Editorial
Footbridges not market!
Dear Editor,
We all have to engage in one activity or the other in order to make ends meet but I am surprised how some people in Accra want to turn every available space into a market, including newly constructed footbridges.
My recent observation is the Madina Footbridge, specifically the new one close to the Redco junction and a few others in the area and beyond.
A walk on the bridge should have taken less than five minutes but I did it in about 10 minutes, when I decided to use it recently. I was dazed by the uncountable number of traders who had occupied the space, making it difficult for me and other users to find our way through.
Conscious of the misconduct, I noticed them running in opposite directions anytime a false alarm was raised about a Municipal Guard approaching. Variety of food items, vegetables, clothing, among others were displayed along the walkway.
Returning to the Shiashie footbridge also, I spotted other people selling sandals and dresses although their activity was not as busy as what I saw at Madina.
Similar activities were also springing up on the Spanner footbridge close to the Accra Mall. Majority of the people who occupy these spaces are petty traders and I believe they hang around the area to get “something small” from pedestrians at random.
Inasmuch as they must survive, I wonder how long we must allow them to turn these places into mini markets before we act. I wish to remind authorities that, footbridges especially newly constructed ones must be made to serve its intended purpose before these traders take over completely.
Philip Kumi,
Achimota.
Dear Editor,
THE Ghana Education Service (GES) has announced that most Senior High Schools (SHSs) will return to the single-track system by this month.
For many students and parents, this feels like a relief. But before we move on, we must take a moment to reflect.
The double-track system helped thousands of students get into schools. It gave hope to families who couldn’t afford private education. But it also came with challenges.
Some students had shorter terms, others had longer breaks. Teachers were stretched, and learning felt rushed. Many students felt left behind not because they didn’t try, but because the system didn’t give them enough time.
Now that we’re returning to single-track, let’s make sure we don’t repeat the mistakes of the past. We need more classrooms, better planning, and support for teachers.
Education is not just about getting into school. It’s about feeling safe and supported. Let’s build a system that gives every child a real chance.
Beatrice Princess Kpeglah,
Dansoman
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Dear Editor
As it is critical for preserving our surroundings, there is the urgent need for increased awareness and action to protect Ghana’s environment and resources.
Ghana’s forest reserves, vast savannas and scenic coastlines serve as homes and habitats to a wide range of flora and fauna, including several endangered species.
Our vegetation and rich soil deposits provide the nation with food, plants and animal resources, which ensures food availability and accessibility for the population.
However, the country’s environment is facing numerous threats including deforestation, overexploitation, pollution, etc.
The importance of environmental conservation cannot be overstated; our natural resources are the backbone of our economy, playing a vital role in driving the country’s economic growth and development.
It is therefore critical that we take actions to protect them for our future generations.
There is the need for collective action to address environmental challenges and promote sustainable development.
Environmentalists, various organizations and private individuals must come on board to promote environmental conservation, through tree planting exercises, clean-up campaigns, and resource conservation practices.
These efforts, when carried out effectively, would create a long-lasting impact in protecting and conserving the country’s environment.
The Ghanaian government should also implement policies and conduct regular programmes aimed at promoting environmental conservation.
By Theresa Tsetse Dzifa,
Bubiashie
