News
M-CODe calls for toilet facilities along highways
The Media Coalition Against Open Defecation (M-CODe) has highlighted the need for decent toilets along every major highway in the country as a necessary step to enhance the culture of hygiene among the citizenry.
The National Convener of M-CODe, Mr Emmanuel Addai, made the call prior to the official launching of the Volta Region branch of the coalition in Ho on Wednesday.
He said that such facilities along the highways would definitely help to reduce the high incidence of the open defecation in the country apart from guaranteeing the comfort of travellers in distress.
Mr Addai pointed out that the menace of open defecation could extend from the highways to the communities in the form of diseases and it was high time the appropriate steps were taken to curb the trend.
Meanwhile, the National Convener of M-CODe has blamed the large absence of toilets in many homes in the country on the continuous failure of the Metropolitan Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to enforce the Building Code.
“The assemblies look on unconcerned as developers put up houses without toilets and also schools and health facilities without functioning toilets,” he observed.
Mr Yaw Attah Arhin, Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Technical Coordinator of World Vision Ghana, sponsors of M-CODe activities revealed that 6.5 million people in Ghana still engaged in open defecation.
That state of affairs did not project a clean image for the country and it was time the issue was addressed with utmost seriousness, he pointed out.
Mr Arhin said that the vigorous involvement in the campaign against open defecation by M-CODe was timely and also projected highly bright prospects for the success of the campaign.
The acting Volta Region Secretary of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Mr Mawuli Hubert Yevu-Agbi urged members of the M-CODe to support the movement against open defecation with great zeal and enthusiasm, adding that matters of sanitation and hygiene were of greater national importance than political stories.
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Muslims across the country celebrated this year’s Eid-ul-Adha in a colourful and spiritually uplifting atmosphere under the theme, “A Season of Sacrifice, Solidarity and Spiritual Renewal.”
The celebration brought together Muslims from diverse backgrounds in a remarkable display of faith, unity and cultural heritage.
The occasion was marked by special Eid prayers at various designated grounds, the slaughtering of rams in homes for sharing among family members, friends and the less privileged, as well as musical concerts and recreational activities including horse riding.
Leading the celebration was the Chief Imam, Dr Sheikh Osman Sharubutu.
While the national celebration was held at the Black Star Square where President John Dramani Mahama was the Special Guest of Honour, similar gatherings took place at different centres across the capital and other regions of the country.
A visit by The Spectator to some celebration grounds revealed Muslims, both young and old, elegantly dressed in colourful jalabiya and other Islamic attire, reflecting the rich culture and traditions of the Muslim community.
The celebration also portrayed the spirit of religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence in the country, as a number of Christians joined their Muslim counterparts to mark the occasion.
Muslim leaders and government officials used the opportunity to call on the faithful to uphold the teachings of the Holy Quran, renew their spiritual commitment and refrain from acts capable of undermining the peace, unity and security of the nation.
They further urged Ghanaians to continue to live in harmony and support one another for national development.
By Linda Abrefi Wadie
Dear Obaa Yaa,
During Eid-ul- Adha celebration, I decided to spend the weekend at my boyfriend’s place since we were planning towards our marriage.
To my surprise, what keeps me wide awake, restless and frustrated every single time is that he snores loudly like a generator running on full power, and I genuinely cannot get any rest
At a point, I thought it was just a normal thing, but I have realised it is something he does with ease and doesn’t see anything wrong with it.
When he steps out in the morning, I try to get enough sleep because I may not sleep in the evening.
The most annoying thing is that, he always wants to cuddle me. These two things are a no for me and a red flag.
We are about to get married, what should I do?
Enam, Keta.
Dear Enam,
The snoring and constant cuddling are frustrating, but you don’t have to choose between sleep and closeness.
Start with the snoring: check if it’s worse when he sleeps on his back, cut out alcohol before bed, try nasal strips or a humidifier, and see a doctor if he pauses while breathing.
For quick relief, foam earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones help a lot.
Separate blankets, a bigger bed, or sleeping apart on some nights often makes couples rest well and feel closer overall.
Bring this up before the wedding .Tell him you want to wake up next to him for years to come, but sleep deprivation makes you both miserable.
Test earplugs and side-sleeping this weekend, and if it’s still unbearable, bring in a doctor. Good sleep matters more for your marriage than staying glued together all night.
