Editorial
Arrest fake dentists to discourage others
The influx of fake dentists in the country should be a concern to many because if left unchecked it would have disastrous effects on the health of those with gum disease and other dental conditions.
The Ghana Dental Association (GDA) claims that these quack dentists work in barbershops and hair salons. This development is concerning since these false medical professionals endanger the lives and health of numerous innocent people.
This concern was brought to light at the 33rd annual general conference of the GDA, on the theme “Strengthening the GDA: An All Inclusive Membership for Tommorrow’s Success,” in Kumasi, in the Ashanti region.
It is clear that these quack doctors prey on innocent people under the pretense of treating dental conditions in order to further their evil goals of getting enormous sums of money.
It comes as no surprise that the GDA is concerned about the trend and is urging the association and security forces to work together to apprehend these quack dentists.
The Spectator is urging those who indulge in these practices to stop since they are damaging the honourable profession of dentistry and putting many people’s health at risk.
It also seems odd to us that individuals would go to the length of using the services of these quack dentists who operate in barbershops and hair salons rather than visiting licensed medical professionals for treatment.
The problem is worrying and we should all exercise caution while using the services of these quack doctors who seek to enrich themselves at the expense of helpless victims.
According to statistics, approximately 70 to 80 percent of dentists are concentrated in the southern region of the country, primarily in Accra and Kumasi, with the remaining 20 percent being dispersed throughout the northern sector.
The Spectator is surprised that the majority of specialist services are concentrated in urban areas. For this reason, we support the request of Dr. Bernard Okoe Boye, Minister of Health, that teaching hospitals work with the Ghana Health Service (GHS) to enable consultants or specialists at the hospitals to occasionally provide their services to other parts of the country where they lack expertise.
That, we believe, will go a long way to stop people from patronising the services of these quack doctors as some times the signs are clearly written on the walls but people have no other option than to seek medical attention from unregulated practices.
In our view more doctors should be encouraged to enter the field of dentistry to cater for the dental needs of the public as currently, reports say that “As of 2022 there were a total of 570 dentists for a population of 31 million people – a ratio of one to 58,400 people which falls below the World Health Organisations (WHOs) recommendation of a dentist for every 7,500 people.
Meanwhile, we urge the public to seek dental care regularly from qualified dentists not only when they have teeth ailments but to do it as a regular practice to avoid serious conditions in the future.
We also urge the public to try as much as possible to maintain good oral hygiene by heeding to these preventive measures which include, brushing teeth twice a day, using the right brushing technique, flossing regularly, eating healthy food and avoiding sugary drinks.
Editorial
To all Muslims, happy Eid ul Adha!
Muslims in Ghana joined the world yesterday to observe the Eid-ul-Adha; the second of the two main festivals in Islam.
Eid-ul-Adha takes place on the 10th of Dhu al-Hijja, the twelfth and last month of the Islamic calendar, and is also referred to as the “Festival of the Sacrifice.”
It symbolises Prophet Ibrahim’s (Abraham’s) readiness to offer his son as a sacrifice in response to Allah’s instruction.
In addition to making sacrifices, the celebration aims to spread unity, love, joy, and compassion.
In Ghana, people celebrated the day with special prayers, feasts, and the customary killing of an animal and sharing the flesh with their loved ones, neighbours, and the underprivileged.
During the celebration of the festival Muslims gather at mosques or open areas for congregational prayers early in the morning. After the prayers, people visit each other, exchange gifts, and enjoy festive meals.
One aspect of the celebration is the wearing of traditional Islamic clothing, such as kaftans, jalabiyas, and abayas, which are in high demand and cause prices to rise sharply during this time.
Abayas and jalabiyas, which are frequently imported from Turkey, Dubai, Egypt, and Northern Nigeria, have become very popular clothing items, leading to price increases, according to reports from our Northern Regional Correspondent.
“Some customers complain about the cost, but many still go ahead and buy because it’s Ramadan,” a store owner said.
However, as there is no set attire for the festival, many Muslims opted for modest, loose-fitting clothing that embodies Islamic principles.
The Spectator, believes that since the celebration is a wonderful occasion and Muslims want to feel happy throughout the festivities, the traditional attire should be reasonably priced so that others can celebrate in style.
We are glad that the holy month is still a precious time despite the economic strains, and that some people make the day extra special for their loved ones.
Despite the hectic preparations the emphasis should always be on appreciating the event’s profound spiritual meaning.
Happy Eid ul Adha to all Muslims.
Editorial
Review GTC’s ban on noise-making
Dear Editor,
I write to express my concerns regarding the annual ban on noise-making instituted by the Ga Traditional Council (GTC) and its impact on Christian churches and other religious institutions.
While I acknowledge and respect the cultural significance of this period for the Ga people, it is important to highlight the challenges it poses to churches within the Greater Accra Region.
The restrictions often affect worship services, prayer meetings, and other religious activities that rely on instruments and singing as core parts of worship. In some cases, churches are compelled to suspend midweek services or modify their mode of worship entirely.
It is important that cultural and religious practices coexist peacefully in a pluralistic society. Mutual respect and dialogue should be encouraged so that neither traditional authorities nor religious institutions felt marginalised.
I respectfully suggest that the Ga Traditional Council, in collaboration with the Christian Council and other faith-based groups, consider establishing clear, fair, and mutually agreeable guidelines that allow worship to continue in a way that respects traditional observances.
Peaceful coexistence is possible when there is open dialogue, understanding, and respect for all cultures and beliefs. Let us work together toward solutions that promote unity and harmony in our communities.
Eugene Ampiaw
Accra-Mamprobi
