Editorial
Sukura community needs improved layout, infrastructure, water supply
Dear Editor,
I write to bring to the attention of the authorities a pressing issue affecting the Sukura community which needs urgent attention.
It has to do with the improper layout and planning of the Sukura community, which is under the Ablekuma Central Municipal Assembly.
Having lived in the community for years, I have observed that a number of problems encountered in the area stems from poor infrastructure, significantly impacting the quality of life.
As the population of Sukura continued to grow and people continue to put up new structures, the initial layout of the community has been ignored. This has impacted access to clean water as residents have had to connect to pipelines from a longer distances to their homes.
For those who cannot afford that, they have resorted to the use of water from wells for their domestic use.
Also, the current layout fails to provide for pedestrian safety. Sidewalks are either non-existent or poorly maintained, forcing pedestrians, including children and the elderly to navigate dangerously through moving vehicles. This situation does not only endanger lives but also discourages walking and biking, contributing to a more sedentary lifestyle.
It is imperative that our local government and planning authorities address these issues with urgency. A comprehensive review and redesign of the current layout, with input from residents and urban planning experts, are necessary to create a safer, more functional, and a pleasant living environment.
I encourage our local authorities to prioritise this matter. By addressing these concerns proactively, we can ensure a better and quality of life for every member of the community.
Thank you for your attention on this important issue.
Yours Sincerely.
Benjamin Arcton-Tettey
arctontetteybenjamin@gmail.
Dear Editor,
I wish to express concern over the allegations that some officials of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) demanded money from players before they are selected for national teams.
If these allegations are true, then, they threaten fairness and integrity in Ghana football.
Just as is done in other countries, selection into any national team should be based solely on merit -talent, discipline, hard work and performance, not on a player’s ability to pay money.
Such practices, if allowed to continue, will discourage many talented but less privileged players from pursuing their dreams. It will also damage the reputation of the GFA and reduce public confidence in the country’s football administration.
Those reports are quite unfortunate but some of us want to believe in the response issued by the FA but would also advise the GFA to conduct some investigation, because like it is often said, there is no smoke without fire.
If it means an individual is going about making such demands on the blind side of the FA, such an investigation can expose the person.
I therefore urge the GFA to investigate these allegations thoroughly and transparently. Any official found guilty should face the appropriate sanctions. At the same time, individuals making the allegations should provide credible evidence so the truth can be established.
Ghanaian football belongs to all of us, and we must protect its integrity by ensuring that merit, transparency and accountability guide player selection.
From John Boateng,
Mamprobi
The recent floods in Accra and the neighbouring areas, which were brought on by a heavy downpour, were very catastrophic and caused loss of lives and property damage.
Similar severe flooding and downpours were also reported in other regions, which has caused anxiety and dread whenever it rains.
In a short period of time, the floods had a dangerous effect on entire communities and landscapes. Because of this, a lot of people are now temporarily putting up with friends or family members.
Videos that went viral on social media showed cars and other valuables being swept away by the floodwaters with little to nothing being done to stop them.
Certain organisations, including the New Times Corporation (NTC), publishers of The Ghanaian Times and The Spectator, were not spared because the flood level damaged important documents and swamped their premises.
Even locations outside of flood-prone zones were inundated by the floods.
The rains would intensify along with thunderstorms, according to the Ghana Meteorological Agency (GMet), which is tasked with observing, analysing, and disseminating weather and climate information to protect lives, promote economic planning, and maintain public safety.
It is important to remember that increased evaporation and atmospheric moisture due to climate change might intensify rainfall. Furthermore, more catastrophic floods are caused by heavy rainfall and shifting topography.
We discussed the causes of floods and mitigation strategies in our earlier editorial, “Accra floods necessitate change in attitude.”
Although the current flood situation is dire, safety can be greatly improved by being ready and understanding what to do.
The Spectator encourages the public to make an effort to be well-informed about weather predictions and take the required precautions to stay safe because the GMet is now providing accurate forecasts.
Make excellent use of the alert services that you can sign up for these days to get notifications on your phone.
Water, non-perishable food, a flashlight, batteries, prescription drugs, crucial documents in waterproof containers, and first aid supplies should all be prepared and kept readily available.
Safeguard your house and offices, relocate valuables to higher floors, and raise electrical appliances off the ground.
Avoid coming into contact with floodwater whenever you can since it might be tainted with chemicals, sewage, and other dangerous substances and also reptiles.
To make sure your neighbours are secure, it is crucial to check on them, especially if they are elderly, disabled, or living alone.
Additionally, parents need to make sure their children do not play in or close to floodwaters.
Let us be careful as there are floods everywhere.
