General

Traffic Light Malfunctions Does anyone ever pause and ponder traffic lights and traffic signals? And would it be weird to know that I do? In a city as quickly growing as Accra, one would think it would be something we did more often. Imagine the exceedingly high levels of carnage and chaos that would ensue if we woke one day and traffic lights and signals had disappeared from our cities. Between the commercial and private vehicles, the motorcycles and bicycles, pedestrians and even baby walkers, the traffic and confusion would be scores worse than the China National Highway 110 traffic jam (Wikipedia contributors, 2022) that began on August the 13th, 2010 and slowed thousands of vehicles for more than 100 kilometres and lasted an astounding 10 days! Traffic lights first appeared (for public use) 154 years ago in 1868 in Parliament Square in London to reduce the number of policemen needed to control traffic. The genius invention that has saved more lives and livelihoods than we can ever hope to quantify has several variated applications. According to some experts, traffic lights have a general purpose, a specific purpose, and a more diversified focus that includes the use of big-picture road safety signs.  The general, specific, and diversified purpose  Concerning the elaborated and expanded purpose of traffic lights and traffic signals, experts, ELTEC Corp, documented it as such: The General purpose “Maintain a safe flow of traffic From managing travel times to preserving safe roadways, the majority of traffic signals are designed to keep cars, pedestrians, cyclists, and anyone else using the road safely. These signals might be anything from warning signs to streetlights, from complex to simple, all for the sake of keeping people in their lane. The idea here is to limit the speed and volume of traffic to safe levels by speeding up or slowing down traffic along the whole span of the road in question.  Keep pedestrians and vehicles safe When it comes to intersections, crosswalks, school zones, and other places where there’s a good deal of both vehicular and foot traffic, traffic signals help communicate potential risk areas for both drivers and pedestrians. The signs that let you know a stoplight is around a curve, for example, prevent crashes or vehicle-pedestrian collisions by alerting drivers of a sudden or unexpected stop or slow down on the road. Generally, this is about managing anywhere that roadways and traffic might bump up against non-traffic areas – city centres, neighbourhoods, or anything that isn’t a long barren highway. Minimize accident frequency and severity Finally, traffic signals also play a role in limiting the amount and intensity of accidents that do happen. People aren’t infallible, so accidents happen even in some of the safest environments. In situations like this, limiting speeds or designing a series of signals to slow or stop traffic can at the very least reduce the impact of accidents that do happen. Practically speaking, this usually looks like speed limits or restructuring of lanes and major signals in highly trafficked areas that are more prone to accidents.“ The specific purpose “Of course, over the years, traffic signals have evolved significantly to accommodate a wide variety of more particular uses. As neighbourhoods and roadways expand to cover more areas and weave through more of where we live, more specific and detailed traffic signals become necessary…In many cases, there’s a fairly homogeneous traffic light system in place, but in some cases, more specialized equipment makes sense. Specialized doesn’t necessarily mean complex, of course. Something as simple as a sign for deer crossing is a perfect example. It’s just a sign, but it’s specialized for areas susceptible to deer. It might also be more complicated of course, such as an RRFB that allows for an improved level of pedestrian and roadway safety in places where standard signage or signal intensity isn’t sufficient.“  “Looking forward, as people rethink the design of cars and cities to incorporate automation and AI, like self-driving cars or more technologically advanced public transportation, traffic signals will have to evolve even further. To account for increased speeds, more or less human interaction, and the shifts in urban design, we may see completely new traffic signals or unexpected evolutions of traffic signals that already exist.” Diversified purpose  “Of course, traffic signals work in tandem with civic design to increase safety. In much the same way that traffic signals change to meet the needs and requirements of different roads and urban design, the way people think about urban design will change as well. In some cities, a push towards more bike lanes necessitates signage and signals that account for increased bicycle traffic. In other cities, a set space in the middle of town may be designated for only pedestrian traffic, or places that are accessible only for public transport“ (The Purpose of Traffic Signals | ELTEC, 2019) Reasons for malfunctioning traffic lights, signals, and signs Now, there is a myriad of reasons traffic lights, signals, and signs would malfunction or simply be damaged. One of the most obvious and predominantly the usual suspect is bad weather conditions. A good amount of strong rain and very heavy winds go a long way in rendering traffic lights, signals and signs out of service and use. In Ghana, we can expect a series of malfunctions as we dive into the rainy season – A note to all and sundry to remain extra vigilant. Of course, another reason they may malfunction includes situations in which the electric poles or power grids supplying them (the traffic lights and signals) power also malfunctions. Associated reasons such as blackouts and brownouts. There are also recorded incidents in which people have vandalised them (the traffic lights, signals and signs); some people have even gone so far as to drive their vehicles into them. Additional reasons include tampering, power surges which cause them to short-circuit; old equipment deterioration; maintenance issues; the dumping of trash in traffic light crevices, and other unknown reasons.  Who is responsible for repair and maintenance  So really, who can we confidently

