Editorial
Bring Shatta Wale back to TGM
Shatta Wale
Dear Editor,
I wish to congratulate Stonebwoy and other winners of last weekend’s 25th edition of Ghana’s music awards held in Accra.
Without doubt, it has become the biggest entertainment gathering in Ghana’s showbiz circles.
The event, some few editions back, was marred by the behaviour of two artistes having the biggest brands in the industry, Stonebwoy and Shatta Wale whose actions created chaotic scenes at the event.
From that day, it appears the doors of the awards have been shut on Shatta Wale, leaving a chunk of music followers loyal to him out of the celebration.
Whatever happened at that particular event have been sorted as both artistes have apologised and pledged to be of good behaviour.
What is of concern to me is the absence of Shatta Wale at recent events. We are not sure whether it is a decision from his camp to ignore the event or one from the organisers to do without him.
Much as we respect any decision by Charterhouse, the organisers, to ensure some sanity for the event, we also want to plead with them to find a way to bring Shatta Wale back.
Wale’s clout in Ghana’s music industry makes him a giant and therefore his absence in such awards can put a dent on the winner. It could be like winning a competition without the top athletes.
People would always look back and say that it would have been different had Shatta Wale featured. It may not be the case today but it could be tomorrow.
It is my fervent hope that next year by this time when the event is announced, nominations would be received from the Shatta Movement. Thank you for the space.
Mark Aprede,
Accra
Editorial
Kudos to Ho Teaching Hospital staff, but …
Dear Editor,
If there is any group of professionals that get bad-mouthed the most, then you are referring to nurses and medical doctors assigned to public hospitals across the country.
For this particular letter, I want to sing the praises of this same group of professionals that work at the Ho Teaching Hospital, famously known as Trafalgar.
Despite the work load and the mass casualties received at the emergency ward of the hospital, the welcoming nature of the nurses and the professional touch by the doctors can’t be ignored. My personal experience has got me travelling from my base in Accra to seek medical services from these professionals.
Special mention has to be made of the likes of Precious of the Pharmacy Department, Dr Brandon Banor (a maxillofacial resident) of the Dental unit, male nurse Justice assigned to the female surgical ward. Words cannot really do justice to their affable, professional caring nature. A simple thank you is all that I can say.
In the same vein, I can’t but call out the bad attitude of the auxiliary staff and contractors of the hospital.
Chief among them is some of the contracted bank staff that handle the payment section of the hospital and the patient registration section (those that check the status of the patient as to whether they are fee paying patients or NHIS sponsored).
The attitude at times leaves a bad taste in the mouth. One such occurrence was a night staff of the registration section who had her legs on the office table whilst talking to patients.
The CEO of the hospital needs to shine his torch light on this support sections before they erode the awesome performance of the direct medical staff of the hospital.
Thank you for the space.
Kwesi Manu
Accra
Editorial
Develop policies to address disability concerns
Dear Editor,
AT the beginning of the year, when I went to the bank to deposit money into my uncle’s account, I observed a very sad situation where a man in a wheelchair struggled to navigate his way around the facility.
This is because the structure is disability unfriendly.
As I stood and watched how the man struggled to move his wheelchair, I felt sad and wondered if this is how the life of a disabled person should be. It becomes worse if there is no one to offer help.
In Ghana, People With Disabilities (PWDs) are often treated differently and are often subjected to all forms of discrimination.
Most of these people find themselves in such a situation as a result of unfortunate happenings such as accidents and injuries.
It is, therefore, not appropriate for anyone to discriminate against them. Discrimination against such persons take many forms, including how buildings are constructed.
Most of the public structures are not disability friendly and impede their movement.
As a country, we should consider the PWDs in designing our structures. I also think that there should be a national policy that seeks to address this issue.
I have a strong conviction that when such a policy is developed by the government, people with disabilities would feel appreciated and also promote social inclusivity.
Ray,
Kasoa
