Editorial
Be wary of lotto fraudsters
Dear Editor,
The National Lottery Authority (NLA) is doing all it can to deal with fraudsters that have ‘invaded’ the system but the charlatans continue to devise new methods every day.
I have so far blocked about three numbers from unknown persons on my WhatsApp who claim to be staff of the NLA.
One of them who contacted me via text recently explained he had “leaked lotto numbers” and he could help me “win big” if I am interested and went on asking me to pay a registration fee after which he would send to me the numbers to stake.
I must say that anybody who is not familiar with this trick may fall for it at the first instance, considering the convincing and ‘official style’ in which these people communicate. I have seen similar messages on other platforms with some people creating special groups that claim to have genuine lotto numbers.
There is another group of the ”lotto syndicate” which I do not have a problem with. These group only send random messages containing three lotto numbers and ask that people put a “big stake” on it. I am not bothered about this second group because anybody who chooses to stake the numbers do so at their own risk as they may or may not win.
Inasmuch as times are hard and winning lotto could be another means of income, I wish to encourage individuals to tread cautiously especially in dealing with faceless people posing as NLA Staff.
It is important to avoid any offer that sound too good to be true. Again, I urge the NLA to intensify public education and not relent on the effort of weeding out the crooks in the system.
Bless Akomea,
Achimota.
Dear Editor,
I wish to draw the attention of the relevant authorities to the poor state of the railway crossing area of the Neoplan Station, near Kwame Nkrumah Circle in Accra, which is increasingly disrupting the smooth flow of traffic.
The damaged section of the road has become a major inconvenience to motorists, as vehicles are forced to slow down considerably when approaching the crossing to avoid damaging their tyres, wheels and suspension systems.
This situation causes unnecessary delays, particularly during peak hours when traffic volumes are high.
The crossing is an important route for commuters and commercial drivers who use the Circle area to connect to other parts of the capital.
The deteriorating road surface therefore affects not only individual motorists but also the general movement of vehicles through this busy transport hub.
Beyond the inconvenience, the situation could increase the risk of minor accidents as drivers brake suddenly or attempt to manoeuvre around damaged portions of the road.
I respectfully appeal to the Department of Urban Roads, the Accra Metropolitan Assembly and other relevant agencies to inspect the affected section and undertake urgent repairs to restore the smooth movement of traffic.
Timely intervention will reduce delays, improve road safety and make commuting through the Circle area more convenient.
Yours faithfully,
Concerned Citizen
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Dear Editor,
I wish to draw the attention of the authorities and the general public to the increasing cost of hostel accommodation, particularly for students in tertiary institutions.
The high cost of hostels has become a serious challenge for many students and their parents.
In some areas, hostel fees have increased significantly, making it difficult for students from low- and middle-income families to secure decent accommodation.
Apart from the hostel fees, students also have to pay for transportation, food, learning materials and other academic needs.
The rising cost of accommodation therefore puts additional financial pressure on families and, in some cases, forces students to live in overcrowded or poorly maintained facilities.
I believe hostel owners and relevant authorities must work together to ensure that accommodation remains affordable while maintaining acceptable standards.
Tertiary institutions should also consider expanding student accommodation and encouraging affordable private hostel projects.
The government and local authorities could further support the development of low-cost student accommodation through appropriate policies and incentives.
I therefore appeal to the Ministry of Education, tertiary institutions and other stakeholders to treat the issue as a matter of urgency.
Affordable and decent accommodation is essential to creating a conducive environment for students to study and succeed.
This has in a way also empowered the private people in the accommodation sector to take undue advantage of the situation to charge exorbitant rates for their services.
Kwame Ampiaw,
Accra
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