Editorial
Don’t leave toll workers hanging
Dear Editor,
When the Government suspended the collection of road tolls in November 2021, I wrote to question the fate of the toll collectors, some of whom are physically challenged persons.
They had complained that life was getting tougher following the closure and called on the government to find alternative means of livelihood but it appears assurances given are yet to materialise almost a year after the closure.
The Deputy Minister for Employment and Labour Relations, Bright Wireko-Brobbey had explained recently in Parliament that although the workers currently do not have jobs, their salaries were paid in full during the period of their contract.
I have heard there were steps to reassign some of the workers under a different employment modules but I guess those statements were only to calm the nerves of the unemployed workers.
Leadership of the workers union had argued that the new modules could have been developed before the directive to close down the toll booths was implemented and I cannot agree with them any less.
Inasmuch as I want the ministry to respond quickly to the demand of the former toll collectors, they must as well be cautious in giving the workers false hope.
If there are no alternative jobs, it should be indicated as such. However, if there is certainly an alternative source of employment for the workers, then the ministry must endeavour to deliver on its promise as soon as possible instead of keeping the workers ‘hanging.’
Nobert Mensah,
Aburi.
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
