Editorial
Tame reckless motor riders
●Some of the riders disregard traffic regulations
Dear Editor,
I wish to bring to the notice of the Ghana Police Service how some motor riders also known as ‘okada’ have turned pedestrian walkway into their operating or riding spaces. Their behaviour has become an issue of concern to me because of the dangers they pose to individuals especially the young ones whose parents send them on short distance errands.
Some of the ‘Okada’ men ride at top speed without blowing a horn to alert individuals but rather blame pedestrians for being careless. Apart from them not minding the young ones who could be injured as a result of recklessness, many of the riders tend to disregard traffic regulations.
This negative attitude and the irresponsibility on the part of these riders have over the years cost so many road users their dear lives while others have also been rendered incapacitated.
I will urge individuals to be more careful when walking along the road. The law enmforcement agencies should caution these ‘Okada’ men to desist from using the pedestrian walkway and also ride safely.
I believe when this is done, it will help prevent accidents and ensure the safety of pedestrians. The Ghana Police Service should arrest and punish the riders who continue to break the law. I will like to encourage the police to keep up the good work to ensure that our roads become safer.
Elizabeth Agyeibea Ackon,
University of Cape Coast.
Dear Editor,
I write to express deep concern about the increasingly harmful influence social media is having on children in our communities. What was once intended to be a tool for learning, creativity, and connection has now become a major source of distraction, pressure, and moral decline among many of our young people.
Today, children spend countless hours on platforms that expose them to inappropriate content, cyberbullying, and harmful trends. Instead of focusing on their studies, developing social skills, or engaging in healthy activities, many are glued to their screens—losing sleep, losing confidence, and sometimes even losing their sense of reality.
The rise in cases of depression, anxiety, peer pressure, and poor academic performance among young people can no longer be ignored. Even more worrying is how quickly harmful content, violence, explicit material, and dangerous challenges can spread across these platforms, reaching children faster than parents or teachers can intervene.
It is evident that while technology has its benefits, the lack of proper regulation and supervision has left our children vulnerable. Parents must become more proactive in monitoring what their children consume online, schools must strengthen digital literacy education, and authorities should consider stricter policies to protect minors from harmful online exposure.
We cannot sit back and watch the future generation be shaped by uncontrolled digital influences. It is time for all stakeholders to work together to ensure that social media becomes a safer, more positive space for our children.
— James Brown,
Akosombo
Dear Editor,
Please permit me to use your respected medium to commend the Ghana Police Service (GPS) for the decision not to grant leave requests for personnel during the Christmas season. This annual ritual is a clear demonstration that the service is mindful of the need to observe the yuletide in a serene and peaceful atmosphere devoid of difficulties and crimes.
It may not be a pleasant piece of news for the men and women in uniform, but they would be the first to appreciate the fact that the nature of the celebration requires their presence at all times.
My concern, however, is that despite the police visibility, crimes were still perpetrated at certain places. This means that whenever the police take such decisions, criminals also find their way around. My observation is that because personnel are stationed at specific locations, perpetrators carry out their activities where police visibility is low.
I want to suggest that the police administration intensify patrols in areas identified as crime zones to avert attacks. I also wish to advise all agencies responsible for maintaining law and order not to go to sleep. They must be awake to control pubs, drinking bars, eating joints, beaches, and other public gathering spots.
Citizens must also put up their best behaviour to ensure that we have a peaceful Christmas season and reflect on the reason for the celebration.
— Sandra Owusuaa,
Kasoa
Join our WhatsApp Channel now!
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbBElzjInlqHhl1aTU27
