Editorial
Don’t leave toll workers hanging
Dear Editor,
When the Government suspended the collection of road tolls in November 2021, I wrote to question the fate of the toll collectors, some of whom are physically challenged persons.
They had complained that life was getting tougher following the closure and called on the government to find alternative means of livelihood but it appears assurances given are yet to materialise almost a year after the closure.
The Deputy Minister for Employment and Labour Relations, Bright Wireko-Brobbey had explained recently in Parliament that although the workers currently do not have jobs, their salaries were paid in full during the period of their contract.
I have heard there were steps to reassign some of the workers under a different employment modules but I guess those statements were only to calm the nerves of the unemployed workers.
Leadership of the workers union had argued that the new modules could have been developed before the directive to close down the toll booths was implemented and I cannot agree with them any less.
Inasmuch as I want the ministry to respond quickly to the demand of the former toll collectors, they must as well be cautious in giving the workers false hope.
If there are no alternative jobs, it should be indicated as such. However, if there is certainly an alternative source of employment for the workers, then the ministry must endeavour to deliver on its promise as soon as possible instead of keeping the workers ‘hanging.’
Nobert Mensah,
Aburi.
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
