News
‘Lack of respect threat to blind community’
A visually impaired retired Public Servant has said that lack of social etiquette by some family members posed a serious challenge to the blind community.
According to her, some disparaging remarks from family members with regard to their condition had deprived some physically challenged persons of wives and husbands.
“Contemptible remarks from family members of potential spouses is robbing the blind community of quality men and women.
“Sickness or illness does not discriminate and can attack anybody at any point in times: It is inevitable”.
Speaking in an interview with The Spectator on condition of anonymity last Saturday, the retiree disclosed that she was not blind at the time of marriage but was struck by sickness resulting in her predicament.
“No one knows what tomorrow brings in life so let us love one another and be each other’s keeper. What has happened to me can happen to anyone because blindness is not sold for people to buy,” she said.
She observed over the years that some families would go every length to discourage their members from marrying blind people because they felt they were not good marriage material.
She said it was important to accord persons who had lost their sight the respect and dignity they deserved like all humans.
The retired public servant stated that some families used various means namely emotional blackmail, threats even to the extent of disowning them and leaving some of the people with no choice but to abandon the thought of marrying a blind person.
She said it was disheartening that these physically challenged were men and women who were responsible and gainfully employed with other enviable qualities but just because they had lost their sight, they were not given a chance to get married to their preferred partners.
She pointed out that even in the case of blind men, it was better as compared with blind women, who sometimes found it very difficult to get husbands.
She said some blind women had to settle with some blind men or give up completely on marriage to prevent any inconvenience from the family and friends of their potential spouses.
She said such rigid stance by the society was unfortunate and not doing anybody any good and therefore appealed for a change in behaviour explaining that people should be judged on their potentials not their physical disabilities because some people might not be physically challenged but could be the worse spouses.
She gave a reminder that even sighted people asked for help to manage their homes and take care of their families so the case of the disabled persons should not be seen as something that was out of the ordinary if they also asked for help.
From Dzifa Tetteh Tay, Tema.
Muslims across the country celebrated this year’s Eid-ul-Adha in a colourful and spiritually uplifting atmosphere under the theme, “A Season of Sacrifice, Solidarity and Spiritual Renewal.”
The celebration brought together Muslims from diverse backgrounds in a remarkable display of faith, unity and cultural heritage.
The occasion was marked by special Eid prayers at various designated grounds, the slaughtering of rams in homes for sharing among family members, friends and the less privileged, as well as musical concerts and recreational activities including horse riding.
Leading the celebration was the Chief Imam, Dr Sheikh Osman Sharubutu.
While the national celebration was held at the Black Star Square where President John Dramani Mahama was the Special Guest of Honour, similar gatherings took place at different centres across the capital and other regions of the country.
A visit by The Spectator to some celebration grounds revealed Muslims, both young and old, elegantly dressed in colourful jalabiya and other Islamic attire, reflecting the rich culture and traditions of the Muslim community.
The celebration also portrayed the spirit of religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence in the country, as a number of Christians joined their Muslim counterparts to mark the occasion.
Muslim leaders and government officials used the opportunity to call on the faithful to uphold the teachings of the Holy Quran, renew their spiritual commitment and refrain from acts capable of undermining the peace, unity and security of the nation.
They further urged Ghanaians to continue to live in harmony and support one another for national development.
By Linda Abrefi Wadie
Dear Obaa Yaa,
During Eid-ul- Adha celebration, I decided to spend the weekend at my boyfriend’s place since we were planning towards our marriage.
To my surprise, what keeps me wide awake, restless and frustrated every single time is that he snores loudly like a generator running on full power, and I genuinely cannot get any rest
At a point, I thought it was just a normal thing, but I have realised it is something he does with ease and doesn’t see anything wrong with it.
When he steps out in the morning, I try to get enough sleep because I may not sleep in the evening.
The most annoying thing is that, he always wants to cuddle me. These two things are a no for me and a red flag.
We are about to get married, what should I do?
Enam, Keta.
Dear Enam,
The snoring and constant cuddling are frustrating, but you don’t have to choose between sleep and closeness.
Start with the snoring: check if it’s worse when he sleeps on his back, cut out alcohol before bed, try nasal strips or a humidifier, and see a doctor if he pauses while breathing.
For quick relief, foam earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones help a lot.
Separate blankets, a bigger bed, or sleeping apart on some nights often makes couples rest well and feel closer overall.
Bring this up before the wedding .Tell him you want to wake up next to him for years to come, but sleep deprivation makes you both miserable.
Test earplugs and side-sleeping this weekend, and if it’s still unbearable, bring in a doctor. Good sleep matters more for your marriage than staying glued together all night.
