Editorial
Don’t force drivers to stop at unauthorised places
Dear Editor,
Drivers are mostly blamed for road crashes that are recorded in the country. They are mostly blamed for over-speeding, overtaking, and non-adherence to road traffic rules and regulations.
However, the attitude of some passengers also contribute to such incidents.
One of such attitudes that I have observed is the ‘pressure’ that passengers put on drivers to stop at unauthorised places because they think it is closer to their destination rather than where the authorised bus stop is located.
I recently had an argument with a passenger in a car. This passenger was virtually shouting on the driver to just stop at an unauthorised bus stop for him to alight.
When I asked this passenger why he was doing that, his response was that, “the authorised bus stop is two junctions away from my house.”
I found his response very funny and at the same time disturbing. I tried to let him know that what he wanted the driver to do was not the right thing, but he was not ready to listen.
Thankfully, the driver did not succumb to his demand and stopped at the authorised bus stop for him to alight.
I believe it is about time some passengers allow drivers to do the right things. That is the only way we can build the peaceful and disciplined society we all crave for.
Maame Esi, Dodowa
Dear Editor,
I have witnessed a very dangerous practice by some food vendors who use stones and other heavy objects as weights on leaking gas cylinders.
This is very disturbing. Despite repeated warnings from the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), many vendors continue to ignore the risks associated with such practices without considering the danger they pose to people nearby in the event of an explosion.
Many food vendors operate close to fuel filling stations, increasing the possibility of a major disaster if leaking gas ignites during heavy rainfall.
Ghana cannot afford another tragedy like the June 3 disaster, when torrential rains and a massive explosion at the GOIL fuel station near the Kwame Nkrumah Interchange claimed more than 150 lives.
It is unfortunate that some vendors still use unsafe and damaged gas cylinders instead of replacing them. Covering leaking cylinders with stones is not a solution and only exposes lives and property to danger.
On one occasion, I tried to educate a food vendor around my area who had used a stone to cover her gas cylinder on the danger of her action but ended up getting the insult of my life.
I would therefore like to appeal to all relevant stakeholders, especially the GNFS and other security agencies, to intensify public education and enforce safety regulations.
Authorities should ensure that vendors who engage in such dangerous practices stop immediately. Faulty gas cylinders should be seized, and users compelled to replace them with safer ones.
Taking these preventive measures will help protect lives and property and prevent the country from experiencing another avoidable tragedy similar to the June 3 disaster.
Timothy,
Abelenkpe
Dear Sir,
I write to express concerns about the flood situation in the capital anytime it rains.
This is an issue that has been thoroughly discussed at various platforms even before the start of the rains, so one expected that we can see some readiness for the season.
However, the kind of floods we are experiencing now are not ones that authorities must sit unconcerned about; there must be action right away.
Places like Adjirigano, Kaneshie, Alajo, Avenor, parts of Kasoa have all seen flood waters risen to unprecedented levels.
Clearly, we have a big problem at hand. It’s either our drains are choked or have become too small. Something must be done about this to avert a much bigger problem.
Christine Amoh,
Odorkor
