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 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.
