Editorial
Unsafe, destructive excavation of Kengen land
Dear Editor,
We, the people of Kengen in the diaspora have uncovered an unsafe and destructive excavation of Kengen land in the Jomoro District of the Western Region. We, therefore, request all excavation of Kengen land be paused until the following potential problems have been addressed.
The excavation is causing the exposure of land surfaces, resulting in increased sediment loads that will ultimately pollute the surrounding water bodies. This contamination can have detrimental effects on the ecosystem, aquatic life, and the availability of clean water for both human consumption and agricultural purposes.
The excavation involves clearing native vegetation and often results in the discharge of sediment or dirty water into nearby stormwater drains or waterways. Such actions contribute to the degradation of the environment, impacting biodiversity and compromising the quality of water resources in the area.
The excavation creates permanent deep holes filled with contaminated water, giving rise to multiple hazards. These hazards include the breeding of mosquitoes, providing a breeding ground for snakes and other reptiles, the growth of algae, and the release of foul air, which can have severe health implications on the residents of Kengen.
Widespread Erosion and Infrastructure Damage: The earthwork excavation leads to widespread erosion, washing away the surface soil and posing a significant risk to nearby homes and roads. Signs of erosion resulting from the excavation can already be observed across the main road and neighbouring plots, further deteriorating the infrastructure and creating hazards for commuters.
Uninhabitable Land and Impediment to Development: The excavation renders the land uninhabitable for many years, making it unsuitable for any developmental projects.
Considering the current expansion plans for the town, this site will eventually be in the heart of Kengen, posing a serious threat to the entire community in terms of health risks, diseases, and potential damage to properties and livestock.
Given the gravity of the situation and the far-reaching consequences of the damage, we, the Kengen Manle Association (KMA) in the diaspora, strongly urge the Chief of Kengen to immediately cease all excavation activities in the area till further notice.
We are committed to monitoring the already excavated areas and will promptly notify local authorities of any further environmental damage we may discover.
We firmly believe that by halting the earthwork excavation, we can safeguard the future of Kengen and protect the well-being of our current and future generations. The preservation of our land, water, and overall environment is crucial to ensuring a sustainable and healthy community. Together, let us save our future and that of our children.
Kengen Manle Association in the Diaspora (KMA)
Dear Editor,
It is often said that a healthy nation is a wealthy nation. However, this saying becomes worrying when the health of citizens is threatened by the conditions under which the food they consume daily is sold.
In Ghana, the conditions under which food is sold is quite disturbing. Over the years, I have observed that the environments where food is prepared and sold are often unhygienic.
In many cases, containers holding food such as rice and waakye are left uncovered or not properly covered, exposing them to contamination.
While many Ghanaians paid little attention in the past to the conditions under which food was sold, the narrative seems to be changing in recent years.
I recall an incident during my days in Senior High School (S.H.S.) when my friends and I went out to buy food. At one location, some of us chose not to buy because we assumed the food would be expensive due to how neat the place looked.
Unfortunately, we ended up purchasing food from a different place that was somewhat unhygienic. We overlooked the poor conditions because we believed the quantity offered was better than at the cleaner location.
However, I am certain that my friends and I would not repeat such a mistake today, as we now understand the health implications of that decision.
While public education is important in addressing this issue, I believe it is time for regulatory and law enforcement agencies, such as the Food and Drug Authority (FDA), to crack the whip on food sellers and vendors who operate in unhygienic environments and conditions.
As citizens, we must also be mindful of where we buy our food to protect ourselves and our families from diseases and illnesses. We should choose ‘quality’ over ‘quantity’ and prioritize our health.
From Syram
Oyarifa
Dear Editor,
I write to express concern and call for improved security measures before and after every football match.
The recent robbery attack that led to the tragic death of a player, on their return from a Match day 29 game against Samartex, is both shocking and heartbreaking.
The incident, which reportedly occurred around 10:30 p.m., highlights the growing risks faced by players and team officials while traveling.
Football is meant to unite and entertain, not to expose lives to danger. It is therefore imperative that authorities, the Ghana Football Association, and security agencies put in place adequate protection for teams, especially during late-night travels.
I strongly urge all stakeholders to treat this matter with urgency to prevent such unfortunate incidents from recurring.
From Eugene Ampiaw
Accra
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