Editorial
WASSCE results heart-warming!
In view of the importance of education within the context of the huge sums of money government has spent on the Free Senior High School (SHS), it is heartwarming to note that the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) performance has been the best since 2015, according to West African Examination Council report.
It is also gratifying that the students have not disappointed their parents and the people of Ghana, repaying the trust for the heavy investment made in their education.
It is clear that the candidates have put up a gleaming performance, especially, when the current management of education did not place any “cut-off point” on grades Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) candidates must obtain to pursue SHS education.
In previous years, aggregate 30 was fixed as the cut-off point. This shows that when given the chance and provided with the requisite support, as many students as possible can perform well in exams.
The performance has been improved greatly because of the numerous interventions rolled out by government. To begin with, the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy, removed obstacles such as school fees and this gave them the peace of mind to concentrate on their studies.
Again, the supply of free core text books to every student as well as free uniforms to both day and boarding students also contributed positively to their good performance.
Ghanaians are aware of the special training organised for Science and Mathematics tutors together with the provision of the Chief Examiner’s Report to schools to serve as a guide for the students.
All these helped to bring improvement in the performance of the students.
The Spectator is happy about this development and urges the government to continue with this policy of comprehensive support for education – not only for the core subjects, but for the non-core subjects so that there will be continuous improvement in the years ahead.
The percentage of candidates who obtained A1 to C6 in the core subjects constituted more than 50 per cent. In English language, the percentage score was 57.34 per cent in 2020, while Integrated Science in the same year, is 52.53 per cent.
Similarly, percentage score in Mathematics is 65.71 per cent, while it is 64.31 per cent in Social Studies. This shows that the average performance of the candidates for this year is the best compared with results within the past six years.
We will continue to urge our students not to rest on their oars but study harder so as to perform better in the years ahead.
The Spectator also congratulates all teaching and non-teaching staff as well as Headmasters and management of our schools on their hard work and appeal to them to continue the good work so that as a country, Ghana can place itself higher on the educational ladder.
Similarly, The Spectator lauds government on the good work done in supporting education in the manner it has done.
We doff our hats off for all those who have helped to promote this positive agenda.
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.
