Editorial
Increase in food prices: We need more sustainable measures
Some workers at the Ministry buying food stuffs
Dear Editor,
Permit me to express my thoughts on the Planting for Food and Jobs (PFJ) ‘market’ set up in Accra recently by the Ministry of Food and Agriculture. The ministry since last week had been selling foodstuff at prices patrons say were relatively cheaper than those on the open market.
This week, I heard other produce would be available at the Efua Sutherland Children’s Park. While some people have lauded the initiative others say food distribution or supply cannot be within the mandate of the agriculture ministry.
Others suggest that the Ministry’s direct sale of foodstuffs would create the impression that traders on the open market are responsible for the escalating food prices in the country.
Whatever be the argument, tough times call for drastic measures hence the decision by the ministry to go to the hinterlands to cart and supply goods to the general public.
While at it, I am yet to see any clear measures the ministry is putting in place to address the numerous challenges traders face in transporting food to their final destination, the capital Accra and elsewhere. Transportation cost, according to traders, had been a major determinant in the prices of goods.
Unlike the ministry, that has enough logistics to cart goods from the hinterlands, traders sometimes have to convey goods in transit for many days before arriving at their final destinations.
Many have said the Ministry’s approach to addressing the high cost of food prices in the country is not sustainable and I cannot agree less. Although this may bring some temporary relief, consumers wonder what will happen in the months and years ahead when this pilot arrangement is over.
Selling foodstuff at the Ministry without tackling the root causes of the general high cost of food prices in the country only amounts to window-dressing the issues. We cannot continue this way, citizens deserve better!
Franklin Kwabena Okyere,
Dodowa
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
