Editorial
Let’s ensure safety in our activities
Many a time people take the issue of quality for granted even though this should not be the case. What everyone should bear in mind is that without safety our lives cannot be guaranteed or be adequately protected and what we have fought for over the years, can be destroyed in no time.
The purpose of safety in our lives is to protect us from all dangers, so that we can preserve life and property in society.
As we look around the country, we will notice that many of us have put our lives in danger. If we look at some of the buildings, it will be seen that we use very cheap materials and because of this the buildings can collapse on us at any point in time.
Apart from the use of cheap materials, there is also the danger of illegal connections of electricity. Sub-standard electrical wires are often used and these can also pose danger to us.
All these account for why we often experience fire outbreaks in many parts of the country. Fire outbreaks destroy our houses, our offices and many other places like shops and market centres.
In the light of all this, it is better to pay attention to the activities we undertake and ensure that safety becomes our primary concern in everything we do. Without safety, our activities are likely to always be in danger. When this happens on one can be guaranteed of long life in the country.
It is true that we have institutions like the police and the military as well as National Disaster Management Organisation and Ghana National Fire Service to cater for any dangers that may occur to us wherever we find ourselves.
In spite of this, however, we all need to ensure that safety measures are taken in our homes and offices as well as in marketplaces.
The recent explosion at Appiatse in the Western Region should be a lesson to all of us. Many lives have been lost and apart from that, properties and means of livelihood of the people have also been lost.
It is said that efforts have been made by the government to rebuild the community and also restore the means of livelihood to the people. This is good.
The company responsible for this disaster must be brought to book because of the numerous lives that have been lost. The management of the company must be disciplined also and made to pay compensation to the community. It is true that people are making contributions towards the redevelopment of the community, but the law must be applied, so that every person who played a role towards the occurrence of that disaster will bear the consequences of their action without fear or favour.
While showing concern for safety measures in all communities, we commend government for the various steps it has taken so far, including the Development Fund set up to support Appiatse. We are happy about this development.
The Spectator is also very happy about the willingness of many individuals and organisations to contribute to the fund. It is our wish that the community will be developed to look even far better than its original form.
However, we are of the view that safety measures should be taken seriously by all people in this country, so as to be able to prevent such disasters from occurring. If we are able to do this, it will help the country as a whole and preserve lives and properties.
We should, therefore, bear in mind that without safety our lives would always be in danger, so we need to take safety measures as a priority with the aim of preserving lives and property in the country.
Dear Editor,
AS an alumnus of the University of Education, Winneba, (UEW) I am deeply concerned about the increasing number of student deaths being recorded at the institution.
It is very disturbing to hear of young, vibrant individuals losing their lives within a space that is meant to nurture, protect, and prepare them for the future.
The University is supposed to be a place of safety, growth, and academic excellence. However, the frequent reports of tragic incidents has raised questions about adequate health, safety, and welfare measures put in place to protect students.
Parents entrust their wards to the University with the hope that they will return not only educated but also healthy and safe. Sadly, these recurring deaths undermine that trust and paint a worrying picture.
I believe urgent steps must be taken by the University authorities, government agencies, and all stakeholders to investigate the causes of these deaths and to implement preventive measures.
Whether the problem is linked to poor healthcare facilities on campus, lack of emergency response systems, stress-related issues, or other underlying factors, it demands immediate attention.
As a proud alumnus, I cherish the institution and want to see it flourish. But this can only happen if the well-being of students is treated as a top priority. Every life matters, and we cannot afford to continue losing brilliant young minds to preventable circumstances.
Eugene Ampiaw, Accra
Dear Editor,
Drivers are mostly blamed for road crashes that are recorded in the country. They are mostly blamed for over-speeding, overtaking, and non-adherence to road traffic rules and regulations.
However, the attitude of some passengers also contribute to such incidents.
One of such attitudes that I have observed is the ‘pressure’ that passengers put on drivers to stop at unauthorised places because they think it is closer to their destination rather than where the authorised bus stop is located.
I recently had an argument with a passenger in a car. This passenger was virtually shouting on the driver to just stop at an unauthorised bus stop for him to alight.
When I asked this passenger why he was doing that, his response was that, “the authorised bus stop is two junctions away from my house.”
I found his response very funny and at the same time disturbing. I tried to let him know that what he wanted the driver to do was not the right thing, but he was not ready to listen.
Thankfully, the driver did not succumb to his demand and stopped at the authorised bus stop for him to alight.
I believe it is about time some passengers allow drivers to do the right things. That is the only way we can build the peaceful and disciplined society we all crave for.
Maame Esi, Dodowa
