Dear Editor,

THE monumental facilities of any country are very important because they do not only tell the rich history of that country, but enhances the country’s economy.

It is, therefore, not surprising that the West­ern world hold these facilities in high esteem and invest so much in preserving them.

However, in Ghana, the importance we attach to these facilities, such as castles, forts, Black Star Square and recreational parks such as the Efua Sutherland Children’s Park are very disturb­ing.

Anytime I pass by the Efua Sutherland Chil­dren’s Park, I feel very sad with its current state. I get a similar feeling when I pass by our Forts and Castles, which are fast deteriorating due to climate change, specifically rising sea levels and increased surges.

Looking at their importance, it is critical for government to be more intentional about their preservation.

Over the past, we have seen successive governments try to invest in the refurbishment of some of these facilities through partnership agreements with some private organisations as well as donor funding from international organisa­tions.

For instance, after concerns were raised about the state of the Black Star Square through media reportage, the government undertook some ren­ovation works at the place to keep it in shape as most national activities were held there.

Also, I was happy to know that the govern­ment, in collaboration with the W.E.B Du Bois Museum Foundation, was working to secure funds to redevelop and rebrand the W.E.B Du Bois Me­morial Centre for Pan-African Culture, the resting place of Dr Du Bois, the father of Pan-Africanis.

I think we can do more as a country to pre­serve these facilities.

I suggest that a special fund be created pur­posely for the preservation of these facilities as they serve as our identity as Ghanaians.

Baba

Ofankor

 According to a World Health Organisation (WHO) re­search, loneliness is respon­sible for more than 100 deaths per hour, or more than 871,000 deaths worldwide annually.

The WHO Commission on Social Connection study reveals that loneliness affects one in six people worldwide and has a major nega­tive impact on well-being, eco­nomic productivity, physical and mental health.

In the past, people could travel to see friends, family, or loved ones to experience beautiful moments. Despite the countless options for connection, more and more individuals in today’s society feel alone and isolated.

Loneliness can cost societies billions of dollars in lost wages, health care, education, and em­ployment. In addition to having an effect on the person, it also raises the risk of stroke, diabetes, heart disease, depression, and early mortality, among other conditions.

Even more concerning is the fact that, despite the fact that loneliness affects people of all ages, it primarily affects the young people who will be tomor­row’s leaders. This is a warning to check for loneliness.

In time past, there was a vibrant extended family system and a variety of outdoor games for young people to play that greatly reduced loneliness and improved neighbourhood safety. As a result, socially cohesive groups tended to be more crisis-responsive and resilient.

On the other hand, as tech­nology advances, young people are impacted by digital influences like social media; nonetheless, the report warns of the dangers excessive screen time and bad online experiences pose to mental health.

Among the other underlying reasons of loneliness and isola­tion, it included poor health, low income, a lack of education, living alone, inadequate infrastructure, and weak public policy.

As part of the interventions to address the issue of loneliness at the national level the govern­ment must address these issues through policies which include the construction of more recreational facilities, such as parks, libraries, and community centres, as well as mental health support, which can reduce the risk of serious illnesses and prevent early death.

There should also be awareness campaigns and policy changes to create inclusive social infrastruc­ture since loneliness damages social cohesiveness at the society level and results in significant ex­penses for missed productivity and medical treatment.

At the individual level, The Spectator encourages people to visit friends to check in on them and to be completely involved in talks without being distracted by technology, even though techno­logical advancements have made it easier for people to interact on phones.

It is also essential to interact with neighbours and participate in community events because social isolation results from a lack of sufficient social ties.