Editorial
We salute our gallant farmers
In view of the importance of the role of farmers in the economic development of this nation, every effort has been made to recognise and honour our farmers.
Without farmers, there would be no food, and it would be difficult for workers to have the energy with which to contribute their quotas to industry and other sectors of the economy. This shows that agriculture forms the foundation of the economy in this country, just as it does in others.
Farmer’s Day was observed yesterday, and we salute all farmers across the country for the vital role they have played and continue to play.
Farming is a difficult activity, but in spite of this, our farmers continue to work hard to feed the nation and, in some cases, produce raw materials for the industrial sector.
This means that the industrial sector can only grow well if the raw material base receives a boost in terms of high production. The juice factory at Ekumfi, for example, is able to function well because farmers have been able to produce enough raw materials for that factory.
In the same way, fruits or other raw materials can be produced in large quantities to feed factories set up in various parts of the country under the “One District, One Factory” initiative. This is how the industrial base in the country can be strengthened to support its economy.
In like manner, we expect our farmers, with the support of all people, to increase production in the food sector so as to be able to feed the nation and also send surplus food to other countries for revenue for the country.
Thus, we expect the government, through the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, to adequately support the agricultural sector so that the country can be self-sufficient in terms of food production as well as raw material output.
We are also encouraging extension officers to do their best and help all farmers apply scientific methods to increase their yields. This can be done, so every effort must be made in this direction to boost agricultural production.
Another issue is transportation in food-producing areas. We are aware that the government is doing well in the area of road construction to link various parts of our communities.
However, special attention must be paid to the construction of roads in the food-producing areas. This will help transport agricultural products to consumption centres throughout the country, making it possible for the consuming public to buy food items at lower prices.
The Spectator commends all award winners for their good work and urges them not to rest on their oars but continue to work hard to boost output in the agricultural sector to help the country. In the same way, we encourage everyone in the country to show interest in farming by undertaking backyard farming activities.
Even if such activities are undertaken on a small scale as expected, they will go a long way toward making the country self-sufficient in food and raw material production.
Once again, we salute all farmers in the country for their immense contribution to the economy
The recent floods in Accra and the neighbouring areas, which were brought on by a heavy downpour, were very catastrophic and caused loss of lives and property damage.
Similar severe flooding and downpours were also reported in other regions, which has caused anxiety and dread whenever it rains.
In a short period of time, the floods had a dangerous effect on entire communities and landscapes. Because of this, a lot of people are now temporarily putting up with friends or family members.
Videos that went viral on social media showed cars and other valuables being swept away by the floodwaters with little to nothing being done to stop them.
Certain organisations, including the New Times Corporation (NTC), publishers of The Ghanaian Times and The Spectator, were not spared because the flood level damaged important documents and swamped their premises.
Even locations outside of flood-prone zones were inundated by the floods.
The rains would intensify along with thunderstorms, according to the Ghana Meteorological Agency (GMet), which is tasked with observing, analysing, and disseminating weather and climate information to protect lives, promote economic planning, and maintain public safety.
It is important to remember that increased evaporation and atmospheric moisture due to climate change might intensify rainfall. Furthermore, more catastrophic floods are caused by heavy rainfall and shifting topography.
We discussed the causes of floods and mitigation strategies in our earlier editorial, “Accra floods necessitate change in attitude.”
Although the current flood situation is dire, safety can be greatly improved by being ready and understanding what to do.
The Spectator encourages the public to make an effort to be well-informed about weather predictions and take the required precautions to stay safe because the GMet is now providing accurate forecasts.
Make excellent use of the alert services that you can sign up for these days to get notifications on your phone.
Water, non-perishable food, a flashlight, batteries, prescription drugs, crucial documents in waterproof containers, and first aid supplies should all be prepared and kept readily available.
Safeguard your house and offices, relocate valuables to higher floors, and raise electrical appliances off the ground.
Avoid coming into contact with floodwater whenever you can since it might be tainted with chemicals, sewage, and other dangerous substances and also reptiles.
To make sure your neighbours are secure, it is crucial to check on them, especially if they are elderly, disabled, or living alone.
Additionally, parents need to make sure their children do not play in or close to floodwaters.
Let us be careful as there are floods everywhere.
Dear Editor,
I wish to plead with the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) to dispatch personnel to some of the flash points when it rains.
What happened last Monday and Tuesday at major transport terminals must not be something that must be repeated.
I wish to first of all commend the Interior Minister, Mr Muntaka Mubarak for the swift intervention by announcing the ‘holiday’ that gave workers and school children a relief.
It was such a tough moment for workers driving and those not driving. The situation at the Kwame Nkrumah Circle Interchange and other transport terminals forced workers to walk long distances.
Apart from the lack of public transport, pedestrians had to navigate through mud, making it difficult to move around.
I believe that with the presence of police personnel, the traffic situation can be well managed to ease the huge traffic congestion to make travelling a lot easier.
Frank Amoah,
Kasoa
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