Editorial
Intimate partner violence against women must stop
All types of violence against women (VAW) have been prevalent for decades, but the rate of intimate partner violence (IPV) against women is frightening and is leaving women maimed and dead.
The Ghana Statistical Service’s (GSS) upcoming 2022 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey (GDHS) Report, indicate that two out of every five women between the ages of 15 and 49 had experienced intimate partner abuse.
According to the Service, 35.2 percent of these women had at least once suffered emotional abuse, 22.7 percent experienced physical violence, and 11.2 percent experienced sexual violence.
This is a serious problem that ranks among the most pervasive breaches of human rights. It would be best to stop this IPV against women now to protect their lives.
As the world marks the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) for 2023, with “Unite, Invest to Prevent Violence against Women and Girls” as the theme, the Spectator hopes that conversations will focus on developing solutions for the pressing need to stop IPV.
The 16 Days of Activism against GBV takes place from November 25 to Human Rights Day on December 10.
In fact, in light of these concerning figures, advocates for gender equality, counsellors, private institutions, religious institutions and the government through the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MGCSP), among others should all push for measures to stop this threat.
The Spectator is of the view that because women are treated differently in some societies as they are seen as men’s property, it is necessary to re-examine social standards and destroy the systems that support gender inequity.
In times of abuse, some victims have nowhere to turn, so it is important to provide shelters for survivors and offer counselling services to lessen their difficulties.
The government needs to step up efforts to protect women from IPV by making sure that survivors have access to fair and impartial judicial proceedings.
Any type of violence should be denounced, and it is wise for faith-based organisations to provide post-marital counselling for couples to learn how to strengthen their marriages for peaceful co-existence, following pre-marital counselling.
It is time to step up efforts through education, awareness, and support services to promote women’s empowerment and dispel the harmful myths that encourage violence.
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
