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

Fathers Day is tomorrow! Hurray! Celebrated on the third Sunday of June each year, it will be a unique day that is widely observed world­wide.

Father’s Day is an oppor­tunity to honour fathers and express gratitude for the significant impact they have on their children, families, and communities.

Mothers and mother-figures were honoured on Mother’s Day last month, and tomor­row will be another chance to honour biological fathers, father-figures, stepfathers, grandfathers, guardians, and others for their love, support, and guidance in different ways.

On this important day, try to spend time with your father, get him gifts, take him out to eat with you, cook his favou­rite meal at home, or give him a call if you are unable to visit.

Over the years, some fathers have been portrayed negative­ly as horrible nuts but this is slowly changing.

In the current generation, fathers are taking on greater responsibility and making many sacrifices to provide food for their children, and a decent accommodation to live, spend enough time raising them, and invest in their education to make life meaningful for them.

Fathers should be honoured for their hard work, sacrifices, and significant impact on their children’s and others’ lives.

Despite years of being sin­gle-fathers, some fathers have successfully raised their chil­dren to be responsible adults on their own by working hard. What a delight!

This is not to deny that there are still irresponsible fathers in the world. They have no idea what their children eat, what they wear, or even where they sleep. Their chil­dren refer to these fathers as “living-dead.”

The Spectator urges people who are hurt to forgive their fathers because two wrongs do not equal a right, In any case, he is still your father, so be brave and take advantage of this day to honour him.

Fathers who have damaged connections with their children should also take the required actions to apologise and mend these ties in order for peace and harmony to exist, since mistakes are inevitable for human beings.

The Spectator also exhorts fathers to keep loving, provid­ing for, guiding, disciplining, and protecting their children as the world prepares to cele­brate Father’s Day tomorrow. Mentoring, leadership, coun­selling, patience, honesty, compassion, fairness, and truth are all necessary for the next generation.

Also, as a husband you will be treated as a king if you show your wife love, respect, and consideration.

To all fathers, “Ayekoo.”