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.
Dear Editor,
I am writing to draw your attention to a matter of grave concern affecting residents of Dansoman Mpoasei area.
Recently, contractors have been digging to fix some pipes but the infrastructure has been badly managed and creating inconvenience for residents.
The exercise has left several pipes broken and these damages have been left unattended, forcing households to endure disrupted water supply.
Such negligence does not only inconveniences residents but also raises serious questions about accountability and oversight in public works.
Contractors entrusted with projects of this nature must be held responsible.
It is unacceptable for them to abandon damaged utilities without repair.
Authorities should ensure that such contractors were compelled to restore any services they disrupt.
I urge the relevant agencies to take swift action to address this issue by compelling such contractors to repair the damage they cause.
Princess Wonovi
Dansoman
Shisha smoking is on the rise among young people who should be making significant life investments for a better future.
Shisha is a smoking apparatus designed to smoke heated tobacco to deliver a smooth and flavourful experience.
Although under the Ghanaian law, shisha smoking is prohibited for minors the law is violated as more and more minors have resorted to smoking the substance at the peril of their future.
Public health experts have consistently warned that shisha use exposes users to harmful substances that can negatively affect brain development, respiratory health, and overall well-being, particularly among young people.
As a result, concerns have been raised in Damongo in the Savannah Region following reports that some young people believed to be under the age of 18 have allegedly been found smoking shisha in pubs and drinking spots within the township.
According to eyewitnesses these minors were seen patronising nightlife venues, particularly during late evening hours, where shisha smoking was openly taking place. The situation has sparked renewed public concern over the enforcement of child protection laws and regulations governing entertainment centres in the municipality.
It is sad that the situation is becoming increasingly common and what is more dangerous is that residents fear to openly report or speak about it as they claim their lives will be at risk if they do so.
But the warning is that the rising consumption of hard drugs poses a serious threat to the future of the youth in general.
The situation is worrying and some residents believe that the alleged incidents point to broader challenges relating to youth supervision, substance abuse, and weak enforcement of existing regulations.
The youth are the future leaders of Ghana therefore we cannot sit aloof and expect them to waste their lives.
The Spectator therefore urges all hands to be on deck to find a lasting solution to this menace. We support the call by residents on municipal authorities, security agencies, and regulatory bodies to intensify monitoring of pubs and entertainment centres to ensure compliance with the law.
We applaud the Savannah Regional Minister, Mr. Salisu Be-Awurbi, who has led public education campaigns, engaged security agencies, and supported enforcement actions aimed at addressing the rising use of illicit substances in the region.
Again, we commend the Chief of Damongo, Wura Kelly Seidu Boresah I, who has also called on all stakeholders including parents, community leaders, institutions, and young people to actively support efforts to curb drug abuse.
His caution to individuals involved in the sale and distribution of illicit drugs to immediately desist from the practice, is laudable.
If strict and swift measures are taken to arrest and prosecute offenders in accordance with the law, it will deter others from engaging in it and minors will be free.
The Spectator urges the appropriate authorities to enforce child protection laws and regulations at entertainment centres to protect the youth.
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