Editorial
Monitoring activities in all sectors is important
It is essential for all ongoing activities in the various sectors of the economy to be closely monitored, so that the expected results are achieved.
Many a time, such activities are not well monitored, resulting in situations where the main purpose for which the activities took place are not realised. This practice is unfortunate and must be made to end immediately.
It takes resources to undertake various activities in the country whether in health, agriculture, education, trade, industry or others. If such activities are, therefore, not closely monitored, the end result may be waste of time and effort.
Monitoring is undertaken for various purposes. In the first place, monitoring helps us find out whether the objectives of a programme are attainable or not. If no monitoring takes place, this will not be known.
Secondly, monitoring is undertaken to ensure that resources are judiciously utilised. If the resources are not utilised in the right way, it will be a waste for the nation.
Thirdly, monitoring is necessary to ensure that right from the beginning, a programme being implemented has not changed its course or direction.
Another reason monitoring is important is that it helps us to know whether things have gone wrong after initial implementation. If things go wrong then, corrective measures can be taken, so that the right steps are brought on board and implemented to achieve the desired results.
It is for all these reasons that monitoring as an activity is important for all sectors of the economy.
Unfortunately, many activities that take place in the various sectors are not closely monitored, resulting in non-achievement of objectives.
Once the objectives are not achieved, it also means that the programme concerned has become a failure. We need to avoid such failures and maximise the use of our limited resources, so that the best results can always be achieved for the country.
Resources are always limited no matter how plentiful they may seem. Let us, therefore, put them to the best use through active monitoring.
Editorial
To all Muslims, happy Eid ul Adha!
Muslims in Ghana joined the world yesterday to observe the Eid-ul-Adha; the second of the two main festivals in Islam.
Eid-ul-Adha takes place on the 10th of Dhu al-Hijja, the twelfth and last month of the Islamic calendar, and is also referred to as the “Festival of the Sacrifice.”
It symbolises Prophet Ibrahim’s (Abraham’s) readiness to offer his son as a sacrifice in response to Allah’s instruction.
In addition to making sacrifices, the celebration aims to spread unity, love, joy, and compassion.
In Ghana, people celebrated the day with special prayers, feasts, and the customary killing of an animal and sharing the flesh with their loved ones, neighbours, and the underprivileged.
During the celebration of the festival Muslims gather at mosques or open areas for congregational prayers early in the morning. After the prayers, people visit each other, exchange gifts, and enjoy festive meals.
One aspect of the celebration is the wearing of traditional Islamic clothing, such as kaftans, jalabiyas, and abayas, which are in high demand and cause prices to rise sharply during this time.
Abayas and jalabiyas, which are frequently imported from Turkey, Dubai, Egypt, and Northern Nigeria, have become very popular clothing items, leading to price increases, according to reports from our Northern Regional Correspondent.
“Some customers complain about the cost, but many still go ahead and buy because it’s Ramadan,” a store owner said.
However, as there is no set attire for the festival, many Muslims opted for modest, loose-fitting clothing that embodies Islamic principles.
The Spectator, believes that since the celebration is a wonderful occasion and Muslims want to feel happy throughout the festivities, the traditional attire should be reasonably priced so that others can celebrate in style.
We are glad that the holy month is still a precious time despite the economic strains, and that some people make the day extra special for their loved ones.
Despite the hectic preparations the emphasis should always be on appreciating the event’s profound spiritual meaning.
Happy Eid ul Adha to all Muslims.
Editorial
Review GTC’s ban on noise-making
Dear Editor,
I write to express my concerns regarding the annual ban on noise-making instituted by the Ga Traditional Council (GTC) and its impact on Christian churches and other religious institutions.
While I acknowledge and respect the cultural significance of this period for the Ga people, it is important to highlight the challenges it poses to churches within the Greater Accra Region.
The restrictions often affect worship services, prayer meetings, and other religious activities that rely on instruments and singing as core parts of worship. In some cases, churches are compelled to suspend midweek services or modify their mode of worship entirely.
It is important that cultural and religious practices coexist peacefully in a pluralistic society. Mutual respect and dialogue should be encouraged so that neither traditional authorities nor religious institutions felt marginalised.
I respectfully suggest that the Ga Traditional Council, in collaboration with the Christian Council and other faith-based groups, consider establishing clear, fair, and mutually agreeable guidelines that allow worship to continue in a way that respects traditional observances.
Peaceful coexistence is possible when there is open dialogue, understanding, and respect for all cultures and beliefs. Let us work together toward solutions that promote unity and harmony in our communities.
Eugene Ampiaw
Accra-Mamprobi
