Editorial
Enough of the destruction!
Dear Editor,
About a month ago, I wrote about the rift between the Electricity Company of Ghana and residents of Somanya in the Yilo Krobo District and asked the parties involved to resolve their differences amicably.
But just when I thought the tension was easing, I read the news report about how some residents have decided to vent their spleen on electric poles belonging to the service provider.
This development is unfortunate and makes some of us wonder whether, indeed, the people are listening to the plea by management of the company and that of their own traditional authority.
We are told the area has been without electricity, since July 27, 2022, due to the decision of the ECG to cut power to the area following actions by a section of the people not to allow the company to replace their postpaid meters with prepaid ones.
However, the chiefs and the people of the District recently appealed to the ECG to restore power supply to the area to enable residents to go about economic activities but I ask how power can be restored when “faceless” persons go about cutting down the same poles that are supposed to supply power to the area.
I wish to state that citizens cannot continue to take the law into their own hands, no matter the level of their grievances. We are told some of the poles have been replaced but that will certainly come at a cost to the service provider.
If these unfortunate incidents continue to happen, I fear the chiefs and people of the area would have a lot to do in order to restore their waning reputation. I think the residents have expressed their anger well enough and it is time the lawlessness was stopped as the matter is being resolved.
Frank Gyamfi,
Taifa, Accra.
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
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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
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