News
‘Lack of respect threat to blind community’
A visually impaired retired Public Servant has said that lack of social etiquette by some family members posed a serious challenge to the blind community.
According to her, some disparaging remarks from family members with regard to their condition had deprived some physically challenged persons of wives and husbands.
“Contemptible remarks from family members of potential spouses is robbing the blind community of quality men and women.
“Sickness or illness does not discriminate and can attack anybody at any point in times: It is inevitable”.
Speaking in an interview with The Spectator on condition of anonymity last Saturday, the retiree disclosed that she was not blind at the time of marriage but was struck by sickness resulting in her predicament.
“No one knows what tomorrow brings in life so let us love one another and be each other’s keeper. What has happened to me can happen to anyone because blindness is not sold for people to buy,” she said.
She observed over the years that some families would go every length to discourage their members from marrying blind people because they felt they were not good marriage material.
She said it was important to accord persons who had lost their sight the respect and dignity they deserved like all humans.
The retired public servant stated that some families used various means namely emotional blackmail, threats even to the extent of disowning them and leaving some of the people with no choice but to abandon the thought of marrying a blind person.
She said it was disheartening that these physically challenged were men and women who were responsible and gainfully employed with other enviable qualities but just because they had lost their sight, they were not given a chance to get married to their preferred partners.
She pointed out that even in the case of blind men, it was better as compared with blind women, who sometimes found it very difficult to get husbands.
She said some blind women had to settle with some blind men or give up completely on marriage to prevent any inconvenience from the family and friends of their potential spouses.
She said such rigid stance by the society was unfortunate and not doing anybody any good and therefore appealed for a change in behaviour explaining that people should be judged on their potentials not their physical disabilities because some people might not be physically challenged but could be the worse spouses.
She gave a reminder that even sighted people asked for help to manage their homes and take care of their families so the case of the disabled persons should not be seen as something that was out of the ordinary if they also asked for help.
From Dzifa Tetteh Tay, Tema.
News
Tripartite Committee starts negotiations on wages
The National Tripartite Committee, represented by Government, Employers, and Organised Labour/Associations, commenced negotiations on the determination of the 2025 Minimum Wage yesterday, Monday, February 03, 2025.
Negotiations for base pay (public sector salaries) will follow those for the minimum wage.
The negotiations for both the minimum wage and base pay for the 2025 financial year are behind schedule.
Having been expected to conclude by the end of April 2024, per the Public Financial Management (PFM) Act, Government urges social partners (Employers and Organised Labour) to collaborate with Government to expedite the process and ensure timely completion to inform the 2025 Budget.
News
Ibrahim Mahama meets 13-year-old KNUST prodigy from Bole
Business mogul and philanthropist Mr. Ibrahim Mahama has met with 13-year-old Melchizedek Adio Baafawiise, the youngest student ever admitted to the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST).
The meeting, held in Accra on Monday, February 3, 2025, brought together Melchizedek and his parents for an inspiring conversation about education, ambition, and the future of science in Ghana.
During the meeting, Mr. Ibrahim Mahama, a strong advocate for youth empowerment and academic excellence, commended the young physics prodigy for his remarkable achievements.
Melchizedek, who hails from Bole in the Savannah Region, made headlines after scoring an impressive 5 As and 3 Bs in the WASSCE at just 13 years old, earning him a place at KNUST to study for a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics.
As part of an effort to nurture his passion for science and mining engineering, Mr. Ibrahim Mahama offered Melchizedek an exclusive learning experience aboard one of his private jets.
The young scholar was taken into the cockpit whilst being flown back to Kumasi enroute to campus, where he got a firsthand look at the technical operations of an aircraft, aligning with his deep interest in physics and aerospace engineering.
Beyond offering mentorship, Ibrahim Mahama also pledged full educational funding for Melchizedek to support his studies at KNUST and beyond.
Mr. Ibrahim Mahama assured the young prodigy and his family that he would cover all tuition, accommodation, and essential academic expenses to ensure he reaches his full potential without financial barriers.
His parents expressed their gratitude to Mr. Ibrahim Mahama for taking an interest in their son’s academic journey, providing him with a unique opportunity to explore aviation technology up close, and securing his future with financial assistance.
Mr. Ibrahim Mahama encouraged Melchizedek to continue striving for excellence, assuring him of his unwavering support.
“Young minds like Melchizedek are the future of Ghana. It is our responsibility to support and nurture them so they can reach their full potential,” he stated.
By Rafik Mahama
