Editorial
A call for safer roads: combating accidents in ghana
A state of a deplorable road in ghana
Dear Editor,
Ghana, known for its vibrant culture, rich history, and warm hospitality, is facing a pressing issue that threatens the well-being of its citizens and visitors alike. With a steady rise in accidents across the country, urgent action is needed to address the root causes and implement comprehensive measures to ensure safer roads for all.
Over the past few years, Ghana has witnessed a disturbing trend of increasing accident rates. From bustling urban centres to remote rural areas, the impact of these accidents has been devastating, resulting in a significant loss of lives, injuries, and economic repercussions.
One of the primary contributors to this alarming situation is the lack of road safety awareness and adherence to traffic regulations. Ghana’s roads often witness reckless driving behaviours, including over-speeding, disregard for traffic signals, and poor vehicle maintenance. Such disregard for road safety not only endangers the lives of drivers and passengers but also poses a grave risk to pedestrians and cyclists.
Furthermore, inadequate infrastructure and road maintenance play a significant role in exacerbating the accident rates. Potholes, improper signage, poorly lit roads, and inadequate pedestrian crossings are all contributing factors that need to be addressed urgently. These road conditions not only increase the chances of accidents but also hinder emergency response efforts.
The consequences of these accidents go beyond the immediate loss of lives and injuries. Families are shattered, communities are left mourning, and the economy suffers due to increased healthcare costs and productivity loss. It is crucial to recognise that road safety is not just a transportation issue but a matter of public health and overall societal well-being.
However, amidst this disheartening scenario, Ghana is taking proactive steps to combat the growing menace of accidents. The government, in collaboration with relevant stakeholders, is initiating campaigns to raise awareness about road safety and the importance of responsible driving. Educational programmes targeting schools, communities, and drivers are being launched to promote a culture of safety and responsibility.
Moreover, there is a renewed focus on strengthening traffic enforcement mechanisms. The Ghana Police Service, in collaboration with transport authorities, is cracking down on traffic offenders and implementing stricter penalties for violations. This increased enforcement aims to send a strong message that reckless driving will not be tolerated, and those who endanger lives will face legal consequences.
The government is investing in infrastructure development to enhance road safety. Initiatives are underway to improve road conditions, expand pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, and introduce intelligent transportation systems to manage traffic flow efficiently. These efforts reflect a commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of all road users.
As citizens, it is our collective responsibility to advocate for change and actively participate in creating safer roads. We must prioritise adherence to traffic regulations, report hazardous road conditions, and support initiatives that promote road safety education and awareness.
DAMOAH ADJOA MONICA (Student of Unimac-Gij)
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
