Editorial
Kudos to all physically challenged farmers’ awardees
Last week Friday, Ghana held its annual Farmers’ Day celebration when farmers and fishers across the country were awarded for their contributions in farming, fishing and local food production.
Nana Owusu Achiaw from the Sekyere Central District of the Ashanti Region was crowned the overall National Best Farmer for the year and received an amount of GH¢1million sponsored by the Agricultural Development Bank (ADB).
Among the awardees were some physically challenged who through their resilience and commitment had also contributed immensely to farming, despite their physical handicap to advance food security.
Notable among these awardees is Mr John Nii Arday Ofoliquaye, a 49-year-old aquaculturist from Mamprobi in the Greater Accra Region (GAR), who was awarded the Best Physically Challenged Farmer by the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA).
Also, Mr. Stephen Addo from the Sene West District in the Bono East Region was adjudged the National Best Physically Challenged Farmer for 2024 at the awards dinner held at the Alisa Hotel in Accra last Friday.
In the Kasena Nankana West District in the Upper East Region, Chiravero Addah James, a physically challenged farmer, was recognised as the Best Disability Farmer of the Year for his dedication to mixed cropping.
Similarly, 16 physically challenged best farmers from the regions were also honoured and awarded with certificates at the dinner night.
They received various awards of essential farming tools and supplies during the 40th National Farmers’ Day celebration, held on Friday, November 8, 2024.
What is most intriguing is that they did not use their physical challenges as an excuse to beg for alms but engaged in a profitable venture such as farming to make a living for themselves, their families, communities and the nation as a whole.
They had proven that physical limitations need not hinder success thus their condition did not impede their dreams and vision.
Their success should be a shining example to other physically challenged individuals to disregard societal stigmatisation and have confidence in their abilities. Their example should spur the abled to work harder to achieve laurels in their various fields.
To the physically challenged who resort to begging on the streets this should be a clarion call for them to reconsider their decision to be permanent beggars begging amidst vehicular traffic which poses great danger to their lives.
Instead they should rather find something lucrative to do for as the saying goes disability is not inability.
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.
