Editorial
Let there be industrial peace!
Not long ago, we heard from the Trades Union Congress Secretary General that “if the government does not increase the minimum wage to the inflation level, workers would embark on strike.”
This statement came as a surprise to many people in the country because it is the same Secretary General who was part of the negotiation team for the increase of the minimum wage for 2022. Some workers are of the view that he wants to take this action as a show of flexing muscles to government to get the minimum wage increased.
We need to keep away from such threats because as a peaceful country, we can always come together at the negotiation table to settle matters relating to wage levels so that we can always find ourselves in a win-win situation.
Win-win situation means the negotiation will be carried out in such a way that each of the parties will win and not be a loser. Such negotiations, positive as they are, are what we need as a country so as to forestall disturbances of the peace and encourage productivity on the labour front.
Without peace on the labour front, not much can be achieved and that explains why partners on the negotiation table must always bear in mind to have the national interest at heart when negotiating.
Workers deserve to be treated better. Indeed, they need to enjoy higher salaries than they are doing now.
However, the economic challenges the world is facing today have made it extremely difficult for governments to increase salaries of workers to the desired levels. It is in light of this that the TUC Secretary General ought to refrain from threatening the government with strikes. Rather than confronting the government with strikes, the TUC should rather sit with government and negotiate for better conditions for workers. Bearing in mind the difficulties confronting the workers, the TUC should refrain from actions that are aggressive but rather seek a peaceful negotiation.
In all this, they should have it in mind that the national kitty cannot provide for all their needs.
As has been pointed out by labour analyst, Mr Seth Abloso, the TUC’s threat to embark on industrial action if the daily national minimum wage is not increased, is unnecessary.
This is because the TUC should have addressed this issue long ago after the release of the Professor Yaa Ntiamoah Baidoo Committee Report. The report contained credible information which could have been utilised by the TUC for a more peaceful and purposeful information.
The Spectator is appealing to the TUC Secretary General and his workers to refrain from any disturbance of the industrial peace.
A more friendly and peaceful negotiation is what is needed on the industrial front for the promotion of productivity in the country.
Dear Editor,
I WRITE to express my deep concern about the increasing incidents of violence among young people during sporting activities in our communities. Sports is usually credited with the promotion of unity, discipline, teamwork, and healthy competition. However, it is gradually becoming platforms for fighting, hostility, and destruction.
In recent times, it has become common to witness youth engaging in physical fights during football matches and other sporting events. What begins as friendly competition often ends in chaos, injuries, damaged property, and sometimes the involvement of weapons.
This worrying trend defeats the very purpose of sports and sends a wrong message to younger children who look up to these players as role models.
Several factors contribute to this problem, including poor discipline, lack of proper officiating, excessive pressure to win at all cost, and inadequate guidance from coaches and community leaders. In some cases, spectators also fuel the violence by provoking players and officials instead of encouraging fair play.
If this issue is not addressed urgently, it may discourage talented youth from participating in sports and could also turn sporting grounds into unsafe spaces for families and fans. Sports should build character, not destroy it.
I, therefore call on sports authorities, schools, community leaders, parents, and the National Sports Authority to intensify education on sportsmanship, enforce strict sanctions against violent behaviour, and provide proper training for referees and coaches.
The youth must be taught that losing a game is not a failure, but fighting is.
Let us work together to restore peace, respect, and discipline in youth sports for the benefit of our society.
Eugene Ampiaw, Takoradi
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VALENTINE’S Day (Val’s Day) is here again! It is a day meant for celebrating pure love, affection, compassion and friendship.
The Day is named after Saint Valentine, a priest who, according to legend, secretly married couples in Rome against Emperor Claudius II’s orders, which forbade marriage for young men to improve their soldiering skills.
Historically, it is tied to romantic love, as Saint Valentine stood for love, commitment and marriage, even at the cost of his life.
However, in modern times some people rather use the day to engage in immoral activities but considering the core perspectives on Valentine’s Day, it should be observed without falling into sexual immorality. Rather, it should encourage individuals to uphold moral standards.
These days the celebrations are often commercialised with all sorts of arrangements to buy expensive gifts for friends and loved ones.
Until recently, many individuals, groups and organisations have redefined Val’s Day which is viewed as an opportunity to show love to the needy, orphans, or friends, rather than solely focusing on romantic or sexual partner, with some suggesting that true love does not require sexual activity.
Some groups, including certain Christian denominations even frown on the celebration of Val’s Day as to them the pressure to participate can lead to increased cases of unplanned pregnancies, the transmission of Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs), and the breakdown of relationships.
The Spectator is urging those who celebrate Valentine’s Day to celebrate it in moderation and focus more on expressing care to convey sincere affection to friends, family, and partners.
Since the Day doubles as Chocolate Day, it is even more appropriate to share gifts of chocolate products to friends and loved ones in order to promote Ghana chocolate to boost the industry.
We also propose that Valentine’s Day should be used for acts of kindness, volunteering, helping the poor, or engaging in charitable work to put smiles on the faces of others.
Instead of associating Valentine’s Day with immoral behaviour, physical intimacy or even focusing only on material gifts, individuals can choose to celebrate in ways that align with their personal values and moral principles such as spending quality time with loved ones.
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