Editorial
GPRTU must stop this behaviour of commercial drivers
Dear Editor,
I write through your medium to draw the attention of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) about some anomalies in fares charged by some trotro drivers.
I have been a regular passenger that plies the Circle-Nsawam and Circle-Kasoa stretches and have been a victim of this practice by the drivers and their ‘mates.’
What happen is that because vehicles on these stretches are difficult to come by, the drivers and ‘mates’ resort to charging exorbitant fares, sometimes twice the approved ones before admitting passengers on board.
Passengers that insists on their rights are often left behind. Having been unsuccessful in stopping this trend, passengers appear to have given up unless one is ready to wait to the late hours of the evening.
This is a very difficult situation for passengers on these two routes and others. They are forced to pay far more than what they can.
The situation gets worse when it rains. This generates long queues at the various stations.
I hope that through this letter, the GPRTU will investigate this problem and identify the drivers and mates responsible and be sanctioned. When passengers complain, they either attribute it to the traffic situation or the bad nature of the roads.
The situation is not fair and the earlier the GPRTU acts upon this, the better it would be for the passengers to pay reasonable fares.
Rosemond Boakye,
Kasoa
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Dear Editor,
I write to express concern about the increasing rate of road accidents on the Kumasi–Accra highway, which has become a source of fear for many commuters.
It is one of the busiest roads in Ghana, connecting two major cities and serving thousands of passengers daily. Sadly, almost every week, we hear reports of fatal crashes, injuries, and loss of property along the stretch. Many families have lost loved ones, and several survivors are left with lifelong injuries.
The causes of these accidents are not far-fetched. Over-speeding, reckless overtaking, driver fatigue, poor vehicle maintenance, and disregard for road traffic regulations are major contributors.
In some sections, bad road conditions, faded road markings, and inadequate street lighting also increase the risk, especially at night and during rainy weather.
It is worrying that despite repeated accidents, little seems to change. Drivers continue to overspeed, some commercial drivers drive under pressure to meet unrealistic travel times, and enforcement of traffic laws appears weak in certain areas.
I, therefore appeal to the relevant authorities, including the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) and the Ministry of Roads and Highways, to intensify road safety education, enforce traffic laws strictly, and ensure regular patrols on this highway.
Road signs should be improved, damaged portions of the road fixed promptly, and speed limits clearly enforced.
Drivers must also take personal responsibility by obeying traffic rules, avoiding unnecessary overtaking, and ensuring their vehicles are roadworthy. Passengers should speak up when drivers drive recklessly, because silence can cost lives.
Road accidents are preventable. Let us act now to make the Kumasi–Accra Highway safer for all users before more innocent lives are lost.
By Eugene Ampiaw, Takoradi
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Dear Editor,
THE incident of baby theft at the Mamprobi Polyclinic on Tuesday was quite unfortunate.
It is very sad that a woman that has endured nine challenging months of pregnancy and gone through a Caesarian Section to deliver would go through such an unfortunate situation.
We should be grateful to God that the baby was found and reunited with mother a day after the disappearance.
This is not the first occurrence and I believe may not be the last and is the reason why I welcome the calls for improved security protocols at the various health facilities across the country.
Several speculative narratives are flying all over with calls for a harsher punishment.
As unfortunate as the action of the suspect was, it is important that she is also checked mentally and psychologically. A number of factors may have contributed to this action including an inability to conceive and the ensuing societal pressure and stigma of barrenness.
A lot of women are facing such challenges but have not mustered the courage to attempt such a heinous crime. This should occupy the minds of agencies responsible for women issues to increase awareness on situations like this.
A woman whose marriage is collapsing under the weight of barrenness can be affected psychologically and, in that situation, could arrive at any decision.
Naa Torshie,
Dansoman
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