Editorial
Fix faulty traffic lights
Dear Editor,
Every aspect of our lives is guided by principles, and the road is no exception. Road signs and traffic lights guide users on what to do and how to use the road.
On our road, traffic lights are important factors. The red, amber, and green lights aid in traveling safely on the road, reducing collisions and the potential loss of lives.
Traffic lights are usually seen at vantage routes, intersections and pedestrian crossings. Cruising along numerous roads in Ghana, you may see that some traffic lights are either completely off or blinking in amber.
Most of the time, the police stand close to the traffic lights and regulate traffic. The police do a decent job of controlling traffic, but occasionally they only do so where the traffic lights are functioning, leaving passengers and pedestrians to use the road as they please when the lights are out.
The issue of faulty traffic lights has been an issue that is yet to be solved in the country as it looks like it has been unnoticed for a long time.
Traffic lights should be checked and fixed in order to regulate traffic and help save lives.
Josephine Ntreh Nyorkor.
Student, Ghana Institute of Journalism (GIJ).
Editorial
Employ pros at local government level to address sanitation issues
Dear Editor,
In a car on my way to work on Tuesday, I listened to an interview on sanitation on a radio station which a local government expert said that most of the people that handled waste management issues at the Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies, were not waste management professionals but health professionals.
According to the speaker, this has contributed to the failure to address the sanitation problems, especially at the local level.
These health professionals who have been tasked to oversee waste management are only occupied with the health related dangers but have no clue on the issues at hand.
I felt very sad and found it disturbing as to why people without professional training in waste management is given responsibilities in a field alien to him.
Waste management involves a lot of processes, including segmentation of waste products as well as recycling.
Employers must know that waste management professionals at the local level was important as it helps making decisions ton how to combat it.
This is not a problem at the local government level alone. It is something across the various sectors.
Maybe this is the time for us as a country to start recruiting qualified professionals to occupy their respective fields to bring their competence to the table to solve whatever problem persist.
It is clearly a case of putting ‘square pegs in round holes.’ I believe it is about time we change that narrative and employ professionals who are qualified to find solutions to our waste management conundrum.
Baba Hafiz, Kasoa
Editorial
Concern over mentally ill persons roaming Kwame Nkrumah Circle Interchange
Dear Sir
I write to express my concern over the growing number of mentally ill individuals roaming the Kwame Nkrumah Circle Interchange in Accra.
This area, a vital transportation hub and commercial centre, has increasingly become home to several persons visibly suffering from mental health issues, often without adequate care or supervision.
This situation poses risks both to the affected individuals and the general public. Some of these individuals are exposed to traffic hazards, unsanitary conditions, and in some cases, hostile treatment from passersby.
There have also been reports of occasional erratic behaviour, which causes fear and discomfort among commuters and vendors.
Mental health is a public health issue, and these individuals deserve compassion, medical attention, and a safe environment.
I urge the Ministry of Health, the Accra Metropolitan Assembly, and relevant NGOs to collaborate on a sustainable solution including mental health outreach programmes, rehabilitation, and safe housing.
Kwame Nkrumah Circle should be a symbol of progress, not a place where the vulnerable are left to struggle. Let us act with urgency and humanity.
From John Boateng
Kwame Nkrumah Circle
