Editorial
…of National Fitness Day and other ‘declarations’
Dear Editor,
Permit me to think aloud on the National Fitness Day announced and spearheaded by the Sports Ministry recently. I am told the day is to ensure good health among Ghanaians.
Although I do not have anything against the ministry and the initiative, I have been wondering whether we need to set aside a ‘special day’ before individuals and groups could or think of maintaining a healthy body.
We have consistently been told how regular exercise boosts the immune system and helps prevent diseases and I am aware of the numerous keep fit clubs that already exist in various communities for this purpose.
Why then do we need a ‘special event’ to keep fit”? There had previously been national ‘Sanitation Day’, which took off well but could not be sustained. There is ‘Operation Clean Your Frontage’ in force and we now have ‘National Fitness Day.’
Though these ‘campaigns’ serve as reminders and a call to action, I still wonder if we must always wait for something to be ‘declared’ before we do what is expected of us as individuals and citizens?
Mavis Boahene,
Suhum, Eastern Region
Editorial
Employ pros at local government level to address sanitation issues
Dear Editor,
In a car on my way to work on Tuesday, I listened to an interview on sanitation on a radio station which a local government expert said that most of the people that handled waste management issues at the Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies, were not waste management professionals but health professionals.
According to the speaker, this has contributed to the failure to address the sanitation problems, especially at the local level.
These health professionals who have been tasked to oversee waste management are only occupied with the health related dangers but have no clue on the issues at hand.
I felt very sad and found it disturbing as to why people without professional training in waste management is given responsibilities in a field alien to him.
Waste management involves a lot of processes, including segmentation of waste products as well as recycling.
Employers must know that waste management professionals at the local level was important as it helps making decisions ton how to combat it.
This is not a problem at the local government level alone. It is something across the various sectors.
Maybe this is the time for us as a country to start recruiting qualified professionals to occupy their respective fields to bring their competence to the table to solve whatever problem persist.
It is clearly a case of putting ‘square pegs in round holes.’ I believe it is about time we change that narrative and employ professionals who are qualified to find solutions to our waste management conundrum.
Baba Hafiz, Kasoa
Editorial
Concern over mentally ill persons roaming Kwame Nkrumah Circle Interchange
Dear Sir
I write to express my concern over the growing number of mentally ill individuals roaming the Kwame Nkrumah Circle Interchange in Accra.
This area, a vital transportation hub and commercial centre, has increasingly become home to several persons visibly suffering from mental health issues, often without adequate care or supervision.
This situation poses risks both to the affected individuals and the general public. Some of these individuals are exposed to traffic hazards, unsanitary conditions, and in some cases, hostile treatment from passersby.
There have also been reports of occasional erratic behaviour, which causes fear and discomfort among commuters and vendors.
Mental health is a public health issue, and these individuals deserve compassion, medical attention, and a safe environment.
I urge the Ministry of Health, the Accra Metropolitan Assembly, and relevant NGOs to collaborate on a sustainable solution including mental health outreach programmes, rehabilitation, and safe housing.
Kwame Nkrumah Circle should be a symbol of progress, not a place where the vulnerable are left to struggle. Let us act with urgency and humanity.
From John Boateng
Kwame Nkrumah Circle
