Shape Attitude Ghana Observes 6th Anniversary via Live Discussion
The 6th anniversary and stay clean awards of Shape Attitude Ghana which was slated for celebration on June 12, 2020, could not come off due to the novel COVID-19 pandemic. The Government of Ghana closed down schools and also placed restrictions on social gatherings as part of measures and guidelines to control the spread of the virus. In order not to let the occasion slide without any commemoration, the organisation resorted to a live discussion online.
On Sunday, June 14, 2020, Shape Attitude Ghana coordinated a live discussion of four panellist via its Facebook outlet on the theme COVID-19: Living in a Litter Free Environment, A Duty to All. The theme for the anniversary was revised to suit the COVID-19 situation so as to enable the panellists add a voice to sensitization measures outlined to combat the spreading of the virus. Participants of the discussion were Mr. Wonderful Baisie Ghartey, CEO and Director of Shape Attitude Ghana, Prof. Raheem Kolawale, Head of SACOST, UEW, and Mr. Joseph B.K. Ntsiful and Mr. Albert Boabeng, both volunteers of Shape Attitude Ghana.
Mr. Wonderful Baisie Ghartey indicated that just as the organisation has over the years highlighted on attitudinal change towards environmental cleanliness, the same change in attitude is imperative to the fight against COVID-19 pandemic. According to him, the fact that washing hands are a preventive measure for the spread of coronavirus indicates that raising awareness on cleanliness in the environment and on personal hygiene will also have a positive impact on the fight against COVID-19. He also advised people to desist from spitting or throwing phlegm in the open as it may contribute to the spread of the virus. Among others, Prof. Raheem admonished students and the general public to observe all the protocols put out to control the spread of the virus. He also entreated parents to provide good and nourishing food for their children in order to boost their immune system to withstand any illness that may arise out of COVID-19 attack.
Commenting on the fear that surrounds the pandemic and the return of some section of students back to school, Mr. Ntsiful encouraged parents to allay their fears and rather educate and encourage their children to adhere to the coronavirus safety guidelines. He entreated the various schools to put in place stringent measures to protect the students as they return to prepare for their final exams. “The classrooms must be disinfected and litter bins must also be provided by the school” he said. When Mr. Boabeng was asked about how the organisation was going to keep up with its sensitisation campaigns amidst COVID-19 restrictions, he revealed that, Shape Attitude will maximize the use of its social media platforms to reach out to them as well as the general public. Various Shape Attitude campaign messages and advertising materials will be published online to continue the advocacy against indiscriminate littering, observing COVID-19 preventive guidelines and ultimately encouraging a positive change of mind-set towards a clean environment.
The Director, Mr Wonderful Ghartey took a minute to observe the sad passing away of Mr Emmanuel Kutorglo who originated the slogan “Stay Clean, Stay Healthy” for the organisation. He was a Senior Administrative Assistant of the University of Education, Winneba.
The panel discussion was moderated by Mr Kwame Anamoah, a journalist from Radio Windy Bay and was assisted by other volunteers of Shape Attitude of Ghana who helped with the streaming. Through Mr. Anamoah, the Organisation expressed utmost gratitude to Nana Ghartey, paramount Chief of Wnneba, Mr Andrew Asamoah of A&C Development Co. Ltd, The Ghana Association of Former International Civil Servants (GAFICS), Mrs Angela Karmand, Mrs Anne Buckley, Mr Emmanuel Woode, Mr. Kofi Baisie Ghartey, and other individuals who have consistently supported Shape Attitude Ghana since its inception.
Click here to playback the live discussion video
