Editorial
Let’s take measures to ensure safety of public’s health
Up until recently, there was an attempt of advertising for various medicines on the market, and gullible victims purchased these medicines.
Unknowingly, people take unapproved medications every day, endangering their lives for a product they should be able to trust.
It is regrettable that some media outlets do not verify the legitimacy and efficacy of particular medications before advertising them.
The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has said that it will take action against the media for promoting unapproved medications.
This is due to the fact that unapproved medications put customers at risk because the FDA has not examined them to assure their safety, efficacy, or product quality.
The Spectator suggests that the FDA should not only focus attention on the media but also on individuals who parade themselves in vehicles peddling a variety of drugs that they say may treat a variety of maladies.
Even though the majority of these unapproved medicines lack labels containing information on dose or the manufacturing process, people still use them in significant amounts to treat illnesses or conditions for which they are not indicated.
However, some people assert that taking such unapproved medications may be useful in treating specific ailments. They should be aware that the lack of control renders the medications unreliable, hazardous, and a major issue that necessitates close monitoring.
Innocent victims purchase these medications, but instead of feeling better after taking them, they develop a variety of health issues that may quickly result in death.
It is not unexpected that the prevalence of chronic illnesses and fatal conditions, such as heart, liver, and renal dysfunction, has been rising recently. The FDA has a responsibility to safeguard vulnerable people from the dangers associated with these medications.
It is a truth that taking unauthorised medications can have negative effects on one’s health as well as the health of their communities, country, and the entire world.
The Spectator therefore implores the public to verify before purchasing any medication to guarantee that it is both safe and efficient for the intended use.
By Sections 100 and 114 of the Public Health Act of 2012, Act 851, and the FDA Guidelines for the Advertisement of Regulated Products any unapproved promotion of FDA-regulated products as a preventive measure or treatment for an illness, ailment, or abnormal physical state is prohibited.
According to the aforementioned standards, marketing executives of media organisations, both print and electronic, must adhere to the FDA advertising restrictions in order to avoid endangering the public’s health by promoting phony goods.
We must all take action to ensure the safety of the public’s health,
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
