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 write to raise urgent concern about ongoing construction activities that are dangerously narrowing a lane near Darkuman Circle Station. This lane has already suffered years of encroachment, and the latest developments could block access for fire tenders, cesspit trucks, ambulances, and other emergency responders.
There is an orange storey building on the right side of the lane. Nearly two decades ago, a structure that completely closed off this lane was demolished following pressure from residents and extensive media coverage. However, workers have returned and erected another structure, leaving part of the lane open but still encroaching.
On the left side of the lane, stores are also being constructed. While the owners are respecting the ground boundary, the buildings extend over the wall, further narrowing the passage. If this continues unchecked, the lane could become impassable for large vehicles. In an emergency, lives could be lost simply because help cannot get through. This is not just a planning issue; it is a serious public safety risk.
I have drafted a petition and will be gathering signatures from neighbors by the close of day. We intend to address it to the Accra Director of Fire Service, the Ablekuma North Municipal Chief Executive, and our Assemblyman. We hope the relevant authorities will act swiftly to prevent further encroachment and restore safe access to the lane.
Mama Moli, Darkuman
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Every child, including those with disabilities, has the fundamental right to elementary education and training, enabling them to develop their maximum potential and become self-reliant.
Unfortunately, despite provisions in the Persons with Disability Act 2006 (Act 715), children with limb deformities are often denied admission to schools due to their physical conditions, even when they show eagerness and capability to learn.
Limb deformities refer to abnormalities related to the growth and development of the arms or legs. As a result, parents of affected children are advocating for an increase in trained teachers and the provision of facilities in schools to accommodate these learners.
A parent shared with The Spectator that his daughter is highly talented but is being denied admission due to her disability. He also noted the difficulties in accessing health care for children with limb deformities. Another parent highlighted the emotional toll, stating that children are often teased or mocked by peers, leading to psychological issues such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
According to statistics from the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF, over 90% of children with disabilities in low-income countries do not attend school.
The concerns of parents are backed by Ghanaian law, including the 1992 Constitution, the Children’s Act of 1998 (Act 560), and the Persons with Disability Act 2006 (Act 715). These laws guarantee children with disabilities the right to education, non-discrimination, dignity, social participation, special care, and protection from exploitation and abuse.
Despite these legal protections, implementation gaps due to inadequate monitoring and enforcement continue to deny many children access to education.
Many children can benefit from simple accommodations and modifications in schools, while others may require specialized, individualized support from special education professionals to help them learn and thrive.
Parents play a pivotal role as primary caregivers and advocates, supporting their children’s independence, encouraging mobility, and assisting with practical tasks.
It is also crucial for the government to provide social support by establishing more specialized orthopedic hospitals across the country to ease the burden on parents.
Addressing these barriers ensures that children with disabilities can participate in education and develop holistically, fulfilling their potential while contributing meaningfully to society.
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