Editorial
Reminder: COVID-19 is still around
It is becoming increasingly clear that many people in this country and, indeed, other parts of the world are taking for granted that COVID-19 has left the world, but is still prevailing in different parts of the world.
In Ghana for instance, many people have been vaccinated against the disease and for this reason are relaxed in their approach to protecting themselves against it. This is a very unfortunate development that must be addressed by all and sundry.
The COVID-19 is still around and keeps affecting various people that do not take precautionary measures seriously compared with when the disease first emerged.
Many people have relaxed in taking precautionary measures against the disease because they believe that they have been vaccinated.
There are others who have also taken the view that the disease is even nonexistent, since President Akufo-Addo has announced that wearing of a face or nose mask is no longer mandatory.
Again, other people appear to be tired of the constant education being received on the matter for which reason the fear of the disease is now on decline.
What this means is that having been bombarded with messages on the precautionary measures needed to be taken by everyone, they are now tired of the need to continue to fight the pandemic, even though, agreeably, the disease is no longer as frightening as it used to be in 2020 when many people died from it.
In light of this, The Spectator is of the view that we still need to take precautionary measures against the disease, to preserve our lives.
As was pointed out by President Akufo-Addo, a life lost can no longer be brought back, so we all need to protect ourselves until this pandemic is completely over in the world.
The precautionary measures must be strictly adhered to, particularly washing our hands regularly and avoiding overcrowded areas.
When we keep to such safety protocols, our lives would be safe for the economic programmes we wish to undertake in the years ahead.
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
