"Make solar shades available for future eclipses"

Sunyani (B/A), March 28, GNA - A cross section of people interviewed by the Ghana News Agency in Sunyani on Tuesday have called for an effective mechanism that would ensure the adequate availability of the solar shades for use during future eclipses.

Over the past few weeks, both young and old have rushed to the premises of local FM radio stations in Sunyani, as well as the Information Services Department to purchase solar shades. Unfortunately supplies at the stations have run short, heightening people's anxiety as discussions on the rare phenomenon have dominated market places, offices, schools and other social gatherings. Most of the interviewees said they were aware of what was to happen but the shortage of the solar shades would dash their hopes of having a spectacular view of the natural phenomenon.

Francis Bonzie, a 14-year-old primary six pupil of St. Frances Anglican Primary School felt sad that he would not watch the eclipse due to the failure of his parents to purchase a solar shade for him. Madam Juliet Boateng, Assistant Headmistress of the school disclosed that much education had been given to the school children on the phenomenon as well as the need to protect one's eyes with the shades.

She added that those who had not procured the shades had been warned not to attempt to watch the eclipse with their bare eyes. Bishop Thomas Ampah Brient of the Anglican Diocese of Sunyani described the rare natural phenomenon as a mystery of God's creation and called on Christians to renew their faith in God. He said "this should serve as a reminder to mankind that there is a spiritual being called God who created the world and all that is in it, who is capable of doing anything with His creation at any point in time".

Bishop Brient urged Christians to worship God well in truth and in spirit and to discard negative attitudes and behaviours, which did not promote the welfare of mankind. 28 March 06