Editorial
Enforce law on age requirement for commercial drivers
Dear Editor,
Over the past few months, the ages of some drivers of commercial vehicles continue to baffle me.
This is common during weekends when one boards any of the commercial vehicles – be it trotros and okada.
I remember, I boarded a taxi from the Accra Central area towards the Kwame Nkrumah Circle area. When I sat in the vehicle, I realised the driver was a young boy. Specifically, he said he was 18.
I know our laws do not permit youth under the age of 21 to be driving; that is clearly against Ghana’s Road Traffic laws for operating commercial vehicles.
Some commuters have even had confrontations with station masters over the issue and have refused to board vehicles driven by underage individuals, despite the risk of arriving late for work.
This situation is deeply disturbing because it puts the lives of passengers and other road users at risk.
No matter how skilled such drivers may be, allowing underage persons to operate commercial vehicles is wrong and unlawful. Laws governing road safety are meant to protect lives, and ignoring them only increases the chances of accidents and loss of lives.
I therefore urge the relevant authorities, especially the National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) and the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority, to strictly enforce the age requirements for commercial driving in the country.
Baba
Labadi
Dear Editor,
The recent flooding in various parts of Accra has once again exposed the city’s long-standing drainage and sanitation challenges.
Heavy rains over the past weeks have submerged homes, stranded motorists, destroyed properties and displaced several residents in communities such as Alajo, Mallam, Kaneshie, Dansoman and other flood-prone areas.
Reports also indicate that the spillage of the Weija Dam has worsened the situation for some downstream communities.
It is worrying that flooding has become an annual occurrence despite repeated promises by authorities to address the problem.
Many drains remain choked with refuse, waterways are obstructed by illegal structures, and poor planning continues to increase the vulnerability of residents.
The consequences are not only economic but also pose serious risks to human lives and public health.
While government agencies and NADMO have activated emergency response measures, prevention must receive equal attention.
Citizens must stop dumping waste into gutters, while city authorities must intensify desilting exercises, enforce building regulations and ensure that drainage systems are properly maintained.
Accra deserves a lasting solution to this recurring disaster. The time has come for all stakeholders government, local assemblies and residents to work together to make the capital safer and more resilient during the rainy season.
Samuel Tetteh,
Accra.
Dear Editor
I write with deep concern about the steady decline and near-collapse of our once-promising movie industry.
Not long ago, Ghana’s film sector was vibrant, producing movies that entertained, educated, and projected our culture across Africa and beyond.
Today, however, the industry appears to be struggling for survival.
Many talented actors, directors, and producers are leaving the scene due to lack of funding, poor distribution channels, and minimal government support.
Piracy continues to rob filmmakers of their rightful earnings, while investors show little confidence in the sector because returns are uncertain.
As a result, production quality has dropped significantly, and audiences are gradually turning to foreign content.
Another major challenge is the absence of modern equipment and well-equipped studios. In addition, the lack of structured training institutions for film production and acting has affected professionalism in the industry.
Social media content creators have now replaced traditional filmmakers, but without proper coordination, this cannot fully sustain a national film industry.
If urgent steps are not taken, Ghana risks losing an important cultural and economic asset. I therefore appeal to the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, private investors, and stakeholders to collaborate in reviving the industry through funding support, strict anti-piracy measures, and the establishment of modern film production hubs.
Our stories matter, and our industry must not be allowed to die.
Jane Addai,
Accra
