Merits and demerits of scraping betting tax

Dear Editor,

Over the past years, a lot of concerns have been raised about the rise of sports betting companies in the country, their operations, and how it impacted negatively on the youth of the country.

I have also witnessed how some of the youth go to the extent of borrowing money from friends or use companies’ money to stake bets, which they were not guaranteed of winning.

Due to this, I was happy when the previous government introduced the betting tax, as I felt it would deter the youth from engaging in it.

However, some Ghanaians hold the view that the betting tax would help create employment.

It wasn’t surprising to see the excitement that greeted the announcement of the scrapping of the tax by the Finance Minister.

My worry now is how, as a country, the youth can be discouraged from engaging in betting.

I believe that as the betting tax has been scrapped, it is about time that the government finds ways of addressing the issue of betting among the youth as it is becoming more serious than before.

I believe that there should be a multi-stakeholder engagement between the various stakeholders to proffer solutions to address them.

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

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