Editorial
Government must fix bad roads in Ashaiman
Ashaiman road
Dear Editor,
I write to express my deepest concern regarding the deteriorating road infrastructure in our beloved country, particularly in the capital, Accra.
The dire situation of our roads, exemplified by the alarming condition of the Tema-Motorway, has prompted this urgent appeal for action.
First and foremost, I must commend the government for its responsiveness in addressing the deplorable state of the Tema-Motorway. It is heartening to see that our leaders are attuned to the concerns of the populace and are taking steps to rectify the situation.
However, this is but a single thread in the larger tapestry of road-related challenges that our nation faces.
The Tema-Motorway serves as a microcosm of the issues plaguing our road network.
The very word “motorway” implies a high-speed and efficient route of transportation. Yet, the reality is far from this idyllic image.
Instead, commuters are subjected to a jumble of potholes, cracks, and crumbling asphalt that do not only endanger lives but also impede economic activities.
This dilapidation paints a bleak picture for both the residents of Accra and the countless individuals who rely on this crucial artery for their daily commute.
Moreover, the recent protest by the resilient citizens of Ashaiman on Tuesday, October 3, underscores the widespread anguish caused by our crumbling roads.
These brave individuals took to the streets, in a figurative and literal sense, to voice their discontent. They rightly demand urgent intervention to rehabilitate the road networks that have languished in disrepair for far too long.
The phrase “the squeaky wheel gets the grease” aptly applies here.
It is time for the government to heed the calls of its citizens and address the woeful condition of roads across our nation. Failing to do so would be akin to turning a blind eye to a wildfire that threatens to engulf our collective mobility and economic progress.
I implore the government to consider these concerns with the seriousness they deserve. It is not merely about fixing roads; it is about facilitating the movement of people, goods, and ideas.
Our roads should be the bedrock upon which progress is built, not the stumbling blocks that hinder it. Let us invest in a future where the phrase “bad roads” becomes a relic of the past and where our nation’s infrastructure is a source of pride rather than dismay.
George Obeng Osei, Ashaiman
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
