Editorial
Wishing all BECE candidates success in their examination
Come Monday, September 14, 2020 this year’s Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) will start nationwide in all the 16 regions of Ghana and is expected to end on Friday, September 18, 2020.
According to the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), a total of 531,705 candidates comprising 269,419 males and 262,286 females from 17,440 schools across the country are to sit for the BECE.
So far, 2,007 centres have been designated for the conduct of the examination.
Over the years WAEC has been warning candidates against examination malpractices but some recalcitrant candidates refuse to heed this advice as they relied on people who provide leaked papers instead of using their own efforts to write their examination.
It has, therefore, become necessary to keep reminding candidates of the dangers associated with engaging in examination malpractices to keep them on check.
Addressing journalists at a news conference in Accra Mrs Wendy Addy-Lamptey, Head of National Office of WAEC urged candidates to apply themselves to their books ahead of the examination and cautioned schools, parents, teachers and invigilators not to engage in acts that would amount to cheating.
Mrs Addy-Lamptey has assured that all logistics and test items needed for the examination were ready and “all question papers have been produced under tight security under the surveillance of the Ghana Police Service and WAEC.”
The Spectator wishes to add its voice to that of WAEC by advising candidates to abide by all the rules from WAEC for the examination to run smoothly to the end. Do not cheat and avoid taking any foreign material to the examination hall. Stay away from illicit assistance popularly known as “apor” and be honest to yourself.
Bear in mind that you have come this far despite the challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic and to do something untoward which would warrant the cancellation of papers is not the best.
We are confident that your hard work and adequate preparation towards the examination, coupled with support from your teachers, parents, the government through the Ghana Education Service (GES) and Ministry of Education (MoE) will go a long way for you to come out successfully.
Remember that examination malpractice is illegal and criminal. You have worked so hard so do not allow anybody to mar your future. Take care and abide by all the safety protocols.
We wish you success in your examination.
Food safety is essential because it protects public health by preventing foodborne illnesses, which affect millions of people globally.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) warns that foodborne illness should never occur since it is always preventable.
According to WHO, despite being mostly preventable, foodborne infections continue to be a significant global burden, accounting for at least 200 ailments that have an impact on health, livelihoods, education, and economies.
Estimates from the United Nations (UN), indicate that contaminated food is a serious global public health concern that results in 1.5 million fatalities and 866 million illnesses annually.
World Food Safety Day (WFSD) is celebrated annually on June 7. It was created by the UN and emphasises how governments, food producers, and consumers all have a part to play in avoiding, identifying, and controlling foodborne hazards.
This year’s theme for WFSD, “From burden to solutions – safe food everywhere,” emphasises how information on sickness, its burden, and lost lives can direct action toward targeted and affordable solutions.
People eat food from a variety of places, including their homes, markets, restaurants, roadside eateries, schools and office canteens. A combination of foods may occasionally have an impact on some individuals but not others. It is said that “one man’s meat is another man’s poison.”
Many have experienced severe health issues as a result of eating contaminated food without realising it. In some situations, this has resulted in food poisoning, and in other circumstances, it has caused fatalities.
These risks could be biological in nature, where foodborne illnesses are caused by living microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi. Also, cleaning products, herbicides, hazardous metals, and food additives can occasionally contaminate food.
Foreign materials including glass, metal pieces, plastic, hair, or bandages have occasionally been unintentionally put to food and caused damage.
In sensitive people, proteins including wheat, dairy, shellfish, and peanuts can potentially trigger severe allergic reactions.
The Spectator hopes that raising public awareness of the importance of adhering to fundamental food safety regulations, such as washing hands, sanitising surfaces, separating raw and cooked foods, and practising excellent personal hygiene, is crucial during this rainy season.
Food handling should also be done carefully, whether it is for regular meals at home or for a big gathering or event.
According to food science experts, contamination can be avoided by heating food to the right internal temperature and refrigerating perishable items. Accurately labelling and storing chemicals away from food is a crucial step in preventing food contamination.
To guarantee that individuals eat a safety-free diet, government must improve food control systems, surveillance networks, and public health regulations.
Tomorrow is Father’s Day, a day to honour fathers, for the roles they play in the family and society.
Every third Sunday in June, the world celebrates Father’s Day to show gratitude for the crucial role fathers and father-figures play in influencing people’s lives.
In the same way that mothers are honoured on Mother’s Day, fathers are also honoured in different ways by their children, grandchildren, and stepchildren, among others, for being a great father in their lives.
It is a common misconception that Father’s Day is not as well-known as Mother’s Day, but fathers are doing a fantastic job. Fathers, like mothers, both play equal and complementary roles in providing for a family and maintaining a home.
Many homes would have been destroyed, children would have strayed, and families would have fallen apart if it were not for a father’s love, care, protection, guidance, counselling, and provision.
Many fathers give their children emotional support and develop their inner-growth. Others lead exemplary lives for their children, showing them love, nurturing, providing excellent communication, discipline, guidance, and shelter.
Fathers put in a lot of effort to support their families, spend time with their children and some even go so far as to assist with housework.
Regardless of the circumstances, fathers should be honoured and celebrated for their steadfast support of their families, communities, and the country at large. It is a tremendous honour for society to acknowledge the essential roles that fathers play in community building, child development, and family stability.
Respecting positive male role models promotes active, involved parenting, which has significant effects on children’s social conduct, academic performance, and emotional health.
Some widowers have shown what it means to be a father because they take on dual responsibilities in helping their children develop into responsible adults. The Spectator applauds single fathers that fall into this group! Your efforts will never be in vain.
Although some fathers work in low-paying occupations, they are nonetheless able to support their children through higher education.
As the world celebrates fathers tomorrow The Spectator is calling on everyone to honour fathers or father-figures for their sacrifices and support in various ways. Take your father out to lunch or dinner, buy him presents, write encouraging notes, spend time with him, and make sure he has the best possible day.
We wish all fathers a Happy Father’s Day. Ayekoo!
