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)
In addition to the severe flooding that Accra is already experiencing a major sanitation crisis is imminent as the Kpone dump approaches closure.
Currently, there are now just two significant disposal sites in the area: the Adepa dumpsite in the Ga West Municipal Assembly, which is close to Amasaman, and the Kpone Waste Landfill.
Inquiries so far, revealed that the Kpone site is almost at capacity and will likely close in the next six months. As a result, waste is accumulating at local markets and municipal collection points throughout the capital.
The situation has been made worse by the recent terrible floods, and immediate action is required to prevent the impending crisis.
The fundamental issue is that accumulating uncollected waste during rainy seasons poses significant threats to public health, including the possibility of cholera, typhoid, and malaria outbreaks.
Subsequent investigations showed that the Kpone plant, which was initially built to manage 500 tonnes of waste per day, has been handling almost twice that much, shortening its lifespan.
Many towns’ waste collection operations have been badly impacted by this looming shutdown, and the fact that Accra has few disposal choices is even more disturbing.
Now, waste collection vehicles face abnormally long queues at the Kpone site, and residents complain that most of the tricycles, referred to as “Aboboyaa,” leave rubbish uncollected in residential and commercial areas.
Although the Zoompak waste transfer station was authorised by the government to reopen in order to help manage daily waste volumes, it is still unable to handle the enormous volumes of waste generated every day.
According to Dr. Peter Kwesi Dagadu, Managing Director of the Landfills Company Limited, managing the capital’s expanding waste burden has become extremely difficult due to the scarcity of disposal facilities, especially in light of the city’s fast population increase and rising waste production.
As a result, the situation has put a great deal of strain on the infrastructure already in place and jeopardizes attempts to keep Accra’s waste management system sustainable and effective.
The Spectator agrees with him that new infrastructure for disposing of waste is desperately needed, as a change to a more environmentally friendly waste management techniques.
It is admirable that he suggests Ghana adopt recycling and garbage recovery as a long-term solution to the nation’s sanitation problems.
We therefore, implore the government to support this recycling objective by enacting strict laws, regulations, investments, and enforcement measures to enhance waste management nationwide.
In order to address the waste problem as quickly as possible, everyone must be involved, including private waste management companies, individuals, and households.
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
