PEACEKEEPING

16/8/2008

Story: Matilda Attram

A burial service has been organized in Accra for the late Sergeant Joseph Stanhope Dawson, 39, who died whiles on an African Union (AU) mission of peacekeeping operations in Darfur-Sudan.

The late sergeant Dawson with staff identity number 31324 G was said to be recruited into the Ghana Police Service in 1992 as a general Constable, a Corporal and later a sergeant, was said to have been on his second AU mission operations in El-Fasher to help restore peace since November 2007 until his untimely death on 8^th July 2008.

As a policeman Sergeant Dawson was said to be exposed to several challenges of practical police duties but had the courage to move on.

In a tribute read on behalf of the Ghana Police Service, they assessed him as dedicated, hardworking and proved equal to all tasks assigned to him. “Although his duties sometimes entailed a lot of risk, he never shrugged his shoulders whenever any assigned on a duty. He was a man who executed his task to the latter”. They said.

They therefore expressed their condolence to the bereaved family and said the officer’s

death had afflicted not only on the family and friends but also the Ghana Police Service.

The Ghana Police Contingent in United Nations African Union Mission (UNAMID) Sudan, in a tribute assessed Sergeant Dawson as being respectful, sober, jovial, popular, and exposed exceptional skills in his duties and was loved by his fellow international and national peacekeepers. “The Ghana Police Service as ell as the Civilian Peacekeepers in Darfur would forever remember Joe for his noble sentiment and the cause he died for”.

In his sermon, the General Police Service Chaplain, Reverend Frank Twum-Baah expressed his concern about how policemen are treated in the country. He said the work of policemen must be considered very important since they contribute immensely to a nation’s development. “Police personnel are very important to every nation and so must be given as much respect needed in delivering their duties. When a policeman dies on a cause of operation, he does that to save his nation and the citizens in it”

Some dignitaries present at the ceremony included the Inspector General of Police (IGP), P.K Acheampong, Chairman of the Ghana Police Council Mr. Justice Sam Glenn Baidoo, United Nations…….(UNDP) Administrative Analysts Mr. Dennis Aggrey-Ampiah, Director General of Peacekeeping in the Ghana Armed Forces Col……. Quaisey and Ghana Police Commander, Darfur-Sudan ACP Mr.Gyamena Yeboah.

The late sergeant Joseph Stanhope Dawson was on his way back with his team from an investigative patrol to their camp, as a result of an attack by unidentified gunmen who engaged them in a continuous gun firing for which lasted three hours. He left behind a wife and three children (two boys and a girl).

BAD STENCH RAIDS ASYLUM DOWN

Matilda Attram.

Some residents at Asylum Down have turned a major uncovered drainage near the Christian Methodist High School which is close to the Kwame Nkrumah circle, a ceremonial street into a place of convenience though a public toilet is sited few meters from the drain.

Interestingly, some residents defecate anytime of the day without shame, ignoring cars that drive by. Some also dump tied black polythene bags containing feaces into the drain which directly connects the Odow River, oblivious of the health hazard.

Remnants of used toilet papers, rubbish have also taken over section of the drain.

Residents, who pass by, are either spotted covering their nose or fleeing from the stench that wafts through the air.

When Daily Graphic inquired from residents why some people defecate into the drains, some said they could not afford 25 pesewas to visit a nearby toilet facility.

Sebastian Nii Attram, a resident said, “They complain paying 25 pesewas is too expensive hence they use the open drain which is free of charge…. It is irresponsible but it seems authorities are relaxed”.

It is so common to see adults as well as children squat closely at the edge of the drain ignorant of the dangers of falling into the drain.

A student at the Christian Methodist High School, Amanda Wilson said the situation was worrying. “We always hurriedly climb the stairs and cross the street because the stench is unbearable…. we have to cover our nostrils to stop inhaling bad air which emanates from the drain” she said.

Some residents told Daily Graphic that anytime it rained heavily, human excreta are carried into their homes especially when drains become full.

A resident who gave her name as Esi Nkansah said the bad odour wafts through their homes. “We cannot bear the stench especially in this rainy season, we can’t sleep because we breathe bad air…please do something about our situation”. She said.

Some residents who pleaded anonymity claimed they had reported to the Assembly man of the area but nothing seems to be done about the worrying situation.

They alleged the assembly man of the area is aware of the situation but have done nothing about it.

The Director of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly Osu Klottey Sub- Metro, Seth Nii Okpe told Daily Graphic, there has been no official report to the assembly.

He however admitted the situation was unpleasant. “It’s a huge problem particularly since it is close to a school and residential homes… it is also worrying because it is close to a public toilet and the Kwame Nkrumah Circle which is a ceremonial area.. we need to solve this problem holistically” he said.

“We need to tackle the problem immediately. I plead with community members, assembly members, and security institutions particularly the police to help arrest offenders.” He added.