Editorial
Christian Atsu, rest in perfect peace!
Hundreds from all walks of life trooped in to show solidarity during the funeral and burial of Christian Atsu who was peacefully laid to rest yesterday.
What was beautiful about the whole event was the presence of all kinds of people from all nooks and crannies.
They included top government officials such as President Akufo-Addo and the Minister of Youth and Sports. Others included some members of the Diplomatic Corps and other officials.
The funeral attracted current and former footballers, sportsmen and women as well as some Ghanaians and non-Ghanaians.
This was not surprising because the late football star dedicated his life to serving humanity. He was not only interested in addressing the needs of his family members, but also attended to people who were in need of assistance.
He could have committed himself to serving the interests of his family alone. However, he had a big heart for all people who were in need.
Christian Atsu did all he could to serve the interests of humanity, which explains why his name is written in gold in the hearts of Ghanaians and non-Ghanaians alike.
The presence of President Akufo-Addo and other government officials showed that they had great respect for the football star and his family. This truth is not far-fetched.
Many football enthusiasts and non-enthusiasts were all willing to be associated with the event.
It goes to show that any little good work we carry out in this world, will always be remembered. This is a lesson that must be followed by humanity all.
A healthy and strong player of the calibre of Christian Atsu should not have ended abruptly the way it did. However, it is difficult to understand why such sad things occur.
We take comfort from God, who created heaven and earth and all the things in them.
At the same time, The Spectator wishes to comfort his immediate and entire family. They should continue to put their trust in God.
The family should be proud that they have been able to produce a kind-hearted person like Christian Atsu who came into this world to serve humanity.
The entire country is sad, but we believe strongly that the works he did on earth will not be in vain.
Like all departed souls, we ask for God’s grace and mercy for him.
May the Almighty God grant him peace and receive him into His bosom.
Christian Atsu, rest in perfect peace. We will always love and remember you.
Editorial
Promote welfare of African children
The African Union hosts the annual International Day of the African Child on June 16 to increase awareness of the rights and ongoing struggles of African children.
Additionally, the day offers a forum for talking about and addressing topics including healthcare, education, and safety from exploitation and abuse.
It began in 1976 when students in Soweto, South Africa, were killed for demonstrating against inequality and injustice in education.
Since children have rights that must be upheld, the African Day celebration is appropriate because it serves as a poignant reminder to our communities to put children’s needs first, ensuring that they develop and realise their full potential.
Most importantly, it pushes people, governments, and communities to address pressing issues like child labour, inadequate education, and to ensure safe, healthy environments.
This year’s theme, “Planning and budgeting for children’s rights: progress since 2010,” is no exception to the efforts done thus far by governments, individuals, parents, and others to advance the welfare of children.
In addition to their rights to nutritious food, medical care, secure housing, and high-quality education, children also require emotional support, safety, and protection from danger in order to flourish.
Children’s physical, mental, and social development depends on these necessities, yet far too many continue to be denied their rights and go without food, housing, water, or health care.
While eating, sleeping, playing, and learning are all important aspects of a child’s growth, some children do not find these activities enjoyable. Such children work independently to make ends meet although their parents are responsible for that role,
Many people and organisations have put a lot of effort into making sure that children’s rights are outlined, upheld, and safeguarded; thus, everyone must keep fighting for children’s rights.
The Convention on the Rights of a Child (CRC) was created in 1989 as a result of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which served as the foundation for all legal norms pertaining to children’s rights. This is the first international agreement with legal force that covers all human rights.
Therefore, a multifaceted strategy encompassing legal frameworks, education, community involvement, and tackling systemic challenges is needed to assure the preservation of children’s rights.
Laws that safeguard children from abuse must be put into place and upheld, public awareness of children’s rights and protection must be increased, and safe spaces must be established in institutions and communities.
Let us all work together to defend the rights of African children.
Editorial
Employ pros at local government level to address sanitation issues
Dear Editor,
In a car on my way to work on Tuesday, I listened to an interview on sanitation on a radio station which a local government expert said that most of the people that handled waste management issues at the Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies, were not waste management professionals but health professionals.
According to the speaker, this has contributed to the failure to address the sanitation problems, especially at the local level.
These health professionals who have been tasked to oversee waste management are only occupied with the health related dangers but have no clue on the issues at hand.
I felt very sad and found it disturbing as to why people without professional training in waste management is given responsibilities in a field alien to him.
Waste management involves a lot of processes, including segmentation of waste products as well as recycling.
Employers must know that waste management professionals at the local level was important as it helps making decisions ton how to combat it.
This is not a problem at the local government level alone. It is something across the various sectors.
Maybe this is the time for us as a country to start recruiting qualified professionals to occupy their respective fields to bring their competence to the table to solve whatever problem persist.
It is clearly a case of putting ‘square pegs in round holes.’ I believe it is about time we change that narrative and employ professionals who are qualified to find solutions to our waste management conundrum.
Baba Hafiz, Kasoa
