Editorial
Promote social inclusion for People with Disabilities
It is regrettable that in this modern age and advancement, some segments of society still adhere to unhealthy cultural and traditional practices that have a detrimental impact on People Wth Disabilities (PWDs).
It is time society adopted a more accepting stance toward PWDs.
PWDs, including the blind, the deaf, and albinos, face discrimination on a daily basis in the workplace, like the health and education sectors, and other settings due to unfavourable cultural norms that really cause them pain and make life intolerable for them.
Mothers of children with disabilities experience anxiety and discomfort since many people think that PWDs should not be living. Even so, is it someone’s fault if they are disabled?
While individuals without disabilities are entitled to the fundamental freedoms and human rights as citizens as outlined in the 1992 Constitution, it appears that those with disabilities face discrimination on all fronts.
People who are albinos face even more challenging situation because some people in the community feel that they are taboo, and should not be allowed to live.
“I suffer the same, therefore I know it’s true. People do not want us to be close to them for any reason, and we are treated as second-class citizens,” Mr. Joseph Atsu Homadzi, national president of the Ghana Federation of Disability Organisations (GFDOs), told our correspondent.
“In some communities, it is believed that when you are going out in the morning for any activity and you meet a person or somebody with a visual impairment, it means a misfortune is about to befall you; for which reason you must return home,” he stated.
How is it possible for someone in this modern world to have such a bad opinion of PWDs? Some people still believe that being disabled is a curse or a punishment for whatever they have done wrong and that hanging around with them will bring the same fate or punishment.
In actuality, it is critical for society to know that although some people are born deformed, others acquire disabilities as a result of environmental mishaps or certain medical disorders, such as glaucoma, measles, or cataracts that cause blindness, deafness, or both.
The national president claims that despite their infirmities, PWDs can still make significant contributions to the development of this nation if given the chance, and that efforts to educate people to stop these regrettable activities have been ineffective.
The Spectator expresses concerns about these developments which have the potential to harm those with PWDs and impede their aspirations.
Therefore, we make a plea to the media, religious organisations, and other institutions to draw attention to the predicament of PWDs in order to shift public opinion and win over hearts.
PWDs require our respect and decency; we must put ourselves in their position.
Fostering positive attitudes towards PWDs is crucial in order to advance social inclusion.
Editorial
Obtain license before practising traditional medicine
People suffer from a variety of health problems, and instead of consulting with medical professionals who are competent to treat them, they prefer to take various concoctions from unqualified people, which ultimately makes their condition worse.
The Traditional Medicine Practice Council (TMPC) has expressed concern and warned practitioners of traditional, complementary, and integrative medicine that neglect to obtain or renew their licenses from the council may be subject to legal action.
The Spectator is happy about this move because controlling Traditional Medicine Practice (TMP) will restore sanity to the system, as more and more people choose traditional rather than mainstream medicine.
The term “traditional medicine” describes the knowledge, abilities, and procedures utilised in the preservation of health as well as the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of physical and mental illness.
These methods are founded on the theories, beliefs, and life experiences that are native to many cultures.
The alert was sent out on August 31, on the occassion of African Traditional Medicine Day, which is observed every year. The World Health Organisation (WHO) created the Day in 2003 to honour the significance of traditional medicine in Africa and to encourage its incorporation into all of the continent’s national health systems.
According to the council, 70–80 per cent of people use herbal medicines as their major source of healthcare, making them the most widely used type of traditional medicine.
As to Section 9 of the TMPC Act, 2000 (Act 575), it is impermissible for an individual to manufacture herbal medicine for commercial purposes or run a business as a practitioner without first registering with the council.
In order to enhance public safety when administering herbal medications, it is crucial that herbal practitioners follow the Council’s recommendations and renew or obtain licenses from the organisation.
This is due to the fact that regulated practice would improve and promote the THPs’ meaningful participation in primary healthcare operations.
Most importantly, for millions of people, particularly in rural areas, traditional medicine and THPs are essential parts of the healthcare field.
Additionally, obtaining a license before practice will be extremely beneficial to herbalists as it will spare them from the harsh consequences of breaking the law.
The Spectator concurs with the Council that making safe and effective traditional medicines available could play a significant role in expanding access to healthcare services, as one-third of the population does not have access to vital medications.
Without a doubt, this will have a significant positive impact on Ghanaians’ health and wellbeing.
Whatever it may be, traditional medicine is here to stay and will continue to play a significant role in the healthcare systems of many communities, so the correct protocols must be followed to guarantee everyone’s safety.
Editorial
Construction of ‘Ayee Ayee Fee’ Avenue road in Akweteyman stalled
Dear Editor,
Residents of ‘Ayee Ayee Fee Avenue’, an area around Akweteyman in Accra are unhappy with the stalled road construction in the area.
The project, which began on a promising note, has been abandoned for months, leaving the road in a deplorable state.
The present state of the road has made its usage a nightmare for residents, commuters, and traders in the area.
The potholes and dust makes it difficult for vehicles to ply the road, while pedestrians risk their safety navigating the uneven terrain.
The lack of progress on the project has also created traffic congestion, air pollution, and economic hardship for local businesses.
It is unacceptable that the authorities have allowed this project to stall, despite the clear need for a safe and accessible road.
I implore the relevant authorities to take immediate action to complete the road construction on ‘Ayee Ayee Fee’ Avenue.
The community deserves a safe and reliable transportation infrastructure, and it is the responsibility of the authorities to deliver it.
Regular updates on the project’s progress, coupled with a clear plan for completion, can help restore confidence in the authorities’ ability to deliver on their promises.
Richmond Angel Mensah,
Accra.
