Editorial

Bringing up a child the right way

The world is facing many social problems today because of the improper upbringing of children in society.

Some of the problems are stealing, armed robbery, indiscipline, teenage pregnancy and general dishonesty. Others are drug addiction and threats to life and property of neighbours.

These problems did not emerge overnight but over a long period due to the neglect by parents to ensure that children are brought up to follow rules of discipline and love.

Parents and society ought to have time for children, so that their concerns can be adequately addressed from time to time.

If this is done on a regular basis, the adult members of society will help the children to grow up into responsible citizens. Irresponsible parenthood is a serious problem in society.

Some women are now parents as a result of teenage pregnancy and unpreparedness to work hard and cater for their children.

Some of the children are also left at the mercy of peer groups which may be good or bad. If a particular peer group happens to be good, it will influence a child to adopt good behaviour and become a responsible citizen.

On the other hand, if a child falls into the hand of a bad peer group, he or she will be influenced to behave in an unacceptable way. It is, therefore, necessary for parents and society to pay attention to the upbringing of a child, so that this child will be taught the right way to behave well in society.

Today, the government has introduced free education in terms of Senior High Schools as well as Technical and Vocational Schools. It is necessary for parents to complement this opportunity to ensure that children are well catered for in the house, and provided with basic needs, such as food, clothing and shelter.

If this is done, it will be difficult for any children to go wayward and follow bad company. Indiscipline in society among the youth comes about when the children are left alone to fend for themselves anyhow. If the children are well catered for, waywardness on their part can be easily prevented.

Adults should always know that it is not just enough to bring forth children when they are not ready to carry on with the responsibility of caring for them.

Childcare is an enormous task that cannot be taken for granted. It involves working hard to earn a living and also getting adequate quality time to cater for the needs of these children.

Many social problems have come about because of irresponsible parenthood, so we must all work hard to put an end to this negative practice.

Editorial

FDA must act on meat singeing claims

Dear Editor,

I read a story in your highly esteemed newspaper, The Spectator last week where a Toxicologist was urging health authorities in the country the use of tyres and firewood to singe meat for consumption.

This is not the first time this issue has come up. Many months back, read a similar story about singing meat with the aforementioned materials.

According to the report, these material contain dangerous chemical compounds that pose health risks to humans.

Sadly, we have not heard anything from the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) and other agencies who responsibilities are to ensure the populace consume healthy foodstuff.

There are a lot of meat and fish on the market singed with these material which Ghanaians are still patronizing and people are not minded by the problems it bring in future.

Wele (cow hyde) is one of the commonest meat on the market. It is consumed a lot by tuo zaafi and waakye lovers but this is believed to be meat that goes through the tyre and firewood process.

Our authorities must hit the markets and abattoirs to ensure that only healthy meat products were sold to Ghanaians. Let’s save our population from some of these dangerous diseases.

Mawuli Seth,

Achimota

Editorial

Make Mother’s Day memorable tomorrow

Tomorrow is Mother’s Day, a day which is observed around the world as a unique way to honour mothers and maternal figures for their devotion, selflessness, and contributions to society and the family.

Mother’s Day is celebrated on the second Sunday of the month of May and this year it falls on May 11. The Day is important because it serves as a reminder of how important mothers are influencing people’s lives and raising future generations.

Additionally, it is a day to honour all mothers who have had significant influences on their children’s life, including biological mothers, grandmothers, stepmothers, adoptive mothers, and others.

Besides giving birth, a woman might become a mother by taking on the responsibilities of raising children who are not biologically hers.

Numerous mothers have provided food, clothes, and shelter to innumerable children in orphanages, and these youngsters have grown up to be responsible adults who are fulfilling their heavenly destinies.

One cannot deny the fact that families and communities are built on the leadership, unselfish love and sacrifices of mothers.

The expectation is that families will have ample time tomorrow to hold get-togethers, and neighbourhood activities honouring the achievements of mothers.

In recent years, Mother’s Day has also grown in importance for businesses. This is especially true for eateries and businesses that produce and market cards and other gifts.

Of course, mothers should be honoured every day, but it is especially crucial that we honour them on one day each year for everything they do to improve our lives.

Some people have made serious argument that husbands should not honour their wives on Mother’s Day since they are not their mothers. However, even though the wife is not your mother, she is the mother of your children, therefore she should not only be respected but also given priority. Keep in mind that one nice turn merits another, and that Father’s Day is coming up.

Although it is not always compulsory, recognising and honouring your wife as a mother on this day is a sign of respect and gratitude.

The Spectator says, regardless of the circumstances, whether close or remote, spend some time with your mother or mother figures if you can and express your gratitude to them through telephone calls, gifts, breakfast, lunch or dinner, get together among others for the special roles they have played in your life.

We wish all mothers a Happy Mother’s Day tomorrow.