Editorial
Partisanship will take us nowhere
Dear Editor,
As individuals, we belong to different groups, and over the years have aligned ourselves or supported different ideologies and political parties.
But the question is whether we must allow our party colours or ideological differences cloud our judgment when it comes to discussing matters of national interest?
I believe, irrespective of our affiliations, individuals or groups must be bold in condemning policies or decisions which may put the country’s development agenda off gear.
Objectivity, fairness and consensus building on national issues, in my view, would go a long way in helping us to find lasting solutions to matters that are retarding our progress as a nation.
It has been the norm in Ghana where successive governments failed to continue development projects initiated by previous governments because they do not want their opponents to “take the credit”.
This posture, in the long run, is counter-productive, hence the need for all to come together and change the narrative. When it comes to national issues, all hands must be on deck and all views, irrespective of party affiliations, must be taken seriously.
The saying in Parliament, that “the minority will have their say but the majority would have its way, should not always be the case.
Frankly, consensus building is important if we care so much about the growth of our dear nation. Partisanship, to some extent, has retarded our development and I believe we can make progress when we put aside our political lenses.
Jennifer Quaye,
Kaneshie, 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
