Editorial
A call for safer roads: combating accidents in ghana
A state of a deplorable road in ghana
Dear Editor,
Ghana, known for its vibrant culture, rich history, and warm hospitality, is facing a pressing issue that threatens the well-being of its citizens and visitors alike. With a steady rise in accidents across the country, urgent action is needed to address the root causes and implement comprehensive measures to ensure safer roads for all.
Over the past few years, Ghana has witnessed a disturbing trend of increasing accident rates. From bustling urban centres to remote rural areas, the impact of these accidents has been devastating, resulting in a significant loss of lives, injuries, and economic repercussions.
One of the primary contributors to this alarming situation is the lack of road safety awareness and adherence to traffic regulations. Ghana’s roads often witness reckless driving behaviours, including over-speeding, disregard for traffic signals, and poor vehicle maintenance. Such disregard for road safety not only endangers the lives of drivers and passengers but also poses a grave risk to pedestrians and cyclists.
Furthermore, inadequate infrastructure and road maintenance play a significant role in exacerbating the accident rates. Potholes, improper signage, poorly lit roads, and inadequate pedestrian crossings are all contributing factors that need to be addressed urgently. These road conditions not only increase the chances of accidents but also hinder emergency response efforts.
The consequences of these accidents go beyond the immediate loss of lives and injuries. Families are shattered, communities are left mourning, and the economy suffers due to increased healthcare costs and productivity loss. It is crucial to recognise that road safety is not just a transportation issue but a matter of public health and overall societal well-being.
However, amidst this disheartening scenario, Ghana is taking proactive steps to combat the growing menace of accidents. The government, in collaboration with relevant stakeholders, is initiating campaigns to raise awareness about road safety and the importance of responsible driving. Educational programmes targeting schools, communities, and drivers are being launched to promote a culture of safety and responsibility.
Moreover, there is a renewed focus on strengthening traffic enforcement mechanisms. The Ghana Police Service, in collaboration with transport authorities, is cracking down on traffic offenders and implementing stricter penalties for violations. This increased enforcement aims to send a strong message that reckless driving will not be tolerated, and those who endanger lives will face legal consequences.
The government is investing in infrastructure development to enhance road safety. Initiatives are underway to improve road conditions, expand pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, and introduce intelligent transportation systems to manage traffic flow efficiently. These efforts reflect a commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of all road users.
As citizens, it is our collective responsibility to advocate for change and actively participate in creating safer roads. We must prioritise adherence to traffic regulations, report hazardous road conditions, and support initiatives that promote road safety education and awareness.
DAMOAH ADJOA MONICA (Student of Unimac-Gij)
Editorial
Merits and demerits of scraping betting tax
Dear Editor,
Over the past years, a lot of concerns have been raised about the rise of sports betting companies in the country, their operations, and how it impacted negatively on the youth of the country.
I have also witnessed how some of the youth go to the extent of borrowing money from friends or use companies’ money to stake bets, which they were not guaranteed of winning.
Due to this, I was happy when the previous government introduced the betting tax, as I felt it would deter the youth from engaging in it.
However, some Ghanaians hold the view that the betting tax would help create employment.
It wasn’t surprising to see the excitement that greeted the announcement of the scrapping of the tax by the Finance Minister.
My worry now is how, as a country, the youth can be discouraged from engaging in betting.
I believe that as the betting tax has been scrapped, it is about time that the government finds ways of addressing the issue of betting among the youth as it is becoming more serious than before.
I believe that there should be a multi-stakeholder engagement between the various stakeholders to proffer solutions to address them.
Editorial
Rail crossing point at circle- Kaneshie road needs attention
Dear Editor,
I read with happiness a letter published in the previous edition about the poor state of the rail crossing stretch of the Circle-Kaneshie road.
I totally agree with the concerns raised by the writer and I wish to add my voice to the call on the authorities to quickly work on that stretch of the road.
What the writer left out was the occasional happenings when vehicles break down on the rail line. I have witnessed that before.
It is not a comfortable thing driving on it at all. It is a huge dent on the beauty the interchange was expected to bring to the area.
The traffic it creates is a major inconvenience to people who are rushing to work.
I wish to appeal to the authorities to quickly do something about that portion of the road to make it convenient for drivers. Thank you for the space.
Maxwell Amamoo,
Odorkor
