Editorial
Prioritise saving lives in emergency situations over taking photos, videos
In the past, people were prepared to act quickly in dire circumstances, like breaking up fights, and lives were saved as a result.
However, in this day and age when everything is trending on social media onlookers concentrate on taking photos or videos rather than intervening to save the lives of people in distress.
Traditional media outlets and social media users compete with one another to be the first to report on a story.
Instead of acting swiftly to remedy the situation, viewers’ attention is diverted by the impulse to document a moment of injustice or danger. It is currently a widespread practice that requires comprehensive attention.
In numerous instances, the individuals who took pictures and shared them on social media had the opportunity to save lives. When you have the ability to save the life of someone who is about to die, why must you record them?
Our culture now prioritises being viral over lending a hand to others. Sometimes people witness emergencies, but they would rather wait for someone else to take action.
One typical example is a video of two students fighting that went viral on social media lately. Surprisingly, their friends were videoing the fight until something unexpected happened. Similar circumstances have resulted in fatalities in the past.
The Spectator disapproves of this behaviour because life is more valuable than images and videos and that the people who took the photos and videos could have saved a life if they had acted sooner.
Even while some might contend that images and videos can be used as proof in investigations into an incident, there are times when saving a life is more important than videoing, particularly when there is a risk to life and the only person present is the one taking the photo or recording.
Since saving a life has a significant impact on the person, their family, and the community, it is thought to be the most morally just thing to do.
The Spectator believes that while images and videos are useful and can be used to swiftly convey important information to others, the time, effort, and tools required to capture images or videos could be employed to save lives in an emergency.
When a life-threatening situation arises, we should first contact for assistance from the police or ambulance service, or if we are able, provide prompt assistance before anything else happens.
In an emergency, let us be Good Samaritans and put saving lives ahead of snapping photos and videos.
Editorial
Ghana must preserve her monumental facilities
Dear Editor,
THE monumental facilities of any country are very important because they do not only tell the rich history of that country, but enhances the country’s economy.
It is, therefore, not surprising that the Western world hold these facilities in high esteem and invest so much in preserving them.
However, in Ghana, the importance we attach to these facilities, such as castles, forts, Black Star Square and recreational parks such as the Efua Sutherland Children’s Park are very disturbing.
Anytime I pass by the Efua Sutherland Children’s Park, I feel very sad with its current state. I get a similar feeling when I pass by our Forts and Castles, which are fast deteriorating due to climate change, specifically rising sea levels and increased surges.
Looking at their importance, it is critical for government to be more intentional about their preservation.
Over the past, we have seen successive governments try to invest in the refurbishment of some of these facilities through partnership agreements with some private organisations as well as donor funding from international organisations.
For instance, after concerns were raised about the state of the Black Star Square through media reportage, the government undertook some renovation works at the place to keep it in shape as most national activities were held there.
Also, I was happy to know that the government, in collaboration with the W.E.B Du Bois Museum Foundation, was working to secure funds to redevelop and rebrand the W.E.B Du Bois Memorial Centre for Pan-African Culture, the resting place of Dr Du Bois, the father of Pan-Africanis.
I think we can do more as a country to preserve these facilities.
I suggest that a special fund be created purposely for the preservation of these facilities as they serve as our identity as Ghanaians.
Baba
Ofankor
Editorial
Loneliness kills, keep social ties intact
According to a World Health Organisation (WHO) research, loneliness is responsible for more than 100 deaths per hour, or more than 871,000 deaths worldwide annually.
The WHO Commission on Social Connection study reveals that loneliness affects one in six people worldwide and has a major negative impact on well-being, economic productivity, physical and mental health.
In the past, people could travel to see friends, family, or loved ones to experience beautiful moments. Despite the countless options for connection, more and more individuals in today’s society feel alone and isolated.
Loneliness can cost societies billions of dollars in lost wages, health care, education, and employment. In addition to having an effect on the person, it also raises the risk of stroke, diabetes, heart disease, depression, and early mortality, among other conditions.
Even more concerning is the fact that, despite the fact that loneliness affects people of all ages, it primarily affects the young people who will be tomorrow’s leaders. This is a warning to check for loneliness.
In time past, there was a vibrant extended family system and a variety of outdoor games for young people to play that greatly reduced loneliness and improved neighbourhood safety. As a result, socially cohesive groups tended to be more crisis-responsive and resilient.
On the other hand, as technology advances, young people are impacted by digital influences like social media; nonetheless, the report warns of the dangers excessive screen time and bad online experiences pose to mental health.
Among the other underlying reasons of loneliness and isolation, it included poor health, low income, a lack of education, living alone, inadequate infrastructure, and weak public policy.
As part of the interventions to address the issue of loneliness at the national level the government must address these issues through policies which include the construction of more recreational facilities, such as parks, libraries, and community centres, as well as mental health support, which can reduce the risk of serious illnesses and prevent early death.
There should also be awareness campaigns and policy changes to create inclusive social infrastructure since loneliness damages social cohesiveness at the society level and results in significant expenses for missed productivity and medical treatment.
At the individual level, The Spectator encourages people to visit friends to check in on them and to be completely involved in talks without being distracted by technology, even though technological advancements have made it easier for people to interact on phones.
It is also essential to interact with neighbours and participate in community events because social isolation results from a lack of sufficient social ties.
