Editorial
Avoid clashes at festivals over traditional rites
Dear Editor,
The recent clash between Navy Officers and some youth in Tema over traditional protocols is something that must begin to occupy the minds of well-meaning Ghanaians as we approach the period of festivals.
The unfortunate incident resulted in the death of two people with others injured.
The cause of that infraction was definitely over misunderstanding. I believe if the two groups had understood each other, we would not have lost the two bread winners.
I am concerned about this because as we enter the season of festivals among the various ethnic groups, a lot of such incidents could occur because there may be more and more traditional rites.
Usually, what happens is that some unscrupulous youth take advantage of the few tensed moment created by chieftaincy disputes in the area to cause commotion.
It is the reason why our security services are employed to vantage points to maintain law and order and safeguard the public property as well as protect lives.
However, in the performance of some of these rites, a few would go overboard and in the process attract either the police or military whose interventions are sometimes misrepresented as unnecessary interference and results in chaotic scenes.
Situations like this happen every year despite the several warnings to the people to ensure a peaceful celebration.
The Tema incident was an unfortunate one but I feel it should be a wake-up call for the various traditional authorities to engage with the various security agencies, especially the police to explain their workings with each other to circumvent such sights.
That would give a better understanding of what is required from each other and also ensure that no one crosses a certain boundary.
Gregory Amuyaw,
Nungua
Editorial
Urgent need to resource GNFS
Dear Editor,
I am writing to bring to the attention of the government on the urgent need to resource the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS).
The GNFS plays a critical role in ensuring the safety and security of our communities, but it is facing numerous challenges due to inadequate resources.
The GNFS lacks modern equipment, vehicles to effectively respond to fire outbreaks and other emergencies.
These, to a large extent affect their operations.
The service needs a state-of-the-art fire fighting equipment and vehicles for its operations.
It saddens my heart to see personnel with zeal to work but are obstructed the lack of limited resources.
Recent fires at Zongo Lane near the Rawlings Park and part of Job 600 building of Parliament House in Accra calls for an urgent need to adequately resource the Service to assist in the case of emergencies.
I urge the government to prioritise the GNFS to enable it to effectively discharge its mandate. This includes allocating sufficient funds, provide modern equipment and vehicles.
The safety and security of our communities depend on it to save human resource and the country’s economy.
Anita Nyarko-Yirenkyi
Accra
Editorial
Speed up work on reconstruction of La General Hospital
Dear Editor,
The La General Hospital was demolished in July 2020 to allow its reconstruction and become an ultra-modern facility.
Following the demolition, the government announced a budget of €5 million for the reconstruction. However, progress of work on the facility has been very slow, leading to frustration among the residents of La.
The community was hopeful that the new hospital would provide advanced healthcare services and improve access to quality medical care. Unfortunately, the delay in construction has left the people without a fully functional hospital for over three years.
The slow pace of work has caused great concern as residents now move to hospitals surrounding like the Police Hospital, 37 Military Hospital and Korle- Bu to seek medical attention even though there is a clinic in the community.
Residents of La have already organised various demonstrations to voice out their worries. They feel that the government has not lived up to its promise to deliver a modern hospital that meets the needs of the community.
The residents are worried about the impact of the delay on their health and well-being, particularly for the elderly, children, and those with chronic ailment.
I want to urge the government to make it a priority to complete hospital reconstruction this year to show its commitment to providing the community with a safe and fully equipped facility.
Elizabeth Agyeibea Ackon,
Accra
