Editorial
Educate public on proper use of zebra crossing
Pedestrians crossing the road
Dear Editor,
I am writing to express concerns to the relevant authorities on the abuse of zebra crossing by the public, especially residents of Assin Fosu in the Central region.
Some road users in Assin Fosu seem to be ignorant about the dangers associated with not using zebra crossings appropriately.
They cross the road anyhow, unconcerned about whether they are going to be knocked down by a vehicle or not.
They feel that once they have gotten to the zebra crossing, cars have to stop for them to cross but that may not be so because drivers might be on high-speed and stepping on the brake may be dangerous.
One finds it hard to believe whether such pedestrians are knowledgeable about how to cross as it is clearly seen in their attitude whenever they are about to cross.
Road users need to understand the various road markings and their benefits.
Drivers must be made to understand that, failing to give way to pedestrians trying to cross the road at a zebra crossing can have some consequences on them as a zebra crossing is an area of the road where vehicles must stop if pedestrians wish to cross.
Despite the fact that drivers are required to make way for pedestrians to cross, pedestrians must also know when, where and how to cross. They must not cross roads at junctions where drivers need to make a turning decision.
I would urge the Driver and Licensing Authority (DVLA) and the Ministry of Roads and Highways to make it a point to ensure that road contractors include zebra crossings at the appropriate places for the convenience of road users.
To ensure safety on our roads, and the proper use of zebra crossing, there should be more practical education at the basic school level to help the young ones know the appropriate ways of crossing the road.
Additionally, I would urge commercial drivers to help when it comes to passengers crossing the roads.
Elizabeth Nyarko,
Swedru.
Dear Editor,
I wish to use this esteemed platform to urge the traditional councils of Osu and La to call for independent investigation into the recent demolition exercise at Kaajaano.
The exercise rendered hundreds homeless.
Information about the reason for the demolition has been scanty with those desiring to know feeding heavily on social media posts.
One particular name –Jato, has been associated with it but under whose instruction the exercise was carried is also not known.
Sadly, instead of getting to know who ordered the demolition and for what reasons, traditional authorities of Osu and La have been embroiled in a tug-of-war over ownership of the said land.
This is premature. At this moment, they should call for investigation into the exercise to know the people behind it.
When that is done, then discussions about the owners of the site can begin. That would end the posture of the two neighbouring town which has the potential to turn into something else.
Ataa Osa Mensah,
Osu
Dear Editor,
I wish to use your respected platform to draw the attention of the Bank of Ghana (BoG) to the behaviour of traders and some drivers about the use of lower denomination coins, specifically the 20 and 10 pesewas.
About two weeks ago, I read in your sister newspaper, The Ghanaian Times about this problem and the caution that followed from the BoG and some economic analysts.
The warning they gave was that the continuous rejection of the notes could create pricing problems which can eventually affect inflation.
I thought that would put to bed that practice or refusal to accept the coins when given out as change or use to pay for particular service.
Unfortunately, the problem still persist among traders, drivers, customers and passengers alike. Only last week, there was as altercation in the Accra Central area where a woman refused to accept five 20 pesewas note totaling one cedi.
As the argument continued, the trader decided not to sell to the customer again after by-standers explained to her that it was still a legal tender and those that refused it could become offenders.
This is an issue the BoG and other regulatory agencies must go and explain to the people and let them know that it is unlawful not to accept a currency that is still in use.
It nothing was done, it could create a much more serious problems.
Mary Osei Badu,
Swedru
