Editorial
Apromase fire and other matters
● Many structures were destroyed at Sofoline recently
Dear Editor,
I have been trying to wrap my mind around the death of the policeman, his wife and three-month-old baby at Apromase in the Ashanti Region, but to no avail.
As I express my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, it beats my mind that there was no escape route for the family in the heat of the moment, if the media reports are anything to go by. We are told the victims were heard shouting for help but nobody could go to their rescue. How could that be?
We are told Police Intelligence and Ghana Fire Service had begun investigating the matter, and I would be glad if they conclude that quickly and reveal any foul play there might be in the incident.
Many a time I have read news of this nature, and this incident at Apromase was happening almost a year after a similar incident at Gomoa Buduburam, in the Central Region, where a family of seven got burnt on January, 15, 2022.
I am not privy to the outcome of investigation into the Buduburam incident but I think the police would do well, this time, to tell us what happened to this young policeman and his family, beyond what we have read in the newspapers.
I want to encourage the public to be alert when it comes to fire outbreaks. It is sad the ‘security systems’ we put in place to prevent burglary turnout to be our ‘nemesis’ in the event of fire outbreak.
Fire officers often advise that buildings or rooms should have at least two exits but many of our rented apartments are such that there is only one entrance or escape route. We need to improve on this and possibly install effective but less expensive fire alarms in our homes.
Prior to the Apromase incident, there had been other fire outbreaks early this year. These include the one at Sofoline which razed down three carpentry shops and a pepper mill and another outbreak at a compound house at Fante New Town all in the Ashanti Region.
The year is still young and we need to be more alert and take fire precautions seriously.
Yunusah Essandoh,
Achimota-Accra.
Dear Editor,
The recent flooding in various parts of Accra has once again exposed the city’s long-standing drainage and sanitation challenges.
Heavy rains over the past weeks have submerged homes, stranded motorists, destroyed properties and displaced several residents in communities such as Alajo, Mallam, Kaneshie, Dansoman and other flood-prone areas.
Reports also indicate that the spillage of the Weija Dam has worsened the situation for some downstream communities.
It is worrying that flooding has become an annual occurrence despite repeated promises by authorities to address the problem.
Many drains remain choked with refuse, waterways are obstructed by illegal structures, and poor planning continues to increase the vulnerability of residents.
The consequences are not only economic but also pose serious risks to human lives and public health.
While government agencies and NADMO have activated emergency response measures, prevention must receive equal attention.
Citizens must stop dumping waste into gutters, while city authorities must intensify desilting exercises, enforce building regulations and ensure that drainage systems are properly maintained.
Accra deserves a lasting solution to this recurring disaster. The time has come for all stakeholders government, local assemblies and residents to work together to make the capital safer and more resilient during the rainy season.
Samuel Tetteh,
Accra.
Dear Editor
I write with deep concern about the steady decline and near-collapse of our once-promising movie industry.
Not long ago, Ghana’s film sector was vibrant, producing movies that entertained, educated, and projected our culture across Africa and beyond.
Today, however, the industry appears to be struggling for survival.
Many talented actors, directors, and producers are leaving the scene due to lack of funding, poor distribution channels, and minimal government support.
Piracy continues to rob filmmakers of their rightful earnings, while investors show little confidence in the sector because returns are uncertain.
As a result, production quality has dropped significantly, and audiences are gradually turning to foreign content.
Another major challenge is the absence of modern equipment and well-equipped studios. In addition, the lack of structured training institutions for film production and acting has affected professionalism in the industry.
Social media content creators have now replaced traditional filmmakers, but without proper coordination, this cannot fully sustain a national film industry.
If urgent steps are not taken, Ghana risks losing an important cultural and economic asset. I therefore appeal to the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, private investors, and stakeholders to collaborate in reviving the industry through funding support, strict anti-piracy measures, and the establishment of modern film production hubs.
Our stories matter, and our industry must not be allowed to die.
Jane Addai,
Accra