Since immemorial, the people of Accra and its environs have constantly grappled with perennial flooding. Despite various interventions by national and local governments now and in the past, the situation persists to this day, exacting a heavy toll on livelihoods and property.  Flooding in Ghana is a topic that has been very extensively written about this rainy season, but bear with me. As an agro-commodities trader, I need the rains but it’s August end and it’s still raining. We cannot even start trading Shea Nut because the moisture content requirements keeps getting our schedule thrown off with the rains and the clouds and the humidity it brings with it.  How do you dry tens of millions of kilos of an easily damped nut when it’s always cloudy, humid and/or rainy??? I vent. So I did some reading. Now I’m doing some writing. One other harsh effect of this sustained raining, aside throwing off my Shea Nut Season, is Flooding. But why? The effects of climate change on the flooding in Accra Climate change is a global problem that is already having an impact on the environment and society. In Ghana, climate change is causing more extreme weather conditions such as floods and droughts. These extreme weather conditions are affecting the lives of people in Accra, the capital city of Ghana. The effects of climate change on the flooding in Accra are evident. The most evident one occurred in June 2015, when heavy rains caused severe flooding in many parts of the city.  The floods affected over 200,000 people and caused widespread damage to property and infrastructure. Climate change is expected to increase the frequency and severity of floods in Accra. (Abeka et al., 2019) Several factors contribute to the flooding in Accra. The city is built on a low-lying coastal plain, which makes it susceptible to flooding from heavy rains and rising sea levels.  Climate change is also causing other problems in Accra, such as water shortages and food insecurity. The city’s population is growing rapidly, putting strain on the arguably limited resources. This will likely worsen in the future as climate change continues to impact the city. The effects of climate change are evident with this increased frequency and severity of rains and of floods. This is likely to continue in the future, with devastating consequences for the people who live in the city. Poor city planning and urbanization as the main causes of flooding Climate change is not the only factor that is causing floods in Accra. Poor city planning and urbanization are also major contributors to the problem. The city of Accra is growing rapidly, with the population expected to double by 2030. This rapid growth is putting a strain on the city’s infrastructure and resources.  The city’s infrastructure and drainage system also cannot cope with the increasing frequency and severity of floods. For example, the Accra drains cannot handle the large volumes of water that are now being released during storms. As a result, floods are becoming more common. In addition, the way the city has been developed contributes to the problem. Many of the city’s buildings have been constructed without adequate drainage systems. Water can quickly build up around these buildings during storms, leading to flooding. (Amoako & Frimpong Boamah, 2014) The effects of climate change are making the problem of flooding worse. If the issues of poor city planning and urbanization are not addressed, the city of Accra will continue to be at risk of flooding. The lack of maintenance culture among residents and authorities is another key factor. Another factor contributing to the flooding in Accra is the lack of maintenance culture among residents and authorities.  The city’s drainage system is not properly maintained, which means it cannot cope with the increased volume of water being released during storms. As a result, floods are becoming more common. In addition, many of the city’s buildings are in disrepair. This means that they cannot stand the heavy rains and flooding that happen more frequently. The lack of maintenance also makes it difficult for the city to recover from floods. The lack of maintenance culture among residents and authorities is a major factor in the flooding problem in Accra. Deforestation and sand mining as the root causes of the floods Deforestation and sand mining are two main activities that have been cited as the root causes of the floods that hit the city of Accra in June 2015. (Saviour, 2012) These activities have led to a loss of vegetation cover and a decrease in the material available to act as a buffer against flooding. The city’s drainage system has become more vulnerable to flooding, as a result, leading to the disaster that occurred in June 2015. The city of Accra is located in Ghana, on the Gulf of Guinea. It is the country’s capital and most populous city, with an estimated population of 4.6 million in 2019. The June 2015 floods in Accra were caused by a heavy downpour that lasted several hours. The rains led to the city’s drainage system overflowing, which caused widespread flooding. (Clark, 1987) In the wake of the floods, an investigation was launched to determine the root causes of the disaster. Deforestation and sand mining were identified as two of the main contributing factors. Deforestation has led to a loss of vegetation cover in the city, which has, in turn, led to an increase in surface runoff during heavy rains. This has made it more difficult for the city’s drainage system to cope with large volumes of water, leading to flooding. Sand mining has also been identified as a contributing factor to floods. Sand mining involves the removal of sand from river beds, beaches, and other areas. This sand is then used for construction purposes. The removal of sand from river beds and other areas has decreased the amount of material available to act as a buffer against flooding. This has made the city’s drainage system more vulnerable to flooding during

