Editorial
Let’s back calls to review defilement law
Dear Editor,
I write to back a call by a High Court Judge to review the country’s laws on defilement to ensure that such cases get to their logical conclusion.
In the previous edition of your paper, the judge, Justice Gloria Mensah-Bonsu called for a second look at Section 101(1) of the Criminal Offences Act 29.
That in her view could ensure proper compensation for defilement victims.
According to the report, a culprit in such cases was liable on summary conviction to a term of imprisonment of seven years minimum or 25 years maximum.
But being a strictly liability law with no option of a fine, it has become difficult, by my layman understanding, to fine the culprits to compensate the victims, especially in cases where the act results in pregnancy.
I want to appeal to the authorities, specifically Parliament to consider this human right centered call to begin the process.
As it is now, some families of victims of such crimes would consider monetary ‘gains’ over the punishment to be meted out to the culprit.
Sometimes, one cannot begrudge them for that judgment because their living conditions may be poor and could feed on what the culprit would use to buy their ‘silence’.
But when they are aware the case could fetch them something substantial in addition to a conviction, they may cooperate to ensure the match gets to its logical conclusion.
Adwoa Wadie,
Accra
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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