Editorial
Let us learn to use good and decent language
The way we speak as a people tells a lot about us because if we speak and insult other people, we end up setting bad examples to the young ones that are coming up.
For this reason, we need to behave ourselves in a manner that will make it possible for every member of society to realise that discipline and decency of behaviour is what is required by each and every member of society. Without this, we will be creating chaos and indiscipline for the young ones who are coming up.
Not long ago, we heard the General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) making a point that amounted to insult. We are of the view that such pronouncements are not good for us as a country. He went on to say that he supported the fight that occurre in parliament and that he would keep encouraging them to keep fighting or engaging in brawl, if the need arose.
Such pronouncements are very unpalatable, so The Spectator appeals to all political leaders to desist from making them because they end up destroying the society which we are trying to build for the young people we are training to enable them become good citizens in this country.
Society is built not only by the leaders who are given the mandate to govern the country. A lot will depend on parents and friends who also serve as role models in society.
In addition to all this, leaders of all political parties in the country also have a great role to play in ensuring that the youth are given proper training to behave well in society, so that the country we are trying to build is constructed on discipline, integrity and respect for one another.
We cannot insult our opponents today and expect their followers to sit unconcerned. These followers are also likely to respond in the same manner and when this happens the end result will be chaos, indiscipline, insecurity and disorder, among others.
It is in the light of this that we expect every individual or group of people, wherever they find themselves, to play the role expected of them. This role, if played well, will help to build a decent society full of good behaviour, positive culture and decent language.
Why should we encourage our people to engage in indiscipline and fighting, especially in parliament?
Or how different will young people who engage in fighting using cutlasses and other gadgets to hurt one another as happened recently between the youth of Nima and Mamobi be?
If we engage in such indecent acts and go back to the church or mosque to worship, then we do not know what the worship of God is all about. God must be worshipped in truth and in decency.
The time has come for each and every one to put our heads together in condemning what is wrong while praising those who engage in what is good and set the right examples for others to follow.
We do not want to encourage fighting in parliament, especially when these parliamentarians are people who are referred to as honourable members. If they are honourable members then they need to set good examples for the rest of society to follow.
On the other hand, if they do not want to set good examples for people to follow in society, then they do not deserve to be referred to as honourable members of parliament. This is why an elder statesman, Mr. Kwame Pianim has said that he would not refer to our parliamentarians as honourable members unless they change their ways of doing things and act in positive light.
Any political figure or follower of a political party, be it in opposition or government, who encourages disorder in parliament or in any part of the country should, therefore, not be respected by anybody in this country.
The time has come for us to exhibit a life of discipline and keep away from negative attitudes that will not encourage this country to move forward as expected. We are, therefore, appealing to every person to engage in discipline and speak in a manner that will promote discipline, orderliness and respect for one another.
We need to learn our lessons and tell the rest of the world that we have not just come of age but also are disciplined in all aspects of our lives. Ghana is over 60 years and will soon hit 70.
It is time for each and every one of us to contribute our quota and help the country to move into the world of discipline. This is how we can set good examples for our children to emulate and for the rest of the world to also follow.
Editorial
To all Muslims, happy Eid ul Adha!
Muslims in Ghana joined the world yesterday to observe the Eid-ul-Adha; the second of the two main festivals in Islam.
Eid-ul-Adha takes place on the 10th of Dhu al-Hijja, the twelfth and last month of the Islamic calendar, and is also referred to as the “Festival of the Sacrifice.”
It symbolises Prophet Ibrahim’s (Abraham’s) readiness to offer his son as a sacrifice in response to Allah’s instruction.
In addition to making sacrifices, the celebration aims to spread unity, love, joy, and compassion.
In Ghana, people celebrated the day with special prayers, feasts, and the customary killing of an animal and sharing the flesh with their loved ones, neighbours, and the underprivileged.
During the celebration of the festival Muslims gather at mosques or open areas for congregational prayers early in the morning. After the prayers, people visit each other, exchange gifts, and enjoy festive meals.
One aspect of the celebration is the wearing of traditional Islamic clothing, such as kaftans, jalabiyas, and abayas, which are in high demand and cause prices to rise sharply during this time.
Abayas and jalabiyas, which are frequently imported from Turkey, Dubai, Egypt, and Northern Nigeria, have become very popular clothing items, leading to price increases, according to reports from our Northern Regional Correspondent.
“Some customers complain about the cost, but many still go ahead and buy because it’s Ramadan,” a store owner said.
However, as there is no set attire for the festival, many Muslims opted for modest, loose-fitting clothing that embodies Islamic principles.
The Spectator, believes that since the celebration is a wonderful occasion and Muslims want to feel happy throughout the festivities, the traditional attire should be reasonably priced so that others can celebrate in style.
We are glad that the holy month is still a precious time despite the economic strains, and that some people make the day extra special for their loved ones.
Despite the hectic preparations the emphasis should always be on appreciating the event’s profound spiritual meaning.
Happy Eid ul Adha to all Muslims.
Editorial
Review GTC’s ban on noise-making
Dear Editor,
I write to express my concerns regarding the annual ban on noise-making instituted by the Ga Traditional Council (GTC) and its impact on Christian churches and other religious institutions.
While I acknowledge and respect the cultural significance of this period for the Ga people, it is important to highlight the challenges it poses to churches within the Greater Accra Region.
The restrictions often affect worship services, prayer meetings, and other religious activities that rely on instruments and singing as core parts of worship. In some cases, churches are compelled to suspend midweek services or modify their mode of worship entirely.
It is important that cultural and religious practices coexist peacefully in a pluralistic society. Mutual respect and dialogue should be encouraged so that neither traditional authorities nor religious institutions felt marginalised.
I respectfully suggest that the Ga Traditional Council, in collaboration with the Christian Council and other faith-based groups, consider establishing clear, fair, and mutually agreeable guidelines that allow worship to continue in a way that respects traditional observances.
Peaceful coexistence is possible when there is open dialogue, understanding, and respect for all cultures and beliefs. Let us work together toward solutions that promote unity and harmony in our communities.
Eugene Ampiaw
Accra-Mamprobi
