Editorial
Let’s create more awareness on HIV/AIDS
Dear Editor,
I am writing to alert the relevant authorities and stakeholders on the increasing numbers of persons living with the HIV virus.
The numbers coming from the regions, especially the Western Region is very alarming and requires immediate attention.
It is frightening how quickly HIV/ AIDS is beginning to spread in the country again.
It means we have a very youthful society actively engaged in unprotected sex, likely with multiple partners.
According to data from the Western Region, a higher proportion of the community’s members have been infected with the virus. Similar statistics have been reported from other regions ahead of the December 1 World Aids Day celebration.
There has been a lot of awareness on abstinence and avoiding unprotected sex but it appears the youth are not mindful of that.
S, with the low success rate, I wish to urge the relevant authorities, especially the Ghana Aids Commission to distribute a lot of condoms; make them accessible so that those that would not abstain would have safe sex.
It appears the prices of condoms have also been on the high, a factor that must be considered when finding solutions to curb the spread.
Additionally, persons who wish to be in sexual relationships must go for HIV/AIDS test at a hospital to ascertain their safety.
Public education on the dangers associated with having sexual intercourse with multiple partners must also be considered as a way of reducing the spread of the disease
I believe when this is done, it will help curb the fast spread of the disease and also reduce the associated high death rate.
Elizabeth Agyeibea Ackon
Accra _ Dzorwulu.
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
