Editorial
An obvious, lurking danger
A worker cutting a fallen tree to allow traffic to flow
Dear Editor,
Please permit me space in your popular newspaper to bring to the attention of authorities, especially the Department of Parks and Gardens (DPG) as well as the Advertising Association of Ghana (AAG) on last week’s storm that hit part of Accra.
At the Cantonment area, a huge tree fell and caused massive destruction to property.
Gladly, there was no life lost and it enjoyed massive media coverage as personnel of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) moved in to cut the huge branches that destroyed vehicles and motorbikes.
There were other places that witnessed similar incident that had little impact but instead of ignoring them, it would be appropriate for the above mentioned authorities to put in place mechanism to avoid such dangers as the rains set in.
At the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) area, there were a few broken trees as a result of the storm.
A few advertising boards were also sited scattered around.
These are signs of what could befall us when it rains heavily accompanied with storm.
Driving around town, one can see a number of these huge trees that also look dry; they are the ones that pose the threat. It is time the DPG take a second look at them.
They should either consider pruning or cut them entirely and plant new ones to replace them. Personally, that would guarantee the safety of unfortunate ones that are caught outside by the rains so that rushing to take shelter do not turn disastrous.
Mike Prempeh,
Accra
Dear Editor,
THE media landscape has been dominated recently by concerns about the way plantain chips are prepared for consumption.
Plantain chips have become a popular snack for Ghanaians and they are patronised by both young and old, although it is very common with the younger generation.
For those that are making a life out of it therefore, one expects them to go about its preparation hygienically, having best practices and standards in mind.
It becomes disturbing therefore if recent claims that those who prepare it for sale use unorthodox ways like the alleged use of polythene or rubber to make it crispier.
A lot of vendors have come out forcefully to reject those allegations but, like the popular saying goes, “there is no smoke without fire.”
As a regular consumer, I don’t think those that made the allegation said it out of nothing. Personally, I have interacted with a number of people, some of who confirmed that it was done.
I would therefore support the intended investigation to be carried out by the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) to make sure only good and healthy plantain chips remain on the market.
Naa Koshie, Achimota
Dear Editor,
I WISH to use your respected platform to congratulate my Muslim brothers and sisters for beautifully observing the period of Ramadan, which is a sacred observation in Islam.
The truth is that it is not a period people must take lightly because of its spiritual implication.
And staying away from food and other desires of the flesh for a month is no child’s play and is therefore important to congratulate each other for a yeoman’s job done.
It is sad that sometimes the behaviour of our brothers tends to cast dents on the celebration with the behaviour they put up during the celebration; riding motorbikes and driving recklessly sometimes.
This has gone on for years as the youth pays no heed to advice to desist from them and, in the process, recording a few fatalities.
It, however, appears the menace has reduced in the past few years with our brothers and sisters choosing to celebrate in moderation. That is the best thing to do so that their actions would not bring untold hardships to family and friends in situations of injuries.
The focus should rather be on the essence of the celebration; giving a lending hand to the poor and vulnerable in society.
As our brothers conclude another period of fasting, all I ask from Allah is to bless them and answer the various prayers that have been said.
For those that couldn’t observe the period through certain circumstances, may Allah strengthen them and enable them to be part of the next session.
Alex, Maamobi
