Editorial
Avoid clashes at festivals over traditional rites
Dear Editor,
The recent clash between Navy Officers and some youth in Tema over traditional protocols is something that must begin to occupy the minds of well-meaning Ghanaians as we approach the period of festivals.
The unfortunate incident resulted in the death of two people with others injured.
The cause of that infraction was definitely over misunderstanding. I believe if the two groups had understood each other, we would not have lost the two bread winners.
I am concerned about this because as we enter the season of festivals among the various ethnic groups, a lot of such incidents could occur because there may be more and more traditional rites.
Usually, what happens is that some unscrupulous youth take advantage of the few tensed moment created by chieftaincy disputes in the area to cause commotion.
It is the reason why our security services are employed to vantage points to maintain law and order and safeguard the public property as well as protect lives.
However, in the performance of some of these rites, a few would go overboard and in the process attract either the police or military whose interventions are sometimes misrepresented as unnecessary interference and results in chaotic scenes.
Situations like this happen every year despite the several warnings to the people to ensure a peaceful celebration.
The Tema incident was an unfortunate one but I feel it should be a wake-up call for the various traditional authorities to engage with the various security agencies, especially the police to explain their workings with each other to circumvent such sights.
That would give a better understanding of what is required from each other and also ensure that no one crosses a certain boundary.
Gregory Amuyaw,
Nungua
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
