Dear Editor,

Ordering a ride through a ride-hailing app has become a convenient part of modern life. However, for some passengers, what begins as an ordinary journey to their destination can quickly turn into a frightening fight for survival.

In recent times, concerns over the safety and security of passengers have grown, with some people sharing disturbing accounts of alleged attacks by drivers of ride-hailing companies such as Bolt and Yango.

One such incident was narrated to me by a lady who said she narrowly escaped what could have been a deadly encounter with a driver.

According to her, she booked a ride and was on her way to her destination when the driver suddenly cancelled the trip. The driver then stopped the car, got out, and asked her to step out of the vehicle.

She said that, to her shock, the driver pointed a gun at her and ordered her to get back into the car.

Realising the danger she acted quickly, as she banged the car door and began raising an alarm. Her reaction apparently startled the driver, who immediately got back into the car and drove away.

Thankfully, she escaped unharmed. But the incident raises serious questions about passenger safety and the measures being taken by ride-hailing companies to protect their customers.

I therefore urge ride-hailing companies to strengthen their driver-vetting procedures and work closely with the Ghana Police Service to identify, investigate, arrest, and prosecute drivers who may use their platforms to facilitate criminal activities.

Passenger safety should not be treated as an afterthought. People who entrust their lives to ride-hailing services deserve to have confidence that every reasonable measure has been taken to protect them.

I also appeal to the general public to remain cautious and vigilant when ordering rides, particularly late at night. Passengers should verify the driver’s details and vehicle before entering, share their trip information with trusted family members or friends, and avoid ignoring any situation that makes them feel unsafe.

Convenience should never come at the expense of security. Ride-hailing companies, law enforcement agencies, and passengers all have a role to play in making our roads safer.

From Akosua.

Dansoman

It has been the belief of most Ghanaians that heart disease affects only old people. This belief is wrong and must change.

Heart disease can affect both the young and the old. Therefore, people should not ignore symptoms simply because they believe they are too young to have a heart problem.

Dr Penelope Adinku, a cardiothoracic surgeon at the National Cardiothoracic Centre of the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, has cautioned the public against such misconceptions.

She urged Ghanaians to pay attention to warning signs including chest pain or discomfort, unexplained shortness of breath, unusual tiredness, palpitations, dizziness or fainting, and swelling of the legs.

Although these symptoms do not always mean that someone has heart disease, persistent, new or worsening symptoms should be assessed by a health professional.

Sadly, many people wait until their condition becomes serious before seeking medical help. Some dismiss symptoms, while others believe that heart disease cannot affect them because of their age. This must change.

Regular health checks are important because conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol may not show clear symptoms but can increase the risk of heart disease.

Speaking with The Spectator, Dr Adinku rightly noted that, “prevention and early detection are just as important as treatment.”

The paper therefore urges Ghanaians to take greater responsibility for their health by eating healthier foods, staying physically active, avoiding tobacco and going for regular health checks.

However, individuals cannot do this alone. Ghana’s health system must also be strengthened to provide timely and affordable cardiac care.

Limited access to specialised heart services remains a concern. Some patients report late to health facilities, while others face financial difficulties that delay diagnosis and treatment.

Government and other stakeholders must invest in specialised equipment, improve referral systems and train and retain more cardiac specialists and other health professionals.

The cost of treatment must also be addressed so that patients are not denied essential care because they cannot afford it.

Public education is equally important. Schools, workplaces, communities and the media must help dispel myths about heart disease and promote healthy living.

Ghana has made progress in cardiac care, but more needs to be done.

The country must focus not only on treating heart disease but also on preventing it and detecting it early.