Editorial
Clear the ‘death traps’ on our roads
Dear Editor,
As we leave our homes to our workplaces, markets, schools, churches and other places, we all hope and pray that we return home safely, considering the number of road carnages that we witness or hear about each and every passing day.
Most of these road crashes that often claim human lives and live others amputated are often caused by the disregard to road safety rules and regulations.
Sometimes, one is tempted to ask whether laws work in this country as drivers still drink and drive, engage in unnecessary overtaking, comfortably speak on phones while driving with commuters also carelessly crossing roads and highways at unapproved places.
It would be unfair to say that authorities mandated to ensure the compliance of road safety rules and regulations, such as the National Road Safety Authority (NRSA), has not done enough to address the issue. They are doing their best.
They have taken initiatives such as TansportGhana, an ICT interface that would facilitate the licensing and registration of road transport services.
However, one of the issues that I think had not been looked at when it came to road safety is the number of rickety cars that ply our roads on a daily basis. I often refer to such cars as ‘death traps.’
That contribute to the growing number of road carnages in the country.
Many of these ‘death traps’ are found at various lorry stations. I have had some bad experiences sitting in these ‘death traps’, which have dilapidated seats with protruding sharp edges, and corroded body frames.
Sitting in such cars become a concern for passengers when it rains as they leak badly.
I have also witnessed a passenger whom I was on board with in one of these cars from Madina sustain a deep cut by the protruding sharp edge. I therefore think it is about time these ‘death traps’ are taken off our roads.
As a concerned citizen, I implore the Drivers and Vehicles Licensing Authority (DVLA) to check the road worthiness of cars that ply our roads before issuing license to drivers, and also collaborate with the NRSA and the police service to clamp down on influx of rickety cars.
Joojo Yawson,
Nungua
Editorial
Free sanitary pads distribution a game-changer
Dear Editor,
I wish to use your medium to commend the government of John Dramani Mahama for implementing the bold government policy to provide sanitary pads free of charge for girls.
The National Sanitary Pad Distribution Programme is one that will end the trend where young girls miss school during their menstruation periods because their parents cannot afford sanitary pads.
This is a clear interpretation of the president’s call to create and share the national resources.
The use of sanitary pads is seen in certain quarters as a preserve for the well-to-do in society. In some societies, it is pathetic seeing girls of menstruation age use old-fashioned methods to manage it.
For health and safety reasons, it is important to make sure that our girls are provided with decent material to manage their flows in comfortable and convenient ways.
The project marks an end to the era where mothers provide their daughters with cloth and tissue.
Without doubt, buying sanitary pads for two or three daughters or female relations staying with you can be very challenging sometimes due to the harsh economic conditions.
But this policy is a game-changer. What it means is that the cost has been taken by government.
For some of us parents, it is one of the ways to directly enjoy the little taxes we pay. I say well done to the government and hope that more of such social interventions would be rolled out to make life comfortable for the ordinary Ghanaian.
Lady Akushika,
Amanfrom
Editorial
Shedding light on Camara, a growing but overlooked suburb in Dansoman
Dear Editor,
I write to use your respected platform to bring attention to Camara, a small but growing suburb tucked within the Dansoman area of Accra.
For many, the name ‘Camara’ may not ring a bell and that is exactly the problem.
Though we are part of the vibrant Dansoman community, Camara is often forgotten when it comes to development, infrastructure, and public services.
This is a neighbourhood filled with potential: families, students, small businesses, and workers who contribute daily to Accra’s social and economic life.
Yet our roads remain untarred, streetlights and public facilities are few.
Security has become a growing concern, especially in the poorly lit areas.
Making Camara known is not about gaining attention for its own sake. It is about ensuring that we benefit from the development efforts enjoyed by other townships.
We need Proper street naming and signage to officially recognize the area, inclusion in municipal development plans, installation of streetlights and improved security patrols, road infrastructure and sanitation improvements, opportunities for youth engagement and education.
We deserve to be seen, heard, and supported. I appeal to urban planners, and the wider community to recognize Camara as part of the future of Dansoman.
Eugene Ampiaw,
Camara
