Editorial
Solve street lights problem at Wawase
Dear Editor,
I AM writing to draw your attention to the inadequate street lights in some parts of Wawase, a situation that continues to pose serious concerns for residents.
Street lights play a crucial role in ensuring safety and security within a community. Unfortunately, several areas in Wawase are completely without functioning street lights.
This has made movement at night very difficult and dangerous, especially for workers, students, and traders who return home late.
The lack of proper lighting has also created an enabling environment for criminal activities such as theft and harassment. Residents often live in fear, and some are forced to limit their movements after dark. Additionally, poor visibility increases the risk of road accidents, putting both pedestrians and drivers at risk.
It is concerning that despite the growing population and development in Wawase, this basic infrastructure issue remains unresolved.
I would like to appeal to the relevant authorities, including the local assembly and electricity providers, to urgently address this problem by installing new street lights and repairing faulty ones.
Ensuring adequate street lights will not only improve security but also enhance the overall quality of life for residents in the area.
Gwen Mensah, Agona Swedru
Dear Editor,
FOR some time now, I have been deeply concerned about the state of the Kaneshie footbridge, which has over the years developed cracks, exposing some rusted metal parts and raising safety concerns.
It is, therefore, welcome news for daily users of the facility like myself that a team from the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA), led by the Metropolitan Chief Executive (MCE), visited the facility and announced a temporary closure to allow for maintenance work to be carried out.
While I wish to commend the Assembly for the move, I believe it has been long overdue.
I often find it difficult to understand why, as a country, we sit, wait, and watch for preventable incidents or tragedies to happen before we react. I say this because the issue of the bad state of the Kaneshie footbridge has been one that has been re-echoed by many who use it on a daily basis.
I believe that as the Assembly looks to start the maintenance works on the footbridge, it is also important for it and other Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to pay attention to other footbridges across the country that are in a similar state.
The time has come for Ghana, as a country, to be more proactive than reactive.
I will also urge the assemblies to deploy their respective teams to always check on footbridges across the country to ensure that they are in good shape to avoid any tragedy that could lead to the loss of human lives.
From Fafa, Kaneshie
GHANA celebrated World Health Day 2026 last Tuesday, April 7, with the theme “Together for Health: Stand with Science,” emphasising data-driven treatments, science-driven decision-making, and improved laboratory systems to control infectious diseases and antibiotic resistance.
As part of the key highlights, the Ministry of Health emphasised using data and research, adopting a “One Health” approach that integrates human, animal, and environmental health systems.
The Ghana Health Service (GHS) partnered with stakeholders at the Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences to build public trust in the healthcare system. The celebration served as a call to action for community-centered care and research to improve Ghana’s healthcare systems.
One area of emphasis was the Oral Health Initiative (OHI), which was commemorated earlier. The GHS and Unilever Pepsodent collaborated on the “Do The 2” campaign to encourage brushing teeth twice a day, which included events in Parliament House to bolster policy support for oral health.
The events included partnerships with organisations such as the World Health Organisation (WHO) in order to support National Action Plans for Health Security.
Increasing public awareness of oral health is essential because it affects productivity and general quality of life by facilitating healthy eating, speaking, and self-assurance. According to reports, oral health problems affect more than 70 percent of Ghanaians.
Untreated tooth decay is the most prevalent health condition worldwide. There is an urgent need for education and prevention because “A Happy Mouth is a Happy Life.” Thus, encouraging daily brushing, free screenings, and public education will aid in the fight against the high prevalence of dental disease.
Gum disease and tooth decay can be avoided by prioritising proper oral hygiene. According to experts, it directly improves general physical health by lowering the risk of major illnesses like diabetes, pneumonia, heart disease, strokes, and oral cancer. It also enhances self-esteem and lowers future dental expenses.
Besides making oral health a priority, The Spectator urges everyone to maintain a healthy lifestyle by eating a balanced diet, managing their emotions, exercising frequently, avoiding undue stress, and getting regular check-ups.
