Editorial
Cocoa carriers diverse better
Dear Editor,
I wish to revisit the disturbing report about the wages/income of cocoa carriers, which came up early January this year.
The ‘loading boys’, as some are called in local parlance, had embarked on strike demanding an increase in their loading fee from 0.62Gp to GH¢ 1.00 per bag but their employers insisted 0.82Gp instead.
Their action resulted in bags of cocoa piled up at some collection points, causing the Cocoa Marketing Company (CMC) to rely briefly on the labour of prison inmates.
Although the boys returned to work after negotiations, I cannot fathom why young engaged on this field should be paid so low. It appears those in charge of this sector want us to believe that GH¢ 1.00 per a bag of cocoa beans is too much to ask for.
Even if the price per bag reaches GH¢ 1.00, it would imply that a carrier would to have to cart 1000 bags of cocoa beans in order to earn One Thousand Cedis (GH¢ 1000), if my table-top calculation is anything to go by. But considering the current 0.82 Gp rate, they may have to carry more than 1000 bags to earn any substantial amount.
This unfavourable condition, I believe, reflects of the sorry state of our economy and the poor living standards of many Ghanaian workers. It is, indeed, demoralising that a privileged few make themselves richer at the expense of ordinary employees who are paid paltry sums.
Cocoa carriers, diverse better and the government must have a second look at their situation. A bag of cocoa beans could weight about 64kg and carrying such load is no child’s play.
Frank Asare Donkor,
Ejuisu.
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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