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,
I wish to use this esteemed platform to urge the traditional councils of Osu and La to call for independent investigation into the recent demolition exercise at Kaajaano.
The exercise rendered hundreds homeless.
Information about the reason for the demolition has been scanty with those desiring to know feeding heavily on social media posts.
One particular name –Jato, has been associated with it but under whose instruction the exercise was carried is also not known.
Sadly, instead of getting to know who ordered the demolition and for what reasons, traditional authorities of Osu and La have been embroiled in a tug-of-war over ownership of the said land.
This is premature. At this moment, they should call for investigation into the exercise to know the people behind it.
When that is done, then discussions about the owners of the site can begin. That would end the posture of the two neighbouring town which has the potential to turn into something else.
Ataa Osa Mensah,
Osu
Dear Editor,
I wish to use your respected platform to draw the attention of the Bank of Ghana (BoG) to the behaviour of traders and some drivers about the use of lower denomination coins, specifically the 20 and 10 pesewas.
About two weeks ago, I read in your sister newspaper, The Ghanaian Times about this problem and the caution that followed from the BoG and some economic analysts.
The warning they gave was that the continuous rejection of the notes could create pricing problems which can eventually affect inflation.
I thought that would put to bed that practice or refusal to accept the coins when given out as change or use to pay for particular service.
Unfortunately, the problem still persist among traders, drivers, customers and passengers alike. Only last week, there was as altercation in the Accra Central area where a woman refused to accept five 20 pesewas note totaling one cedi.
As the argument continued, the trader decided not to sell to the customer again after by-standers explained to her that it was still a legal tender and those that refused it could become offenders.
This is an issue the BoG and other regulatory agencies must go and explain to the people and let them know that it is unlawful not to accept a currency that is still in use.
It nothing was done, it could create a much more serious problems.
Mary Osei Badu,
Swedru
