Editorial
Celebrate Christmas in moderation
THE Christmas season is here again and throughout the world Christians will observe it by reflecting on the birth of Jesus Christ to remind them of the mystery of the incarnation – God taking human form in humility and sacrificial love.
It is a season of love, joy and peace with solemn observation reflecting on the importance of the Lord Jesus Christ who was offered to mankind to save the world.
The countdown to the festive occasion has already begun, as Ghanaians gear up to celebrate the festive season in style. As part of the festivities, there will be fun-filled activities where families, friends, loved ones and communities will meet to share food, drinks and dance together.
Reports from The Spectator team who visited the Accra Central Market indicated that there were heavy traffic congestion affecting parts of Accra, leaving many stranded outside shops that opened late. For many, the inconvenience of traffic was seen as part of the season’s tradition.
According to the reporters, “the traffic in town is just chaotic and motorists are being stuck for hours on major roads leading to the city’s commercial districts, while pedestrians struggled to navigate overcrowded sidewalks.”
Across the country, people are rushing to acquire gifts, decorations, foodstuff, and all the trappings of the season.
It is unfortunate that while Christmas should be observed in the spirit of solemnity, some have turned it into a season of engaging in all kinds of untoward behaviour, drinking excessively and spending lavishly which eventually drains their pockets.
The Spectator wants to urge celebrants to observe Christmas in moderation to avoid any chaos. We also advise drivers to be careful on the roads while pedestrians and passengers should be cautious.
Let us not forget that January is a lean season which appears to last longer than expected as people would be expectant to receive their January salaries.
The season calls for love, peace, joy and service to mankind so let us share whatever we have with others, especially the needy to make Christmas more meaningful.
We wish our cherished readers a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year in advance.
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Dear Editor,
I am writing to draw your attention to a matter of grave concern affecting residents of Dansoman Mpoasei area.
Recently, contractors have been digging to fix some pipes but the infrastructure has been badly managed and creating inconvenience for residents.
The exercise has left several pipes broken and these damages have been left unattended, forcing households to endure disrupted water supply.
Such negligence does not only inconveniences residents but also raises serious questions about accountability and oversight in public works.
Contractors entrusted with projects of this nature must be held responsible.
It is unacceptable for them to abandon damaged utilities without repair.
Authorities should ensure that such contractors were compelled to restore any services they disrupt.
I urge the relevant agencies to take swift action to address this issue by compelling such contractors to repair the damage they cause.
Princess Wonovi
Dansoman
Shisha smoking is on the rise among young people who should be making significant life investments for a better future.
Shisha is a smoking apparatus designed to smoke heated tobacco to deliver a smooth and flavourful experience.
Although under the Ghanaian law, shisha smoking is prohibited for minors the law is violated as more and more minors have resorted to smoking the substance at the peril of their future.
Public health experts have consistently warned that shisha use exposes users to harmful substances that can negatively affect brain development, respiratory health, and overall well-being, particularly among young people.
As a result, concerns have been raised in Damongo in the Savannah Region following reports that some young people believed to be under the age of 18 have allegedly been found smoking shisha in pubs and drinking spots within the township.
According to eyewitnesses these minors were seen patronising nightlife venues, particularly during late evening hours, where shisha smoking was openly taking place. The situation has sparked renewed public concern over the enforcement of child protection laws and regulations governing entertainment centres in the municipality.
It is sad that the situation is becoming increasingly common and what is more dangerous is that residents fear to openly report or speak about it as they claim their lives will be at risk if they do so.
But the warning is that the rising consumption of hard drugs poses a serious threat to the future of the youth in general.
The situation is worrying and some residents believe that the alleged incidents point to broader challenges relating to youth supervision, substance abuse, and weak enforcement of existing regulations.
The youth are the future leaders of Ghana therefore we cannot sit aloof and expect them to waste their lives.
The Spectator therefore urges all hands to be on deck to find a lasting solution to this menace. We support the call by residents on municipal authorities, security agencies, and regulatory bodies to intensify monitoring of pubs and entertainment centres to ensure compliance with the law.
We applaud the Savannah Regional Minister, Mr. Salisu Be-Awurbi, who has led public education campaigns, engaged security agencies, and supported enforcement actions aimed at addressing the rising use of illicit substances in the region.
Again, we commend the Chief of Damongo, Wura Kelly Seidu Boresah I, who has also called on all stakeholders including parents, community leaders, institutions, and young people to actively support efforts to curb drug abuse.
His caution to individuals involved in the sale and distribution of illicit drugs to immediately desist from the practice, is laudable.
If strict and swift measures are taken to arrest and prosecute offenders in accordance with the law, it will deter others from engaging in it and minors will be free.
The Spectator urges the appropriate authorities to enforce child protection laws and regulations at entertainment centres to protect the youth.
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