Editorial
COVID-19 is real; let’s be up and doing
The world today has been plagued with the COVID-19 pandemic which has threatened the lives of people on earth and destroyed various forms of businesses, making it difficult for the entire world to move on peacefully as expected.
It is in the light of this that various pieces of advice have been thrown out to people in this country to know that the pandemic is not imaginary but real.
Many people have died from it as a result of negligence or accidental contact with infected persons.
The Spectator is, therefore, of the view that the time has come to intensify the campaign against the disease, so as to minimise its effect on people in this country.
By so doing, we will be enjoying life better than what can be enjoyed under the ‘atrocities’ of the pandemic.
Ghanaians and the rest of the world have been informed about contraction of the disease by Most Reverend Palmer Buckle, the Metropolitan Catholic Archbishop of Cape Coast. This man of God wants all Ghanaians in the world to know that COVID-19 is real for which reason we should all be up and doing.
Being up and doing simply means that we should know that the disease is real and can affect us when we come in contact with people who have been infected.
It is a well-known fact that Ghana has been hit with the second wave of the pandemic, leading to a surge in the positive cases being recorded.
This explains why day in day out our health professionals keep advising us to observe all the safety protocols as a way of helping to contain the disease or bringing it under control.
Even though the entire country needs to be protected from the pandemic, we are told that certain parts of the country are endangered with more positive cases than others. The Greater Accra Region leads in the case counts with the Ashanti Region coming second.
What this means for the whole country is that everyone must seriously observe the health safety protocols in order to avoid infection.
The dangers associated with contracting the disease is such that, we need to bring the disease under total control to ensure that, we are kept safe at all times. We do not have to panic, but be very conscious and avoid negligence, so as to avoid coming in contact with the disease.
This is important because even for those who have been infected and subsequently recovered from the disease, their systems have been affected adversely in one way or the other such that, some of them may not be as healthy as they used to be. Rigid observance of all the safety protocols is, therefore, non-negotiable.
Another issue that must not be overlooked is self-medication. Here, self-medication is dangerous so people should desist from that since it adds to risks of COVID-19 mobility.
The acting Director of the Ghana Infectious Disease Centre (GIDC), Dr Joseph Adjetey Oliver Commey, has advised the public against self-medication and rather seek early medication to help avert the rise in the rate of fatalities from the COVID-19.
This advice must be complied with to avoid worsening situations for anyone in the country.
The time to be serious about the disease is now, so we all need to contribute our quota in ensuring that COVID-19 is really brought under control in the interest of the nation.
Dear Editor,
I WRITE to draw the attention of NADMO and other related agencies to the recent prediction by the Ghana Meteorological Agency to expect a lot of rains this year, especially in the Southern sector of the country.
GMet issued the forecast to provide an early warning to protect lives and property.
Interestingly, the Southern sector happens to be one of the many trouble spots in the country when the rains start.
It predicted the season to start in March and continue until July or August with above-normal rainfall along the eastern coast and nearby inland areas, including Accra, Tema, Cape Coast, Saltpond, Asamankese, Akim Oda, Koforidua, and Kade.
Knowing the problems faced as a country, concerns have been raised in certain quarters about the aftermath flooding problems in low-lying areas.
These concerns are well placed because flooding has become an annual ritual associated with the season.
My appeal goes to NADMO as well as the district and metropolitan assemblies. They are responsible for activities before and after the season.
As we prepare, they must spearhead the campaign to desilt the drainages in order for water to flow freely.
The citizenry must also show some sense of responsibility by desisting from throwing rubbish into gutters to block the free flow of water.
Noah Musa,
Adabraka
Dear Editor,
I WOULD like to express my views on why some people abuse leaders on social media platforms.
In recent times, social media has become a powerful tool for communication and expression. Unfortunately, many people misuse this freedom by insulting and abusing leaders instead of engaging in constructive criticism.
One major reason for this behaviour is frustration. When citizens feel ignored, unemployed, or affected by poor policies, they sometimes turn their anger toward leaders online.
Another reason is anonymity. Social media allows users to hide behind fake names and profiles, which gives them the confidence to say things they would not dare say in public. This lack of accountability encourages abusive language and disrespectful comments.
Ignorance and misinformation also play a role. Some people abuse leaders based on false news or rumours without verifying facts. This leads to unnecessary attacks that can damage reputations and create tension in society.
While leaders should be held accountable, abuse and insults do not solve problems. Too many people are finding social media platforms as homes to hide and churn out untruths that goes a long way to damage the image and credibility of the victims.
Constructive criticism, dialogue, and lawful channels are better ways to express dissatisfaction. Citizens must remember that respect is essential for national unity and development.
I hope this letter will encourage people to use social media responsibly and promote respectful communication.
Eugene Ampiaw,
Takoradi
