Editorial
Condom use is the solution
More people are testing positive for HIV
Dear Editor,
I saw an opinion piece recently on ‘myjoyonline.com’ titled: “Is condom the solution?” The article, among many things, suggested that access to condom use encourages promiscuity, contributes to decay in societal values.
According to “Papa Osofo”, “to give condoms on campuses and many other social functions is to programme our men to grow to become ‘playboys’, and women to become “desperate housewives” or “desperate emotionally broken corporate/working class women” who are “mad.”
While I appreciate the opinions stated in the article as the writer’s own, it is important to note that opinions such as these are dangerous and detrimental to Ghana’s effort to battle and end the HIV/AIDs pandemic, especially at a time when the country had recorded an increase in new infections.
According to current reports, the country had recorded over 23,000 new infections within six months! Research shows that consistent users of condoms are 10 to 20 times less likely to become infected when exposed to the virus than inconsistent or non-users.
Other studies indicate that current levels of HIV would be five times higher without condom use and that an increase in condom use averts about 117 million HIV infections.
I, therefore, believe discouraging the use of condoms can trigger new infections that could potentially lead to a public health crisis our current health system might not have the capacity to contain.
I am not, in any way, asking people to go on a sexual spree, but it is important to call a spade a spade not a shovel! Sex is a biological need like hunger or thirst for a lot of people, regardless of their religious beliefs.
Whether we like it or not, people will continue to engage in it. While teaching abstinence is good, it does not prevent HIV as people rarely practise abstinence, especially young people.
Ghana must intensify its sexual and reproductive health interventions including public education on condom use, safe sex practices, single partnership, regular HIV/AIDs testing, and abstinence to reduce new infections. It is no longer prudent to look on unconcerned as an avalanche of new infections loom.
Joana Addey,
Teshie-Nungua Estate,
Accra.
Dear Editor,
THE Ghana Education Service (GES) has announced that most Senior High Schools (SHSs) will return to the single-track system by this month.
For many students and parents, this feels like a relief. But before we move on, we must take a moment to reflect.
The double-track system helped thousands of students get into schools. It gave hope to families who couldn’t afford private education. But it also came with challenges.
Some students had shorter terms, others had longer breaks. Teachers were stretched, and learning felt rushed. Many students felt left behind not because they didn’t try, but because the system didn’t give them enough time.
Now that we’re returning to single-track, let’s make sure we don’t repeat the mistakes of the past. We need more classrooms, better planning, and support for teachers.
Education is not just about getting into school. It’s about feeling safe and supported. Let’s build a system that gives every child a real chance.
Beatrice Princess Kpeglah,
Dansoman
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Dear Editor
As it is critical for preserving our surroundings, there is the urgent need for increased awareness and action to protect Ghana’s environment and resources.
Ghana’s forest reserves, vast savannas and scenic coastlines serve as homes and habitats to a wide range of flora and fauna, including several endangered species.
Our vegetation and rich soil deposits provide the nation with food, plants and animal resources, which ensures food availability and accessibility for the population.
However, the country’s environment is facing numerous threats including deforestation, overexploitation, pollution, etc.
The importance of environmental conservation cannot be overstated; our natural resources are the backbone of our economy, playing a vital role in driving the country’s economic growth and development.
It is therefore critical that we take actions to protect them for our future generations.
There is the need for collective action to address environmental challenges and promote sustainable development.
Environmentalists, various organizations and private individuals must come on board to promote environmental conservation, through tree planting exercises, clean-up campaigns, and resource conservation practices.
These efforts, when carried out effectively, would create a long-lasting impact in protecting and conserving the country’s environment.
The Ghanaian government should also implement policies and conduct regular programmes aimed at promoting environmental conservation.
By Theresa Tsetse Dzifa,
Bubiashie
