Editorial
Ashalaja roads in terrible state
Dear Editor
I am writing to bring attention to the bad roads in Ashalaja and its surrounding areas.
It has become a concern for residents and commuters alike.
The state of our roads does not only affects daily travel but also poses significant safety risks and hampers local economic activities.
Over the past few months, the condition of the roads has worsened considerably.
Potholes have become a common sight, making navigation difficult and dangerous, especially during the rainy season when water collects in these potholes that are gradually becoming ‘manholes.’
This has led to numerous accidents, with both vehicles and pedestrians suffering the consequences.
Many drivers are forced to swerve dangerously to avoid these hazards, putting themselves and others at risk.
Moreover, the poor road conditions have a direct impact on local businesses.
Delivery trucks struggle to reach their destinations, leading to delays and increased transportation costs.
This does not only affect the profitability of local enterprises but also limits the availability of goods and services for residents.
The economic effect is felt by all, particularly in a community that relies heavily on small businesses for its livelihood.
I urge the authorities to prioritise the repair of these roads to improve living conditions of people in Ashalaja and its environs.
Benedicta Gyimaah Folley,
Ashalaja
Dear Editor,
I have witnessed a very dangerous practice by some food vendors who use stones and other heavy objects as weights on leaking gas cylinders.
This is very disturbing. Despite repeated warnings from the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), many vendors continue to ignore the risks associated with such practices without considering the danger they pose to people nearby in the event of an explosion.
Many food vendors operate close to fuel filling stations, increasing the possibility of a major disaster if leaking gas ignites during heavy rainfall.
Ghana cannot afford another tragedy like the June 3 disaster, when torrential rains and a massive explosion at the GOIL fuel station near the Kwame Nkrumah Interchange claimed more than 150 lives.
It is unfortunate that some vendors still use unsafe and damaged gas cylinders instead of replacing them. Covering leaking cylinders with stones is not a solution and only exposes lives and property to danger.
On one occasion, I tried to educate a food vendor around my area who had used a stone to cover her gas cylinder on the danger of her action but ended up getting the insult of my life.
I would therefore like to appeal to all relevant stakeholders, especially the GNFS and other security agencies, to intensify public education and enforce safety regulations.
Authorities should ensure that vendors who engage in such dangerous practices stop immediately. Faulty gas cylinders should be seized, and users compelled to replace them with safer ones.
Taking these preventive measures will help protect lives and property and prevent the country from experiencing another avoidable tragedy similar to the June 3 disaster.
Timothy,
Abelenkpe
Dear Sir,
I write to express concerns about the flood situation in the capital anytime it rains.
This is an issue that has been thoroughly discussed at various platforms even before the start of the rains, so one expected that we can see some readiness for the season.
However, the kind of floods we are experiencing now are not ones that authorities must sit unconcerned about; there must be action right away.
Places like Adjirigano, Kaneshie, Alajo, Avenor, parts of Kasoa have all seen flood waters risen to unprecedented levels.
Clearly, we have a big problem at hand. It’s either our drains are choked or have become too small. Something must be done about this to avert a much bigger problem.
Christine Amoh,
Odorkor
