Editorial
Eliminate the ‘bad master’ destroying lives and property
The Ghana Fire Service continues to refire outbreaks were recorded in 2020
Dear Editor,
Over the years, domestic and industrial fires across the country beat one’s imagination of what really the problem is. I have heard and read in the news countless number of fire outbreaks and their attendant havoc to life and property.
l vividly remember a passage in the Primary English Reader titled: “Fire is a good servant but a bad master”. Really, if this saying is anything to go by, how can we tame this master to be an excellent servant?
I quite remember during the former President John Dramani Mahama’s reign where fire incident was quite rampant and hardly a week passed without news on fire outbreaks in the country.
Can Ghanaians ever forget the twin disaster, i.e the fire and flood at Kwame Nkrumah Circle in 2015 which claimed hundreds of lives and destroyed property running into millions of cedis and maimed many?
I was sad and heart-broken when l read on page three of the Ghanaian Times on September 12, 2022, where three fire incidents killed some people including a pregnant woman, while another five-bedroom self-contained house was also razed down.
When these incidents occur, we are often told by security agencies that “investigations are under way” to ascertain the cause of the fire. However, these ‘findings’ somewhat remain a ‘mystery.’ Citizens do not get to know the outcome of the investigations. The least they hear sometimes is that the fire may have been caused by an ‘electrical fault’.
If faulty electrical installations are, indeed, the case, then what has happened to the law regarding using prescribed electrical materials and certified electricians to carry out any wiring activity?
I, therefore, wish to use your medium to call on all relevant stakeholders including the Ghana Energy Commission, the Electricity Company of Ghana and Ministry of Energy to step up their supervisory roles in order to drastically and if possible, eliminate this “bad master” destroying lives and property.
By Godwin Anthony Nkunu
0209378764/0547333272
Editorial
Concern over mentally ill persons roaming Kwame Nkrumah Circle Interchange
Dear Sir
I write to express my concern over the growing number of mentally ill individuals roaming the Kwame Nkrumah Circle Interchange in Accra.
This area, a vital transportation hub and commercial centre, has increasingly become home to several persons visibly suffering from mental health issues, often without adequate care or supervision.
This situation poses risks both to the affected individuals and the general public. Some of these individuals are exposed to traffic hazards, unsanitary conditions, and in some cases, hostile treatment from passersby.
There have also been reports of occasional erratic behaviour, which causes fear and discomfort among commuters and vendors.
Mental health is a public health issue, and these individuals deserve compassion, medical attention, and a safe environment.
I urge the Ministry of Health, the Accra Metropolitan Assembly, and relevant NGOs to collaborate on a sustainable solution including mental health outreach programmes, rehabilitation, and safe housing.
Kwame Nkrumah Circle should be a symbol of progress, not a place where the vulnerable are left to struggle. Let us act with urgency and humanity.
From John Boateng
Kwame Nkrumah Circle
Editorial
Parents should encourage their wards writing BECE
Dear Editor,
AS the 2025 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) takes off across the country starting Wednesday, I write to encourage all candidates taking part in this important step in their academic journey.
Out of a total of 603,328 candidates taking the examination this year, 306,078 are females, whiles the rest 297,250 are males.
Over the years, the examination begins on Monday and ended on Friday but per the timetable, this year’s candidates started on Wednesday and will end next week.
The BECE is not just an exam, it is a milestone from one stage to another. It represents years of hardwork, dedication and the dreams of countless students who hope to continue their education and build a brighter future.
This is where the role of parents, teachers and society become beneficial. Let us offer not only academic support but emotional encouragement to them.
I also appeal to educational authorities to ensure fairness, proper supervision and transparency throughout the examination period.
The journey may be challenging, but with time, focus and discipline they can make it.
I wish to use this platform to wish all of them well.
Naa Koshie, Teshie
