Editorial
Caring for underprivileged in our society is necessary
It is not everyone in society who will be born into families that are highly educated, rich or very knowledgeable; this is why we need to develop love and care for all people that we come in contact with in our society.
Under-privileged persons in our society include those who come from less educated families or the poor or those who have problems such as being physically challenged. Such people may find it difficult to go about their normal duties in society because of lack of financial resources or inadequate education or, better still, their inability to go about their duties with ease.
In such situations they need our sympathy and assistance to make it possible for them to go about their normal duties in society. Those who find ourselves in very good positions should count ourselves lucky and be willing to assist the underprivileged.
We must never discriminate against them or look down on them simply because of their poverty level or low level of education. Again, others may be involved in motor accidents and, therefore, become paralysed or physically challenged one way or the other.
In situations like this, we must show great love to such people and be prepared to spend part of our personal resources to make it possible for them to enjoy normal life.
We may not be able to bring them into the normal situation which God may have planned for them, but the little we do can make it possible for their lives to be better.
It is in light of this that we find it gratifying to see certain leaders in this country contributing massively to the underprivileged in our society. The Vice President of the Republic, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, is often seen to be sharing his life and personal resources to some of these underprivileged persons.
His association with people suffering from leprosy, for example, is well known in this country. Also, his commitment to the poor irrespective of religious beliefs has touched the heart of many people across the country. The Vice President has called on Ghanaians to show care and concern to the underprivileged in society.
If we all emulate him, it will go a long way to make it possible for us to put smiles on the faces of those who have very little to eat and drink in the country. In addition, caring for them, including those admitted to our hospitals, will make life better for our unfortunate brothers and sisters who may find themselves in such unfortunate situations.
We pray that people who are leading the light in this way receive abundant blessings from God for the good work they are doing.
Let us count ourselves very fortunate and be prepared to help the underprivileged in society so that life can be made better for many of our brothers and sisters who require such help from us.
Editorial
Unsanitary conditions of food vendors near gutter
Dear Editor,
I am writing to express a concern about the unhygienic conditions under which food vendors go about their business in some communities.
This is mostly associated with vendors that sell near gutters. It has become widespread and the earlier authorities do something about it, the better it will be for us.
I have noticed in recent times that several food sellers have set up their stalls close to open gutters, posing serious health risks to consumers.
The proximity of these food stalls to gutters means that food is being prepared and sold in an environment contaminated with filth, bacteria, and other harmful substances.
This is unacceptable and requires immediate attention from the relevant authorities.
I urge the Metropolitan and District Assemblies under the Local Government Ministry and other health agencies to take swift action to address this issue.
Food vendors should be relocated to cleaner and safer areas, with regular inspections to be conducted to ensure that food is being handled and sold in a hygienic manner.
The recent outbreak of Cholera in some regions of the country should keep us on our toes to ensure that we don’t lose guard with sanitation.
I hope that your paper will highlight this important issue to help bring about the necessary changes.
By Eugene Ampiaw,
Accra
Editorial
Govt must go to aid of victims of USAID funding cut
Dear Editor,
Reading a report in your established weekend newspaper, The Spectator, last week on the effect of USAID funding cut in the Northern Region made me see the seriousness of the issue at stake.
To learn the fate of HIV/AIDS patients, those suffering from malaria, pregnant women and other category of sick people are uncertain made me sad.
This is because as a country, we have made a lot of progress in the control and management of these conditions and would be very unfortunate to see these gains eroded by the decision of the US government.
The situation described by health workers and the patients themselves is understandable because funds from the USAID have served as a backbone for health delivery in the region.
It is indeed a difficult situation but as a country, we must not fold our hands and sit unconcerned. We must be seen to be doing something.
President John Mahama has done well by tasking the Minister of Finance to find ways to raise cash to support agencies or activities to be affected by the funds cut.
The issue now is when done what would be released? I want to appeal to the government to respond immediately to curb mortality.
Rosemary Ampofo,
Obuasi
