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Let’s stop stigmatisation of COVID-19 victims
Ghanaians have been cautioned against stigmatising victims and families affected by the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), as such attitude would inhibit efforts to prevent the spread of the disease, but it seems the advice has fallen on deaf ears.
Despite the numerous sensitisation, people continue to stigmatise and shun victims of the disease who had been declared negative through series of tests and also continue to label those who have returned from abroad as contracting the disease.
Such victims go through psychological trauma as those in the community, instead of showing love to them, rather refuse to get close for fear that they might contract the disease.
The Spectator is concerned about the attitude of some residents in the Kwaiebibirim Constituency in the Eastern Region, who called on the chiefs and the Ghana Health Service (GHS) to evacuate a man from the community whom they suspected of contracting the COVID-19.
According to the residents, the man had returned from one of the countries that have been hard hit by the virus, so they would not stay with him in the same area.
The fact is, those who returned from abroad were quarantined for two weeks and they underwent series of tests to establish their status, whether positive or negative. It implies that this man might have tested negative or had recovered if he initially tested positive.
The fear is that if people are stigmatised, it would prevent those with symptoms of the virus from visiting the hospital for testing, and that means more people would be infected in case that person had contracted the virus but does not know his or her status.
It will pose more danger to the communities as the virus will keep spreading. Currently, the country has 5,408 cases with 514 recoveries and 24 deaths, but those who have died were said to have underlining health issues.
The earlier this issue of stigmatisation is addressed the better it would be for everybody because we are all at risk, no matter one’s status, whether rich or poor.
In fact, we all need to be knowledgeable and abreast of how the disease is contracted and what to do to prevent it, instead of allowing ourselves to be bombarded with rumours which will eventually cause emotional pain and make life unbearable for others.
The Spectator supports the advice of the Member of Parliament (MP) for Abuakwa North Constituency, Mrs Gifty Twum Ampofo, and urge the public “to stop the stigmatisation of coronavirus patients and rather show love and care towards them to motivate others to quickly visit the hospital or go to the testing centres if they have acquired the virus”.
Indeed, the public needs more education on the coronavirus pandemic to take informed decisions in the best interest of all.
The Spectator is of the view that one major issue to stop the stigmatisation is to keep the privacy of those who may be part of the contact tracing and also those seeking health care.
Hopefully, a lot of people have recovered and Ghanaians have been informed by health experts that although there is no vaccine, the virus does not kill instantly.
The Ministry of Information (MoI) and the GHS should constantly sensitise people more in the local dialect to ensure that the citizenry are well-informed on the disease and what it means to declare a person as recovered.
Let us stop the stigmatisation against COVID-19 victims and rather show love to them to build their self-esteem and to prevent the spread of the disease.
Above all, let us adhere to the health protocols by washing our hands regularly with soap under running water, using hand sanitisers and wearing face masks among others.
The professor who spends his days exploring the intricacies of African languages found himself at the centre of a different kind of lesson on Friday, October 2, 2026. 
This time, there were no lecture notes, academic arguments or university classrooms. Instead, there was the weight of tradition, the rhythm of a community celebration and the solemnity of an oath at a royal palace.
Professor Ọbádélé Kambon, a full Professor of African Linguistics at the University of Ghana, was enstooled as Apagyahene and Sunsum Ɔsahene of Akuapem Mampong in the Eastern Region in a ceremony that brought academia and traditional authority together.
For the professor, the occasion was more than a new title. It was a moment that connected his academic interests in African languages and indigenous knowledge with the living traditions of an Akan community.
The day’s events unfolded through a series of customary observances. Kambon was first taken to the compounds of the Ɔkyeamehene and Gyasehene, where the preparations for his installation continued.
Then came the application of hyire, the white kaolin powder associated with traditional rites.
With the customary proceedings underway, the new chief was lifted onto the shoulders of celebrants and carried along the main thoroughfare of Akuapem Mampong.
The procession transformed the streets into a public stage for a ceremony rooted in the community’s traditional institutions.
