Editorial
Accra-Tema train shuttle okay but…
Dear Editor,
Few months ago, I wrote to commend the management of the Ghana Railways Company Limited (GRCL) following resumption of the Accra-Tema passenger train service.
Feedback from some members of the public indicates the service has been beneficial to commuters since it got back on track on Monday, July 18, 2022. Some people say the shuttle is relatively cheaper compared with the cost of travelling on commercial buses.
I am, however, concerned about the somewhat limited number of trips the train embarks on daily basis in spite of the seemingly increased patronage of the service.
Living close to a train station in my area, I notice the train arrives early morning around 6am to pick passengers and again drops them off around 6:30 pm. I believe the shuttle is fixed around these times as it is considered the rush hour for workers, traders and other business people.
Nonetheless, there could be a mid-morning or afternoon shuttle for people whose jobs do not require them to leave home very early, in addition to a shuttle after 6 pm which would also help workers returning very late to their places of residence.
While I stand to be corrected, I have noticed that the single train operating currently looks different from the modern one we were told had been procured some time ago. If the new trains are still not in use, it is time they were deployed to augment the existing ones.
I must say I am impressed with the effort of the GRCL to improve and revamp the rail transportation system in the country but I believe the concerns identified here can be addressed in the interim while the company works towards expanding operations to other parts of the country.
James Kwame Wilson,
Sakumono, Greater Accra Region.
Editorial
Decentralisation of student loan scheme way to go
Dear Editor,
It is often said that education is the key to success.
Although there are divided opinions due to various reasons, one can not undermine its importance towards the growth of any country, including Ghana.
Over the years, successive governments have implemented various policies to ensure that every child gets access to quality education at all levels by bearing some of the cost.
We can talk of the Free SHS policy and also the free tertiary education for first year students by the current government.
Also, one way the government supports tertiary students financially is through the student loan scheme where tertiary students apply for loans to support themselves financially and pay when they start working.
It is fair to say that the student loan scheme has been of immense benefit to students who apply and are lucky to have it.
That notwithstanding, a few of my friends I have interacted with have also shared their frustration about the whole application process.
According to them, some students have had to abandon the idea of applying for the loan due to the frustration they encounter while going through the whole application process.
Although I never applied for the loan during my days as a university student, I shared in their pain and frustration.
Tertiary institutions are uniquely positioned to identify ‘needy but brilliant students’ more effectively than any other state institution, and for this reason I am of the view that the student loan scheme should be decentralised, with universities managing the process through a well-constituted board.
Also, the board should be clothed with the responsibility of approving loan requests based on applicants’ demonstrated academic performance and proven financial need.
Such a localised approach, I believe, would make the funds available to the most deserving students promptly and efficiently and also address the bottlenecks associated with the whole loan application process.
Atom,
Sukura
Editorial
Our MPs must show good character
Dear Editor,
I am one of the many Ghanaians that got disappointed over recent happenings in Ghana’s legislative house, Parliament.
It is a house of ‘Honourables’ and on paper, nothing can erase that or take that away from them.
However, they have a lot of work to do if they want Ghanaians to maintain that high respect and regard we have for them.
The behaviour of the Members of Parliament, especially those on the minority NPP at the Vetting Committee left Ghanaians so disappointed in them.
It looks funny sometimes watching how they shoved each other and destroy tables and microphones, properties acquired with the taxpayers money. Clearly, they don’t care how our resources were spent but that is a duty.
Despite the apologies offered, I think members involved in the fracas must wholeheartedly accept responsibility for their actions and together pay for the properties destroyed. For me, that will serve as true remorse.
Sammy Morgan,
Okaikwei
