Editorial
Urgent renovation needed for Koforidua Central Market
Crowded Koforidua Central Market
Dear Editor,
I am writing to draw attention to a pressing issue that affects the heart of our community, ie, the state of the Central Market in Koforidua, the capital of the Eastern Region.
In recent times, the Koforidua Central Market has become an issue of concern among its inhabitants. The market is a bustling hub, with a multitude of traders offering their goods and services to the local population. However, the current condition of the market is a cause for alarm.
The central market’s infrastructure has deteriorated over the years, and it is now in a state of disrepair. The recent increase in rainfall has worsened the situation, as the market’s roofing is unable to provide adequate protection.
Consequently, traders often find their goods drenched, leading to substantial financial losses. It is disheartening to witness hardworking individuals struggle to make ends meet due to this avoidable problem.
Moreover, the stores within the Koforidua Central Market is inadequate for the number of traders it accommodates.
This overcrowding not only hampers business operations but also poses safety concerns. A thoughtful renovation that includes expanding the market would greatly benefit our community.
The condition of the gutters within the market is yet another concern.
These gutters are perpetually clogged, and the situation deteriorates significantly during heavy rainfall.
The resulting stagnant water not only obstructs the movement of both traders and customers but also creates an unsanitary and foul-smelling environment.
This poses health hazards and negatively impacts the overall experience of those who trade near the gutters.
I am writing this letter to implore the relevant authorities to take immediate action.
The renovation of the Koforidua Central Market is imperative to create a conducive atmosphere for our hardworking traders and improve the overall living conditions in our beloved city.
We must ensure that our community members can conduct their businesses without fear of financial losses or health hazards.
I urge all concerned parties, including government officials, municipal authorities, and community leaders, to prioritise the renovation and expansion of the Koforidua Central Market.
Let us work together to restore this vital economic and social hub to its former glory and create a thriving, clean, and safe environment for our traders and residents.
George Obeng Osei Koforidua
Editorial
Fare thee well, condolences to families of helicopter crash victims
Ghanaians were struck with grief on August 6, 2025, as the news of the crash of the Ghana Air Force (GAF) helicopter Z-9 at Adansi-Akrofuom in the Ashanti Region spread like wildfire moments after the incident occurred.
The helicopter, which crashed into a forested mountainside resulted in the death of eight individuals, including two government ministers and other prominent figures who were en route to Obuasi for an event about fighting illegal mining.
Anyone who heard the news reacted with shock, grief, and sombre reflection on the incident.
The victims were Dr Edward Omane Boamah, Defence Minister, Alhaji Dr Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, Member of Parliament (MP) for Tamale Central and Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation and Dr Muniru Mohammed Limuna, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator and a former Minister for Food and Agriculture.
Others are Dr Samuel Sarpong, Second National Vice Chairman of the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) and a former Ashanti Regional Minister, Samuel Aboagye, Acting Deputy Director General in Charge of Relief and Protocol at the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) and a former NDC Parliamentary Candidate for the Obuasi East Constituency.
The rest are Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Pilot, Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, Co-Pilot and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah, Crew member.
Following the crash which was so devastating, the President of the Republic of Ghana, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama declared three days of national mourning, and flags were ordered to be flown at half-mast.
The event themed ‘Evening of Reflections and Memorial’ allowed the nation to grieve and also served as a time of remembrance and reflection for the nation.
Yesterday, a state funeral was held at the Black Star Square for the victims, two of whom were earlier interred on Sunday at the Military Cemetery according to Islamic tradition.
As usual, there was an outpouring of condolences and support for the families of the victims as Ghanaians and also international bodies mourned the loss of the victims. It was an emotional moment of grief as tears rolled down the cheeks of guests who were mostly clad in black.
The news was devastating but we want to assure the families of the victims that we are solidly behind them sharing in their pain. Our only consolation is that God knows best and he is a great comforter.
The Spectator, together with its cherished readers wish the widows, children, families of the victims and the entire nation our deepest condolences. We ask the Almighty God to strengthen, protect and provide for the widows and children left behind.
May the souls of the departed rest in perfect peace.
Adieu!!
Editorial
Enact law to scrape by-elections
Dear Editor,
I believe the nation stands to gain more than lose if collectively we decide to cancel entirely any by-election when it happens just before the next general elections.
This tough but decisive decision will be to our benefit considering the funds to save.
We should make it a law to allow the candidate that came second in the party’s primaries to fill in when a vacuum is created.
This should not be a headache for Ghana the way and manner our politics is, knowing the stronghold of all the parties. In places where it swings every year, a way can be found to fix it.
The by-elections have proven to be too expensive financially.
It saddens me when the state through the Electoral Commission (EC) mobilise financial and human resources to organise another election which most times goes in favour of the group that occupied the seat.
This move will also ease tensions and tempers that characterizes every election in the area.
Victor A. Buxton, Tema
