Editorial
Rickety ‘trotro’ operations …a danger to passengers
● A rickety trotro
Moving from one destination to the other requires a means of transportation and since everyone cannot afford a car or a motorcycle, they choose to use public transport such as taxis and buses, especially ‘trotro’.
The trotro carries an average of 15 to 20 people depending on the type of bus and it is quite cheaper and convenient as compared with other means of public transport. The trotro can be very uncomfortable, especially when it is over loaded, but that is what most Ghanaians prefer and they don’t mind being squeezed in the bus.
Although trotro is the preferred means of transport, it is sometimes not safe to use, especially those which are rusty, old and faulty.
As passengers suffer such plights, road users also get their fair share of the cake. Most trotros have their exhaust pipes trailing with thick smoke, thus polluting the environment and endangering road users, especially those who drive right behind them.
Road users are normally advised to have their cars checked if they are road worthy, and it is of no doubt that these cars have not been checked, and even if they have the certificates issued to them, they are either expired or illegal. The police must, therefore, make conscious efforts to check these rickety vehicles. There must be a way to stop these faulty trotros from plying our roads.
Josephine Nyorkor Ntreh.
Student, Ghana Institute of Journalism (GIJ).
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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