Editorial
Accelerate road projects to reduce gridlock
Many commuters have suffered as a result of the protracted delays in road construction projects, which have negatively impacted livelihoods, productivity, and health.
Even worse, numerous enormous potholes that have appeared on several of Accra’s main highways since the start of the rainy season are obstructing traffic flow around the city.
These potholes have a significant impact on maintenance costs because the majority of vehicles that use them break down frequently.
Areas most severely impacted are the Obetsebi Lamptey intersection, Nungua interchange, toll booths, SCC Junction, Atala, and the Ashaiman-Afienya route near Gbeetsile among others.
In reality, because of the numerous large potholes on the stretch drivers who use these roads are irritated, especially when there is a gridlock.
Sadly, due to the nation’s economic difficulties, the government’s IMF programme and debt restructuring, which have impacted funding and slowed down construction, have made the road’s poor condition worse.
The spectator is appealing with the authorities to speed up road construction so that commuters may reach their destinations on time since they are worried on the current state of affairs.
As a temporary measure potholes on some roadways can be patched by engineers to reduce traffic. For instance, the industrial area roundabout on Feo Oyeo Link near the New Times Corporation (NTC) has huge potholes which add to the traffic situation on that stretch.
We implore the government to make funds available for road projects to alleviate the suffering of commuters but these projects should be continuously monitored and maintained by trained experts to prevent degradation.
The Spectator is happy to hear that the 5.8-kilometre stretch from School Junction to the Tema Mortorway in the Greater Accra Region and the 22-kilometre stretch from Dodowa to Adenta would be finished by the end of the year.
It is also rather reassuring to learn that the 1.8 km stretch of road between Kwabenya and Agbogba has received approval and that resources are being assembled to enable a contractor to begin work as soon as possible.
We hope our Engineers will ensure that while building the roads, massive drainage systems that let water flow freely during times of intense rain are built in flood-prone locations to prevent floods.
In addition, bicycle lanes should all be included in road projects including walkways to avoid being knocked down by vehicles.
It is our strong desire that the authorities will expedite action to make these road projects a reality as soon as possible.
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
