Editorial
Check worn-out billboards
Dear Editor,
The destruction caused by the strong winds that accompanied last week’s rain should make us sit up and prepare as the rainy season approaches.
At the A&C Mall in Accra, a canopy which was supposed to provide cover for vehicles collapsed and damaged a number of vehicles.
At the SSNIT Car Park near Awudome Cemetery, a similar canopy collapsed but not so sure about the number of vehicles underneath.
Apart from the canopies which also provides shelter for people running away from the rains, there were also the issue about huge trees and billboards that went down.
With no report about injuries or death to people, we can only be thankful to God but it does not mean we should sit idle.
What happened should be signals of what to expect during the rainy season. The authorities must hit the streets and prune some of the overgrown trees and also check the gigantic rusty billboards that hang dangerously.
Some of them are not strong enough and could cave in under the least pressure and hurt people. It could also kill.
We must not wait for any disaster to happen before we act. The time to act is now. Let’s clear the city of all the structures that hang as threats.
Jed Laryea,
East Legon
www.spectator.com.gh
Your Weekend Companio
Dear Editor,
It is often said that a healthy nation is a wealthy nation. However, this saying becomes worrying when the health of citizens is threatened by the conditions under which the food they consume daily is sold.
In Ghana, the conditions under which food is sold is quite disturbing. Over the years, I have observed that the environments where food is prepared and sold are often unhygienic.
In many cases, containers holding food such as rice and waakye are left uncovered or not properly covered, exposing them to contamination.
While many Ghanaians paid little attention in the past to the conditions under which food was sold, the narrative seems to be changing in recent years.
I recall an incident during my days in Senior High School (S.H.S.) when my friends and I went out to buy food. At one location, some of us chose not to buy because we assumed the food would be expensive due to how neat the place looked.
Unfortunately, we ended up purchasing food from a different place that was somewhat unhygienic. We overlooked the poor conditions because we believed the quantity offered was better than at the cleaner location.
However, I am certain that my friends and I would not repeat such a mistake today, as we now understand the health implications of that decision.
While public education is important in addressing this issue, I believe it is time for regulatory and law enforcement agencies, such as the Food and Drug Authority (FDA), to crack the whip on food sellers and vendors who operate in unhygienic environments and conditions.
As citizens, we must also be mindful of where we buy our food to protect ourselves and our families from diseases and illnesses. We should choose ‘quality’ over ‘quantity’ and prioritize our health.
From Syram
Oyarifa
Dear Editor,
I write to express concern and call for improved security measures before and after every football match.
The recent robbery attack that led to the tragic death of a player, on their return from a Match day 29 game against Samartex, is both shocking and heartbreaking.
The incident, which reportedly occurred around 10:30 p.m., highlights the growing risks faced by players and team officials while traveling.
Football is meant to unite and entertain, not to expose lives to danger. It is therefore imperative that authorities, the Ghana Football Association, and security agencies put in place adequate protection for teams, especially during late-night travels.
I strongly urge all stakeholders to treat this matter with urgency to prevent such unfortunate incidents from recurring.
From Eugene Ampiaw
Accra
