Editorial
Bawku Conflict: Have we not had enough?
Dear Editor,
Every other day, we hear of curfew in Bawku but it appears everything returns to ground zero after these restrictions are imposed as one cannot predict when the next disturbance pop up.
Consistent efforts to bring peace to the area do not seem to yield any lasting results. Recent development in the area remain a cause for worry and I think it is time residents, opinion leaders, security agencies, and stakeholders came together to say ‘enough is enough.’
The recurring conflict has undermined social and economic development in the area. Feuding factions must be reminded of this reality and the need to drop their weapons.
Following the recent disturbance on February 1, 2023, a fact-finding mission had been deployed and were told investigations would be concluded in due time. Security experts admit there are many factors at play in the conflict, and that perhaps explains the unresolved nature of the conflict.
Whatever be the case, I believe we must do all it takes to bring lasting peace to area. We must not entertain individuals or groups who do not want the conflict to end, if there are any.
I am not a security expert but I guess we can resolve the worrying Bawku conflict, once and for all, by adopting the same strategy applied in ending and uniting the people Dagbon in the Northern Region subsequent to their protracted chieftaincy disputes.
Stakeholders can come up with a clear roadmap and timeline to ending the conflict if for for instance, we give ourselves up to the year 2025 to re-identify and tackle the entire root causes of the conflict so as to ensure lasting peace and sustainable development in Bawku.
The year is still young and residents within the enclave cannot continue to live in fear. Whatever needs to be done, should be done as quickly as possible.
Alice Konadu,Tafo-Kukurantumi
Editorial
Kudos to Ho Teaching Hospital staff, but …
Dear Editor,
If there is any group of professionals that get bad-mouthed the most, then you are referring to nurses and medical doctors assigned to public hospitals across the country.
For this particular letter, I want to sing the praises of this same group of professionals that work at the Ho Teaching Hospital, famously known as Trafalgar.
Despite the work load and the mass casualties received at the emergency ward of the hospital, the welcoming nature of the nurses and the professional touch by the doctors can’t be ignored. My personal experience has got me travelling from my base in Accra to seek medical services from these professionals.
Special mention has to be made of the likes of Precious of the Pharmacy Department, Dr Brandon Banor (a maxillofacial resident) of the Dental unit, male nurse Justice assigned to the female surgical ward. Words cannot really do justice to their affable, professional caring nature. A simple thank you is all that I can say.
In the same vein, I can’t but call out the bad attitude of the auxiliary staff and contractors of the hospital.
Chief among them is some of the contracted bank staff that handle the payment section of the hospital and the patient registration section (those that check the status of the patient as to whether they are fee paying patients or NHIS sponsored).
The attitude at times leaves a bad taste in the mouth. One such occurrence was a night staff of the registration section who had her legs on the office table whilst talking to patients.
The CEO of the hospital needs to shine his torch light on this support sections before they erode the awesome performance of the direct medical staff of the hospital.
Thank you for the space.
Kwesi Manu
Accra
Editorial
Develop policies to address disability concerns
Dear Editor,
AT the beginning of the year, when I went to the bank to deposit money into my uncle’s account, I observed a very sad situation where a man in a wheelchair struggled to navigate his way around the facility.
This is because the structure is disability unfriendly.
As I stood and watched how the man struggled to move his wheelchair, I felt sad and wondered if this is how the life of a disabled person should be. It becomes worse if there is no one to offer help.
In Ghana, People With Disabilities (PWDs) are often treated differently and are often subjected to all forms of discrimination.
Most of these people find themselves in such a situation as a result of unfortunate happenings such as accidents and injuries.
It is, therefore, not appropriate for anyone to discriminate against them. Discrimination against such persons take many forms, including how buildings are constructed.
Most of the public structures are not disability friendly and impede their movement.
As a country, we should consider the PWDs in designing our structures. I also think that there should be a national policy that seeks to address this issue.
I have a strong conviction that when such a policy is developed by the government, people with disabilities would feel appreciated and also promote social inclusivity.
Ray,
Kasoa
