Editorial
EPA, control noise pollution
Pollution in society comes in various forms such as the pollution of rivers, atmosphere, the environment and many others.
One form of pollution that is quite disturbing is what disturbs the ear, usually referred to as noise pollution.
Noise pollution comes in various forms which includes excessive noise from artisans who are engaged in building and construction in various parts of the country. The noise created through the raising of voices as well as the use of excessively noisy machines becomes so worrying that it makes life very unpleasant.
The loud microphones also used by people in market places and at worship centres to attract attention are all part of noise pollution. Noise pollution, therefore, comes from various sources and tends to have disastrous effects on people.
The negative effects of noise pollution include disturbance of the ear drum which may later cause hearing problems in people. Excessive noise making also disturbs the heart as well as other organs in the body, according to health experts.
What this means is that excessive noise making or noise pollution is not good for the health of everyone in society, therefore, every effort will have to be made to prevent its effects on society.
The law enforcement agencies will have to work extra hard to help bring this unpleasant situation under control.
In this regard, The Spectator is calling on the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to pay attention to the control of noise pollution as this will help preserve the good health of the people.
Laws on the environment and noise pollution exist so the EPA as an institution of state must go the extra mile to ensure that all the laws and bylaws are effectively enforced for the prevalence of sanity in all parts of the country.
This is an issue that cannot be joked with so the laws on noise pollution must be adhered to by all people and organisations in the country to promote good health and sanity for all.
Dear Editor
I wish to express my concern about the recent discussions about the relationship between Ghana and South Africa following the evacuation of some Ghanaian citizens from South Africa due to xenophobic attacks and other security concerns.
Many Ghanaians are wondering why South Africans continue to enjoy business and investment opportunities in Ghana when our own citizens have, at times, faced hostility and discrimination in their country.
While Ghana has always been known for its hospitality and peaceful coexistence with foreigners, some citizens believe that there should be fairness and mutual respect between the two nations.
It is worrying that after Ghana had to evacuate its citizens for their safety, there appears to be little assurance that similar incidents will not occur again.
As a result, many people are asking what benefits Ghana derives from maintaining such an open-door policy toward South African businesses and interests.
However, it is important that any concerns are addressed through diplomacy and dialogue rather than hostility.
Both countries are key partners in Africa and should work together to promote the safety, welfare, and economic advancement of their citizens.
I urge the governments of Ghana and South Africa to strengthen bilateral relations and ensure that citizens of both nations are treated with dignity and respect wherever they reside.
Daisy Owusu,
Accra
Editorial
EditorialTake precautions against water-borne diseases, reptiles invasion in rainy seasonEditorial
The rains have set in again with its attendant problems, especially water-borne and mosquito-borne diseases.
As a result, the Ghana Health Service (GHS) is cautioning the public to take preventive measures against water-borne and mosquito-borne diseases such as cholera, typhoid fever, dysentery, malaria, yellow fever and dengue fever.
The GHS claims that these illnesses frequently thrive when it starts to rain. According to a statement signed by the GHS Director-General Professor Samuel Kaba Akoriyea flooding and unsanitary circumstances during the rainy season frequently contaminate water sources with faeces, increasing the spread of waterborne illnesses.
In order to protect oneself during this season, one must prevent mosquitoes from breeding and make sure that food and water are safe because contracting the aforementioned diseases is a major problem that causes discomfort.
Eliminating standing water near residences is one way to prevent mosquitoes from growing there. This is especially important when it comes to standing water gathered in abandoned containers, old tyres, cans, and other waste objects.
It is also best to use bed nets and insect repellant, drink only boiling or filtered water, and wash your hands frequently under running water with soap.
The Spectator supports GHS’s recommendation that people properly wash fruits and vegetables grown close to water bodies with clean water and salt or vinegar before consuming them because they can become polluted during the rainy season and provide major health concerns.
Some people have a habit of purchasing food carelessly, but they should stop and only purchase food from respectable and hygienic suppliers.
Additionally, food vendors are required to separate raw foods from cooked or ready-to-eat meals, procure food items from recognised sources, and adhere to stringent food safety regulations during food preparation and storage.
It is recommended to get medical help right once if someone exhibits signs of disease.
We implore the Food and Drug Authority (FDA) to make sure food handlers have current health certificates so they can work.
Flooding during the rainy season, which may drive reptiles from their native habitats and increase human contact, is another problem the Service disclosed.
In order to reduce hiding spots for reptiles and other dangerous animals, it is recommending homeowners to keep doors and windows closed whenever possible, remove bushes from their homes, and lift items off the ground.
The Spectator is urging the public to cooperate as the GHS and the Ministry of Health (MoH) pledge to safeguard citizens’ health and welfare in order to help stop disease outbreaks during the rainy season.
