normal thing, but I have realised it is something he does with ease and doesn’t see anything wrong with it.
When he steps out in the morning, I try to get enough sleep because I may not sleep in the evening.
The most annoying thing is that, he always wants to cuddle me. These two things are a no for me and a red flag.
We are about to get married, what should I do?
Enam, Keta.
Dear Enam,
The snoring and constant cuddling are frustrating, but you don’t have to choose between sleep and closeness.
Start with the snoring: check if it’s worse when he sleeps on his back, cut out alcohol before bed, try nasal strips or a humidifier, and see a doctor if he pauses while breathing.
For quick relief, foam earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones help a lot.
Separate blankets, a bigger bed, or sleeping apart on some nights often makes couples rest well and feel closer overall.
Bring this up before the wedding .Tell him you want to wake up next to him for years to come, but sleep deprivation makes you both miserable.
Test earplugs and side-sleeping this weekend, and if it’s still unbearable, bring in a doctor. Good sleep matters more for your marriage than staying glued together all night.
