News
TMA to build police post near new motorway interchange
As part of efforts to ensure the continuous presence of the Police at the newly constructed Tema Motorway Interchange, the Tema Metropolitan Assembly (TMA) in collaboration with its partners has decided to construct a post for the Tema Regional Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) closer to the interchange.
The post which is expected to be located on a space in front of the construction headquarters and around the Southern Fried Chicken Restaurant would also have a control tower to deal with traffic management at the heart of Tema and also help to ensure that possible road crashes and accident cases receive prompt response.
The Public Relations Officer for the TMA, Frank Asante told the Ghanaian Times that the Police Post would purposely be for the MTTD and would be at a location within the precincts of the Motorway Interchange to enable the police maintain its presence at all times.
He disclosed that the facility would also have a towing service to attend to vehicles that may break down among others.
He said the security presence at such a facility was key and hence the plans to ensure that the place was always safe for the public.
The Tema Regional Motor Traffic and Transport Department Commander, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Joseph Owusu-Bempah in an interview said the proposed site for the construction of an MTTD and the control tower to take care of traffic management within the heart of Tema would have a great impact on traffic.
“Most traffic incidents happen in and around the Motorway Intersection and it is important prudent police presence is felt at the place” he explained.
He disclosed that the Regional MTTD Command had, hitherto, secured a two office accommodation for that purpose from the Ghana Highway Authority, but due to the new construction, that building was demolished.
ACP Owusu-Bempah said though the contractor had already provided a small post for use by the Regional MTTD there was no parking space and therefore the place had not been convenient.
He said the Regional MTTD Command was poised to use its strong ties with the leadership of TMA to see to it that the project came into fruition.
FROM DZIFA TETTEH, TEMA
News
Intake of ‘Gobe’ can prevent heart diseases —Nutritionists
Nutritionists have advised Ghanaians to eat more beans-based meals, including the popular local dish, gari and beans, also known as ‘Gobe’ to prevent heart diseases. They said incidences of obesity and cancer could be minimised with the regular intake of beans meals.
At a programme in Accra to mark the World Pulses ( Beans) Day on Monday, Mr Wise Chukudi Letsa, Nutritionist and Dietician, who spoke on the topic: ‘Beans: The Super Food for Healthy Living and Healthy Farmlands,’ admonished Ghanaians to include beans in their diets.
Mr Letsa said beans was rich in protein, fibre, vitamins, minerals, irons and other nutrients and contained just a little fat. Mr Letsa, a Nutritionist with Lets Consult, stated that the presence of those nutrients in beans explained why its intake could prevent heart diseases and other ailments, hence the need to consume it regularly.
The event, dubbed: ‘Meatless Monday’ was organised by the Communications Initiative for Change (CIC), a Ghanaian non-profit organisation.
The ‘Meatless Monday’ is an initiative aimed at encouraging Ghanaians to reduce their intake of meat by taking in more beans-based meals on every Monday of a week.
It was launched after the United Nations in 2019, set aside February 10 to celebrate and encourage the consumption of pulses (beans) worldwide. This year’s celebration was hinged on the theme: ‘Bringing Diversity to Agrifood Systems.’
Mr Peter Agbovi, National Secretary, Chefs Association of Ghana, said a variety of meals could be prepared with beans, which include Waakye (rice and beans), Kose (beans paste made into cakes), Ayikple, Aboboi, Tuo Zaafi, Akyeke, and kakro.
He encouraged Ghanaians to consume more of those foods to stay healthy.
Mr Emmanuel Fiagbey, the Executive Director, CIC, indicated that even if people could not eat beans-based meals regularly, efforts should be made to consume them every Monday.
He said that was the essence of the introduction of the ‘Meatless Monday’ initiative. -GNA
News
Restore beauty of Kwame Nkrumah Circle area / State of Kwame Nkrumah Circle an eyesore!
Small size quarry stones fixed at open spaces under the Kwame Nkrumah Circle Interchange was to leave the place open and free from activities of beggars and other activities of the homeless.
By the way the stones were fixed, it makes the area, particularly the VIP and Neoplan Station stretch of the Interchange, inhabitable by the destitute.
But a walk through the area currently suggest the opposite.
At the median where pavement blocks have been taken over by these homeless and destitute, the area has been turned into a hotel where a number of these unfortunate ones have comfortably laid their mattresses and other stuff to rest from the day’s activities.
They have crossed over to the SSNIT and Kaneshie Station area with their activities and have removed the quarry stones which were to ward them off the place to enable them find spaces to sleep comfortably.
The pavement blocks removed from different locations under the interchange now serves as foundations on which beds were laid and in some cases, mosquito nets erected.
Their continued presence is not only creating a nuisance for commuters but marring the beauty and serenity of the place.
Sadly, the activities of these deprived fellows have been ignored while the numbers keep increasing day by day.
The Spectator finds the development very worrying and calls on the responsible authorities to clear the area to restore the beauty and serenity of the area.
By Victor A. Buxton
