News
A token spot fine, results in “magical” Compliance with COVID-19 protocols
A token spot fine of buying a packet of marker as punishment, has resulted in total compliance with COVID-19 protocols at the Koforidua Taxi Station.
Recalcitrant drivers and passengers who refuse to wear their nose masks at the Koforidua Taxi Branch Number One station are made to buy a packet of marker for use by the whole station . this serves as punishment to those who breach the safety protocols.
It has been working “magic” for the members of the taxi union.
A Driver who also refuses to ensure that a passenger in the taxi wears his or her nose masks, would buy additional packets of the marker.
The order instituted by the Chairman of the Station, Mr George Nana Kwodwo Boateng also known as cooli cooli, was to ensure that both drivers and passengers at the station wore the nose masks to avoid the contraction of COVID-19 .
In an exclusive interview with “The Spectator,” Mr Boateng stated that, there was the need to enforce such orders since some drivers had become recalcitrant in observing the COVID-19 protocols put in place to curb the spread of the virus.
He noted that the virus was real but, there was still the need to observe all protocols including wearing of the nose masks to prevent the spread.
“Wearing of the nose mask is compulsory in this country and for that reason the disciplinary team wants to ensure that all drivers and passengers comply with the directive.
“If you are a driver and you refuse to wear it,you should get ready to buy a packet of marker. Even if you the driver wear but you fail to ensure your passengers wear theirs, you will have to again buy packet of marker for each passenger who does not wear it.”
He revealed that the order coupled with sanctions had made a lot of the drivers to be very careful and vigilant in ensuring that they and their passengers wore the masks to help stop the spread of the virus.
“Most recalcitrant drivers at this taxi station are changing because of the this order,” he said, adding that drivers who failed to comply would have to leave the station to go and work somewhere else.
The Chairman of the Taxi Rank observed that there were some ladies who also came to the station in their lipstick and refused to wear the nose masks for fear it would clean their lipstick and make up.
“If we do not force them to obey the protocols and someone tests positive here, people will start stigmatising us and would not even want to patronise our services. By that we may lose our job,” he said.
From Ama Tekyiwaa Ampadu Agyeman, Koforidua
Local mattress manufacturers have raised serious concerns over the influx of substandard mattresses, warning that these products pose significant health risks to consumers and threaten the sustainability of Ghana’s mattress industry.
At a press briefing held in Kumasi on Tuesday, manufacturers accused unregistered foreign entities, particularly Chinese firms, of flooding the market with cheap mattresses made from polystyrene.
Mr Yaw Ampem Darko, a spokesperson for the local manufacturers, warned that prolonged use of substandard mattresses, especially those made with polystyrene, could result in chronic back pain, musculoskeletal disorders, poor posture, and diminished sleep quality.
These health implications, they stressed, were not always immediately evident but accumulate over time, especially among vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly.
This material, typically used for packaging, is considered unsuitable and unsafe for bedding.
According to industry leaders, these sub-standard products have been circulating for at least five years, gaining traction among unsuspecting consumers due to their unusually low prices.
“These mattresses are being sold at suspiciously low prices, luring unsuspecting consumers who are unaware of the health dangers.”
“We are not just protecting our businesses; we are protecting Ghanaian lives. The government must act swiftly to stem this tide before more citizens fall victim to these dangerous products,” Mr Yaw Ampem Darko stated.
The Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) has acknowledged the issue and, in response, announced a nationwide enforcement campaign aimed at clamping down on the production, distribution, and sale of substandard mattresses.
The campaign, which was scheduled to take effect from September 30, 2025, was empowered by the GSA Act, 2022 (Act 1078), which authorises the Authority to seize and seal non-compliant products and impose sanctions on offenders.
In a statement signed by the Director General of the GSA, Professor George Agyei, the authority cited Sections 29 and 43 of the Act, reiterating that all mattresses sold in Ghana must meet established national standards or face confiscation.
The statement further emphasised that mattresses failing to meet these standards not only compromise sleep quality but also contribute to long-term health complications, including spinal and neck pain.
Despite the GSA’s commitment, manufacturers have expressed frustration over delays in implementation and called for stronger enforcement mechanisms.
They urged the GSA to work in close collaboration with the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority and national law enforcement agencies to identify and prosecute violators of Ghana’s quality standards.
Manufacturers are also appealing to consumers to remain vigilant and prioritise their health by verifying that any mattress they purchase bears the GSA certification mark.
Moreover, they caution the public against purchasing suspiciously cheap mattresses that lack proper labelling or identifiable branding, as these were often indicators of substandard or counterfeit products.
As the official enforcement deadline had expired with no show, the local producers insisted that much more than business interests were at stake.
They argued that without swift and sustained action, the health and safety of Ghanaian consumers would continue to be compromised.
“Public awareness, strict enforcement, and collaboration among regulatory bodies are essential if we are to protect the integrity of the local industry and the wellbeing of the Ghanaian people,” Mr Darko indicated.
From Kingsley E. Hope, Kumasi
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The Founder of the Raissa Child Protection Initiative, Ms Raissa Sambou, has urged authorities to impose severe punishment on individuals, including teachers and guardians, who sexually abuse young girls.
Speaking in an interview to mark this year’s International Day of the Girl Child (October 11), Ms Sambou condemned the increasing cases of sexual exploitation involving minors, describing such acts as “heartless, criminal, and a total betrayal of trust.”
She noted that those entrusted with the care and education of children must not be the same people who violate them, stressing that “anyone found guilty of abusing a girl child must face the full rigours of the law without leniency.”
The International Day of the Girl Child is observed annually to promote the rights of girls, empower them to reach their full potential, and draw attention to the challenges they face worldwide.
Ms Sambou lamented that poverty continues to push many young girls into vulnerable situations, exposing them to exploitation.
She expressed concern that some headmasters, teachers, and community members who should protect girls rather take advantage of them.
“This must stop immediately. The safety of every girl must never be compromised,” she said, urging the public to report all forms of abuse to the appropriate authorities and called for swift action by law enforcement agencies against perpetrators.
Addressing girls directly, Ms Sambou encouraged them to take their education seriously and to believe in their potential.
“It is possible to be young and responsible. Your future is bright, protect it, believe in it, and never let anyone dim your light,” she advised.
She further urged girls to choose their friends wisely, stay disciplined, and speak up if anyone makes sexual advances toward them.
Ms Sambou concluded with a rallying call for collective action, saying “speak up, protect them, and empower them. Together, we can end the sexual exploitation of girls.”
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
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