There was something striking about the image, a university professor, accustomed to the measured language of academic discourse, being carried through the town in a display of traditional recognition.
Yet the celebration was not complete with the procession.
A ram was sacrificed at the Mamponghene’s compound before Kambon was taken to the palace, to swear the oath associated with his new offices.
The ceremony brought him formally into his roles as Apagyahene and Sunsum Ɔsahene.
Beyond the colourful proceedings, the titles themselves carry layers of historical meaning.
Kambon in his research explores the historical connections between Apagya and Akan political and military organisation.
Accounts cited in his work linked Apagya to an asafo, or military company, while historical writing traces an Apagya stool in Asante to the reign of Opoku Ware I in the eighteenth century.
These historical associations offer a glimpse into the institutions that have shaped Akan society over generations, although they do not automatically define the precise responsibilities of the office in Akuapem Mampong.
Kambon’s own professional life reflects a similar interest in preserving and examining African knowledge.
His work encompasses Akan language structure, naming practices across the Black world, proverbs and indigenous intellectual traditions.
Through Abibitumi, the platform he founded, he also promotes language learning, scholarship and cultural engagement.
But tradition was only one part of the story that day.
When the formal ceremony gave way to a reception, the occasion expanded into a celebration of three milestones: Kambon’s enstoolment, his promotion to full professor and his daughter Ama’s admission to the University of Ghana.
The gathering therefore carried a personal significance that went beyond the honours bestowed on one man. 
It celebrated professional advancement, the continuation of family aspirations and a connection to cultural heritage.
For a father, seeing a daughter gain admission to the same university where he holds a distinguished academic position offered another reason to celebrate.
For the professor, the moment placed family achievement alongside his own professional and traditional milestones.
Kambon had already established a place in the traditional life of Akuapem Mampɔn through an earlier installation as Banmuhene Kyidɔmhene, recorded in 2017.
His latest enstoolment adds another chapter to that relationship.
In Akuapem Mampɔn, the day brought together the university, the palace and the family table in one celebration. And for Kambon, the journey from the lecture room to the traditional procession showed how scholarship, cultural responsibility and family achievement could converge in a single memorable occasion.
By Enoch Ntiamoah Siaw
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ASOHOM organises fundraising gala to protect Ghana’s water resources, support vulnerable communities
The Association of Spouses of Heads of Missions and International Organisations (ASOHOM) last Friday held the 2026 edition of its annual Charity Gala, at the Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City, Accra under the theme ‘Woven Currents.’
It was attended by members of the diplomatic and international community, distinguished guests, corporate partners, and artists, friends of Ghana and supporters of ASOHOM’s charitable mission.
What was supposed to be a fundraiser turned into a perfect platform to celebrate friendship, culture and creativity.
Water was at the heart of this year’s message, said Sovanna Taliercio President, ASOHOM and Chairperson of its Fundraising Committee.
“Through art, music and live performance, the gala highlighted the vital connection between water, life and our shared future, while drawing attention to the importance of protecting Ghana’s water resources and supporting sustainable solutions for vulnerable communities,” a statement signed by Ms Taliercio said.
The evening featured a remarkable exhibition of Ghanaian contemporary art, live performances, an auction and raffle, alongside an elegant dinner and opportunities for guests to connect and support the cause.
She expressed gratitude to everyone who contributed to the success of the event— sponsors, artists, performers, partners, volunteers, ASOHOM members and, most importantly, every guest who chose to support its cause.
“Our fundraising efforts are ultimately about more than one evening. They are about transforming generosity into tangible support for communities in need. The funds raised through ASOHOM’s charitable initiatives will contribute to projects aligned with our humanitarian priorities and our commitment to supporting meaningful and sustainable development in Ghana,” she said.
She expressed pride at what ASOHOM represents: a community of women and men from across the diplomatic and international community who come together beyond their official roles to build bridges, strengthen partnerships and give back to the country we are privileged to call home.
She said the success of ‘Woven Currents’ was a testament to the power of collaboration, compassion and collective action and reminds that with togetherness, small contributions can create lasting impact.
By Spectator Reporter
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