Editorial
Effects of climate change on fishing sector
Dear Editor,
Climate change has been a pressing issue as it reshapes our oceans and threatens marine life and coastal communities who rely on it.
Climate change, which results from human activities such as burning fossil fuels, leads to global warming. Nonetheless, the rising sea temperature and ocean acidification, which are some effects of climate change, have had a great impact on fish.
The warming of the ocean and the increased acidity of its waters have disturbed the habitat of marine ecosystems and had an impact on their population.
This has caused alterations in the way fish migrate, the availability of their food, and their overall productivity.
Fish populations, a primary protein source for billions, are migrating to cooler waters for survival, leaving traditional fishing grounds barren and fishermen’s nets empty.
This imposes economic hardship on coastal communities as well as the local economy as it contributes to about some percentage.
In Ghana, fisheries contribute 4.5 per cent to the annual gross domestic product (GDP) and indirectly support the livelihoods of 2.2 million people in Ghana.
This speaks volumes of the effect this global phenomenon is having on people who feed directly on this sector and their dependents.
It has affected fish stock. The little they get is not enough to support their families.
Interacting with a section of these fisher folks, they all appear to be facing the same issues of smaller harvest and catching fingerlings more than the matured ones.
On the market, people find them unattractive and costly. As a result, they end up selling them at low prices, leading to substantial losses.
Some children have dropped out of school because their parents are unable to pay their school fees because of this development.
Clearly, climate change has cast a huge shadow over marine life and coastal communities, altering their way of life.
This is the time for us to see positive outcomes from the many international meetings and workshops trying to find a solution to this.
Gloria Tettey
gloriatettey808@gmail.com
UNIMAC-IJ (Faculty of Journalism)
Editorial
To all Muslims, happy Eid ul Adha!
Muslims in Ghana joined the world yesterday to observe the Eid-ul-Adha; the second of the two main festivals in Islam.
Eid-ul-Adha takes place on the 10th of Dhu al-Hijja, the twelfth and last month of the Islamic calendar, and is also referred to as the “Festival of the Sacrifice.”
It symbolises Prophet Ibrahim’s (Abraham’s) readiness to offer his son as a sacrifice in response to Allah’s instruction.
In addition to making sacrifices, the celebration aims to spread unity, love, joy, and compassion.
In Ghana, people celebrated the day with special prayers, feasts, and the customary killing of an animal and sharing the flesh with their loved ones, neighbours, and the underprivileged.
During the celebration of the festival Muslims gather at mosques or open areas for congregational prayers early in the morning. After the prayers, people visit each other, exchange gifts, and enjoy festive meals.
One aspect of the celebration is the wearing of traditional Islamic clothing, such as kaftans, jalabiyas, and abayas, which are in high demand and cause prices to rise sharply during this time.
Abayas and jalabiyas, which are frequently imported from Turkey, Dubai, Egypt, and Northern Nigeria, have become very popular clothing items, leading to price increases, according to reports from our Northern Regional Correspondent.
“Some customers complain about the cost, but many still go ahead and buy because it’s Ramadan,” a store owner said.
However, as there is no set attire for the festival, many Muslims opted for modest, loose-fitting clothing that embodies Islamic principles.
The Spectator, believes that since the celebration is a wonderful occasion and Muslims want to feel happy throughout the festivities, the traditional attire should be reasonably priced so that others can celebrate in style.
We are glad that the holy month is still a precious time despite the economic strains, and that some people make the day extra special for their loved ones.
Despite the hectic preparations the emphasis should always be on appreciating the event’s profound spiritual meaning.
Happy Eid ul Adha to all Muslims.
Editorial
Review GTC’s ban on noise-making
Dear Editor,
I write to express my concerns regarding the annual ban on noise-making instituted by the Ga Traditional Council (GTC) and its impact on Christian churches and other religious institutions.
While I acknowledge and respect the cultural significance of this period for the Ga people, it is important to highlight the challenges it poses to churches within the Greater Accra Region.
The restrictions often affect worship services, prayer meetings, and other religious activities that rely on instruments and singing as core parts of worship. In some cases, churches are compelled to suspend midweek services or modify their mode of worship entirely.
It is important that cultural and religious practices coexist peacefully in a pluralistic society. Mutual respect and dialogue should be encouraged so that neither traditional authorities nor religious institutions felt marginalised.
I respectfully suggest that the Ga Traditional Council, in collaboration with the Christian Council and other faith-based groups, consider establishing clear, fair, and mutually agreeable guidelines that allow worship to continue in a way that respects traditional observances.
Peaceful coexistence is possible when there is open dialogue, understanding, and respect for all cultures and beliefs. Let us work together toward solutions that promote unity and harmony in our communities.
Eugene Ampiaw
Accra-Mamprobi
