Editorial
Let’s embrace the joy, love and goodwill of Christmas
All too soon, Christmas, a joyful time to spend with loved ones and exchange goodwill greetings, is here again.
Every year on December 25, billions of people throughout the world celebrate Christmas, a festival that honours the birth of Jesus Christ, even though it is unclear exactly when Jesus was born.
The most significant thing is that Christ was born, and this festive season should serve as a reminder to embrace love unconditionally.
It is a season of happiness and introspection that unites individuals from all walks of life. Whether a person celebrates with religious rituals, food festivals, or the straightforward act of charity, the core of Christmas is creating a universally felt sense of love, compassion, and togetherness.
It is a time to show kindness to one another, embrace the giving spirit, and find happiness in the little things in life. The celebrations are a treasured time for Christians around the world, with customs like gift-exchanging, decorating Christmas trees, and dining with loved ones among others.
The custom of exchanging gifts is based on the Magi’s gifts to the baby Jesus, which stand for giving and showing affection. By lending a helping hand and giving food and clothing to the less fortunate, Christians can also demonstrate compassion.
The Spectator exhorts families to treasure their time spent together, particularly during this joyous time of year, in order to strengthen family ties, spread happiness, guarantee harmony in the home, and strengthen brotherhood.
It is time to set aside differences and unite in celebration of life’s blessings, especially as the end of the year approaches.
Additionally, a medley of joyous and spiritual sounds permeate the air as a result of the season. Music has the capacity to arouse feelings, foster a sense of community, and intensify the festive mood during this time of year.
Amidst all the festivities, Christians must remember that Christmas is an opportunity to spread Christ’s profound message to others, helping them to connect with and comprehend His teachings during this unique time of year.
We ask people to enjoy the festivities in moderation and ask drivers to drive carefully to prevent accidents during Christmas.
Let us all embrace the pleasure, love, and kindness that Christmas represents and offer same to others.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from The Spectator to its many readers.
Dear Editor,
Walking along roads in some parts of the capital has become increasingly challenging.
While trading on pedestrian walkways remains a concern in certain areas, the parking of vehicles on road shoulders also poses a serious risk to pedestrians.
Often, pedestrians are forced to walk dangerously close to these parked vehicles or even step into the middle of the road to make way for oncoming traffic.
This situation is not only frustrating but also highly unsafe.
I recall an incident when I alighted at a lorry station and was walking home. A Tata bus was approaching, and due to vehicles parked on both sides of the road, I had nowhere to walk safely.
The situation became so dangerous that I had to quickly jump into a nearby shop to avoid being knocked down by the oncoming Tata bus.
That experience was frightening and could have easily resulted in an accident.
In my view, it is time for authorities in the road sector, such as the National Road Safety Authority and the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) of the Ghana Police Service, to take urgent action to address this issue and prevent possible loss of life.
Strict enforcement measures, including towing improperly parked vehicles and imposing substantial fines, would serve as a deterrent to offenders.
From Ray
Adabraka
Dear Editor,
I wish to use this column of your respected newspaper to appeal to the Ministry of Education and the Ghana Education Service to consider bringing back the practice where students stayed home for some months after completing the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE).
Within that period where they stay home for some time and wait for their results, it afforded parents some time to prepare and save towards the next move in the academic life of their children.
In recent times, students are quickly admitted into Senior High School immediately after their examinations, leaving little time for parents and guardians to adequately prepare financially and emotionally for the next stage of their children’s education.
Many parents, therefore struggle to buy school items such as chop boxes, trunks, mattresses, uniforms and other necessities within the short period given.
This situation places pressure on families, especially those with low incomes.
Previously, the break after BECE allowed students to rest after years of academic work while parents and guardians made proper preparations for their wards.
It also gave students enough time to learn vocational skills, assist their families and mature before entering boarding school life.
Bringing back this period will greatly reduce stress on both parents and students and help ensure better preparation for Senior High School education.
And one other thing we have not taken notice of is that within that period, parents also prepare their children mentally and psychologically before they go to school. They are thought how to be independent.
So we see new secondary students displaying an appreciable level of maturity which is missing in this era where they go to senior high schools and still behave like primary school kids.
I hope the authorities will carefully consider this concern in the interest of students, parents and guardians across the country.
By Eugene Ampiaw,
Accra.
