News
Lest we forget! (2)
The COVID-19 cases in Ghana is growing by the day and this is quite worrying, especially with the lockdown eased. We really need to fight hard after our current figures of 11,000-plus confirmed cases, more than 4,000 recoveries, and over 50 deaths.
I have been pointing out why we all need to take the necessary precautions to avoid infections and spread of the virus.
Indeed, we need to be doing more to help reduce infections and the spread. The infections should not be increasing. We should do our best to reduce the rates.
I think there are certain things we should never ignore or take for granted, which we sadly seem to be ignoring.
IGNORING SAFETY PROTOCOLS?
I have read some reports that many people seem to be ignoring or have relaxed on the safety protocols.
People are no more practising social distancing and have not been wearing the face/nose masks. Do they care a hoot about their own health and that of others?
The fact that the lockdown has been eased makes it even more necessary to adhere strictly to the safety protocols.
Here in Finland, the lockdown has been eased and we are in the summer period, yet one can easily observe that many people are staying home. They do not go out if it is not urgent.
NOT SELF-ISOLATING?
I have read that some MPs, parliamentary staff and journalists who tested positive for the virus were not staying isolated.
They continue to attend parliament. What? So what is being done about this situation? Can they be prevented from the place? It is so sad that this is happening in the first place.
For, if gold rusts what will iron do? If the leaders are not adhering to directives would one be surprised if the ordinary person do the same?
LEADERSHIP BY EXAMPLE
The behaviour of those who are refusing to self-isolate is so disappointing. Yes!
There is another issue that we need to pay more attention to.
Please, can government officials, health experts, all our politicians who appear in public always put on the face/nose masks and practise social distancing as they engage others? I don’t say they don’t do it oo; I am only drawing more attention to that situation.
While the practice is to protect them from infection, it will undoubtedly also go a long way to encourage the public to follow their example.
In that sense, it would give a strong message of leadership by example.
PASTORS TESTING
I have also heard that some religious leaders are looking to buy the forehead thermometer for detecting body temperature of their members as they enter the church or religious premises, but they have been unsuccessful.
I understand the instruments may either not be available or are too expensive.
Can I suggest that if possible, the authorities should secure the instrument for the religious leaders on a hire purchase basis?
The religious leaders are one of the key stakeholders in the fight against the coronavirus, especially with the ease on religious activities.
DOING MORE
Finally, I urge all of us to help stop the spread by adhering to the directives on safety protocols.
I have read that ambulances are not showing up when people call the emergency number. This is worrying if it is true. Or, is it that the ambulances are being overwhelmed by the cases? God forbid!
I recently had a chat with a friend who felt that Ghanaians can be difficult people. I think that generally speaking, Ghanaians are not difficult people.
Our authorities can give all the directives and guidelines but if we don’t follow them our efforts will not go far.
It is feared that there would be a second wave of the pandemic probably towards the end of the year. It is important we all take precautions seriously.
We have been provided with the guidelines. The onus lies on us to abide by them and help prevent the spread. Let’s do more. Thank you.
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.
