News
‘Sanity’ in commercial vehicles must continue
Dear Editor,
I have never felt very comfortable sitting in commercial vehicles, like I do these days.
Since the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic, transport owners across the country were compelled to reduce the number of passengers on board their vehicles.
Drivers said they were losing revenue by complying with the new directive but passengers on the other hand seem to be reaping the benefit.
We have been aware over the years that most commercial vehicles that ply our roads were not originally designed to carry passengers. But somehow, vehicle owners had managed to convert them into carriers.
The inconvenience passengers endure in most of the rickety commercial vehicles cannot be understated. However, the past three months has provided enough evidence that there could be some sanity in commercial vehicle operations with regards to creating space and comfort.
‘Trotros’, especially those we call ‘207 Benz’ buses should not continue to carry four passengers on one row when they can actually pick three, and still make profit.
There is no point in condoning crowding in commercial “trotro” when we can indeed reduce the numbers, and control the spread of any other pandemic in future.
I suggest the Ministry of Transport, the Ghana Private Road Transport Union, and other associations of public transport owners would continue to maintain this ‘new order’ even after we are able to defeat COVID-19.
The time to act is now. Let us ride on the back of the novel coronavirus to introduce the much needed reforms in our commercial transport sector.
Martin Adu Akorsah
Asutuare
Nsakina community needs help
Dear Editor,
I write on behalf of residents of Nsakina, in the Amasaman Municipality of the Greater Accra Region.
Though, pipe-borne water was introduced in the community about five years ago, some residents still complain that they cannot afford to settle high water bills they recieve regularly.
Some residents operate convenience shops and drinking bars. Others are head porters, food vendors. The rest are unemployed.
Some of them say they spend about GH¢25.00 daily to access clean water. For this reason, they resort to stagnant water and water from broken pipes as their primary source for water.
They admit that these sources of water are not safe but they are compelled to use it due to their status.
Though some reliefs were granted recently, residents want the government to further subsidise charges on water in the area to enable households afford it.
Residents believe the construction of a community borehole will enable them access clean water more conveniently. Apart from water, Nsakina has poor feeder roads while the community clinic is losing its aesthetics.
They want government, non-governmental organisations and philanthropists to move in and alleviate their plight.
Selibel Fiawoo
Ghana Institute of Journalism
Muslims across the country celebrated this year’s Eid-ul-Adha in a colourful and spiritually uplifting atmosphere under the theme, “A Season of Sacrifice, Solidarity and Spiritual Renewal.”
The celebration brought together Muslims from diverse backgrounds in a remarkable display of faith, unity and cultural heritage.
The occasion was marked by special Eid prayers at various designated grounds, the slaughtering of rams in homes for sharing among family members, friends and the less privileged, as well as musical concerts and recreational activities including horse riding.
Leading the celebration was the Chief Imam, Dr Sheikh Osman Sharubutu.
While the national celebration was held at the Black Star Square where President John Dramani Mahama was the Special Guest of Honour, similar gatherings took place at different centres across the capital and other regions of the country.
A visit by The Spectator to some celebration grounds revealed Muslims, both young and old, elegantly dressed in colourful jalabiya and other Islamic attire, reflecting the rich culture and traditions of the Muslim community.
The celebration also portrayed the spirit of religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence in the country, as a number of Christians joined their Muslim counterparts to mark the occasion.
Muslim leaders and government officials used the opportunity to call on the faithful to uphold the teachings of the Holy Quran, renew their spiritual commitment and refrain from acts capable of undermining the peace, unity and security of the nation.
They further urged Ghanaians to continue to live in harmony and support one another for national development.
By Linda Abrefi Wadie
Dear Obaa Yaa,
During Eid-ul- Adha celebration, I decided to spend the weekend at my boyfriend’s place since we were planning towards our marriage.
To my surprise, what keeps me wide awake, restless and frustrated every single time is that he snores loudly like a generator running on full power, and I genuinely cannot get any rest
At a point, I thought it was just a normal thing, but I have realised it is something he does with ease and doesn’t see anything wrong with it.
When he steps out in the morning, I try to get enough sleep because I may not sleep in the evening.
The most annoying thing is that, he always wants to cuddle me. These two things are a no for me and a red flag.
We are about to get married, what should I do?
Enam, Keta.
Dear Enam,
The snoring and constant cuddling are frustrating, but you don’t have to choose between sleep and closeness.
Start with the snoring: check if it’s worse when he sleeps on his back, cut out alcohol before bed, try nasal strips or a humidifier, and see a doctor if he pauses while breathing.
For quick relief, foam earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones help a lot.
Separate blankets, a bigger bed, or sleeping apart on some nights often makes couples rest well and feel closer overall.
Bring this up before the wedding .Tell him you want to wake up next to him for years to come, but sleep deprivation makes you both miserable.
Test earplugs and side-sleeping this weekend, and if it’s still unbearable, bring in a doctor. Good sleep matters more for your marriage than staying glued together all night.
