Editorial

Let’s back calls to review defilement law

Dear Editor,

I write to back a call by a High Court Judge to review the country’s laws on defilement to ensure that such cases get to their logical conclusion.

In the previous edition of your paper, the judge, Justice Gloria Mensah-Bonsu called for a second look at Section 101(1) of the Criminal Offences Act 29.

That in her view could ensure proper compensation for defilement victims.

According to the report, a culprit in such cases was liable on summary conviction to a term of imprisonment of seven years minimum or 25 years maximum.

But being a strictly liability law with no option of a fine, it has become difficult, by my layman understanding, to fine the culprits to compensate the victims, especially in cases where the act results in pregnancy.

I want to appeal to the authorities, specifically Parliament to consider this human right centered call to begin the process.

As it is now, some families of victims of such crimes would consider monetary ‘gains’ over the punishment to be meted out to the culprit.

Sometimes, one cannot begrudge them for that judgment because their living conditions may be poor and could feed on what the culprit would use to buy their ‘silence’.

But when they are aware the case could fetch them something substantial in addition to a conviction, they may cooperate to ensure the match gets to its logical conclusion.

Adwoa Wadie,

Accra

Editorial

Residents uncomfortable with noise pollution at Abeka-Botwe

Dear Editor,

I write to complain about the incessant noise pollution from churches and drinking spots in the Abeka- Botwe community.

Despite the many complaints from residents, the churches and operators of these drinking spots have turned a deaf ear to these complaints from the neighbours and residents.

Even suggestions to reduce the volume of their gadgets have been ignored.

One can audibly hear these noise from meters away and it’s very bad especially for those living close. In communicating, one is forced to shout for the other to hear.

These churches holds evening services twice or thrice a week and morning service on Thursdays and Sundays.

On all these occasions, one is forced to leave the house, move somewhere to relax and return home when they are done.

Most residents are at their wits end as complains to the churches and drinking spots have not been heeded to.

Through this platform, I wish to appeal to the Okaikwei North Municipal Assembly to take the needed action against them or caution them to give some relief to residents.

Akosua Addo

Abeka-Botwe

Editorial

Fix deplorable roads at Dansoman Camara

Dear Editor

I am writing to express my concern about the deplorable condition of the roads in my area, Dansoman Camara, specifically the numerous potholes that have become a menace to drivers and pedestrians alike.

The roads in the neighbourhood are full of potholes and for months has become so difficult for drivers to navigate their way on them.

Despite the numerous complaints to the local authorities, nothing seems to have been done to address the issue. The potholes are not only causing damage to vehicles but also posing a significant risk to road safety.

As the rainy season draws closer, it will turn into something else as these huge potholes become large pools of water.

And as drivers drive through them, they splash the water on commuters. The buildings nearby are also not left out, leaving them in a poor state.

As a resident of this area, I am appalled by the lack of attention given to this critical issue. I urge the relevant authorities to take immediate action to repair the roads and fill the potholes.

It is their responsibility to ensure that the roads are safe and well-maintained.

I hope that by highlighting this issue, I can bring attention to the plight of residents in my area and prompt the authorities to take necessary action.

Eugene Ampiaw,

Dansoman Camara