Editorial
Preparing for our purchases during Christmas
Christmas is an occasion that is seen as important not only for Christians but for non-Christians as well for which reason various goods are bought for consumption.
Some of the items bought are clothes, food items, electrical gadgets and cables, cosmetics, among others. It is a period during which wholesalers, retailers and other traders cash-in to make huge profits on the sale of goods and services offered to the public.
Many consumers also make their purchases without paying much attention to what they buy, especially when they are lured by reduced prices to dispose of goods and services.
Reducing prices to dispose of goods and services in this way is not necessarily bad or wrong, but if the motive is to dispose of substandard products and make profits at the expense of the consumer, then it becomes a bad practice for business.
In the light of this, The Spectator urges all consumers to be careful about this trick during these occasions such as the Christmas and other seasons, so that they would not be found wanting in the purchases they make.
Similarly, regulatory bodies such as the Food and Drugs Authority, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), will all have to work hard to protect the consumer before, during and after the season.
In the same way, the Ghana Standards Authority should also live up to expectation not only through mere declarations for publication by the media but actually go out in a meaningful manner to protect all consumers when it comes to electrical cables and energy devices, among others.
It is never true to assume that standards in countries like US, France and Germany rated higher by people over there while standards by people in Africa and other developing countries should be rated lower.
All men, irrespective of race and colour, are created equal so every effort will have to be made to ensure that standards and quality practices are effectively maintained not only by word of mouth but through practical efforts that yield positive results for the country.
What is good for the goose is good for the gander, so special efforts should be made to maintain required standards and quality for everyone in this country.
What this means is that there should be less talk but more action when it comes to actual delivery in the area of standardisation and quality practices. If this is done, we will be able to help prolong lives in this part of the world and make people live longer than is happening at the moment.
Consumers also have a role to play to complement the effort of all regulatory agencies in this country by making sure that they go in for only self-examined quality products and services rather than choosing cheaper products sold at unreasonably lower prices.
When it comes to maintaining standards and quality systems, everyone has a role to play, whether consumers or regulatory bodies, therefore, we need to work hard in line with this to ensure that our quality systems are maintained and even improved upon in all aspects of our lives.
This can be done and achieved so let us all, including consumers, work towards the attainment of the ultimate national good.
Dear Editor,
THE Ghana Education Service (GES) has announced that most Senior High Schools (SHSs) will return to the single-track system by this month.
For many students and parents, this feels like a relief. But before we move on, we must take a moment to reflect.
The double-track system helped thousands of students get into schools. It gave hope to families who couldn’t afford private education. But it also came with challenges.
Some students had shorter terms, others had longer breaks. Teachers were stretched, and learning felt rushed. Many students felt left behind not because they didn’t try, but because the system didn’t give them enough time.
Now that we’re returning to single-track, let’s make sure we don’t repeat the mistakes of the past. We need more classrooms, better planning, and support for teachers.
Education is not just about getting into school. It’s about feeling safe and supported. Let’s build a system that gives every child a real chance.
Beatrice Princess Kpeglah,
Dansoman
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Dear Editor
As it is critical for preserving our surroundings, there is the urgent need for increased awareness and action to protect Ghana’s environment and resources.
Ghana’s forest reserves, vast savannas and scenic coastlines serve as homes and habitats to a wide range of flora and fauna, including several endangered species.
Our vegetation and rich soil deposits provide the nation with food, plants and animal resources, which ensures food availability and accessibility for the population.
However, the country’s environment is facing numerous threats including deforestation, overexploitation, pollution, etc.
The importance of environmental conservation cannot be overstated; our natural resources are the backbone of our economy, playing a vital role in driving the country’s economic growth and development.
It is therefore critical that we take actions to protect them for our future generations.
There is the need for collective action to address environmental challenges and promote sustainable development.
Environmentalists, various organizations and private individuals must come on board to promote environmental conservation, through tree planting exercises, clean-up campaigns, and resource conservation practices.
These efforts, when carried out effectively, would create a long-lasting impact in protecting and conserving the country’s environment.
The Ghanaian government should also implement policies and conduct regular programmes aimed at promoting environmental conservation.
By Theresa Tsetse Dzifa,
Bubiashie
