Editorial
Suspension of illegal mining in forest reserves appropriate
The new Minister of Lands and Mineral Resources, Hon. Samuel Abu Jinapor, has indicated his preparedness to fight illegal mining in line with the vision of President Akufo-Addo.
Towards this end, he has gone round certain parts of the country to see the devastation carried out by illegal small-scale mining otherwise known as ‘galamsey’
So passionate is he that he is collaborating with various agencies to ensure that the battle is won.
One important step he has taken is the suspension of such activities in forest reserves.
The suspension has become necessary because of the abuse usually encountered in such forest reserves.
Prospective miners always apply for licences that enable them to undertake prospective exploration. Such a licence does not allow them to mine the resources.
They are only required to explore the area given them and find out the availability of precious minerals in the area.
It is when the exploration is done and their report made available to the authority concerned that they are given another licence to actually mine an area of mineral resources indicated to them.
Many of these mining organisations, upon receiving the licence for exploration, actually begin to mine the precious minerals in the reserves.
The Spectator views this as an abuse of the law which must not be entertained. The suspension of the activities in the forest reserves must, therefore, be enforced until some level of decency is arrived at.
The suspension must be closely monitored to find out whether it is being obeyed in line with the directive.
A system must also be put in place to ensure that, those monitoring the activities in the forest reserves are in turn closely monitored by others, so that the dishonest ones amongst them will be found out and punished.
The destruction of the environment by illegal mining is an eyesore and needs to be stopped immediately.
As Ghana joins more than 143 other countries to mark the World Environment Day today, the occasion should boost our awareness and action for the protection of the environment.
The young minister is determined to fight this canker and it is incumbent on well-meaning Ghanaians to help sanitise the sector.
This paper wishes him well in his crusade.
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Dear Editor
I wish to express my concern about the recent discussions about the relationship between Ghana and South Africa following the evacuation of some Ghanaian citizens from South Africa due to xenophobic attacks and other security concerns.
Many Ghanaians are wondering why South Africans continue to enjoy business and investment opportunities in Ghana when our own citizens have, at times, faced hostility and discrimination in their country.
While Ghana has always been known for its hospitality and peaceful coexistence with foreigners, some citizens believe that there should be fairness and mutual respect between the two nations.
It is worrying that after Ghana had to evacuate its citizens for their safety, there appears to be little assurance that similar incidents will not occur again.
As a result, many people are asking what benefits Ghana derives from maintaining such an open-door policy toward South African businesses and interests.
However, it is important that any concerns are addressed through diplomacy and dialogue rather than hostility.
Both countries are key partners in Africa and should work together to promote the safety, welfare, and economic advancement of their citizens.
I urge the governments of Ghana and South Africa to strengthen bilateral relations and ensure that citizens of both nations are treated with dignity and respect wherever they reside.
Daisy Owusu,
Accra
Editorial
EditorialTake precautions against water-borne diseases, reptiles invasion in rainy seasonEditorial
The rains have set in again with its attendant problems, especially water-borne and mosquito-borne diseases.
As a result, the Ghana Health Service (GHS) is cautioning the public to take preventive measures against water-borne and mosquito-borne diseases such as cholera, typhoid fever, dysentery, malaria, yellow fever and dengue fever.
The GHS claims that these illnesses frequently thrive when it starts to rain. According to a statement signed by the GHS Director-General Professor Samuel Kaba Akoriyea flooding and unsanitary circumstances during the rainy season frequently contaminate water sources with faeces, increasing the spread of waterborne illnesses.
In order to protect oneself during this season, one must prevent mosquitoes from breeding and make sure that food and water are safe because contracting the aforementioned diseases is a major problem that causes discomfort.
Eliminating standing water near residences is one way to prevent mosquitoes from growing there. This is especially important when it comes to standing water gathered in abandoned containers, old tyres, cans, and other waste objects.
It is also best to use bed nets and insect repellant, drink only boiling or filtered water, and wash your hands frequently under running water with soap.
The Spectator supports GHS’s recommendation that people properly wash fruits and vegetables grown close to water bodies with clean water and salt or vinegar before consuming them because they can become polluted during the rainy season and provide major health concerns.
Some people have a habit of purchasing food carelessly, but they should stop and only purchase food from respectable and hygienic suppliers.
Additionally, food vendors are required to separate raw foods from cooked or ready-to-eat meals, procure food items from recognised sources, and adhere to stringent food safety regulations during food preparation and storage.
It is recommended to get medical help right once if someone exhibits signs of disease.
We implore the Food and Drug Authority (FDA) to make sure food handlers have current health certificates so they can work.
Flooding during the rainy season, which may drive reptiles from their native habitats and increase human contact, is another problem the Service disclosed.
In order to reduce hiding spots for reptiles and other dangerous animals, it is recommending homeowners to keep doors and windows closed whenever possible, remove bushes from their homes, and lift items off the ground.
The Spectator is urging the public to cooperate as the GHS and the Ministry of Health (MoH) pledge to safeguard citizens’ health and welfare in order to help stop disease outbreaks during the rainy season.
