Editorial
Speed up construction works on Sukura market
Dear Editor,
I write to bring to your notice the delayed construction of the Sukura market in the Ablekuma Central Constituency.
On Thursday, September 10, 2020, a durbar which was graced by the former Member of Parliament (MP) of the Constituency, Mr Ebenezer Nii Narh Nartey, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) of the Assembly, Mariama Karley Amui, and other dignitaries was held to cut sod for the construction of a modern market for the Sukura community.
As a temporary measure, sheds were erected on the road in front of the old market to accommodate them.
But four years afterwards, the new market funded by the Coastal Development Authority (CODA) under the Infrastructure for Poverty Eradication Programme (IPEP) of the Ministry of Special Development Initiative is yet to take shape.
Work is still at the foundation level, while the place had been turned into a car park and playing field for children.
Traders who sell at the market for the past four years have complained bitterly about the stalled project and the challenges they are facing.
To make matters worse, the temporary sheds have affected traffic flow.
As a concerned member of the community, I once enquired from the Ablekuma Central Municipal Assembly to know the reason for the delay.
Eventually, it was attributed to a change in the design of the infrastructure which needed additional funding.
I find it very disturbing that the market that have served the community for close to 50 years is not properly functioning while some of the traders have had to find other markets to sell.
Personally, I feel there was no need to start the project if the government was not ready financially.
The government, through the Ablekuma Central Municipal Assembly, needs to find ways of ensuring that the stalled project is completed to address the challenges it had brought to the Sukura community.
Benjamin Arcton-Tettey – Sukura
arctontetteybenjamin@gmail. com
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.
