Efua Sutherland Children's Park in a Diplorable State

The Efua Sutherland children's park is in a deplorable state.

The facility lacks modern play games which officials say make it unattractive for children and young people who patronize it.

Our correspondents Baisiwa Dowuona-Hammond and Edward Kwabi examine the state of the major children's recreational facility in the capital and report experts say apart from the fun and emotional fulfillment experience, recreation and leisure is crucial to the develop of the child.

They contend, it also provides children and young people with the freedom and space to explore new things and master new skills.

Unfortunately, very little can be said of the recreational centres in the country.

The Efua Sutherland Children's Park, the major recreational centre is in a poor state.

Since establishment in 1979, the facility has seen no major rehabilitation, making it unattractive.

The park which is under the auspices of the ministry of women and children's affairs lacks modern play equipment and decent toilet facilities.

The basket ball court for instance was near collapse as well as some broken chairs that still sat unattended to.

The only train the facility boasts of was in a deplorable state and officials complained about the rail tracks which is yet to undergo repairs.

Not to mention the makeshift train ticket stations which were completely broken down.

One other thing that caught our attention was the overgrown grass, compounding the poor sanitary conditions around the park.

The scene indeed leaves much to be desired, posing danger to the health and safety of the children.

According to the acting Director at the department of children, ministry of women and children's affairs Peter Eduful, the facility is understaffed, making it difficult to keep it in order.

He however called on corporate bodies and individuals to support the rebuilding of the Efua Sutherland Children's Park.

Author: TV3 News source: www.tv3.com.gh

Mining in Wassa- A threat to lives

Residents of Wassa Amenfi east district in the western region have complained about the alarming operations of galamsey operators in the area.

They are worried; activities of these illegal miners have had a bad effect on sanitation.

Edward Kwabi, our correspondent reports, the situation is a health threat to the community.

The only source of drinking water for the people in the Wassa Amenfi east district, river Ankobrah, is said to be polluted with chemicals from mining activities.

Residents of Adansi, a gold mining community in the district, say their sources of drinking water have been used either as sites for mining or construction.

Due to lack of potable water, inhabitants have no option but to drink the water from Ankobrah.

Illegal miners have rendered roads in the district almost unmotorable.

They mostly leave dugged out holes uncovered which are a threat to the community.

Residents are also apprehensive; some Chinese miners have taken over their land without compensating them.

Residents claimed, the Chinese firm promised them good drinking water and electricity but nothing had come of these promises.

They are aggrieved, mining activities have destroyed their cocoa farms and efforts to have the authorities intervene have proved futile.

Meanwhile the only school in the community is in a deplorable state, with a new one yet to be completed.

Residents are therefore appealing for support from government and NGO's.

Author: TV3 News source: www.tv3.com.gh