News
Don’t kill vultures…they’re natural environment cleaners
Vultures are very useful birds and should not be killed because they are “natural environment cleaners” and killing them poses a threat to wildlife conservation.
“Vultures are neither evil creatures nor a source of bad luck. Some wild animals were “worshipped” by our ancestors with the ultimate aim of preserving their lives not because they were demonic.”
Mr Thomas Gyimah, Acting Manager, Biodiversity Research and Conservation of the Ghana Wildlife Society, said these in an exclusive interview with this reporter ahead of International Vulture Awareness Day which falls on September 5, 2021.
He said that in spite of their environmental benefits, the population of vultures continued to dwindle due to constant attacks on their habitats thus forcing them to move into human settlements to find food to survive.
“The threats against these birds are increasing and if nothing is done we can lose them all. There is the need to raise awareness to help protect and stop the decline in Vultures’ population”, he emphasised.
Mr Gyimah, making reference to Research Work, said that about 2,900 vultures were killed daily in South and East Africa due to poisoning but was quick to add that this scenario was not so serious in Ghana.
He again said that persons who considered vultures a delicacy also contributed to the gradual extinction of the wild birds and advised such people to find better alternatives and leave the vultures in peace.
He said that it was wrong for people to associate some birds and other wild animals with evil spirits or bad omen when they were encounted and urged society to stop treating such animals and birds with disdain.
Vultures are carnivorous and eat both fresh meat and carcasses that might be rotten.
They play a unique and essential ecological role in their contribution to the prevention of the spread of diseases from decaying corpses.
“If you poison a rat, do well to bury it, so that vultures and other scavengers do not feed on them and more importantly, it is essential to get a professional when using rodents and pest control chemicals at homes, farms and other places” he added.
By Portia Hutton-Mills
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.
