Editorial
Is neutrality allowance justifiable?
One issue that has come up in recent times is the pressure being put on government to pay political neutrality allowance to certain categories of civil servants.
This demand is very strange seeing that all civil and public servants are expected to be politically neutral in their day-to-day activities.
All civil and public servants are different from politicians and so are not expected to meddle in political activities as stipulated in the Constitution of the Republic of Ghana. In fact, civil and public servants are expected to keep away from partisan politics but implement political programmes and policies in the interest of the nation.
All civil servants are aware of this that is why when they go wrong they are hardly dismissed but transferred to new places where it is expected that they will change for the better.
A politician can be dropped from office at any point in time but the civil servant is not treated the same way. This shows that he/she is shielded from the shakeups that affect those who occupy political offices.
In light of all this, it is wrong for any group of people to demand political neutrality allowance since the 1992 Constitution makes it clear to them how they are protected and kept away from unwarranted dismissal. It is, therefore, difficult to understand why any civil servant should be paid such ‘unjustifiable’ allowance.
We are encouraging government not to succumb to the payment of this allowance otherwise it will lead to the creation of disorderliness among all workers who operate in the civil and public sectors of the country. If this is the case, then the civil servants concerned should drop the agitation for the payment of this allowance.
If this allowance is paid, then all workers in Ghana apart from politicians should also be made to enjoy same.
The Spectator is of the view that instead of embarking on agitations for these ‘unjustifiable’ allowances, they should rather negotiate with government to improve upon the conditions of workers in a manner that will cut across all sectors and encourage people to work hard.
This objective may not be achieved overnight but we can make consistent efforts towards it until the ultimate goal is achieved.
Dear Editor,
I am writing to draw your attention to a matter of grave concern affecting residents of Dansoman Mpoasei area.
Recently, contractors have been digging to fix some pipes but the infrastructure has been badly managed and creating inconvenience for residents.
The exercise has left several pipes broken and these damages have been left unattended, forcing households to endure disrupted water supply.
Such negligence does not only inconveniences residents but also raises serious questions about accountability and oversight in public works.
Contractors entrusted with projects of this nature must be held responsible.
It is unacceptable for them to abandon damaged utilities without repair.
Authorities should ensure that such contractors were compelled to restore any services they disrupt.
I urge the relevant agencies to take swift action to address this issue by compelling such contractors to repair the damage they cause.
Princess Wonovi
Dansoman
Shisha smoking is on the rise among young people who should be making significant life investments for a better future.
Shisha is a smoking apparatus designed to smoke heated tobacco to deliver a smooth and flavourful experience.
Although under the Ghanaian law, shisha smoking is prohibited for minors the law is violated as more and more minors have resorted to smoking the substance at the peril of their future.
Public health experts have consistently warned that shisha use exposes users to harmful substances that can negatively affect brain development, respiratory health, and overall well-being, particularly among young people.
As a result, concerns have been raised in Damongo in the Savannah Region following reports that some young people believed to be under the age of 18 have allegedly been found smoking shisha in pubs and drinking spots within the township.
According to eyewitnesses these minors were seen patronising nightlife venues, particularly during late evening hours, where shisha smoking was openly taking place. The situation has sparked renewed public concern over the enforcement of child protection laws and regulations governing entertainment centres in the municipality.
It is sad that the situation is becoming increasingly common and what is more dangerous is that residents fear to openly report or speak about it as they claim their lives will be at risk if they do so.
But the warning is that the rising consumption of hard drugs poses a serious threat to the future of the youth in general.
The situation is worrying and some residents believe that the alleged incidents point to broader challenges relating to youth supervision, substance abuse, and weak enforcement of existing regulations.
The youth are the future leaders of Ghana therefore we cannot sit aloof and expect them to waste their lives.
The Spectator therefore urges all hands to be on deck to find a lasting solution to this menace. We support the call by residents on municipal authorities, security agencies, and regulatory bodies to intensify monitoring of pubs and entertainment centres to ensure compliance with the law.
We applaud the Savannah Regional Minister, Mr. Salisu Be-Awurbi, who has led public education campaigns, engaged security agencies, and supported enforcement actions aimed at addressing the rising use of illicit substances in the region.
Again, we commend the Chief of Damongo, Wura Kelly Seidu Boresah I, who has also called on all stakeholders including parents, community leaders, institutions, and young people to actively support efforts to curb drug abuse.
His caution to individuals involved in the sale and distribution of illicit drugs to immediately desist from the practice, is laudable.
If strict and swift measures are taken to arrest and prosecute offenders in accordance with the law, it will deter others from engaging in it and minors will be free.
The Spectator urges the appropriate authorities to enforce child protection laws and regulations at entertainment centres to protect the youth.
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