Editorial
Move hawkers from the pavements
A woman selling on a pavement in front of the Mall at Tetteh Quarshie
Dear Editor,
I would like to use this opportunity to bring to the fore the dangers of allowing hawkers to take over pavements meant for pedestrians.
Currently, in front of the mall at Tetteh Quarshie in the Greater Accra Region, hawkers sell from shoes to food, clothing and several items.
Pedestrians must have enough space to walk comfortably by the roads and even have the opportunity to engage in interactions with people they come across.
It is also a matter of concern that persons with disabilities and mobility aids have to struggle for space because some people are deliberately doing what is not right.
Pavements are not meant for trading activities and that is something everyone must know. The authorities must clear the place for easy movement of pedestrians.
By Dzifa Tetteh Tay Ashaiman
Editorial
Urgent need to resource GNFS
Dear Editor,
I am writing to bring to the attention of the government on the urgent need to resource the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS).
The GNFS plays a critical role in ensuring the safety and security of our communities, but it is facing numerous challenges due to inadequate resources.
The GNFS lacks modern equipment, vehicles to effectively respond to fire outbreaks and other emergencies.
These, to a large extent affect their operations.
The service needs a state-of-the-art fire fighting equipment and vehicles for its operations.
It saddens my heart to see personnel with zeal to work but are obstructed the lack of limited resources.
Recent fires at Zongo Lane near the Rawlings Park and part of Job 600 building of Parliament House in Accra calls for an urgent need to adequately resource the Service to assist in the case of emergencies.
I urge the government to prioritise the GNFS to enable it to effectively discharge its mandate. This includes allocating sufficient funds, provide modern equipment and vehicles.
The safety and security of our communities depend on it to save human resource and the country’s economy.
Anita Nyarko-Yirenkyi
Accra
Editorial
Speed up work on reconstruction of La General Hospital
Dear Editor,
The La General Hospital was demolished in July 2020 to allow its reconstruction and become an ultra-modern facility.
Following the demolition, the government announced a budget of €5 million for the reconstruction. However, progress of work on the facility has been very slow, leading to frustration among the residents of La.
The community was hopeful that the new hospital would provide advanced healthcare services and improve access to quality medical care. Unfortunately, the delay in construction has left the people without a fully functional hospital for over three years.
The slow pace of work has caused great concern as residents now move to hospitals surrounding like the Police Hospital, 37 Military Hospital and Korle- Bu to seek medical attention even though there is a clinic in the community.
Residents of La have already organised various demonstrations to voice out their worries. They feel that the government has not lived up to its promise to deliver a modern hospital that meets the needs of the community.
The residents are worried about the impact of the delay on their health and well-being, particularly for the elderly, children, and those with chronic ailment.
I want to urge the government to make it a priority to complete hospital reconstruction this year to show its commitment to providing the community with a safe and fully equipped facility.
Elizabeth Agyeibea Ackon,
Accra
