Editorial
Why we should pay attention to metrology in our daily lives
One important area in socio-economic development is accurate measurement which helps to enhance the value of the items offered for sale by man to other people.
This important activity is often taken for granted in the sense that many people do not pay attention to accurate measurements. If measurements are accurate, they ensure fairness in trade matters.
Elsewhere in this newspaper, one columnist, has written an article on “How metrology promotes socio-economic development”. The article emphasises, among other things, why society including Ghana ought to pay attention to accurate measurements.
The Spectator wishes to join the world in emphasising that World Metrology Day is an annual celebration of the signature of the Metre Convention on May 20, 1875, by representatives of 17 nations.
The Convention set the framework for global collaboration in the science of measurement and in its industrial, commercial and societal applications. The original aim of the Metre Convention — the world-wide uniformity of measurement — remains as important today as it was in 1875.
World Metrology Day is an occasion set aside for the recognition of more than 100 years of achievement and success in the establishment of a global infrastructure for precise and reliable measurements as well as the immense contributions of many thousands of experts of metrological activities throughout the world.
The Day further aims at drawing the attention of governments of all member states together with other international bodies, to the benefits of effective and reliable measurements and the very large economic benefits which come from their investments.
Every year, a different theme is selected to place emphasise on the different roles played by metrology in socio-economic activities. The theme of this year’s World Metrology Day is Measurement for Health.
This theme was chosen to create awareness of the important role measurement plays in health and in the wellbeing of every one of us.
Indeed, metrology, the science of measurement, plays a central role in scientific discovery and innovation, industrial manufacturing and international trade, in improving the quality of life and in protecting the global environment.
Metrology or accurate measurement is key in socio-economic development as decisions are made based on information from measurements. In fact, wrong measurement results lead to wrong decisions. Thus, metrological activities should result in measurements that meet specified degrees of accuracy and precision. They should ensure that the measurements are adequate and reliable.
As we observe World Metrology Day, the significance of the occasion should be remembered and highlighted at all times to enhance innovation and progress in society. All stakeholders, including consumers, must, therefore, assist in the adoption and use of accurate measurements in all transactions to ensure quality, safety and fairness in trading.
We must all embrace the significance of accurate measurements to ensure smooth promotion of both local and international trade and stimulate the enhancement of our national socio-economic development for the benefit of all.
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
