Editorial
Check streetlights on Prof Atta-Mills High Street
Please permit me to use your medium to draw attention to some pressing issue. I usually drive past the Professor Atta-Mills High Street and the Independence Square in Accra but never does it occur to me that this stretch of the road poses a great danger to users with 20 dysfunctional streetlights along the stretch.
While that part of the capital city is very busy during the day, with a number of people going about their daily businesses, it’s very surprising to note that the monumental stretch that was named after the late President John Evans Atta-Mills is a dangerous area to walk at night.
Institutions such as the Bank of Ghana, the Supreme Court, the Kwame Nkrumah Museum, the National Lottery Authority, and the Volta River Authority are lined up on the stretch.
In the evenings, it becomes very rare to see anyone walking in the area as it poses a great threat to human lives at that time.
Unlike during the day where a lot of people walk through the streets, in its place in the evenings, there are only the sounds of vehicles.
On one of my usual routines on Thursday, September 2, 2021, from work, as I drove past the High Street, I observed that drivers did not stop at the traffic lights between the Accra Sports Stadium and Independence Square at night due to the pitch darkness.
Also, on the Law Complex Road, I witnessed gross driving indiscipline displayed by drivers who plied that route at night as they did not obey the traffic light regulations.
The only lights functioning on the Atta-Mills high street is at the Black Star Square roundabout – the Independence Arc, and the lights atthe buildings of the institutions earlier stated.
It is very sad to note how the Prof Atta-Mills High street, which is a tourist attraction, and which sits in the heart of the capital, is gradually growing into one of the most dangerous areas to walk or travel on at night.
Government must work hard to resolve this looming danger before people are robbed of their valuables and lives are lost.
I think government can use the three per cent levy charged all consumers of electricity for street lighting (which generated GH¢273.9million of revenue in 2018 and 2019) to ensure that the entire country is properly lit up at night.
Joseph Adamafio,
Student Ghana Institute of Journalism
Dear Editor,
I WRITE to draw the attention of NADMO and other related agencies to the recent prediction by the Ghana Meteorological Agency to expect a lot of rains this year, especially in the Southern sector of the country.
GMet issued the forecast to provide an early warning to protect lives and property.
Interestingly, the Southern sector happens to be one of the many trouble spots in the country when the rains start.
It predicted the season to start in March and continue until July or August with above-normal rainfall along the eastern coast and nearby inland areas, including Accra, Tema, Cape Coast, Saltpond, Asamankese, Akim Oda, Koforidua, and Kade.
Knowing the problems faced as a country, concerns have been raised in certain quarters about the aftermath flooding problems in low-lying areas.
These concerns are well placed because flooding has become an annual ritual associated with the season.
My appeal goes to NADMO as well as the district and metropolitan assemblies. They are responsible for activities before and after the season.
As we prepare, they must spearhead the campaign to desilt the drainages in order for water to flow freely.
The citizenry must also show some sense of responsibility by desisting from throwing rubbish into gutters to block the free flow of water.
Noah Musa,
Adabraka
Dear Editor,
I WOULD like to express my views on why some people abuse leaders on social media platforms.
In recent times, social media has become a powerful tool for communication and expression. Unfortunately, many people misuse this freedom by insulting and abusing leaders instead of engaging in constructive criticism.
One major reason for this behaviour is frustration. When citizens feel ignored, unemployed, or affected by poor policies, they sometimes turn their anger toward leaders online.
Another reason is anonymity. Social media allows users to hide behind fake names and profiles, which gives them the confidence to say things they would not dare say in public. This lack of accountability encourages abusive language and disrespectful comments.
Ignorance and misinformation also play a role. Some people abuse leaders based on false news or rumours without verifying facts. This leads to unnecessary attacks that can damage reputations and create tension in society.
While leaders should be held accountable, abuse and insults do not solve problems. Too many people are finding social media platforms as homes to hide and churn out untruths that goes a long way to damage the image and credibility of the victims.
Constructive criticism, dialogue, and lawful channels are better ways to express dissatisfaction. Citizens must remember that respect is essential for national unity and development.
I hope this letter will encourage people to use social media responsibly and promote respectful communication.
Eugene Ampiaw,
Takoradi
