Editorial
Let’s make Christmas meaningful, peaceful
The Christmas season is here with us again and as expected, many people will be feasting alongside other activities that may be organised to make themselves happy.
It is good to celebrate the occasion but care will have to be taken to observe all COVID-19 protocols. The protocols include social distancing, regular washing of hands, making use of alcohol-based sanitisers and wearing face masks. If all these observations are made, it will help to bring the pandemic under control.
It is equally important that activities are organised in the open and also in small groups, so that any possible infection can be reduced drastically.
There may be other people who may want to engage in drunkenness as part of the celebration. Here, we would want to caution them to be careful and also avoid drunk-driving.
Avoidance of drunk-driving will cut down accidents on our roads, so that the issue of death and needless injuries can be avoided.
The occasion calls for sober reflection on what can be done to make the birth of Christ meaningful. Here, the important message is that the birth of Christ should bring joy and happiness to every home and mankind. It should not bring about sadness or misery because of drunk-driving or some other misbehaviour in any form. The whole country must see the occasion as an opportunity to make life better for ourselves and also everyone in the country.
This is how Christmas can be made meaningful to everyone irrespective of whether the person is a Christian or not. It is important to bear this point in mind because the occasion is now celebrated not only by Christians but non-Christians as well.
Again, as a section of the population prepare themselves for church activities, they must bear in mind to take all precautionary measures to secure their homes before leaving for such church activities. This is the time unsuspecting individuals can be attacked by thieves or armed robbers at the least opportunity.
Security must be beefed up on this occasion so that people can go about their activities without any fear. Also, suspicious characters must be quickly reported to the security agencies, so that the right steps or measures can be taken to ensure law and order.
The Ghana Police Service under the leadership of the Inspector General of Police, Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, has promised to protect Ghanaians during this season. This assurance is refreshing and good but individuals must be careful and avoid taking things for granted, especially when they get into areas that are not free from thieves.
The Spectator wishes all Ghanaians Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
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.
