Editorial
Volta lake tragedy: Let’s not ignore safety precautions
● Travellers on the Volta Lake should be provide enouugh life jackets
Dear Editor,
Five people including two females and three children have reportedly lost their lives when a boat conveying passengers to a funeral from Azizanya to Azizakpe in the Ada East District of the Greater Accra Region, capsised recently on the Volta Lake.
The boat, which was supposed to carry about 40 to 50 passengers, according to news reports, was overloaded with almost 100 passengers without life jackets.
This tragedy, I believe, could have been avoided if safety precautions were taken seriously. The boats have a required number of passengers to carry and that should not have been exceeded under any circumstance.
Although the loss is regrettable, I wonder if some of these unfortunate incidents must occur before we do or take the necessary actions.
Life jackets are designed to keep passengers from drowning in case of accidents and I believe no boat or canoe should be made to transport humans without this protective gear on board.
It is commendable that a rescue team promptly intervened to save lives and we must encourage more basic training in cardiopulmonary restitution (CPR) which is a useful lifesaving technique during emergencies.
This is not the first time we have recorded a boat disaster. In January this year, eight school children out of 220 others drowned on the lake while crossing with a canoe from Atigagome to Wayokope District Assembly Primary School.
Considering the recurring nature of these accidents, I plead with the authorities to provide more boats and canoes for residents in these catchment areas. They should also be supplied with adequate life jackets and other protective gears to save lives when the unfortunate happens.
Evelyn Naadu Borquaye,
Nungua, Accra.
Editorial
New Bortianor roads need urgent attention
Dear Editor,
I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to bring to the notice of the authorities and responsible agencies to the dire state of roads in New Bortianor in the Greater Accra region.
These roads, which serve as vital links for commuters, residents and businesses, are significantly deteriorated, causing immense damage to vehicles and affecting the well-being of various businesses.
The roads have developed potholes and have been rendered impassable due to the constant erosion during the rainy season
Anytime it rains, the area gets flooded and in the process cover those roads, trapping vehicles and endangering pedestrians.
In dry conditions, the dust from the area poses serious health issues for regular commuters and the community as a whole.
Those affected most are children and the elderly.
Residents have openly raised concerns about the dilapidated state of most of the roads in the vicinity, yet little to no action has been taken to address this dire situation.
Some already constructed roads are also beginning to lose shape due to lack of maintenance, affecting transportation and the local economy. It is hindering businesses and discouraging investment in the area.
I, therefore, wish to appeal to the appropriate authorities to prioritise concerns from the area with immediate effect.
The people of New Bortianor deserve better infrastructure to guarantee their safety, health and livelihoods.
I trust your esteemed newspaper will give this matter the necessary attention by publishing this letter to amplify the community’s concerns.
Thank you for the time and consideration. I look forward to seeing this issue highlighted in your publication.
Jesse Nnaji
Studen, Jayee University College
New Bortianor – Accra,
Editorial
My mum is jealous
I am an 18-year old girl and I’m planning to leave home because of my mother’s attitude.
She picks on me unduly and she finds faults with everything I do.
We have always been very close and I therefore find it very difficult to accept the present situation.
I mentioned this to my friend and she suggested that my mother is jealous of me. Is it possible for my mother to be jealous of me?
Adubea, Takyiman.
Dear Adubea,
I don’t think your mum is jealous of you at all. It is possible that she is having a problem and is unknowingly taking it out on you.
Show a little tolerance and if you are close to your mother, she might even eventually tell you what is worrying her.
Don’t listen to your friends, they might give you bad advice.
