Editorial
Arrest fake dentists to discourage others
The influx of fake dentists in the country should be a concern to many because if left unchecked it would have disastrous effects on the health of those with gum disease and other dental conditions.
The Ghana Dental Association (GDA) claims that these quack dentists work in barbershops and hair salons. This development is concerning since these false medical professionals endanger the lives and health of numerous innocent people.
This concern was brought to light at the 33rd annual general conference of the GDA, on the theme “Strengthening the GDA: An All Inclusive Membership for Tommorrow’s Success,” in Kumasi, in the Ashanti region.
It is clear that these quack doctors prey on innocent people under the pretense of treating dental conditions in order to further their evil goals of getting enormous sums of money.
It comes as no surprise that the GDA is concerned about the trend and is urging the association and security forces to work together to apprehend these quack dentists.
The Spectator is urging those who indulge in these practices to stop since they are damaging the honourable profession of dentistry and putting many people’s health at risk.
It also seems odd to us that individuals would go to the length of using the services of these quack dentists who operate in barbershops and hair salons rather than visiting licensed medical professionals for treatment.
The problem is worrying and we should all exercise caution while using the services of these quack doctors who seek to enrich themselves at the expense of helpless victims.
According to statistics, approximately 70 to 80 percent of dentists are concentrated in the southern region of the country, primarily in Accra and Kumasi, with the remaining 20 percent being dispersed throughout the northern sector.
The Spectator is surprised that the majority of specialist services are concentrated in urban areas. For this reason, we support the request of Dr. Bernard Okoe Boye, Minister of Health, that teaching hospitals work with the Ghana Health Service (GHS) to enable consultants or specialists at the hospitals to occasionally provide their services to other parts of the country where they lack expertise.
That, we believe, will go a long way to stop people from patronising the services of these quack doctors as some times the signs are clearly written on the walls but people have no other option than to seek medical attention from unregulated practices.
In our view more doctors should be encouraged to enter the field of dentistry to cater for the dental needs of the public as currently, reports say that “As of 2022 there were a total of 570 dentists for a population of 31 million people – a ratio of one to 58,400 people which falls below the World Health Organisations (WHOs) recommendation of a dentist for every 7,500 people.
Meanwhile, we urge the public to seek dental care regularly from qualified dentists not only when they have teeth ailments but to do it as a regular practice to avoid serious conditions in the future.
We also urge the public to try as much as possible to maintain good oral hygiene by heeding to these preventive measures which include, brushing teeth twice a day, using the right brushing technique, flossing regularly, eating healthy food and avoiding sugary drinks.
Editorial
Fix the North Industrial Area street lights
Dear Editor,
I want to use this medium to draw the attention of the authorities to the thick darkness that engulfs some areas of the North Industrial Area (NIA) malfunctioning street lights.
This put the lives of commuters that use that area in the evenings in danger robbers and drug addicts usually parading the area.
In recent times, few ladies have had their bags snatch by these robbers either operating on foot or using motorbikes.
This is the second time I am submitting this piece, hoping that the authorities would see this and rush to the aid of such victims by fixing or replace the lights.
As election approaches, it is important to keep every area peaceful and safe for the citizens and one of the way by which crime can be reduced or checked is when the lights are on.
Crime can happen under either light or darkness but at least when there is light, a potential victim can read through and find a way to escape or protect him/herself.
I hope this would touch either ECG or Ghana Highway Authority (GHA) to fix these lights to make the capital beautiful too.
Mercy Shoku,
Laterbiokoshi
Editorial
Let Department of Parks and Gardens handle, manage stadium pitches
Some officials inspecting the Accra Stadium pitch
Dear Editor,
Over the years, Ghanaians have complained about the lack of football pitches in the country because they felt they did not meet international standards in terms of quality.
Some are even of the view that the nature of our football pitches have affected the quality of play in our local league and not making it attractive for sponsors to come on board.
However, in 2008, when Ghana won the bid to host the African Cup of nations, many believed that it was a game-changer and a turn in fortunes for our football because new stadiums were built while already existing ones such as the Accra Sports Stadium and the Baba Yara Sports stadium in Kumasi, were renovated.
On a casual visit to the stadium, one observed the grass looking so green, which was pleasing to the eye. I also remember watching a match between Kotoko and Liberty at the Baba Yara Sports stadium a few months after the African Cup, and the quality of football was top-notch.
The maintenance of the pitches was entrusted to a company called Green Grass Technology.
Fourteen years after, the state of the stadiums is nothing to be proud of. Players of the Black Stars have expressed concerns about it while an official lost his job for allegedly hiring the stadium out.
As if that was not enough, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) banned Ghana from playing its home matches at the Accra Sports Stadium due to its poor nature.
Following the ban, the National Sports Authority (NSA) closed down the stadium for rehabilitation works to take place.
The stadium was recently opened for use. My worry is that why are we failing to maintain our pitches. One may argue that the cost of maintenance or getting it to meet international standards would be a problem.
If that is the case, then I am of the view that we should let the Department of Parks and Gardens under the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development to take care of our pitches by planting new green grass to replace those the old ones and also be responsible for the natural grass pitches across the country.
By so doing, we would save the country some money than giving the contract to individuals or companies who may not do a good work at the end.