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.
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.
