Editorial
Urgent renovation needed for Koforidua Central Market
Crowded Koforidua Central Market
Dear Editor,
I am writing to draw attention to a pressing issue that affects the heart of our community, ie, the state of the Central Market in Koforidua, the capital of the Eastern Region.
In recent times, the Koforidua Central Market has become an issue of concern among its inhabitants. The market is a bustling hub, with a multitude of traders offering their goods and services to the local population. However, the current condition of the market is a cause for alarm.
The central market’s infrastructure has deteriorated over the years, and it is now in a state of disrepair. The recent increase in rainfall has worsened the situation, as the market’s roofing is unable to provide adequate protection.
Consequently, traders often find their goods drenched, leading to substantial financial losses. It is disheartening to witness hardworking individuals struggle to make ends meet due to this avoidable problem.
Moreover, the stores within the Koforidua Central Market is inadequate for the number of traders it accommodates.
This overcrowding not only hampers business operations but also poses safety concerns. A thoughtful renovation that includes expanding the market would greatly benefit our community.
The condition of the gutters within the market is yet another concern.
These gutters are perpetually clogged, and the situation deteriorates significantly during heavy rainfall.
The resulting stagnant water not only obstructs the movement of both traders and customers but also creates an unsanitary and foul-smelling environment.
This poses health hazards and negatively impacts the overall experience of those who trade near the gutters.
I am writing this letter to implore the relevant authorities to take immediate action.
The renovation of the Koforidua Central Market is imperative to create a conducive atmosphere for our hardworking traders and improve the overall living conditions in our beloved city.
We must ensure that our community members can conduct their businesses without fear of financial losses or health hazards.
I urge all concerned parties, including government officials, municipal authorities, and community leaders, to prioritise the renovation and expansion of the Koforidua Central Market.
Let us work together to restore this vital economic and social hub to its former glory and create a thriving, clean, and safe environment for our traders and residents.
George Obeng Osei Koforidua
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
