News
Too many excuses: the mask is a must!
A policeman stopped us on Thursday morning and wanted to check whether everything about our commercial vehicle was in order.
There was nothing wrong after all. Everybody seemed to be minding their business with their nose masks on except an elderly who was not wearing his.
The policeman inquired why he was the only one without the mask. He responded: ” I have a nose mask and a face shield but I am not wearing because I can’t breathe well.”
I was on the back seat and said to myself, such a flimsy excuse! Will you ‘breathe well’ when you contract the disease and do not survive?
The officer immediately asked him to do the needful and he did. As soon as we left the junction, the man took the mask off again. I saw other passengers on board looking at him ‘suspiciously’.
Heading for my destination, I saw some hawkers who wore the nose masks but pulled it down to only cover their mouths. Here again, I wondered if all citizens knew the essence of the mask.
The mask, we are told, is meant to prevent the virus from entering our body through our mouth and nose. But it appears some people are still taking this precaution for granted and decide to wear the mask anyhow it pleases them.
In spite of the high incidence of COVID-19, sections of the public are still giving flimsy excuses why they cannot wear the nose mask. I wish to use your medium to draw attention to this once again.
Just as we are told, “the mask is a must.” People should not leave their homes without it. The mask is not for our bags or pockets. Let us wear it at all times, especially in crowded place. It is for our own good.
![Mrs Georgina Quaittoo [third from right] pose with some members of the Association Photos Okai Elizabeth.](https://spectator.com.gh/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Mrs-Georgina-Quaittoo-third-from-right-pose-with-some-members-of-the-Association-Photos-Okai-Elizabeth.jpg)
THE Times Ladies Association, a group consisting of female staff of the New Times Corporation (NTC), on Monday commemorated this year’s International Women’s Day with a call on women to empower themselves through education, unity and healthy living to contribute meaningfully to national development.
The event, held at the NTC’s boardroom, was attended by management members and staff of the corporation and was to celebrate the achievements of women and reflect on their role in society.
In her address, the President of the association, Mrs Georgina N.M Quaittoo, said the global celebration, marked annually on March 8, recognised the economic, political and social achievements of women while raising awareness about gender equality.
Although the international celebration fell on Sunday, she explained that the association decided to mark the occasion on March 9 to enable members to participate fully and commemorate the day in their own way.
Speaking on this year’s theme: ‘Rights. Justice. Action. For All Women and Girls,’ and the global campaign theme: ‘Give to Gain,’ she the association had over the years worked tirelessly to support the growth and progress of the corporation despite the challenges they faced.
Urged members to commit themselves to deeper service to humanity and the advancement of women. She said women were unique, resilient and invaluable to society, stating that they deserved respect, appreciation, kindness and love for the vital roles they played in families, workplaces and communities.
According to her, members of the President, who is also the Editor of The Spectator newspaper, encouraged members to empower themselves academically and take advantage of opportunities to improve their lives and careers.
She also urged them to maintain healthy lifestyles by going for regular medical check-ups, exercise regularly, get enough rest and support one another.
Moreover, she advised members to accept leadership positions when given the opportunity and to exhibit qualities such as hard work, confidence, patience, compassion and responsibility in both their homes and workplaces.
Contributing, the Chanel Marketing and Circulation Manager, Mr Alfred Koomson, said women played critical roles in society and deserved to be supported and appreciated.
He urged men to recognise that they were often vulnerable species without the care, support and contributions of women in their lives.
He, therefore, commended women for the invaluable roles they play as mothers, caregivers, professionals and leaders, stressing that society would be incomplete without them.
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
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GHANA celebrated her 69th Independence Anniversary last Friday with colourful parades across all 16 regions of the country.
This year’s theme: ‘Reflect, Review, Reset,’ emphasised the importance of reflecting on the nation’s journey, assessing its current state, and planning for a brighter future.
At the Jubilee House, dignitaries present were President John Mahama, Vice President Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, former Presidents, Akufo-Addo and John Agyekum Kufuor, behalf of the President, former President of Tanzania, and other distinguished guests.
The President, John Dramani Mahama, addressed the nation at the seat of government whiles Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives addressed their various assemblies on.
As part of the celebrations, school children paraded and displayed their marching skills whiles others performed cultural and other social activities to mark the day across the regions.
