Editorial
Virtual learning: A positive approach
Dear Editor,
The government in recent times continues to provide access to basic and secondary education and has taken steps to expand infrastructure so that more students could attain formal education.
But it appears those in our rural communities are still lagging behind in terms of infrastructure development and access to modern teaching and learning methods.
Computers, radio and television have now been turned into virtual learning classrooms but some rural folks are yet to tap these opportunities.
As efforts are made to bridge the gap between the educated and the uneducated in our society, I wish to encourage radio and television stations to air programmes which include lessons on basic phonetics, how to read and comprehend the Queen’s language, how to write business proposals, computer lessons, among others.
In the era of fast-paced technology, one does not necessarily need to enter a physical classroom to acquire knowledge or higher education.
We have started well but the more we introduce advanced forms of modern virtual learning systems — using television as an effective tool, the better it would serve our nation.
It is high time we brought an abrupt end to promoting and patronising television and radio programmes that did not add value in our effort to completely wipe out illiteracy.
Ebenezer K. N. Baiden-Amissah,
P O Box LG 1254,
Legon, Accra.
Let’s phase out ‘borla taxis’
Dear Editor,
I am impressed with the Greater Accra Regional Minister’s directive to ban tricycles (aboboyaas or ‘borla taxis’) from using the motorway and other express routes in Accra.
Indeed, we have always observed the inconvenience these tricycles cause as they convey refuse from one destination to the other and I must say the ban has been long overdue.
When I first settled in Accra, I used to observe how waste management companies collected garbage at residential areas at least twice every week and were paid for their services. I do not know how we came to leave waste collection in the hands of tricycle operators.
‘Aboboyaas’ are not designed for waste collection and we must put a stop to them. But just when I thought the ban was to take effect on November 1, 2021, I was told it had been extended to February 2022 so the operators could be educated on the new directive.
While I am somehow disappointed, I believe the three months grace period is in order. As we wait for the new deadline, I urge city authorities to provide a better alternative to the ‘aboboyaas’ and encourage private waste management companies to take over the collection and transportation of rubbish in the city.
Mavis Obeng,
North Kaneshie,
Dear Editor,
I wish to draw the attention of the relevant authorities to the poor state of the railway crossing area of the Neoplan Station, near Kwame Nkrumah Circle in Accra, which is increasingly disrupting the smooth flow of traffic.
The damaged section of the road has become a major inconvenience to motorists, as vehicles are forced to slow down considerably when approaching the crossing to avoid damaging their tyres, wheels and suspension systems.
This situation causes unnecessary delays, particularly during peak hours when traffic volumes are high.
The crossing is an important route for commuters and commercial drivers who use the Circle area to connect to other parts of the capital.
The deteriorating road surface therefore affects not only individual motorists but also the general movement of vehicles through this busy transport hub.
Beyond the inconvenience, the situation could increase the risk of minor accidents as drivers brake suddenly or attempt to manoeuvre around damaged portions of the road.
I respectfully appeal to the Department of Urban Roads, the Accra Metropolitan Assembly and other relevant agencies to inspect the affected section and undertake urgent repairs to restore the smooth movement of traffic.
Timely intervention will reduce delays, improve road safety and make commuting through the Circle area more convenient.
Yours faithfully,
Concerned Citizen
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Dear Editor,
I wish to draw the attention of the authorities and the general public to the increasing cost of hostel accommodation, particularly for students in tertiary institutions.
The high cost of hostels has become a serious challenge for many students and their parents.
In some areas, hostel fees have increased significantly, making it difficult for students from low- and middle-income families to secure decent accommodation.
Apart from the hostel fees, students also have to pay for transportation, food, learning materials and other academic needs.
The rising cost of accommodation therefore puts additional financial pressure on families and, in some cases, forces students to live in overcrowded or poorly maintained facilities.
I believe hostel owners and relevant authorities must work together to ensure that accommodation remains affordable while maintaining acceptable standards.
Tertiary institutions should also consider expanding student accommodation and encouraging affordable private hostel projects.
The government and local authorities could further support the development of low-cost student accommodation through appropriate policies and incentives.
I therefore appeal to the Ministry of Education, tertiary institutions and other stakeholders to treat the issue as a matter of urgency.
Affordable and decent accommodation is essential to creating a conducive environment for students to study and succeed.
This has in a way also empowered the private people in the accommodation sector to take undue advantage of the situation to charge exorbitant rates for their services.
Kwame Ampiaw,
Accra
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