Editorial
Caution; the watchword this Christmas
All too soon, the year 2022 is gradually but surely coming to an end. And as Ghanaians, we can all testify that the year has been a difficult one, especially in the area of finance.
However, we did not lose sight of the fact that God’s plan for us is always the best even in this economic turbulence we find ourselves in. I want to quote from the Holy Writ to support His divine presence from Romans 8:28 that says “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according his purpose .”
Despite the challenges we experienced, the season of Christmas can never go without the usual celebration. This season goes with a lot activities and preparations, most importantly the movement from one place to another.
Very often, the ugly and undesirable road accidents we witness must be reduced to the bearest minimum if not entirely eradicated. Usually, the aftermath of this road crushes leave so much to be desired as dear lives and properties are lost. And dependants left behind with so much pain while others become orphans overnight at very tender ages.
On this note, l wish to sincerely advise drivers, especially the long distance commercial drivers to be very cautious on the road.
The temptation to speed with the hope to return for another trip before the day ends will be high in oder to make some extra money. But please remember that it is only when you are alive and well that you have the chance to go many rounds even after the Christmas season. Therefore, ensure to obey all traffic regulations. Don’t forget the slogan “ Don’t drink and drive and Don’t drive and drink”.
Again, some passengers may also urge drivers to speed for them to meet certain goals they set for themselves. Please desist from this bad attitude and allow the drivers behind the steering wheel to do what they know best.
Passengers should not look on while the drivers are speeding unnecessarily or making wrongful overtaking. Who knows if an accident occurs the driver may survive but you can die.
My appeal also goes to the Drivers’ Unions to organise some in-service training for their members to refresh their memories and some forgotten ethics regarding their profession. The Road Safety Authority must be proactive and well strategised seriously as we enter the month of December to curb avoidable road crushes during this Christmas period.
They must not sit aloof or only be heard or seen to be profering solutions on radio or television but be practical about the road safety issues. There is no doubt that the core mandate for Road Safety Authority is to protect life and property on the road. So if the opposite is the case, what are their existence for? They should not fail to apply the necessary sanction where it must. The rewards might not be immediate but generation yet unborn will recognise their contribution towards national development.
I think we cannot leave the Driver and vehicle Licensing Authority out in this crucial crusade. All hands must be on deck to fight road nuisance which has been depriving motherland, Ghana of her precious human resources for development. If my memory serves the right, in the same period in the year 2000, three experienced neurologists lost their lives on Techiman-Kintanpo Road in a tragic road accident.
We all know how hard it is to come by these specialists but Ghana lost three at a go through a needless road crash, the consequences to the nation the least said the better.
Finally, I urge religious leaders including Imams and traditional authorities to provide education on this road menace to their followers anytime the opportunity presents itself. The various followers of these religions believe in their leaders and any advice they give through sermons and other forms of interaction will go a long way to sanitise our roads. Let me use this rare occasion to wish all Ghanaians, especially our drivers a happy safe Christmas in advance.
By Godwin Anthony Nkunu
Public Relations Officer
Upper East Regional Coordinating Council – Bolgatanga
The recent floods in Accra and the neighbouring areas, which were brought on by a heavy downpour, were very catastrophic and caused loss of lives and property damage.
Similar severe flooding and downpours were also reported in other regions, which has caused anxiety and dread whenever it rains.
In a short period of time, the floods had a dangerous effect on entire communities and landscapes. Because of this, a lot of people are now temporarily putting up with friends or family members.
Videos that went viral on social media showed cars and other valuables being swept away by the floodwaters with little to nothing being done to stop them.
Certain organisations, including the New Times Corporation (NTC), publishers of The Ghanaian Times and The Spectator, were not spared because the flood level damaged important documents and swamped their premises.
Even locations outside of flood-prone zones were inundated by the floods.
The rains would intensify along with thunderstorms, according to the Ghana Meteorological Agency (GMet), which is tasked with observing, analysing, and disseminating weather and climate information to protect lives, promote economic planning, and maintain public safety.
It is important to remember that increased evaporation and atmospheric moisture due to climate change might intensify rainfall. Furthermore, more catastrophic floods are caused by heavy rainfall and shifting topography.
We discussed the causes of floods and mitigation strategies in our earlier editorial, “Accra floods necessitate change in attitude.”
Although the current flood situation is dire, safety can be greatly improved by being ready and understanding what to do.
The Spectator encourages the public to make an effort to be well-informed about weather predictions and take the required precautions to stay safe because the GMet is now providing accurate forecasts.
Make excellent use of the alert services that you can sign up for these days to get notifications on your phone.
Water, non-perishable food, a flashlight, batteries, prescription drugs, crucial documents in waterproof containers, and first aid supplies should all be prepared and kept readily available.
Safeguard your house and offices, relocate valuables to higher floors, and raise electrical appliances off the ground.
Avoid coming into contact with floodwater whenever you can since it might be tainted with chemicals, sewage, and other dangerous substances and also reptiles.
To make sure your neighbours are secure, it is crucial to check on them, especially if they are elderly, disabled, or living alone.
Additionally, parents need to make sure their children do not play in or close to floodwaters.
Let us be careful as there are floods everywhere.
Dear Editor,
I wish to plead with the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) to dispatch personnel to some of the flash points when it rains.
What happened last Monday and Tuesday at major transport terminals must not be something that must be repeated.
I wish to first of all commend the Interior Minister, Mr Muntaka Mubarak for the swift intervention by announcing the ‘holiday’ that gave workers and school children a relief.
It was such a tough moment for workers driving and those not driving. The situation at the Kwame Nkrumah Circle Interchange and other transport terminals forced workers to walk long distances.
Apart from the lack of public transport, pedestrians had to navigate through mud, making it difficult to move around.
I believe that with the presence of police personnel, the traffic situation can be well managed to ease the huge traffic congestion to make travelling a lot easier.
Frank Amoah,
Kasoa
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