Editorial
Let’s strive for excellence
Ghanaians all over the country must not take things for granted and strive for mediocrity.
Mediocrity is not good and per the standard set for all programmes, we need to make sure that our yardstick dwells on excellence.
Striving for excellence in what we do is possible. All we need to do is to prepare the mind in the right direction to ensure that only the best is achieved for this country.
James Kwegyir Aggrey, an illustrious son of Ghana many years ago, said “only the best is good enough for Africa.” This should not only be a slogan but a yardstick with which we perform all activities in the country.
Our medical team in the health sector, for example, must always strive for the best in spite of the challenges they face so that patients who visit them will always be happy with their services. In the same way, architects in the country must also put in their best so that only excellent results can be experienced in this country.
If this is done, everybody will be happy since the best results are what will be made available to people everywhere.
The issue of excellence must not be joked with but become part of our culture so that only the best can be obtained for Ghana. This is possible so let us work hard and strive towards nothing but excellence and the best of all results.
Professionals in the country together with all workers must put in their best to obtain maximum results of their efforts in whatever they do in their fields of operations. If this is done, the optimum result will be obtained. This is achievable so let us strive towards it.
It is true that there are challenges all over, but if these challenges are not well tackled, better results can never be achieved and when this happens, the performance will be nothing but poor results.
The best countries in the world in terms of economic and political development worked hard to overcome their challenges. This is why today, they have achieved much to the admiration of many people all over the globe.
As a country, Ghana can achieve excellent results in whatever it does, if only its people can strive for the best. Let us, therefore, come together to achieve this purpose.
Food safety is essential because it protects public health by preventing foodborne illnesses, which affect millions of people globally.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) warns that foodborne illness should never occur since it is always preventable.
According to WHO, despite being mostly preventable, foodborne infections continue to be a significant global burden, accounting for at least 200 ailments that have an impact on health, livelihoods, education, and economies.
Estimates from the United Nations (UN), indicate that contaminated food is a serious global public health concern that results in 1.5 million fatalities and 866 million illnesses annually.
World Food Safety Day (WFSD) is celebrated annually on June 7. It was created by the UN and emphasises how governments, food producers, and consumers all have a part to play in avoiding, identifying, and controlling foodborne hazards.
This year’s theme for WFSD, “From burden to solutions – safe food everywhere,” emphasises how information on sickness, its burden, and lost lives can direct action toward targeted and affordable solutions.
People eat food from a variety of places, including their homes, markets, restaurants, roadside eateries, schools and office canteens. A combination of foods may occasionally have an impact on some individuals but not others. It is said that “one man’s meat is another man’s poison.”
Many have experienced severe health issues as a result of eating contaminated food without realising it. In some situations, this has resulted in food poisoning, and in other circumstances, it has caused fatalities.
These risks could be biological in nature, where foodborne illnesses are caused by living microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi. Also, cleaning products, herbicides, hazardous metals, and food additives can occasionally contaminate food.
Foreign materials including glass, metal pieces, plastic, hair, or bandages have occasionally been unintentionally put to food and caused damage.
In sensitive people, proteins including wheat, dairy, shellfish, and peanuts can potentially trigger severe allergic reactions.
The Spectator hopes that raising public awareness of the importance of adhering to fundamental food safety regulations, such as washing hands, sanitising surfaces, separating raw and cooked foods, and practising excellent personal hygiene, is crucial during this rainy season.
Food handling should also be done carefully, whether it is for regular meals at home or for a big gathering or event.
According to food science experts, contamination can be avoided by heating food to the right internal temperature and refrigerating perishable items. Accurately labelling and storing chemicals away from food is a crucial step in preventing food contamination.
To guarantee that individuals eat a safety-free diet, government must improve food control systems, surveillance networks, and public health regulations.
Tomorrow is Father’s Day, a day to honour fathers, for the roles they play in the family and society.
Every third Sunday in June, the world celebrates Father’s Day to show gratitude for the crucial role fathers and father-figures play in influencing people’s lives.
In the same way that mothers are honoured on Mother’s Day, fathers are also honoured in different ways by their children, grandchildren, and stepchildren, among others, for being a great father in their lives.
It is a common misconception that Father’s Day is not as well-known as Mother’s Day, but fathers are doing a fantastic job. Fathers, like mothers, both play equal and complementary roles in providing for a family and maintaining a home.
Many homes would have been destroyed, children would have strayed, and families would have fallen apart if it were not for a father’s love, care, protection, guidance, counselling, and provision.
Many fathers give their children emotional support and develop their inner-growth. Others lead exemplary lives for their children, showing them love, nurturing, providing excellent communication, discipline, guidance, and shelter.
Fathers put in a lot of effort to support their families, spend time with their children and some even go so far as to assist with housework.
Regardless of the circumstances, fathers should be honoured and celebrated for their steadfast support of their families, communities, and the country at large. It is a tremendous honour for society to acknowledge the essential roles that fathers play in community building, child development, and family stability.
Respecting positive male role models promotes active, involved parenting, which has significant effects on children’s social conduct, academic performance, and emotional health.
Some widowers have shown what it means to be a father because they take on dual responsibilities in helping their children develop into responsible adults. The Spectator applauds single fathers that fall into this group! Your efforts will never be in vain.
Although some fathers work in low-paying occupations, they are nonetheless able to support their children through higher education.
As the world celebrates fathers tomorrow The Spectator is calling on everyone to honour fathers or father-figures for their sacrifices and support in various ways. Take your father out to lunch or dinner, buy him presents, write encouraging notes, spend time with him, and make sure he has the best possible day.
We wish all fathers a Happy Father’s Day. Ayekoo!
