Editorial
Don’t force drivers to stop at unauthorised places
Dear Editor,
Drivers are mostly blamed for road crashes that are recorded in the country. They are mostly blamed for over-speeding, overtaking, and non-adherence to road traffic rules and regulations.
However, the attitude of some passengers also contribute to such incidents.
One of such attitudes that I have observed is the ‘pressure’ that passengers put on drivers to stop at unauthorised places because they think it is closer to their destination rather than where the authorised bus stop is located.
I recently had an argument with a passenger in a car. This passenger was virtually shouting on the driver to just stop at an unauthorised bus stop for him to alight.
When I asked this passenger why he was doing that, his response was that, “the authorised bus stop is two junctions away from my house.”
I found his response very funny and at the same time disturbing. I tried to let him know that what he wanted the driver to do was not the right thing, but he was not ready to listen.
Thankfully, the driver did not succumb to his demand and stopped at the authorised bus stop for him to alight.
I believe it is about time some passengers allow drivers to do the right things. That is the only way we can build the peaceful and disciplined society we all crave for.
Maame Esi, Dodowa
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
