Dear Editor,

It is often said that a healthy nation is a wealthy nation. However, this saying becomes worrying when the health of citizens is threatened by the conditions under which the food they consume daily is sold.

In Ghana, the conditions under which food is sold is quite disturbing. Over the years, I have observed that the environments where food is prepared and sold are often unhygienic.

In many cases, containers holding food such as rice and waakye are left uncovered or not properly covered, exposing them to contamination.

While many Ghanaians paid little attention in the past to the conditions under which food was sold, the narrative seems to be changing in recent years.

I recall an incident during my days in Senior High School (S.H.S.) when my friends and I went out to buy food. At one location, some of us chose not to buy because we assumed the food would be expensive due to how neat the place looked.

Unfortunately, we ended up purchasing food from a different place that was somewhat unhygienic. We overlooked the poor conditions because we believed the quantity offered was better than at the cleaner location.

However, I am certain that my friends and I would not repeat such a mistake today, as we now understand the health implications of that decision.

While public education is important in addressing this issue, I believe it is time for regulatory and law enforcement agencies, such as the Food and Drug Authority (FDA), to crack the whip on food sellers and vendors who operate in unhygienic environments and conditions.

As citizens, we must also be mindful of where we buy our food to protect ourselves and our families from diseases and illnesses. We should choose ‘quality’ over ‘quantity’ and prioritize our health.

From Syram

Oyarifa

It may be intolerable to deal with some conditions, but when those who are experiencing them receive the necessary assistance, life becomes more meaningful.

Autism is one such case, which has recently received some exposure. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), another name for autism, is a complicated developmental illness that impacts a person’s ability to interact, communicate, learn, and behave.

Instead of feeling normal, many people with autism frequently feel odd, as if they do not belong. They often experience emotions of loneliness as a result of social cues, sensory overload, or everyday tasks that others take for granted.

In the past, individuals with autism were frequently mistreated, marginalised, and exposed to damaging therapies. Some were often misdiagnosed, institutionalised, and cut off from society, and parent, especially mothers, were held accountable for their children’s illness.

Fortunately, parents are no longer held accountable because of increased awareness. Nevertheless, many people still have misconceptions about autism, so it is necessary to educate the public to accept it.

This year’s World Autism Day commemoration, which was held in Accra under the theme “Embracing Differences, Empowering Every Ability,” called for raising awareness for increased support for individuals with autism and their families.

It is true that children with autism may behave differently from other people, but the public can contribute to creating a more compassionate and understanding environment for them by promoting inclusion in educational institutions and community events, respecting their dignity, and acknowledging that autistic people have distinctive ways of interacting and communicating.

It is important to be understanding and patient with autistic children and their families, particularly when a youngster is feeling overwhelmed or going through a trying time.

To maximise the potential of autistic children for positive outcomes, schools must also establish an effective learning environment.

Children should be encouraged to play with or participate in activities with classmates who have autism without being forced to do so in order to promote social inclusion.

Practical assistance, such as company or errand running, should be provided to families with children with autism.

Let’s shift our perspectives so that every child with autism has the chance to lead a more satisfying life.