Editorial
MTTD must check this practice
Dear Editor,
I have realised an attempt by some Metropolitan and District Assemblies to help school children to cross major roads on their way to school by placing personnel at certain points to ensure that.
The officials often appear in reflector lemon green vests and are positioned at vantage points and are seen stopping vehicles to enable the children cross over safely.
There are quite a few who are just doing it for the love for this children because they don’t work for the assemblies.
All the same, the effort is quite commendable but looking carefully at the way they go about this, I see the need for the Motor Transport and Traffic Directorate (MTTD) of the Ghana Police Service or the appropriate agency to offer these personnel some training.
On one of my days to I work, I observed how a man just stepped on the road to stop speeding vehicles for the children to cross.
In the instance, the drivers had to apply instant brakes. A few got out to register their protest with the man’s approach while the children stood watching.
That was not the first time I witnessed such an incident. I believe that when such personnel are trained, they would be made to understand that the road must be ‘quiet’ to some extent before waving drivers to stop for the children to cross.
Through that, the children would also learn that it is not automatic that every vehicle must stop when they get to the crossing point.
I implore the MTTD to go out and identify some of the people positioned at those crossing points and train them to know much about the role.
Nii Kwei Marshall,
Adabraka
Editorial
Concern over mentally ill persons roaming Kwame Nkrumah Circle Interchange
Dear Sir
I write to express my concern over the growing number of mentally ill individuals roaming the Kwame Nkrumah Circle Interchange in Accra.
This area, a vital transportation hub and commercial centre, has increasingly become home to several persons visibly suffering from mental health issues, often without adequate care or supervision.
This situation poses risks both to the affected individuals and the general public. Some of these individuals are exposed to traffic hazards, unsanitary conditions, and in some cases, hostile treatment from passersby.
There have also been reports of occasional erratic behaviour, which causes fear and discomfort among commuters and vendors.
Mental health is a public health issue, and these individuals deserve compassion, medical attention, and a safe environment.
I urge the Ministry of Health, the Accra Metropolitan Assembly, and relevant NGOs to collaborate on a sustainable solution including mental health outreach programmes, rehabilitation, and safe housing.
Kwame Nkrumah Circle should be a symbol of progress, not a place where the vulnerable are left to struggle. Let us act with urgency and humanity.
From John Boateng
Kwame Nkrumah Circle
Editorial
Parents should encourage their wards writing BECE
Dear Editor,
AS the 2025 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) takes off across the country starting Wednesday, I write to encourage all candidates taking part in this important step in their academic journey.
Out of a total of 603,328 candidates taking the examination this year, 306,078 are females, whiles the rest 297,250 are males.
Over the years, the examination begins on Monday and ended on Friday but per the timetable, this year’s candidates started on Wednesday and will end next week.
The BECE is not just an exam, it is a milestone from one stage to another. It represents years of hardwork, dedication and the dreams of countless students who hope to continue their education and build a brighter future.
This is where the role of parents, teachers and society become beneficial. Let us offer not only academic support but emotional encouragement to them.
I also appeal to educational authorities to ensure fairness, proper supervision and transparency throughout the examination period.
The journey may be challenging, but with time, focus and discipline they can make it.
I wish to use this platform to wish all of them well.
Naa Koshie, Teshie