Editorial
Bawku Conflict: Have we not had enough?
Dear Editor,
Every other day, we hear of curfew in Bawku but it appears everything returns to ground zero after these restrictions are imposed as one cannot predict when the next disturbance pop up.
Consistent efforts to bring peace to the area do not seem to yield any lasting results. Recent development in the area remain a cause for worry and I think it is time residents, opinion leaders, security agencies, and stakeholders came together to say ‘enough is enough.’
The recurring conflict has undermined social and economic development in the area. Feuding factions must be reminded of this reality and the need to drop their weapons.
Following the recent disturbance on February 1, 2023, a fact-finding mission had been deployed and were told investigations would be concluded in due time. Security experts admit there are many factors at play in the conflict, and that perhaps explains the unresolved nature of the conflict.
Whatever be the case, I believe we must do all it takes to bring lasting peace to area. We must not entertain individuals or groups who do not want the conflict to end, if there are any.
I am not a security expert but I guess we can resolve the worrying Bawku conflict, once and for all, by adopting the same strategy applied in ending and uniting the people Dagbon in the Northern Region subsequent to their protracted chieftaincy disputes.
Stakeholders can come up with a clear roadmap and timeline to ending the conflict if for for instance, we give ourselves up to the year 2025 to re-identify and tackle the entire root causes of the conflict so as to ensure lasting peace and sustainable development in Bawku.
The year is still young and residents within the enclave cannot continue to live in fear. Whatever needs to be done, should be done as quickly as possible.
Alice Konadu,Tafo-Kukurantumi
Editorial
Employ pros at local government level to address sanitation issues
Dear Editor,
In a car on my way to work on Tuesday, I listened to an interview on sanitation on a radio station which a local government expert said that most of the people that handled waste management issues at the Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies, were not waste management professionals but health professionals.
According to the speaker, this has contributed to the failure to address the sanitation problems, especially at the local level.
These health professionals who have been tasked to oversee waste management are only occupied with the health related dangers but have no clue on the issues at hand.
I felt very sad and found it disturbing as to why people without professional training in waste management is given responsibilities in a field alien to him.
Waste management involves a lot of processes, including segmentation of waste products as well as recycling.
Employers must know that waste management professionals at the local level was important as it helps making decisions ton how to combat it.
This is not a problem at the local government level alone. It is something across the various sectors.
Maybe this is the time for us as a country to start recruiting qualified professionals to occupy their respective fields to bring their competence to the table to solve whatever problem persist.
It is clearly a case of putting ‘square pegs in round holes.’ I believe it is about time we change that narrative and employ professionals who are qualified to find solutions to our waste management conundrum.
Baba Hafiz, Kasoa
Editorial
Concern over mentally ill persons roaming Kwame Nkrumah Circle Interchange
Dear Sir
I write to express my concern over the growing number of mentally ill individuals roaming the Kwame Nkrumah Circle Interchange in Accra.
This area, a vital transportation hub and commercial centre, has increasingly become home to several persons visibly suffering from mental health issues, often without adequate care or supervision.
This situation poses risks both to the affected individuals and the general public. Some of these individuals are exposed to traffic hazards, unsanitary conditions, and in some cases, hostile treatment from passersby.
There have also been reports of occasional erratic behaviour, which causes fear and discomfort among commuters and vendors.
Mental health is a public health issue, and these individuals deserve compassion, medical attention, and a safe environment.
I urge the Ministry of Health, the Accra Metropolitan Assembly, and relevant NGOs to collaborate on a sustainable solution including mental health outreach programmes, rehabilitation, and safe housing.
Kwame Nkrumah Circle should be a symbol of progress, not a place where the vulnerable are left to struggle. Let us act with urgency and humanity.
From John Boateng
Kwame Nkrumah Circle
