Editorial
Respect road safety regulations
According to reports, despite many interventions by the Ghana Road Safety Authority (GRSA) and the Department of Urban Roads (DUR), pedestrians at the Tamale-Bolgatanga junction continue to violate road safety regulations.
When the GRSA and the DUR realised that some pedestrians were crossing the roadway inappropriately close to the interchange, a concrete barricade was reportedly built when the junction opened in March 2022.
Our reporter has observed that the measure has not curbed the menace. In an interview with some of the pedestrians they cited the distance to the nearest crossing point as a reason for disregarding the barricade.
Others asserted that they were unaware of the barricade’s significance or planned use. They did, however, recognise that crossing to the other side carries some risk because there could be an accident with a car using the interchange.
Despite the risks, same obstinate behaviours are also seen in Accra, particularly on the N1 highway and other locations. Some people choose to cross major highways by unapproved routes, even though this behaviour has resulted in the deaths of several pedestrians.
The Spectator is worried about the trend and requests that the Metropolitan Assembly and other relevant authorities launch an awareness campaign to inform pedestrians of road regulations so they better protect themselves from death.
Thus, we applaud NRSA’s decision to further up its “Stay Alive!” education initiatives and include stakeholders in road safety.
To discourage other pedestrians from acting similarly, authorities must be on the lookout and arrest disobedient individuals. In accordance with Section 3 of the Road Traffic Regulations, 2012 (LI 154), it is illegal for a pedestrian to cross over or utilise an underpass when one is available.
“Upon summary conviction, an individual found guilty of violating this regulation faces a maximum fine of five penalty units, a maximum sentence of seven days in jail, or both.”
To stay safe, we also implore everyone who uses the roads, especially pedestrians, to follow the laws and guidelines set forth by the authorities.
Editorial
Obtain license before practising traditional medicine
People suffer from a variety of health problems, and instead of consulting with medical professionals who are competent to treat them, they prefer to take various concoctions from unqualified people, which ultimately makes their condition worse.
The Traditional Medicine Practice Council (TMPC) has expressed concern and warned practitioners of traditional, complementary, and integrative medicine that neglect to obtain or renew their licenses from the council may be subject to legal action.
The Spectator is happy about this move because controlling Traditional Medicine Practice (TMP) will restore sanity to the system, as more and more people choose traditional rather than mainstream medicine.
The term “traditional medicine” describes the knowledge, abilities, and procedures utilised in the preservation of health as well as the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of physical and mental illness.
These methods are founded on the theories, beliefs, and life experiences that are native to many cultures.
The alert was sent out on August 31, on the occassion of African Traditional Medicine Day, which is observed every year. The World Health Organisation (WHO) created the Day in 2003 to honour the significance of traditional medicine in Africa and to encourage its incorporation into all of the continent’s national health systems.
According to the council, 70–80 per cent of people use herbal medicines as their major source of healthcare, making them the most widely used type of traditional medicine.
As to Section 9 of the TMPC Act, 2000 (Act 575), it is impermissible for an individual to manufacture herbal medicine for commercial purposes or run a business as a practitioner without first registering with the council.
In order to enhance public safety when administering herbal medications, it is crucial that herbal practitioners follow the Council’s recommendations and renew or obtain licenses from the organisation.
This is due to the fact that regulated practice would improve and promote the THPs’ meaningful participation in primary healthcare operations.
Most importantly, for millions of people, particularly in rural areas, traditional medicine and THPs are essential parts of the healthcare field.
Additionally, obtaining a license before practice will be extremely beneficial to herbalists as it will spare them from the harsh consequences of breaking the law.
The Spectator concurs with the Council that making safe and effective traditional medicines available could play a significant role in expanding access to healthcare services, as one-third of the population does not have access to vital medications.
Without a doubt, this will have a significant positive impact on Ghanaians’ health and wellbeing.
Whatever it may be, traditional medicine is here to stay and will continue to play a significant role in the healthcare systems of many communities, so the correct protocols must be followed to guarantee everyone’s safety.
Editorial
Construction of ‘Ayee Ayee Fee’ Avenue road in Akweteyman stalled
Dear Editor,
Residents of ‘Ayee Ayee Fee Avenue’, an area around Akweteyman in Accra are unhappy with the stalled road construction in the area.
The project, which began on a promising note, has been abandoned for months, leaving the road in a deplorable state.
The present state of the road has made its usage a nightmare for residents, commuters, and traders in the area.
The potholes and dust makes it difficult for vehicles to ply the road, while pedestrians risk their safety navigating the uneven terrain.
The lack of progress on the project has also created traffic congestion, air pollution, and economic hardship for local businesses.
It is unacceptable that the authorities have allowed this project to stall, despite the clear need for a safe and accessible road.
I implore the relevant authorities to take immediate action to complete the road construction on ‘Ayee Ayee Fee’ Avenue.
The community deserves a safe and reliable transportation infrastructure, and it is the responsibility of the authorities to deliver it.
Regular updates on the project’s progress, coupled with a clear plan for completion, can help restore confidence in the authorities’ ability to deliver on their promises.
Richmond Angel Mensah,
Accra.