Africa is blessed with abundant solar power due to the scorching sun. Solar power should be the alternative energy source to power vehicles, generating plants, and small-scale and commercial farming. It could also be used for powering industries. For instance, during power outages, most heavy industries like Valco in Ghana had to close down because of insufficient power. Solar power is renewable and does not produce greenhouse gases or other pollutants. It is also a very efficient source of energy. It is estimated that if Africa could harness just 1% of its solar resources, it would be enough to meet the continent’s energy needs. Despite its many benefits, some challenges still need to be addressed to make solar power the main source of energy in Africa. (Trotter, 2016) For example, the high cost of solar panels and batteries is a barrier to widespread adoption. In addition, the lack of trained personnel and infrastructure presents another challenge. With the high cost of crude oil on the world market, solar power is becoming an increasingly attractive option for Africa. Solar power could be the continent’s main energy source if the challenges can be overcome. Africa’s solar potential Africa is a continent with immense untapped solar potential. Solar energy could provide a much-needed boost to Africa’s development, helping to address the continent’s electrification challenge and contribute to economic growth. Solar energy currently provides just a fraction of Africa’s total electricity needs despite its huge potential. However, there are signs that this is changing, with a growing number of African countries investing in large-scale solar projects. (Hirth, 2015) Solar power could play a major role in meeting Africa’s energy needs and supporting its development goals if harnessed effectively. The challenge of electrification in Africa Africa is the world’s least electrified continent, with over 600 million people (around 60% of the population) without access to electricity. This lack of access to electricity is a major barrier to development, as it limits economic growth and social progress opportunities. In order to meet the needs of its growing population, Africa will need to increase its electricity generation capacity significantly. Solar energy could play a key role in meeting this demand, as the continent has huge untapped solar resources. (DURSUN, 2021) Benefits of solar energy in Africa Solar energy is an important resource for Africa. It has the potential to provide a clean and renewable source of power for the continent’s growing population and economy.  Solar energy can also help improve access to electricity in rural and remote areas, boosting economic development and reducing poverty. There are many other benefits of solar energy that could greatly benefit Africa. For example, solar energy can help create jobs, improve food security, and promote peace and stability. With the right policies in place, solar energy could significantly power Africa’s future. Let us look at the detailed benefits of solar energy. 1. Renewable Energy Source: Solar power is a renewable energy source, meaning it can be used repeatedly without running out. It is also environmentally friendly because it does not produce harmful emissions or pollutants. 2. Reduces Electricity Bills: Solar panels can help you save money on your electricity bills by generating free electricity from the sun. In some cases, you may even be eligible for government incentives or grants to offset the cost of installing solar panels. 3. Diverse Applications: Solar technology can be used for various applications, including generating electricity, powering homes and businesses, providing hot water, and even cooling buildings. 4. Low Maintenance Costs: Solar panels have very low maintenance costs and usually only need to be cleaned a few times a year. They also have a long lifespan, typically lasting 20 to 30 years. 5. Technology Development: Solar technology is constantly evolving and becoming more efficient and affordable. In the past few years, the cost of solar panels has dropped significantly, making them more accessible to a wider range of people. (Scheer, 1995) Disadvantages of Solar Energy Let us look at the other side of the coin and examine some disadvantages of solar energy. 1. Cost: Solar panels are a significant initial investment. However, they will eventually pay for themselves through savings on your energy bill. In the meantime, government incentives are available to offset some of the costs. 2. Weather-Dependent: Solar panels rely on sunlight to generate power. This means that output can be reduced on cloudy or overcast days. 3. Solar Energy Storage Is Expensive: Batteries that store solar energy can be expensive and have a limited lifespan. 4. Uses much Space: Solar panels need much space to generate enough power for most homes and businesses. This may not be practical for everyone. 5. Associated with Pollution: The manufacturing process of solar panels can release harmful environmental pollutants. However, once installed, solar panels create clean energy with no emissions. Challenges to implementing solar energy in Africa There are many challenges to implementing solar energy in Africa. These include: – The high cost of solar panels and other equipment. – The lack of trained personnel to install and maintain the equipment. – The lack of an adequate electrical grid to connect the solar panels. – Political instability in many African countries. – The continent’s high levels of poverty and illiteracy. Despite these challenges, there are, as stated, many reasons solar energy is a good option for Africa.  The future of solar energy in Africa The future of solar energy in Africa is very promising. The continent has an abundance of sunlight, making it an ideal location for solar power generation. Solar energy is also a clean and renewable resource, making it an attractive option for Africa’s development. There are already many successful solar energy projects underway in Africa. In South Africa, for example, a large-scale solar farm has been built that can generate enough electricity to power over 200,000 homes.  Here are also smaller-scale solar projects being implemented in rural areas of the continent, providing much-needed power to communities that traditionally had no electricity access. The potential for solar energy in Africa is huge. With the right investment and support, solar