Editorial
Let’s maintain peace in the country
Ghanaians will vote in the upcoming presidential and parliamentary elections in December this year and there is a call for voters to support the upkeep of national harmony.
It is impossible to separate the electoral process from the purpose of keeping the peace before, during, and after the elections.
At the inaugural Eastern Regional Command West African Security Services Association (WASSA), the Eastern Regional Minister, Mr. Seth Kwame Acheampong, urged the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) and other sister security services to exhibit a sense of nationalism in order for peace to reign as the nation approaches this year’s General Election
It is reassuring to know that security guards will be in the forefront enforcing law and order prior to, during, and following the elections.
He stated, “When given the chance to serve the state in such stewardship, it is important for them to think Ghana first and perform their duties fairly.”
The Spectator applauds the security agencies’ initiative and would like to emphasise that citizens can help security forces serve and safeguard the nation’s sanctity.
Furthermore, in order to gain the confidence of the public, we implore the authorities such as the Electoral Commission and others to safeguard critical election materials and the integrity of the free, fair, and transparent electoral process.
Regardless of our political disagreements, let us work to keep the peace. To have a successful and peaceful election, we must exercise caution in the language we choose.
Ghana is renowned for its democracy. But we should be aware that elections have the power to significantly accelerate or impede a nation’s long-term democratic growth. We all need to make an effort to maintain the peace we are experiencing and avoid making hurtful remarks that could stoke passion and cause anarchy.
Let us all work to keep the nation peaceful.
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
