Accra Central in sorrowful state: How did we get here?

 

 Accra Central, the heart of Ghana’s capital, has become a sorrowful state. It's hard to miss the daily display of human misery that lingers in the streets. Trash heaps scatter about, makeshift huts sprawled along the pavements. Accra Central was once a thriving centre for commerce and a popular tourist destination, so how did we get here?

Years of bad governance, corruption, and the apathy of the powers that be are to blame for the city’s current situation. Decades of unchecked and unplanned growth has led to the deterioration of essential public services, which have become overloaded, inadequate and increasingly unreliable.

Pockets of desperation line the alleyways as people beg for spare change and shelter for the night. Unemployment rates are at an all-time high, and most of those who do have a job barely make enough to feed themselves and their families. Drugs and prostitution run rampant, offering what seems like the only means of escape to many in Accra Central.

However, the tragedy doesn't end there. Environmental destruction has only made things worse. Industries emit poisonous gases, cars and motorcycles run freely, and deforestation has further compounded the situation. These have led to environmental and health problems like pollution, soil degradation, water pollution and the outbreak of various diseases.

But there's hope. We must address the challenges that led us here with determination, knowledge, and political will. A sincere commitment to the creation of efficient, modern infrastructure and creating avenues for business growth will be necessary to jumpstart the economy. Likewise, rekindling civic consciousness is a priority for individuals. A movement to raise awareness and address the environmental problems could lead to Accra Central's healing. We all must realize the significance of sustainability and the necessity to conserve and care for the environment.

It’s high time we look at Accra Central as the treasure that it is and ensure that we take the necessary measures to build it back better. It will take more than government initiatives and actions. Every citizen must hold a responsibility for preserving and advancing Accra Central’s potential and find means of doing so. We need to learn from the present conditions, make sure that history doesn't repeat itself and endeavour towards an improved, inclusive future.