News
Implications of easing restrictions on public gathering
The expectations of some Ghanaians were met last Sunday evening when the President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo announced the easing of restrictions on public gathering in the country under the observance of strict health protocols amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
However, some have also expressed disappointment over the restrictions to the churches and mosques as they complain bitterly that limiting the gathering to 100 members won’t work for them.
While the leadership of most churches welcome the directive as a step in the right direction as it would enable members to fellowship with one another after over two months of being under lockdown, others are not so much enthused about the announcement. The leadership of those churches have, therefore, decided to continue to hold virtual services for their members.
It is obvious that, it would be quite difficult for the big churches to control the number of attendees, as social gathering is to be allowed under certain stringent conditions hence their decision to continue with their virtual services.
The President made it clear that those who flout the directives would be sanctioned and the leaders of such religious organisations would be held liable.
For those in the hospitality industry,the decision by the government to lift the ban on public gathering was an answer to their prayers because at least their businesses would bounce back to help them make some gains.
In the educational sector final-year students would heave a sigh of relief as they can now continue with their studies and refresh their memories before they write their final examinations after being home for some time now.
The lifting of the restrictions came with its own attendant directives that must be adhered to in order to combat the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) disease in the country. Currently, confirmed cases of the virus in Ghana have hit 8,548 with 3,132 recoveries and 38 deaths.
For religious gathering which took effect yesterday, June 5, 2020, the Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs Minister, Mr Samuel Kofi Dzamesi during a media briefing announced a set of advisories following the resumption of religious activities.
Among these advisories older persons and people of any age with underlying medical conditions such as diabetes, liver disease, and asthma are advised to stay away from attending such services.
Now that the lockdown on public gathering has been partially lifted, it implies that the citizenry would have to be very vigilant and go strictly by the comprehensive guidelines spelt out by the government as community infection is now on the ascendancy.
Any careless mistakes will have dire consequences on individual lives. Thankfully, children have been exempted from having children services since it would be difficult to control them and keep social distancing.
Now that the ban on social gathering has been lifted with the number of attendees increased from 25 to 100, it implies that more weddings, funerals, parties and other social functions would be organised putting more people at risk.
For some people, life must go on normal despite the coronavirus pandemic but the fact is we are not in normal times, therefore, there is the need to put in place more safety measures to save lives.
The government should provide the necessary items needed for final-year students to protect themselves. Although the government has announced that Day students in boarding schools will be made boarders, the Spectator proposes that transport arrangements should also be made for students who attend Day schools to facilitate their movement to and from school in these difficult times.
We express much concern over the fact that some citizenry are still careless and do not adhere to the World Health Organisation (WHO) protocols and health directives provided by the government and the Ghana Health Service (GHS) for their own safety. It behoves on all to be responsible and vigilant as the virus is no respecter of persons.
News
University of Ghana opens maiden ‘Artify’ visual arts exhibition
The University of Ghana, in partnership with Nubuke Foundation and KGL Foundation, has launched a week-long visual arts exhibition titled ‘Artify’ on the University’s campus.
Running from November 26 to December 2, the event showcases drawings and paintings by eight visual artists selected by the University.
The artists participated in a two-week skills and business orientation training before the exhibition, where they were coached on art practice fundamentals, copyright and intellectual property, entrepreneurship, and business management.
The training was to help the artists upscale their craft and expand their client reach, equipping them to become more business-oriented art professionals.
The Artify project, under the theme Amplifying Art as a Business, was conceived by the University of Ghana’s Office of Research, Innovation, and Development (ORID).
Professor Felix Ankomah Asante, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Research, Innovation and Development, University of Ghana, said they aimed to equip them with the necessary tools and skills to thrive as artists and entrepreneurs.
“This initiative nurtures talent and fosters entrepreneurial spirit among young aspiring artists. Together, we cultivate creativity and transform passion into sustainable careers,” he said.
Prof. Asante said that the skills required to run an art business were often overlooked, as art was commonly perceived as a hobby that doesn’t necessitate specialised management skills.
He argued that by integrating business and project management skills into the art ecosystem in Ghana, more organisations and investors could be encouraged to support creatives.
Madam Odile Tevie, Director of Nubuke Foundation, called on authorities to create more platforms, similar to the Artify exhibition, where artists could showcase their work.
She advocated the establishment of visual arts spaces in communities, where local talents could receive training and be nurtured in their craft.
Mr Sedem Atsu Avornyo, one of the participating artists, praised the University and its partners for the initiative.
He noted that his knowledge and skills had been greatly enriched, better preparing him for the job market. –GNA
News
Don’t harass, visitors on period of election …Comptroller-General cautions Immigration staff
The Comptroller-General of Immigration, Mr Kwame Asuah Takyi, (Esq.), has asked personnel of the service, especially those at the various borders of the country, not to harass people who travel in and outside of the country during the election period.
The advice is to stem reports that usually characterise immigration operations in border communities in such crucial moments.
He gave the advice at the 2024 Comptroller-General’s end-of-year games held at the McDan La Town Park on Friday.
It was under the theme “Kick for unity, sports for peaceful elections.”
According to Mr Assuah Takyi, It was important for personnel of the staff to behave professionally and live by the high standards required to ensure peace and tranquility at the border towns where elections would be ongoing.
“I want to remind you of the roles and responsibilities expected from you. Don’t take advantage of the upcoming general elections to harass visitors and passengers going in and out of the country.
“Perform your duties professionally as immigration officers and, where necessary, assist other security agencies to maintain peace, law, and order before, during, and after the elections.”
“Be apolitical because your services are to Ghana first and only, and not to any individual or political party. As officers in uniform, don’t put up behaviours that would question your professionalism.”
“This is not a call on immigration staff alone. All the security agencies are poised to display high standards of professionalism to ensure that Ghanaians vote in a peaceful atmosphere,” Mr Takyi said.
Flanked by three-time African best player and former captain of the Black Stars Abedi Ayew Pele, who was the special guest of honour, the Comptroller-General stated that as officers and men in uniform, their duty to the country was to maintain peace, law, and order and not to be involved in dubious or political activities.
“If any of you want to do politics, resign and hand over your uniform to the service and go. This information should go out there to our officers across the country.”
Mr Assuah Takyi urged members of the general public to behave responsibly to make the work of the security officers simple and peaceful while cautioning potential troublemakers to have a change of mind because that would not be tolerated.
“The National Elections Security Taskforce (NESTF) met the political parties on Thursday to reaffirm our commitment to professionalism, impartiality, and adherence to the rule of law.”
“Our actions will be impartial and guided by the law, and anyone who decides to violate the laid-down laws will be made to face the law.”
Mr Asuah Takyi urged all to operate within the confines of the law to ensure a successful and trouble-free election.
By Raymond Ackumey
