Editorial
Let’s support children of Castro Zangina-Tong
The sudden death of Castro Zangina –Tong was received with shock and grief.
This is because, Castro, as he was affectionately called, was a staff of the New Times Corporation, Accra, who suffered a terrible loss of his beloved wife, barely four months ago.
When I spoke to console him on air after the late wife’s funeral, he thanked me and said only God could explain what happened.
Consequently, I was shocked to the marrow when this time, I had the bad news again of our beloved friend and a diligent worker, passing on without hearing of his indisposition.
Indeed we are living in a world of mysteries.
Castro and his beloved wife, Comfort Essuman Tsibu Awoo, had within a short period of time left behind their two children to become orphans.
The situation is too saddening and unbearable. May I seize this opportunity to express my profound condolence to cherished readers of both the Ghanaian Times and The Spectator publications, to the Management, staff, the children and family members of the late couple.
Readers, kindly permit me at this stage to use this medium to earnestly appeal to well-meaning people or the cherished readers of the two sister newspapers to come to the aid of the orphans of the deceased couple, so that they do not become too sad in life.
May the departed souls of the late Castro and wife rest in eternal perfect peace in the bosom of their Maker. Amen.
Concerned Citizen
J.K Tetteh- Kpodjie Somanya E/R
Editorial
Employ pros at local government level to address sanitation issues
Dear Editor,
In a car on my way to work on Tuesday, I listened to an interview on sanitation on a radio station which a local government expert said that most of the people that handled waste management issues at the Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies, were not waste management professionals but health professionals.
According to the speaker, this has contributed to the failure to address the sanitation problems, especially at the local level.
These health professionals who have been tasked to oversee waste management are only occupied with the health related dangers but have no clue on the issues at hand.
I felt very sad and found it disturbing as to why people without professional training in waste management is given responsibilities in a field alien to him.
Waste management involves a lot of processes, including segmentation of waste products as well as recycling.
Employers must know that waste management professionals at the local level was important as it helps making decisions ton how to combat it.
This is not a problem at the local government level alone. It is something across the various sectors.
Maybe this is the time for us as a country to start recruiting qualified professionals to occupy their respective fields to bring their competence to the table to solve whatever problem persist.
It is clearly a case of putting ‘square pegs in round holes.’ I believe it is about time we change that narrative and employ professionals who are qualified to find solutions to our waste management conundrum.
Baba Hafiz, Kasoa
Editorial
Concern over mentally ill persons roaming Kwame Nkrumah Circle Interchange
Dear Sir
I write to express my concern over the growing number of mentally ill individuals roaming the Kwame Nkrumah Circle Interchange in Accra.
This area, a vital transportation hub and commercial centre, has increasingly become home to several persons visibly suffering from mental health issues, often without adequate care or supervision.
This situation poses risks both to the affected individuals and the general public. Some of these individuals are exposed to traffic hazards, unsanitary conditions, and in some cases, hostile treatment from passersby.
There have also been reports of occasional erratic behaviour, which causes fear and discomfort among commuters and vendors.
Mental health is a public health issue, and these individuals deserve compassion, medical attention, and a safe environment.
I urge the Ministry of Health, the Accra Metropolitan Assembly, and relevant NGOs to collaborate on a sustainable solution including mental health outreach programmes, rehabilitation, and safe housing.
Kwame Nkrumah Circle should be a symbol of progress, not a place where the vulnerable are left to struggle. Let us act with urgency and humanity.
From John Boateng
Kwame Nkrumah Circle
