Editorial
Ministerial committee solves nothing
Dear Editor,
I went to my village recently and was surprised that the price of a ball of kenkey was not different from the one I buy in Accra.
Previously I could afford kenkey and fish with GH¢ 5.00 cedis but these days, I have to spend GH¢ 7.00 to GH¢ 10.00 on the same quantity.
We all know that high cost of fuel, taxes, among others account for the increasing price of food and other commodities we see recently. That is why I found it laughable when I heard a five-member ministerial committee had been set up by Cabinet to investigate the high prices of food items in the country.
I asked myself “what is there to investigate?” and why does the government want to play the ostrich? Must a committee be formed before we know the cause of the galloping prices in our country?
I wish to state that if the government, indeed, wants to do anything about increasing food prices, it must reduce taxes and prices on petroleum products and, hopefully, things may return to normal. In the meantime, I do not believe a ministerial committees is what citizens need in these crucial times.
Racheal Odum,
Gbawe, Accra.
Editorial
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
Editorial
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
