Editorial
Conduct thorough checks on drivers of ride-hailing companies
Dear Editor,
Ordering a ride through a ride-hailing app has become a convenient part of modern life. However, for some passengers, what begins as an ordinary journey to their destination can quickly turn into a frightening fight for survival.
In recent times, concerns over the safety and security of passengers have grown, with some people sharing disturbing accounts of alleged attacks by drivers of ride-hailing companies such as Bolt and Yango.
One such incident was narrated to me by a lady who said she narrowly escaped what could have been a deadly encounter with a driver.
According to her, she booked a ride and was on her way to her destination when the driver suddenly cancelled the trip. The driver then stopped the car, got out, and asked her to step out of the vehicle.
She said that, to her shock, the driver pointed a gun at her and ordered her to get back into the car.
Realising the danger she acted quickly, as she banged the car door and began raising an alarm. Her reaction apparently startled the driver, who immediately got back into the car and drove away.
Thankfully, she escaped unharmed. But the incident raises serious questions about passenger safety and the measures being taken by ride-hailing companies to protect their customers.
I therefore urge ride-hailing companies to strengthen their driver-vetting procedures and work closely with the Ghana Police Service to identify, investigate, arrest, and prosecute drivers who may use their platforms to facilitate criminal activities.
Passenger safety should not be treated as an afterthought. People who entrust their lives to ride-hailing services deserve to have confidence that every reasonable measure has been taken to protect them.
I also appeal to the general public to remain cautious and vigilant when ordering rides, particularly late at night. Passengers should verify the driver’s details and vehicle before entering, share their trip information with trusted family members or friends, and avoid ignoring any situation that makes them feel unsafe.
Convenience should never come at the expense of security. Ride-hailing companies, law enforcement agencies, and passengers all have a role to play in making our roads safer.
From Akosua.
Dansoman
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
SKIP THE QUEUE, TAP THE NEWS
You can now read the Ghanaian Times and The Spectator newspapers from the comfort of your device via TimesNewsPlus.
Join our WhatsApp Channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbBElzjInlqHhl1aTU27
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
SKIP THE QUEUE, TAP THE NEWS
You can now read the Ghanaian Times and The Spectator newspapers from the comfort of your device via TimesNewsPlus.
Join our WhatsApp Channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbBElzjInlqHhl1aTU27
