Editorial
Congrats for Ramadan observation
Dear Editor,
I WISH to use your respected platform to congratulate my Muslim brothers and sisters for beautifully observing the period of Ramadan, which is a sacred observation in Islam.
The truth is that it is not a period people must take lightly because of its spiritual implication.
And staying away from food and other desires of the flesh for a month is no child’s play and is therefore important to congratulate each other for a yeoman’s job done.
It is sad that sometimes the behaviour of our brothers tends to cast dents on the celebration with the behaviour they put up during the celebration; riding motorbikes and driving recklessly sometimes.
This has gone on for years as the youth pays no heed to advice to desist from them and, in the process, recording a few fatalities.
It, however, appears the menace has reduced in the past few years with our brothers and sisters choosing to celebrate in moderation. That is the best thing to do so that their actions would not bring untold hardships to family and friends in situations of injuries.
The focus should rather be on the essence of the celebration; giving a lending hand to the poor and vulnerable in society.
As our brothers conclude another period of fasting, all I ask from Allah is to bless them and answer the various prayers that have been said.
For those that couldn’t observe the period through certain circumstances, may Allah strengthen them and enable them to be part of the next session.
Alex, Maamobi
Dear Editor,
The recent flooding in various parts of Accra has once again exposed the city’s long-standing drainage and sanitation challenges.
Heavy rains over the past weeks have submerged homes, stranded motorists, destroyed properties and displaced several residents in communities such as Alajo, Mallam, Kaneshie, Dansoman and other flood-prone areas.
Reports also indicate that the spillage of the Weija Dam has worsened the situation for some downstream communities.
It is worrying that flooding has become an annual occurrence despite repeated promises by authorities to address the problem.
Many drains remain choked with refuse, waterways are obstructed by illegal structures, and poor planning continues to increase the vulnerability of residents.
The consequences are not only economic but also pose serious risks to human lives and public health.
While government agencies and NADMO have activated emergency response measures, prevention must receive equal attention.
Citizens must stop dumping waste into gutters, while city authorities must intensify desilting exercises, enforce building regulations and ensure that drainage systems are properly maintained.
Accra deserves a lasting solution to this recurring disaster. The time has come for all stakeholders government, local assemblies and residents to work together to make the capital safer and more resilient during the rainy season.
Samuel Tetteh,
Accra.
Dear Editor
I write with deep concern about the steady decline and near-collapse of our once-promising movie industry.
Not long ago, Ghana’s film sector was vibrant, producing movies that entertained, educated, and projected our culture across Africa and beyond.
Today, however, the industry appears to be struggling for survival.
Many talented actors, directors, and producers are leaving the scene due to lack of funding, poor distribution channels, and minimal government support.
Piracy continues to rob filmmakers of their rightful earnings, while investors show little confidence in the sector because returns are uncertain.
As a result, production quality has dropped significantly, and audiences are gradually turning to foreign content.
Another major challenge is the absence of modern equipment and well-equipped studios. In addition, the lack of structured training institutions for film production and acting has affected professionalism in the industry.
Social media content creators have now replaced traditional filmmakers, but without proper coordination, this cannot fully sustain a national film industry.
If urgent steps are not taken, Ghana risks losing an important cultural and economic asset. I therefore appeal to the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, private investors, and stakeholders to collaborate in reviving the industry through funding support, strict anti-piracy measures, and the establishment of modern film production hubs.
Our stories matter, and our industry must not be allowed to die.
Jane Addai,
Accra
