Editorial
Make oral health priority
GHANA celebrated World Health Day 2026 last Tuesday, April 7, with the theme “Together for Health: Stand with Science,” emphasising data-driven treatments, science-driven decision-making, and improved laboratory systems to control infectious diseases and antibiotic resistance.
As part of the key highlights, the Ministry of Health emphasised using data and research, adopting a “One Health” approach that integrates human, animal, and environmental health systems.
The Ghana Health Service (GHS) partnered with stakeholders at the Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences to build public trust in the healthcare system. The celebration served as a call to action for community-centered care and research to improve Ghana’s healthcare systems.
One area of emphasis was the Oral Health Initiative (OHI), which was commemorated earlier. The GHS and Unilever Pepsodent collaborated on the “Do The 2” campaign to encourage brushing teeth twice a day, which included events in Parliament House to bolster policy support for oral health.
The events included partnerships with organisations such as the World Health Organisation (WHO) in order to support National Action Plans for Health Security.
Increasing public awareness of oral health is essential because it affects productivity and general quality of life by facilitating healthy eating, speaking, and self-assurance. According to reports, oral health problems affect more than 70 percent of Ghanaians.
Untreated tooth decay is the most prevalent health condition worldwide. There is an urgent need for education and prevention because “A Happy Mouth is a Happy Life.” Thus, encouraging daily brushing, free screenings, and public education will aid in the fight against the high prevalence of dental disease.
Gum disease and tooth decay can be avoided by prioritising proper oral hygiene. According to experts, it directly improves general physical health by lowering the risk of major illnesses like diabetes, pneumonia, heart disease, strokes, and oral cancer. It also enhances self-esteem and lowers future dental expenses.
Besides making oral health a priority, The Spectator urges everyone to maintain a healthy lifestyle by eating a balanced diet, managing their emotions, exercising frequently, avoiding undue stress, and getting regular check-ups.
Dear Editor,
It is often said that a healthy nation is a wealthy nation. However, this saying becomes worrying when the health of citizens is threatened by the conditions under which the food they consume daily is sold.
In Ghana, the conditions under which food is sold is quite disturbing. Over the years, I have observed that the environments where food is prepared and sold are often unhygienic.
In many cases, containers holding food such as rice and waakye are left uncovered or not properly covered, exposing them to contamination.
While many Ghanaians paid little attention in the past to the conditions under which food was sold, the narrative seems to be changing in recent years.
I recall an incident during my days in Senior High School (S.H.S.) when my friends and I went out to buy food. At one location, some of us chose not to buy because we assumed the food would be expensive due to how neat the place looked.
Unfortunately, we ended up purchasing food from a different place that was somewhat unhygienic. We overlooked the poor conditions because we believed the quantity offered was better than at the cleaner location.
However, I am certain that my friends and I would not repeat such a mistake today, as we now understand the health implications of that decision.
While public education is important in addressing this issue, I believe it is time for regulatory and law enforcement agencies, such as the Food and Drug Authority (FDA), to crack the whip on food sellers and vendors who operate in unhygienic environments and conditions.
As citizens, we must also be mindful of where we buy our food to protect ourselves and our families from diseases and illnesses. We should choose ‘quality’ over ‘quantity’ and prioritize our health.
From Syram
Oyarifa
Dear Editor,
I write to express concern and call for improved security measures before and after every football match.
The recent robbery attack that led to the tragic death of a player, on their return from a Match day 29 game against Samartex, is both shocking and heartbreaking.
The incident, which reportedly occurred around 10:30 p.m., highlights the growing risks faced by players and team officials while traveling.
Football is meant to unite and entertain, not to expose lives to danger. It is therefore imperative that authorities, the Ghana Football Association, and security agencies put in place adequate protection for teams, especially during late-night travels.
I strongly urge all stakeholders to treat this matter with urgency to prevent such unfortunate incidents from recurring.
From Eugene Ampiaw
Accra
