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,
The performance of the Black Stars of Ghana has plunged the entire nation into a joyful mood.
Very few people gave the team any chance at the World Cup but with the little they have shown, Ghanaians have shown massive support.
All the two matches they have played with England and Panama have been characterized by unending joy after the games.
Apart from the team’s performance, the theme song by Ghana’s ace musician, Kofi Kinata have taken the celebration to a new dimension.
The song resonates through every corner both match and non-match days. And when they are played through the large speakers, it gets both young and old dancing their hearts out.
This is a mood I wish Ghanaians would sustain for a long time to keep the unity and friendship among us. Within this period, politics have been relegated to the background and football dominating the discussion. This is what football can do, let’s keep it growing. For the Black Stars, we say ‘Ayekoo.’
Mawuli Quaye,
Accra
Dear Editor,
I have, over time, observed the growing practice of drying washed clothes on the pavements of some principal streets in Accra, as well as on the grassy medians of major roads.
This practice is often carried out by individuals who have made these public spaces their place of abode.
As a country that seeks to maintain a clean, orderly, and beautiful environment, I believe it is time for the government, through the relevant local authorities, to address this issue.
The use of pavements and road medians for drying clothes undermines efforts to promote cleanliness and urban beautification.
Furthermore, this situation could negatively affect Ghana’s tourism industry. Tourists who visit our country do not only come to see historical landmarks and tourist attractions; they also pay attention to the cleanliness, organization, and general appearance of our streets and public spaces.
The sight of clothes hanging on pavements and road medians creates an impression that is inconsistent with the image of a modern and welcoming city.
Equally disturbing is the practice of bathing children on road medians and street pavements. Apart from raising concerns about public hygiene and safety, such activities diminish the dignity and proper use of these public spaces.
As a concerned citizen, I believe that if we are truly committed to keeping our cities clean, attractive, and conducive to tourism and investment, then we must take decisive action.
Local authorities should enforce existing bylaws and regulations governing the use of public spaces and implement measures to prevent such practices.
By doing so, we can preserve the beauty of our cities and project a positive image of Ghana to both residents and visitors alike.
Kojo K,
Madina
