Editorial
Mamprobi Polyclinic incident unfortunate, but …
Dear Editor,
THE incident of baby theft at the Mamprobi Polyclinic on Tuesday was quite unfortunate.
It is very sad that a woman that has endured nine challenging months of pregnancy and gone through a Caesarian Section to deliver would go through such an unfortunate situation.
We should be grateful to God that the baby was found and reunited with mother a day after the disappearance.
This is not the first occurrence and I believe may not be the last and is the reason why I welcome the calls for improved security protocols at the various health facilities across the country.
Several speculative narratives are flying all over with calls for a harsher punishment.
As unfortunate as the action of the suspect was, it is important that she is also checked mentally and psychologically. A number of factors may have contributed to this action including an inability to conceive and the ensuing societal pressure and stigma of barrenness.
A lot of women are facing such challenges but have not mustered the courage to attempt such a heinous crime. This should occupy the minds of agencies responsible for women issues to increase awareness on situations like this.
A woman whose marriage is collapsing under the weight of barrenness can be affected psychologically and, in that situation, could arrive at any decision.
Naa Torshie,
Dansoman
Join our WhatsApp Channel now!
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbBElzjInlqHhl1aTU27
Dear Editor,
I write to express concern about the increasing rate of road accidents on the Kumasi–Accra highway, which has become a source of fear for many commuters.
It is one of the busiest roads in Ghana, connecting two major cities and serving thousands of passengers daily. Sadly, almost every week, we hear reports of fatal crashes, injuries, and loss of property along the stretch. Many families have lost loved ones, and several survivors are left with lifelong injuries.
The causes of these accidents are not far-fetched. Over-speeding, reckless overtaking, driver fatigue, poor vehicle maintenance, and disregard for road traffic regulations are major contributors.
In some sections, bad road conditions, faded road markings, and inadequate street lighting also increase the risk, especially at night and during rainy weather.
It is worrying that despite repeated accidents, little seems to change. Drivers continue to overspeed, some commercial drivers drive under pressure to meet unrealistic travel times, and enforcement of traffic laws appears weak in certain areas.
I, therefore appeal to the relevant authorities, including the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) and the Ministry of Roads and Highways, to intensify road safety education, enforce traffic laws strictly, and ensure regular patrols on this highway.
Road signs should be improved, damaged portions of the road fixed promptly, and speed limits clearly enforced.
Drivers must also take personal responsibility by obeying traffic rules, avoiding unnecessary overtaking, and ensuring their vehicles are roadworthy. Passengers should speak up when drivers drive recklessly, because silence can cost lives.
Road accidents are preventable. Let us act now to make the Kumasi–Accra Highway safer for all users before more innocent lives are lost.
By Eugene Ampiaw, Takoradi
Join our WhatsApp Channel now!
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbBElzjInlqHhl1aTU27
Abutia Kloe E.P Basic School in the Ho West District of the Volta Region faces a sanitation challenge as there is no toilet facility in the school.
As a result, pupils have no option but to seek alternative places nearby whenever nature calls, a development the school’s authority described as unsafe, undignified and detrimental to effective teaching and learning, which has a detrimental effect on their academic performance.
In addition to academic work, which is severely impacted, the situation is putting the students’ health and safety at risk, which is worrying.
This was discovered during a visit to the school by the Volta College Foundation (VCF), a non-profit organisation, as part of their February Love Initiative when the Foundation provided the pupils with hygienic supplies and other educational resources.
NOTICE
The Spectator is making a passionate appeal to individuals, corporate bodies, stakeholders and benevolent organisations to partner in addressing the sanitation crisis at the school and support the construction of a toilet facility for both pupils and staff.
We also urge representatives of the Foundation who acknowledged the challenge and assured the school of their commitment, to speed up the process of advocating improved conditions for deprived communities.
Again, we also believe that when a toilet facility is provided for the school, it will greatly improve hygiene, as pupils will attend to nature’s call in a dignified manner and school attendance will improve, especially for girls, when they are menstruating.
According to the Headmaster of the school, Mr Francis Yao Bortsi, the situation is terrible as learners resort to unorthodox ways to ease themselves, stressing that the school’s most pressing need remains a decent washroom facility.
He noted that, “For now, pupils of Abutia Kloe E.P Basic School continue to navigate the daily inconvenience and risk of leaving campus during instructional hours, as the school awaits urgent intervention to restore dignity and safety to its learning environment.”
The situation needs urgent attention, especially for the girls who need proper menstrual sanitation as they have to change frequently and wash hands with soap to prevent infection. Menstruation is a critical time for girls to have access to clean and safe toilets for their comfort.
Join our WhatsApp Channel now!
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbBElzjInlqHhl1aTU27
