Editorial
EPA, control noise pollution
Pollution in society comes in various forms such as the pollution of rivers, atmosphere, the environment and many others.
One form of pollution that is quite disturbing is what disturbs the ear, usually referred to as noise pollution.
Noise pollution comes in various forms which includes excessive noise from artisans who are engaged in building and construction in various parts of the country. The noise created through the raising of voices as well as the use of excessively noisy machines becomes so worrying that it makes life very unpleasant.
The loud microphones also used by people in market places and at worship centres to attract attention are all part of noise pollution. Noise pollution, therefore, comes from various sources and tends to have disastrous effects on people.
The negative effects of noise pollution include disturbance of the ear drum which may later cause hearing problems in people. Excessive noise making also disturbs the heart as well as other organs in the body, according to health experts.
What this means is that excessive noise making or noise pollution is not good for the health of everyone in society, therefore, every effort will have to be made to prevent its effects on society.
The law enforcement agencies will have to work extra hard to help bring this unpleasant situation under control.
In this regard, The Spectator is calling on the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to pay attention to the control of noise pollution as this will help preserve the good health of the people.
Laws on the environment and noise pollution exist so the EPA as an institution of state must go the extra mile to ensure that all the laws and bylaws are effectively enforced for the prevalence of sanity in all parts of the country.
This is an issue that cannot be joked with so the laws on noise pollution must be adhered to by all people and organisations in the country to promote good health and sanity for all.
Editorial
ECG PowerApp: A mixed bag of technical issues, uncredited payment concerns
Dear Editor,
On February 18, 2020, the former Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, launched the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) PowerApp, a mobile application designed in-house by staff of ECG.
It was to improve its service delivery to its customers.
The development of the app also meant that customers of ECG would now have the opportunity to purchase power and pay bills using their mobile phones.
That means customers of ECG would no longer have to join long queues to purchase power, but could now do that at their own convenience and in the comfort of their homes.
According to the Communication Officer, the PowerApp has increased annual revenue growth for the company.
He said as of April 2024, the new application system had increased its annual revenue growth by 128 per cent as compared to the old system at negative seven per cent.
Despite these reasons for which the app was developed and the benefits it has brought to ECG, there have been growing concerns among a section of the public on its use.
Some have argued that they were not credited after using the app to recharge their prepaid meter while the money was deducted from their MoMo accounts.
Such experience has made some customers vow not use the app to recharge their prepaid meters but rather go to prepaid vendors nearby to purchase credit. Some are even prepared to travel to far places to purchase prepaid credits.
I think such experience does not speak well of ECG because it could affect public trust in the company in its service delivery. This is the more reason why the ECG has to take the concerns raised by its customers seriously.
Kofi Bruce,
Mampong
Editorial
Our women can deliver
Dear Editor,
I write to congratulate the women that have so far caught the attention of President John Dramani Mahama for ministerial appointment.
So far, over 10 women have been vetted already and they all gave a very good account of themselves and I hope that they perform to the best of their abilities.
This is a good sign from President Mahama who demonstrated a strong resolve to provide an enabling environment for the women to be part of decision making by choosing a woman as his Vice President.
And true to his word, a number of women have been appointed in ministerial positions and others as presidential staffers.
I believe the other appointments to come would also have women making the cut.
This would be a morale booster for the young women out there who thinks that their position is the kitchen or in a man’s house as a wife.
This is a clear case of women given the urge to aim to rise above what society and traditional norms have set for them. I wish them well.
Maame Atta,
Kokompe
