Editorial
Prosecution of Hawa Koomson attackers commendable
Dear Editor,
Ghana’s election process at both the district and national level has always been characterised by electoral violence by supporters of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP), the two major political parties in the country.
As a concerned citizen, I find the situation very disturbing because we keep preaching peace before, during, and after elections.
However, it seems it fall on deaf ears because the individuals involved in such incidents often go unpunished.
One such incident that comes to mind is the recent Ablekuma North Parliamentary re-run, where thugs attacked and beat up Hawa Koomson, a former Member of Parliament for reasons best known to them.
In my opinion, the attack on the former MP, irrespective of her past actions, was uncalled for.
I want to commend the Ghana Police Service for arresting the suspected individuals involved in the incident and charging them in court.
I hope this continues and also serves as a lesson to individuals who intend to involve themselves in similar act during the upcoming Akwatia by-election.
Kwesi, Kaneshie
Dear Editor,
I have witnessed a very dangerous practice by some food vendors who use stones and other heavy objects as weights on leaking gas cylinders.
This is very disturbing. Despite repeated warnings from the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), many vendors continue to ignore the risks associated with such practices without considering the danger they pose to people nearby in the event of an explosion.
Many food vendors operate close to fuel filling stations, increasing the possibility of a major disaster if leaking gas ignites during heavy rainfall.
Ghana cannot afford another tragedy like the June 3 disaster, when torrential rains and a massive explosion at the GOIL fuel station near the Kwame Nkrumah Interchange claimed more than 150 lives.
It is unfortunate that some vendors still use unsafe and damaged gas cylinders instead of replacing them. Covering leaking cylinders with stones is not a solution and only exposes lives and property to danger.
On one occasion, I tried to educate a food vendor around my area who had used a stone to cover her gas cylinder on the danger of her action but ended up getting the insult of my life.
I would therefore like to appeal to all relevant stakeholders, especially the GNFS and other security agencies, to intensify public education and enforce safety regulations.
Authorities should ensure that vendors who engage in such dangerous practices stop immediately. Faulty gas cylinders should be seized, and users compelled to replace them with safer ones.
Taking these preventive measures will help protect lives and property and prevent the country from experiencing another avoidable tragedy similar to the June 3 disaster.
Timothy,
Abelenkpe
Dear Sir,
I write to express concerns about the flood situation in the capital anytime it rains.
This is an issue that has been thoroughly discussed at various platforms even before the start of the rains, so one expected that we can see some readiness for the season.
However, the kind of floods we are experiencing now are not ones that authorities must sit unconcerned about; there must be action right away.
Places like Adjirigano, Kaneshie, Alajo, Avenor, parts of Kasoa have all seen flood waters risen to unprecedented levels.
Clearly, we have a big problem at hand. It’s either our drains are choked or have become too small. Something must be done about this to avert a much bigger problem.
Christine Amoh,
Odorkor
