Editorial
Fix roads leading to tourist sites
The tourism industry has the potential to develop, therefore maintaining the roads that lead to tourist sites is essential to drawing both domestic and foreign visitors.
Unfortunately, several of the roads leading to popular tourist destinations are in poor condition, which deters tourists from going there and ultimately affects the nation’s ability to generate income for economic growth.
The route that leads to the Kwahu Paragliding facility in the Eastern region is one area that needs improvement.
In view of that, the Kwahu Traditional Council (KTC) has urged the government through the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) to expedite action on the construction of roads leading to the Kwahu Paragliding sites and other tourist sites.
The Council claims that since 2005, the roads have been in appalling condition and that the reconstruction efforts that were initiated have not yet been completed.
These sentiments were raised at a media launch of the 2024 edition of the Kwahu Easter Paragliding festival to commemorate the Easter celebration from March 29.
The Kwahu Easter Paragliding Festival was being badly impacted by the situation, according to the Council, since many tourists were being discouraged from attending the event.
The chiefs contend that if the issue is not resolved, it may cause attendees to become less interested in the festival, particularly those from the diaspora, and negatively impact revenue generation.
The Spectator agrees with Kwahu Abene’s Krontihene, Nana Simpeh Owiredu II, who expressed to the media how long overdue it was to rebuild the road that leads to the paragliding locations.
The poor state of the road hindered the festival’s celebration, according to Deputy Chief Executive Officer (CEO) in charge of Operations (GTA), Mr. Ekow Sampson. As a result, government work to improve the road was initiated in order to guarantee convenient tourist transportation.
We join the Krontihene in pleading with the GTA to expeditiously complete construction in order to guarantee seamless transportation to the locations. Additionally, we request that the GTA not overlook other relevant amenities in favour of the paragliding event.
Since the festival’s founding in 2005, it has already had a positive effect on raising awareness, developing infrastructure, and creating jobs.
If the authorities took decisive action to resolve this issue more people would be encouraged to attend the event and the nation would earn more money.
Dear Editor,
I wish to draw the attention of the relevant authorities to the deplorable state of the road from McCarthy Hill Junction to Mallam Junction, where the deteriorating road surface is contributing to heavy traffic congestion and making commuting increasingly difficult for motorists.
The affected stretch is an important section of the Accra–Kasoa Highway, used daily by thousands of commuters, commercial drivers, private motorists and other road users travelling between Kasoa and Accra. However, the poor condition of portions of the road forces drivers to reduce their speed significantly, creating long queues, particularly during peak hours.
The situation is frustrating for commuters who already spend considerable time travelling between their homes and workplaces. Commercial drivers also lose valuable working hours, while passengers experience unnecessary delays that affect their daily schedules.
What should ordinarily be a relatively smooth journey often becomes a prolonged struggle as vehicles approach damaged sections of the road. The resulting slow movement disrupts traffic flow and contributes to congestion along an already busy corridor.
The situation also raises concerns about road safety. Drivers attempting to avoid potholes and other damaged portions may make sudden manoeuvres, potentially increasing the risk of collisions. Continued use of the affected sections could also lead to damage to vehicle tyres, suspension systems and other components, imposing additional costs on motorists.
While traffic congestion along the Accra–Kasoa corridor may have several causes, the condition of the road between McCarthy Hill Junction and Mallam Junction is an issue that requires urgent attention.
I therefore appeal to the Department of Urban Roads, the Ministry of Roads and Highways and other relevant authorities to inspect the affected stretch and undertake the necessary repairs without further delay.
Improving the road surface would help vehicles move more smoothly, reduce avoidable congestion and improve the safety and convenience of commuters.
The authorities must act promptly to prevent the situation from worsening and provide relief to the thousands of road users who depend on this route every day.
Yours faithfully,
Concerned Citizen
SKIP THE QUEUE, TAP THE NEWS
You can now read the Ghanaian Times and The Spectator newspapers from the comfort of your device via TimesNewsPlus.
Join our WhatsApp Channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbBElzjInlqHhl1aTU27
A critical viewpoint on the function of Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs) in guaranteeing child safety and upholding discipline in Ghanaian schools is highlighted in the statement made by Dr. Freda Prempeh, the former Deputy Minister of Gender, Children, and Social Protection.
According to the supporters of this viewpoint active PTA participation bridges the gap between parents and school administrations and acts as a crucial oversight mechanism.
They strongly believe that parents may better monitor school environments, support guidance and counselling, and hold staff members accountable to the Ghana Education Service (GES) code of conduct when they are involved in the basic and second-cycle school activities.
When school administration functions without external supervision, sexual abuse, exploitation, and indiscipline may result. This transparency is thought to be a crucial deterrent.
However, some educational experts point out that although strong PTAs are helpful, more than just parental supervision is needed to prevent deeply rooted problems like sexual misconduct and moral degeneration.
This viewpoint emphasises that the main instruments required to punish perpetrators and discourage future abuse are institutional enforcement, thorough investigations, and strong legal prosecution by state authorities rather than only school-level committees.
Furthermore, detractors frequently point out that if educational rules do not clearly specify the boundaries of oversight, an excessive reliance on PTAs may cause conflict with school administration.
A strong judicial and administrative proceedings shield victims from ongoing pain and intimidation, discourage potential offenders, and stop wrongdoing from becoming the norm.
In order to maintain high enrollment and completion rates among female students in basic and senior high schools, there should be strict implementation of the GES code of conduct to reassure families that schools are safe places.
Although legal analysts and administrative specialists note that speed is crucial, it must be carefully balanced with thoroughness and due process because hurried investigations might result in procedural mistakes that could lead to unfair sanctions.
Therefore, a comprehensive solution necessitates proactive measures like mandatory background checks and professional ethics training for educators.
The Spectator stresses the need to end sexual exploitation in schools while highlighting the continuous debate over the most effective ways for institutions to provide both prompt justice and legally sound results.
SKIP THE QUEUE, TAP THE NEWS
You can now read the Ghanaian Times and The Spectator newspapers from the comfort of your device via TimesNewsPlus.
Join our WhatsApp Channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbBElzjInlqHhl1aTU27
