Editorial
Attitudinal change, tough measures can help control filth
A walk or drive through the streets of Accra and other cities would expose one to the state of filth that has engulfed our country.
Over the years we have not been able to properly tackle this menace due to lack of behavioural change, increasing rate of urbanisation, indiscriminate dumping of plastics, among other factors.
But the remedy to poor sanitation cannot rest on the shoulders of one person, department, or organisation. The onus lies on us the citizenry since we are all part of the ‘mess’.
My worry, however, is that there’s little or no sense of civic responsibility on the part of citizens when it comes to proper sanitation. We continue to generate waste and recklessly dispose waste in our various communities.
We litter our surroundings, cut down trees, burn rubbish and anything around us haphazardly. In spite of warnings, some residents continue to build on water ways while others turn open drains into dumping grounds.
Our country continues to face a lot of infrastructure and political challenges but these challenges would linger on if we do not maintain clean and healthy environment.
While I believe we must reinforce the message on attitudinal change, sanitation courts should continue to impose hefty fines on persons who breach sanitation regulations.
The weekly and monthly environment clean up should be reactivated and government must as well put words to action when it comes to banning “harmful” plastics. These and other workable measures, I believe, would go a long way to help control filth in our country.
Matilda Opoku Boabeng,
Student, Ghana Institute of Journalism
Dear Editor,
The performance of the Black Stars of Ghana has plunged the entire nation into a joyful mood.
Very few people gave the team any chance at the World Cup but with the little they have shown, Ghanaians have shown massive support.
All the two matches they have played with England and Panama have been characterized by unending joy after the games.
Apart from the team’s performance, the theme song by Ghana’s ace musician, Kofi Kinata have taken the celebration to a new dimension.
The song resonates through every corner both match and non-match days. And when they are played through the large speakers, it gets both young and old dancing their hearts out.
This is a mood I wish Ghanaians would sustain for a long time to keep the unity and friendship among us. Within this period, politics have been relegated to the background and football dominating the discussion. This is what football can do, let’s keep it growing. For the Black Stars, we say ‘Ayekoo.’
Mawuli Quaye,
Accra
Dear Editor,
I have, over time, observed the growing practice of drying washed clothes on the pavements of some principal streets in Accra, as well as on the grassy medians of major roads.
This practice is often carried out by individuals who have made these public spaces their place of abode.
As a country that seeks to maintain a clean, orderly, and beautiful environment, I believe it is time for the government, through the relevant local authorities, to address this issue.
The use of pavements and road medians for drying clothes undermines efforts to promote cleanliness and urban beautification.
Furthermore, this situation could negatively affect Ghana’s tourism industry. Tourists who visit our country do not only come to see historical landmarks and tourist attractions; they also pay attention to the cleanliness, organization, and general appearance of our streets and public spaces.
The sight of clothes hanging on pavements and road medians creates an impression that is inconsistent with the image of a modern and welcoming city.
Equally disturbing is the practice of bathing children on road medians and street pavements. Apart from raising concerns about public hygiene and safety, such activities diminish the dignity and proper use of these public spaces.
As a concerned citizen, I believe that if we are truly committed to keeping our cities clean, attractive, and conducive to tourism and investment, then we must take decisive action.
Local authorities should enforce existing bylaws and regulations governing the use of public spaces and implement measures to prevent such practices.
By doing so, we can preserve the beauty of our cities and project a positive image of Ghana to both residents and visitors alike.
Kojo K,
Madina
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