Editorial
Educate public on proper use of zebra crossing
Pedestrians crossing the road
Dear Editor,
I am writing to express concerns to the relevant authorities on the abuse of zebra crossing by the public, especially residents of Assin Fosu in the Central region.
Some road users in Assin Fosu seem to be ignorant about the dangers associated with not using zebra crossings appropriately.
They cross the road anyhow, unconcerned about whether they are going to be knocked down by a vehicle or not.
They feel that once they have gotten to the zebra crossing, cars have to stop for them to cross but that may not be so because drivers might be on high-speed and stepping on the brake may be dangerous.
One finds it hard to believe whether such pedestrians are knowledgeable about how to cross as it is clearly seen in their attitude whenever they are about to cross.
Road users need to understand the various road markings and their benefits.
Drivers must be made to understand that, failing to give way to pedestrians trying to cross the road at a zebra crossing can have some consequences on them as a zebra crossing is an area of the road where vehicles must stop if pedestrians wish to cross.
Despite the fact that drivers are required to make way for pedestrians to cross, pedestrians must also know when, where and how to cross. They must not cross roads at junctions where drivers need to make a turning decision.
I would urge the Driver and Licensing Authority (DVLA) and the Ministry of Roads and Highways to make it a point to ensure that road contractors include zebra crossings at the appropriate places for the convenience of road users.
To ensure safety on our roads, and the proper use of zebra crossing, there should be more practical education at the basic school level to help the young ones know the appropriate ways of crossing the road.
Additionally, I would urge commercial drivers to help when it comes to passengers crossing the roads.
Elizabeth Nyarko,
Swedru.
Editorial
Fix railway crossing point on Circle-Kaneshie road
Dear Editor,
After the construction of the Kwame Nkrumah Interchange (Accra Dubai), Ghanaian were full of belief that it could solve at least a few of the problems drivers and commuters faced.
But currently, any regular user of the area would confirm that things have rather skyrocketed.
Sanitation is a big issue as the area. Traffic congestion has become something else while street lights and traffic lights in the area are nonfunctional.
Making matters worse is the regular traffic on the stretch of the Circle-Kaneshie caused by the bad nature of the railway crossing.
It is so bad that motorist are forced to slow down to cross from whichever direction they are coming from.
During the rainy season, it becomes worse as vehicles break down in the large pool of water that gathers at the place.
I wish to appeal to the Roads and Highways ministry or whichever agency is responsible for road maintenance to fix that part of the road.
As a result, public transport operators are forced to divert routes to avoid that area and in the process, causing commotion between drivers and passengers.
I feel that problem must be fixed before the rains set in. Thank you for the space.
Awuah Martin,
Kasoa, C/R
Editorial
Make celebration of Heritage Month compulsory
Heritage or Ghana Month is an annual event held in March to commemorate Ghana’s Independence and rich cultural heritage.
The event, which is celebrated across the country is gradually gaining momentum as schools and organisations have been patronising the event with various activities and programmes displaying Ghana’s rich culture.
Recently, in a vibrant display of Ghana’s culture students of Antoa Senior High School in the Ashanti Region joined forces with the Centre for National Culture (CNC) to launch the 2025 Ghana Month celebration.
According to our reporter, the event was a mixture of traditional cloth demonstrations, dance lessons, poetry recitals, and proverbs competitions as students and staff donned colourful traditional attires, showcasing their rich cultural heritage with infectious enthusiasm.
Some organisation like media houses were also not left out in the celebration of Ghana Month with Newscasters dressed in their traditional attires showcasing their culture while reading the news.
Such celebrations should be encouraged as one of the excited students of Antoa SHS exclaimed, “I never knew how rich our Ghanaian culture was until today. I’m proud to be Ghanaian.” This is a testimony of how the celebration will remind students of their roots and instill in them national values.
Ghana has so many cultures which are hidden and its time to make these cultures to project our rich Ghanaian culture to the outside world.
The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) should collaborate with the Ghana Education Service (GES) and Ghana Dance Ensemble to make the Ghana Month more visible in schools by organising activities to educate students on Ghanaian cultural values and norms, to promote national pride and identity.
The Spectator encourages the organisers to extend the celebration to more schools. This can be done through debates, essay writing competitions, among others to share Ghana’s rich heritage. It will help to revive the cultural spirit among the youth to become ambassadors of Ghana’ culture.
GTA must also take advantage of Ghana Month and team up with the hospitality industry such as restaurants, hoteliers, Chop Bar operators, among others to organise a traditional cuisine festival like cooking and eating competitions among organisations and associations to boost tourism in Ghana. Such competitions will give people insight into the preparations of Ghanaian local foods and drinks, and promote healthy living in families. The fashion industry should also come on board to help take Ghana Month a notch higher.
In the words of the Acting Regional Director of the CNC in the Ashanti Region, Mr Peter Kofi Marfo “Let us Wear Ghana, Eat Ghana, See Ghana, Speak Ghana, Hear and Dance Ghana, together, we’ll keep our cultural flame burning bright.”
The Spectator is hopeful that by making the celebration of Ghana Month compulsory. Ghanaians will remain committed to promoting their rich culture and heritage, for future generations.
