News
‘Derogatory comments affect PWDs’
A resident of Ashaiman in the Greater Accra Region, Israel Golomeke has disclosed that derogatory comments and negative attitudes from people affect persons with disability (PWDs).
“Sometimes it makes me think aboutcommitting suicide. I have come very close to doing that a couple of times” he lamented in tears.
He made the statement in an interview with The Spectator on the sidelines of an end of year party by the Ashaiman branch of the Ghana Society for Persons with Disability last Saturday.
The former Dock Worker said from his interaction with other colleagues over the years, he realised that he was not the only one who felt so.
“Some of the things people say and do to us is unimaginable. Is it my fault that I am blind? I was not born blind and I never thought I would find myself in this situation,” he said.
The 53-year-old man revealed that he went blind about five years ago due to cataract.
He said it was traumatising that even family and friends who were close to him had abandoned him because they felt he was just a burden.
He said persons with disability battled with emotional and psychological issues and so when they come out and they are met with abuse in various forms, it makes them feel like life was not worth living.
Mr Golomeke said he needed about Gh¢15,000 to undergo a cornea transplant to regain his sight.
The former Dockworker said he had tried to appeal to many people but the amount involved had turned them away and was calling on the government, religious institutions and Non-Govermental Organisations to assist him see again.
“I am strong and I can work despite my age but the current situation makes me feel very limited. Please I need help to live a normal life again and not seen as a burden by anyone. If I regain my sight, I can also help others,” the resident of Ashaiman Middle East appealed.
From Dzifa Tetteh Tay, Ashaiman
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.
