News
Curbing piracy: Report suspicious persons to security agencies
The treat of pirates on the Coast of West Africa is of concern to the traditional rulers and people living along the Coasts of Ghana.
To this end, the Paramount Chief of Essikado Traditional Area in the Western Region, Nana Kobina Nketsia V, has asked fishermen along the nation’s coasts to promptly report suspicious characters to the navy or the security agencies for action in the fight against piracy
He said, the passage of such information twould help check the activities of pirates which were a threat to the security and safety of the West African sub-regional maritime domain.
“Let’s all be alert and collaborate with our security personnel to check piracy at sea,” he said.
Nana Nketsia made the appeal last Saturday during the official opening of the 2021 closed season at the Albert Bosumtwi Sam (ABS) fishing harbour, at Sekondi.
He said, the collective effort of all stakeholders was key to the protection and conservation of the marine resources.
He, however, told the gathering that selfishness and greed were critical issues that had undermined Ghana’s fisheries sector and believed that the enforcement of the fisheries laws would instil discipline in the sector, devoid of partisan politics.
“If you flout the rules, the law must take its course. The laws must be allowed to work in the interest of all stakeholders. Let’s embrace the closed season because we are one people”.
Historically, Essikado Omanhen noted that Ghana’s shores hauled abundant herrings especially during July and August , bringing joy to the fishing community, but, today, due to poverty, these potentials had eluded fishers.
“If we say on Tuesdays, there should be no fishing, it’s no fishing. But, because of greed and selfishness, we don’t comply. You are destroying your own future. We are destroying what our forefathers bequeathed to this generation.T hey knew why they declared that the sea must rest on that day,” he said.
Nana Nketsia called on stakeholders be resolute and check the activities of foreigners who engaged in illegal fishing to ensure discipline in the fisheries sector.
“Ghanaians are legally mandated to use the sea not Koreans or Chinese. It’s our future. Some of them come here fishing and depleting our fish stock. We need to be resolute on this issue.” he stressed.
Meanwhile, Mr Jojo Solomon a National Executive of the Ghana National Canoe Fishermen Council, applauded the success of the 2021 closed season and believed that with the cooperation of all stakeholders, Ghana was on the path of restoring sanity in the marine environment.
From Clement Adzei Boye, Sekondi
Muslims across the country celebrated this year’s Eid-ul-Adha in a colourful and spiritually uplifting atmosphere under the theme, “A Season of Sacrifice, Solidarity and Spiritual Renewal.”
The celebration brought together Muslims from diverse backgrounds in a remarkable display of faith, unity and cultural heritage.
The occasion was marked by special Eid prayers at various designated grounds, the slaughtering of rams in homes for sharing among family members, friends and the less privileged, as well as musical concerts and recreational activities including horse riding.
Leading the celebration was the Chief Imam, Dr Sheikh Osman Sharubutu.
While the national celebration was held at the Black Star Square where President John Dramani Mahama was the Special Guest of Honour, similar gatherings took place at different centres across the capital and other regions of the country.
A visit by The Spectator to some celebration grounds revealed Muslims, both young and old, elegantly dressed in colourful jalabiya and other Islamic attire, reflecting the rich culture and traditions of the Muslim community.
The celebration also portrayed the spirit of religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence in the country, as a number of Christians joined their Muslim counterparts to mark the occasion.
Muslim leaders and government officials used the opportunity to call on the faithful to uphold the teachings of the Holy Quran, renew their spiritual commitment and refrain from acts capable of undermining the peace, unity and security of the nation.
They further urged Ghanaians to continue to live in harmony and support one another for national development.
By Linda Abrefi Wadie
Dear Obaa Yaa,
During Eid-ul- Adha celebration, I decided to spend the weekend at my boyfriend’s place since we were planning towards our marriage.
To my surprise, what keeps me wide awake, restless and frustrated every single time is that he snores loudly like a generator running on full power, and I genuinely cannot get any rest
At a point, I thought it was just a normal thing, but I have realised it is something he does with ease and doesn’t see anything wrong with it.
When he steps out in the morning, I try to get enough sleep because I may not sleep in the evening.
The most annoying thing is that, he always wants to cuddle me. These two things are a no for me and a red flag.
We are about to get married, what should I do?
Enam, Keta.
Dear Enam,
The snoring and constant cuddling are frustrating, but you don’t have to choose between sleep and closeness.
Start with the snoring: check if it’s worse when he sleeps on his back, cut out alcohol before bed, try nasal strips or a humidifier, and see a doctor if he pauses while breathing.
For quick relief, foam earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones help a lot.
Separate blankets, a bigger bed, or sleeping apart on some nights often makes couples rest well and feel closer overall.
Bring this up before the wedding .Tell him you want to wake up next to him for years to come, but sleep deprivation makes you both miserable.
Test earplugs and side-sleeping this weekend, and if it’s still unbearable, bring in a doctor. Good sleep matters more for your marriage than staying glued together all night.
