Editorial
MTTU must deal with reckless, irresponsible drivers
Dear Editor,
In a few days’ time, Christians all over the world would celebrate Christmas, the date set aside to commemorate the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ. This annual event has been in existence for many years, with the first recorded instance in Rome around 336 AD, although some evidence suggests earlier Christian observance.
Characteristically, it is one festival that brings a lot of people together, even non-Christians, to bond, have fellowship, visit friends and families, party, and engage in many other fun-related activities.
The same period is one that witnesses a surge in criminal activities. With a lot of people drinking and having fun, people lose their guards and fall victims to criminal activities and manipulations. It is the reason why the Police Service announced earlier that annual leave of personnel would be suspended in order to ensure that there is security everywhere. The essence is to ensure a peaceful and enjoyable Christmas and a joyful transition into the New Year.
However, one thing that seems to have escaped discussion about the season is the attitude of drivers on our streets. As the nature of the festive season requires one to have enough ‘cash’ to enjoy and give family and friends a real treat, everyone, including drivers, wants to work extra hard to make extra money to be part of the celebration.
As a result, drivers, especially the commercial ones, become careless, reckless, and a little irresponsible, making round trips in record times. That exposes passengers and other drivers to danger. Sadly, some of these drivers also hit the roads drunk. That is extremely dangerous.
I wish to appeal to the MTTU to be firm and fair in their supervision of traffic flow for both intra- and inter-city travels and not spare any driver that falls foul of the law.
On that note, I wish Ghanaians a Merry Christmas.
Paa London, Accra
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Dear Editor,
I am writing to draw your attention to a matter of grave concern affecting residents of Dansoman Mpoasei area.
Recently, contractors have been digging to fix some pipes but the infrastructure has been badly managed and creating inconvenience for residents.
The exercise has left several pipes broken and these damages have been left unattended, forcing households to endure disrupted water supply.
Such negligence does not only inconveniences residents but also raises serious questions about accountability and oversight in public works.
Contractors entrusted with projects of this nature must be held responsible.
It is unacceptable for them to abandon damaged utilities without repair.
Authorities should ensure that such contractors were compelled to restore any services they disrupt.
I urge the relevant agencies to take swift action to address this issue by compelling such contractors to repair the damage they cause.
Princess Wonovi
Dansoman
Shisha smoking is on the rise among young people who should be making significant life investments for a better future.
Shisha is a smoking apparatus designed to smoke heated tobacco to deliver a smooth and flavourful experience.
Although under the Ghanaian law, shisha smoking is prohibited for minors the law is violated as more and more minors have resorted to smoking the substance at the peril of their future.
Public health experts have consistently warned that shisha use exposes users to harmful substances that can negatively affect brain development, respiratory health, and overall well-being, particularly among young people.
As a result, concerns have been raised in Damongo in the Savannah Region following reports that some young people believed to be under the age of 18 have allegedly been found smoking shisha in pubs and drinking spots within the township.
According to eyewitnesses these minors were seen patronising nightlife venues, particularly during late evening hours, where shisha smoking was openly taking place. The situation has sparked renewed public concern over the enforcement of child protection laws and regulations governing entertainment centres in the municipality.
It is sad that the situation is becoming increasingly common and what is more dangerous is that residents fear to openly report or speak about it as they claim their lives will be at risk if they do so.
But the warning is that the rising consumption of hard drugs poses a serious threat to the future of the youth in general.
The situation is worrying and some residents believe that the alleged incidents point to broader challenges relating to youth supervision, substance abuse, and weak enforcement of existing regulations.
The youth are the future leaders of Ghana therefore we cannot sit aloof and expect them to waste their lives.
The Spectator therefore urges all hands to be on deck to find a lasting solution to this menace. We support the call by residents on municipal authorities, security agencies, and regulatory bodies to intensify monitoring of pubs and entertainment centres to ensure compliance with the law.
We applaud the Savannah Regional Minister, Mr. Salisu Be-Awurbi, who has led public education campaigns, engaged security agencies, and supported enforcement actions aimed at addressing the rising use of illicit substances in the region.
Again, we commend the Chief of Damongo, Wura Kelly Seidu Boresah I, who has also called on all stakeholders including parents, community leaders, institutions, and young people to actively support efforts to curb drug abuse.
His caution to individuals involved in the sale and distribution of illicit drugs to immediately desist from the practice, is laudable.
If strict and swift measures are taken to arrest and prosecute offenders in accordance with the law, it will deter others from engaging in it and minors will be free.
The Spectator urges the appropriate authorities to enforce child protection laws and regulations at entertainment centres to protect the youth.
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