Editorial
Let’s pay attention to sanitation
Globally, poor sanitation is not healthy for the socio-economic development of any community, and for this reason, we would have to do all we can to prevent such unfortunate situation.
Indeed, poor sanitation brings about ill health and it is in view of this that no effort should be spared to ensure that we pay due attention to it.
We do not need to remind anyone that poor sanitary conditions are detrimental to the future survival of our community as we spend huge sums of money going to health centres for treatment; aside squandering precious time that could have been used to encourage productivity within the community.
In addition, when people fall sick, they feel very uncomfortable. The discomfort they go through hugely affect their rate of work and draw back the level of productivity within the community.
In light of all this, there is the need for society to pay attention to sanitation and prevent poor sanitary conditions that weigh us down as people who thirst for rapid socio-economic development.
The Clean Your Frontage campaign launched by the Greater Accra Regional Minister, Mr Henry Quartey, in Accra is a move that should be supported by all and sundry. If for nothing at all, it is said “cleanliness is next to godliness”, so keeping our environment clean should be encouraged at all times.
It is good that some officers have been trained to go round the various communities to ensure that the exercise of cleanliness is carried out to the letter and obeyed in all parts of the Greater Accra Region – and Ghana as a whole.
The Spectator supports this programme that is why it is devoting another editorial to support the sensitisation of keeping the environment clean in the national capital, Accra.
Officers of the Response Team should keep their nose to the grindstone and live up to expectation by ensuring that those who go contrary to the by-laws are made to face the consequences in terms of penalty.
If this is done, diseases can be brought under control and choked gutters would also be free from filth to enable the gutters remain as clean as possible. Upshot of this is that, the free flow of water in the gutters will make it impossible for mosquitoes to lay eggs and cause havoc in form of Malaria to the people.
It has been pointed out already, it is incumbent upon everybody in the country to support the Operation Clean Your Frontage campaign for good quality health and socio-economic development.
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
