Editorial
GPRTU must regulate ‘trotro’ fares in Accra, Kumasi
A mate taking fare in the commercial vehicle
Dear Editor,
The escalating lorry fares to various destinations, particularly in Accra and Kumasi, have raised concerns among commuters. The local ‘trotro’ drivers, responsible for these commercial vehicles, are imposing varying fares on passengers, contributing to an inconsistent pricing landscape.
In both Accra and Kumasi, the disparities in lorry fares charged by different mates have become apparent.
For instance, on the route from Malejor school junction to Amanfrom in Accra, some mates charge GHȻ4.00, while others settle for GHȻ3.00.
There are similar inconsistencies in Kumasi as well where drivers’ mates on the route from Tech Junction to Campus charges with different fares.
This situation raises valid concerns about transparency and fairness in determining lorry fares, impacting commuters who may find themselves subject to arbitrary pricing.
I want to appeal to the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) to promptly address this issue by taking effective measures to rectify the disparities.
In tackling these inconsistencies in lorry fares, the GPRTU has an opportunity to contribute to a more organised and equitable transportation system for passengers in Accra and Kumasi.
I urge the GPRTU to take steps to regulate lorry fares and establish a fair and consistent fare structure that aligns with the best interests of commuters.
James Boahen Nyarko Akwasi
Kumasi
Editorial
Check cases of drug abuse among youth of Shukura and environs
Dear Sir,
I write this letter as a concerned citizen of the country to bring to your notice the increasing rate of the intake of hard drugs by the youth of Shukura and its environs.
This issue is of great concern because of the negative impact of the hard drugs such as tobacco, cannabis and heroine on the youth in the area.
The situation has created a state of insecurity as residents find it difficult to walk around at night for fear of being attacked by these drug addicts.
Strangely, there is a police station in the community but police personnel either don’t show any interest in their activities or struggle to track their activities.
This has given them some freedom to misbehave around the area and endanger the lives of the people.
At this stage, it has become important for the residents in the community to collaborate with the police in addressing the issue.
I want to implore the police in the area to conduct patrol exercise in the area, especially at nights.
That aside, I would want to urge the authorities to embark a campaign on drug addiction in the area to let the youth know and understand the dangers and harm drugs exposes them to.
Chris Nii Narh,
Shukura
Editorial
Discuss mental health disorders among health professionals
Dear Editor,
As individuals who visit health facilities, we are always expectant of being received by medical professionals in very good moods.
These same medical professionals, including nurses, have always been on the receiving end of a backlash for failure to do so.
However, what we often fail, as citizens and patients, to realise is that these medical professionals are also humans who are faced with a lot of stress and burnout, a situation that affects their mental health.
Although there is no data on mental health of health workers in Ghana from the Mental Health Directorate of the Ghana Health Service (GHS), some research statistics could be obtained from some public research.
For instance, a comparative study conducted by researchers at the Volta Regional and Ho Teaching hospitals in August this year revealed moderate and high levels of stress among the nurses in these two hospitals.
Mental health issues among health workers in Ghana is one that is less talked about.
Its negative impact was largely felt during the COVID-19 period, when medical professionals had to work for longer hours. Imagine a nurse who is stressed out and is required to give an injection to a patient.
This is why there is the need for the government and the GHS to address the issue of mental health among medical professionals with all seriousness to avert any negative outcome.
Benjamin Arcton-Tettey,
Accra
