Editorial
Extend surveillance to highways beyond Accra
Dear Editor,
I have observed recently how the Ghana Police Service is using surveillance cameras in the city to arrest drivers who commit various road traffic offences.
The facilities and technology deployed at the monitoring centres allow officers to zoom in on specific locations to pick registration numbers of vehicles and subsequently follow to invite or possibly prosecute drivers for misconduct.
In the past weeks, I have seen footages the police have released and I wish to commend them for the initiative. I am, however, concerned that most of the videos seem to capture only offending drivers in Accra.
On a recent trip outside Accra, I spotted a number of reckless driving on some highways, including wrongful overtaking, drivers making illegal u-turns and vehicles parked on the shoulders of the road without advance warning triangles.
This phenomenon is common on the Accra-Nsawam road and beyond but I am yet to see a surveillance video from these areas.
If it is the case that the monitoring centre does not operate beyond Accra, then the police should start taking steps to mount cameras along major highways also.
Apart from the capital cities, there is enough evidence that a lot most breaches occur along major highways causing tragic accidents.
I believe the presence of surveillance cameras along highways in addition to increased road safety education would make drivers more cautious and help reduce fatalities on our roads.
Philip Ntem Sarpong,
Osino.
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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