Editorial
Help disabled children to be productive
A group of children with disabilities
Dear Editor,
Permit me to express my view on the challenges children with disabilities face in the society.
For the past few months, I have observed that children with disabilities face challenges such as stigma, neglect, negative attitudes and mobility aids.
These children, I believe can and want to be productive in the society but are sometimes denied that opportunity and are marginalised in the society
They face several socioeconomic challenges such as little or no education, lower level of employment, higher poverty rate and poorer health condition.
Children with disabilities have very limited access to educational opportunities and face widespread discrimination.
Other barriers they face include lack of accessible physical environments and transportation and non-adapted means of communication.
I would like to draw the attention of the Government to provide assistance to such disabled persons with dreams to be productive and responsible persons in future.
Also, I would appreciate it if every individual and the various institutions can give equal opportunities to persons with disabilities to also bring out their experiences and talents as well as have a sense of belonging and not feel neglected.
Elizabeth Agyeibea Ackon
Accra
Dear Editor,
It is often said that a healthy nation is a wealthy nation. However, this saying becomes worrying when the health of citizens is threatened by the conditions under which the food they consume daily is sold.
In Ghana, the conditions under which food is sold is quite disturbing. Over the years, I have observed that the environments where food is prepared and sold are often unhygienic.
In many cases, containers holding food such as rice and waakye are left uncovered or not properly covered, exposing them to contamination.
While many Ghanaians paid little attention in the past to the conditions under which food was sold, the narrative seems to be changing in recent years.
I recall an incident during my days in Senior High School (S.H.S.) when my friends and I went out to buy food. At one location, some of us chose not to buy because we assumed the food would be expensive due to how neat the place looked.
Unfortunately, we ended up purchasing food from a different place that was somewhat unhygienic. We overlooked the poor conditions because we believed the quantity offered was better than at the cleaner location.
However, I am certain that my friends and I would not repeat such a mistake today, as we now understand the health implications of that decision.
While public education is important in addressing this issue, I believe it is time for regulatory and law enforcement agencies, such as the Food and Drug Authority (FDA), to crack the whip on food sellers and vendors who operate in unhygienic environments and conditions.
As citizens, we must also be mindful of where we buy our food to protect ourselves and our families from diseases and illnesses. We should choose ‘quality’ over ‘quantity’ and prioritize our health.
From Syram
Oyarifa
Dear Editor,
I write to express concern and call for improved security measures before and after every football match.
The recent robbery attack that led to the tragic death of a player, on their return from a Match day 29 game against Samartex, is both shocking and heartbreaking.
The incident, which reportedly occurred around 10:30 p.m., highlights the growing risks faced by players and team officials while traveling.
Football is meant to unite and entertain, not to expose lives to danger. It is therefore imperative that authorities, the Ghana Football Association, and security agencies put in place adequate protection for teams, especially during late-night travels.
I strongly urge all stakeholders to treat this matter with urgency to prevent such unfortunate incidents from recurring.
From Eugene Ampiaw
Accra
