Editorial
Congratulations to stakeholders on peaceful by-election in Assin North
The aged exercised their franchise without difficulty
Dear Editor,
The Assin North by-election has come a long way, and I must congratulate Hon. James Gyakye Quayson on his success in the recent election. The majority of Ghanaians believed that Hon. James Quayson was going to win on a silver platter, but it turned out to be a competitive election.
In spite of the ruling New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) extensive efforts in the parliamentary by-election held in the Assin North Constituency, Hon. James Gyakye Quayson, the candidate representing the National Democratic Congress (NDC), emerged victorious for the second time, overcoming his main rival, Mr. Charles Opoku, the NPP candidate.
According to preliminary results from over 90 out of the 99 polling stations, Hon. Quayson secured more than 55 per cent of the votes, establishing a clear lead over Mr. Opoku.
The competition was very tight, but Hon. James Quayson rose to the occasion.
Mr. Charles Opoku worked assiduously ahead of the election, and I must commend him for his hard work and immense contribution to the development of Assin North Constituency. Also, not everyone may easily accept defeat, but Mr. Opoku exhibited maturity by accepting defeat.
There is no doubt that the by-election was a big success, and I must commend the Electoral Commission (EC) and the security personnel for their massive contribution to this exercise.
The Electoral Commission of Ghana conducted the election perfectly, to the extent that none of the parties alleged any form of rigging or unfairness.
Also, the turnout of electorates was massive, with everyone comporting himself or herself well and in accordance with the electoral laws of the land.
The Ghana Police Service worked tirelessly to ensure that there was no misconduct by any member of the political parties or the public in general. Such an instance was clearly shown when a fake police officer and a military imposter were busted were busted at different locations and swiftly taken away.
If this continues in future by-elections, Ghana’s democracy will be the winner.
George Obeng Osei,
Frafraha, Accra
In addition to the severe flooding that Accra is already experiencing a major sanitation crisis is imminent as the Kpone dump approaches closure.
Currently, there are now just two significant disposal sites in the area: the Adepa dumpsite in the Ga West Municipal Assembly, which is close to Amasaman, and the Kpone Waste Landfill.
Inquiries so far, revealed that the Kpone site is almost at capacity and will likely close in the next six months. As a result, waste is accumulating at local markets and municipal collection points throughout the capital.
The situation has been made worse by the recent terrible floods, and immediate action is required to prevent the impending crisis.
The fundamental issue is that accumulating uncollected waste during rainy seasons poses significant threats to public health, including the possibility of cholera, typhoid, and malaria outbreaks.
Subsequent investigations showed that the Kpone plant, which was initially built to manage 500 tonnes of waste per day, has been handling almost twice that much, shortening its lifespan.
Many towns’ waste collection operations have been badly impacted by this looming shutdown, and the fact that Accra has few disposal choices is even more disturbing.
Now, waste collection vehicles face abnormally long queues at the Kpone site, and residents complain that most of the tricycles, referred to as “Aboboyaa,” leave rubbish uncollected in residential and commercial areas.
Although the Zoompak waste transfer station was authorised by the government to reopen in order to help manage daily waste volumes, it is still unable to handle the enormous volumes of waste generated every day.
According to Dr. Peter Kwesi Dagadu, Managing Director of the Landfills Company Limited, managing the capital’s expanding waste burden has become extremely difficult due to the scarcity of disposal facilities, especially in light of the city’s fast population increase and rising waste production.
As a result, the situation has put a great deal of strain on the infrastructure already in place and jeopardizes attempts to keep Accra’s waste management system sustainable and effective.
The Spectator agrees with him that new infrastructure for disposing of waste is desperately needed, as a change to a more environmentally friendly waste management techniques.
It is admirable that he suggests Ghana adopt recycling and garbage recovery as a long-term solution to the nation’s sanitation problems.
We therefore, implore the government to support this recycling objective by enacting strict laws, regulations, investments, and enforcement measures to enhance waste management nationwide.
In order to address the waste problem as quickly as possible, everyone must be involved, including private waste management companies, individuals, and households.
Dear Editor,
I wish to express concern over the allegations that some officials of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) demanded money from players before they are selected for national teams.
If these allegations are true, then, they threaten fairness and integrity in Ghana football.
Just as is done in other countries, selection into any national team should be based solely on merit -talent, discipline, hard work and performance, not on a player’s ability to pay money.
Such practices, if allowed to continue, will discourage many talented but less privileged players from pursuing their dreams. It will also damage the reputation of the GFA and reduce public confidence in the country’s football administration.
Those reports are quite unfortunate but some of us want to believe in the response issued by the FA but would also advise the GFA to conduct some investigation, because like it is often said, there is no smoke without fire.
If it means an individual is going about making such demands on the blind side of the FA, such an investigation can expose the person.
I therefore urge the GFA to investigate these allegations thoroughly and transparently. Any official found guilty should face the appropriate sanctions. At the same time, individuals making the allegations should provide credible evidence so the truth can be established.
Ghanaian football belongs to all of us, and we must protect its integrity by ensuring that merit, transparency and accountability guide player selection.
From John Boateng,
Mamprobi
