Editorial
Curb blasting menace in Nkukua-Buoho
Dear Editor,
Nkukua-Buoho, a village in the Afigya Kwabre South district of the Ashanti Region, is plagued with negative effects of blasting as a result of the operations of quarry sites in the area.
These companies use explosives with ammonium nitrate to get rid of steady rocks or big stones to create space for infrastructure development and also to make it easier for the tapping of natural resources.
These quarry operations affect the atmosphere. The deafening noise from the blasting makes life very difficult for the inhabitants in this area.
This is not healthy as the noise pollution can adversely impact the sense of hearing of the residents.
The residue of the explosives can also mix up with the soil and emit harmful gas, which when inhaled can result in cardiovascular infections, among others.
Structures in Buoho have succumbed to the harsh impulses from the blasting beneath the earth. The walls of buildings have developed deep cracks with a few buildings collapsing.
For fear of being trapped by a collapse building, residents whose structures have developed cracks have abandoned them to seek for shelter somewhere.
The situation has brought untold hardship on the people Nkukua-Buoho village.
Sadly, their cries to the authorities to intervene appear to have fallen on deaf ears.
It is our hope that through the publication of our plight, the authorities responsible for the activities of these quarry sites come to our aid or rescue by accessing the conditions here and take the appropriate measures to safeguard our lives and properties.
Alhassan Ramatu
Alhassanra651@gmail.com
University of Media, Arts and Communication-
Faculty Journalism
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
