The yuletide must be incident free

Once again, we are in December, the month in which Christians all over the world celebrate Christmas to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ.

During this month, many people travel across the country back to their roots and have family reunions and engage in celebrations for the season.

In spite of admonitions from the security services, many accidents, unfortunately, occur during this period under circumstances that could have been avoided.

As the Christmas season approaches, we expect an increase in traffic flow in the cities and movement of people to commercial centres in preparation towards the yuletide. Such situations normally result in the escalation of crime and other social vices that call for the intervention of the security personnel on a higher scale than in ‘normal’ times.

The Daily Graphic is, therefore, happy that the Ghana Police Service has already outlined measures it will take during the yuletide to ensure an incident-free Christmas.  

One issue that has for some years now been of grave concern is the use of some categories of fire crackers and explosives. It is clear that although these firecrackers and explosives have been banned, they always find their way onto the Ghanaian market.

One of the measures announced by the police is the arrest of people in possession of banned explosives. In our view, traders who import such crackers and officials at our entry points should be properly educated to prevent the importation of the banned products in the first place. 

Again, during the Christmas celebration, it becomes necessary for police presence in all the ‘trouble spots’  and we are gratified to note that the police authorities have given an assurance that the police will be ‘everywhere’.

The issue of road accidents has also been a source of worry to many. Most often, commercial vehicle drivers have been admonished to stay away from alcohol and drugs and also avoid speeding, but we dare say that the advice should as well go to our private car drivers, many of whom are guilty of drink-driving. 

We urge all drivers, both private and commercial, to follow all regulations and cooperate with police personnel, who are expected to be posted to various spots to ensure law and order.

The Daily Graphic implores all Ghanaians and residents to have confidence in the police and help them to carry out their constitutionally mandated duties of ensuring law and order and protecting law-abiding citizens.

We urge the police to release every machinery at their disposal so Ghanaians can enjoy a yuletide that is devoid of any nasty incidents.

Ghana has some of the finest crop of police personnel and we believe that with the assurances so far given, and with support from the public, we shall have one of the most memorable celebrations ever.